Students
COMP410 – Software Engineering Research Thesis A
2018 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Michael Johnson
Contact via michael.johnson@mq.edu.au
9WW 383
By appointment
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| Credit points |
Credit points
6
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
69cp at 100 level or above including (COMP332 and COMP333 and COMP335)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
COMP430 or COMP434
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students will conduct the first half of an individual research thesis on a topic in the Software Engineering major under the direction of an academic supervisor. The focus of the work will be on the developing the project proposal, conducting the literature review and project planning and design.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
General Assessment Information
Grading and passing requirement for unit
In order to pass this unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD).
For further details about grading, please refer to the policies and procedures section below.
Hurdle Requirements
The Preliminary Thesis in this unit is a hurdle requirement. You must get a mark of at least 50% in this task to pass the unit. If you get a mark of at least 40% you will be given a second and final attempt to re-submit this task.
Regular meetings with the thesis supervisor is a hurdle requirement. See details in the assessment task description.
Late submissions and Resubmissions
Late submissions will attract a penalty of 10 marks per day. Extenuating circumstances will be considered upon lodgement of a formal request for special consideration.
Resubmissions of work are not allowed after the due date.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Thesis | 70% | Yes | Week 13 |
| Management and Engagement | 10% | No | All session |
| Meetings with Supervisor | 0% | Yes | Week 13 |
| Presentation | 20% | No | TBA |
Preliminary Thesis
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 70%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Refer to iLearn for guidelines.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Management and Engagement
Due: All session
Weighting: 10%
Students are required to actively engage with the project-related activities, and to demonstrate a professional demeanour towards project management and record-keeping. Students are also required to maintain a logbook for this unit, where dated records of day-to-day activities associated with the project are maintained. More guidelines are provided in iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Meetings with Supervisor
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Students are expected to meet with their supervisor on a weekly basis after the project commences. Such weekly meetings would generally last at least 15 minutes or more. In order to pass this unit, students must attend at least 5 out of 10 weekly meetings between Week 4 and Week 11. Meetings do not necessarily need to be face-to-face, but may make use of communication technologies such as telephone, video conference, or detailed progress updates through email, at the supervisor's discretion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Presentation
Due: TBA
Weighting: 20%
Refer to iLearn for guidelines and dates.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Delivery and Resources
Unit Delivery
This is a project-based unit and has no scheduled lectures or tutorial sessions. Special lectures may be organised and related announcements will be made via iLearn.
Technology Used and Required
Students are required to discuss with their supervisor the software/hardware resources required for development, analysis, simulation, testing and experiments related to their project. In addition, word processing software (LaTeX, MS Word, etc.) will be required to produce the preliminary thesis and Beamer, MS PowerPoint or equivalent software will be required for presentation slides.
Unit Webpage: Access from the online iLearn System at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
Required and Recommended Texts/Materials
There is no set textbook for this unit. Students are required to discuss with their supervisors any required/recommended reading materials as suited to their individual project needs.
Logbook
This unit requires a logbook. Each student must maintain an individual logbook that contains a dated log of day-to-day activities undertaken in relation to the project. The logbook needs to be a bound, hardcopy book. Entries should be made daily, and must be signed and dated, and leave no undue white space. Entries will include records of daily progress, ideas, plans and conceptual developments, as they occur. The logbook is intended to be evidentiary -- it can be used to demonstrate in, for example, a priority dispute, just when a particular idea or development first took place. That is why it needs to be difficult to alter (bound, not loose leaf, hardcopy not electronic, signed and dated each day, and with no space left that could be used for later entries).
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
Assessment tasks
- Preliminary Thesis
- Management and Engagement
- Meetings with Supervisor
- Presentation
Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills
Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Assessment tasks
- Preliminary Thesis
- Management and Engagement
- Meetings with Supervisor
- Presentation
Problem Solving and Research Capability
Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Assessment tasks
- Preliminary Thesis
- Management and Engagement
- Meetings with Supervisor
- Presentation
Effective Communication
We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to undertake a complex engineering specific research project involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical laboratory skills, data management and synthesis, critical analysis and interpretation of results; culminating in an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Assessment tasks
- Preliminary Thesis
- Management and Engagement
- Meetings with Supervisor
- Presentation
Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible
We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of contextual factors, research direction, and underpinning information impacting the engineering discipline.
- Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems in an ethical manner, including complex and open-ended problems, using established engineering methods, processes, and procedures.
- Ability to apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
Assessment tasks
- Preliminary Thesis
- Management and Engagement
- Meetings with Supervisor
- Presentation
Changes from Previous Offering
In this, the second offering of COMP410, a "Management and Engagement" assessment item has been included in line with the other Thesis A Engineering units that have been similarly changed. That item will receive 10% of the mark, and the "Presentation" has correspondingly been reduced from 30% to 20% of the final mark.