Students

ENGG8990 – Master of Research - Engineering

2024 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff MRes Advisor
Binesh Puthen Veettil
binesh.puthenveettil@mq.edu.au
Contact via x9190
251, 3-Management Drive
Mon 4pm-6pm
Credit points Credit points
80
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

The 800-level components of the Master of Research are not designed around units. The thesis together with four core research activities form a single coherent research unit based on individual research plans and will consists of the followings:

  1. Research Frontiers: you will attend a number of school or faculty-run sessions and engage in a program of activities developing your knowledge of the sub-disciplinary field in which you want to situate your own research
  2. Literature Review: you will attend sessions explaining how researchers in your field engage with previous research literature, and produce a draft of your own literature review for your thesis
  3. Research Methods: with other students and led by academic staff, you will develop the research methods you will use in your research project
  4. Research Planning: through a combination of group sessions and individual work with your supervision team, you will develop a plan for a large scale research project, part of which will be completed in the MRes
  5. Thesis: you will complete a small research project, and write it up in a short thesis of about 20,000 words.

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:

  • ULO1: Apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan, undertake and complete distinct research projects using appropriate research methods aligned to complex and novel research questions within their field or discipline
  • ULO2: apply critical and integrative thinking to problems, concepts and theories within their disciplinary field through scholarly investigation of currently available evidence
  • ULO3: demonstrate problem solving skills and creativity through their ability to apply existing knowledge and produce new knowledge in innovative ways to enhance their field or discipline and deliver significant benefits to the broader community
  • ULO4: be effective and coherent communicators to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and demonstrate high-level discipline-specific research and technical skills
  • ULO5: be future focused and adaptable, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills to synthesise and advance the knowledge base of their discipline
  • ULO6: be socially and culturally responsive researchers, who collaborate effectively with industry, community and their broader disciplinary field
  • ULO7: demonstrate a deep knowledge of, and apply expert judgement on, contemporary local and/or global disciplinary issues
  • ULO8: demonstrate an understanding of complex research systems to effectively develop impactful solutions to global problems
  • ULO9: be responsible ethical and reflective researchers able to work independently and lead and collaborate within teams to enhance disciplinary knowledge to the benefit of individuals and communities
  • ULO10: demonstrate an independent ability to apply their knowledge and skills as ethically responsible and reflective autonomous researchers committed to lifelong learning and discovery to advance their disciplinary field

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission 

Students will have to submit a special consideration request for your late submission to be assessed.  Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern. 

Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted 

In this unit, late submissions will be accepted as follows:  

  • Literature Review submission - NO, unless special consideration is granted
  • Research Planning submission- NO, unless special consideration is granted.
  • Research Method submission - NO, unless special consideration is granted.
  • Poster submission- NO, unless special consideration is granted.
  • Thesis- Yes, Marks will be deducted for each late day. Refer to GRA's MRes guide provided on iLearn for more details. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Literature review 0% Yes 30/8/2024 (check iLearn for details)
Poster 10% No 30/1/2025 (check iLearn for details)
Research planning 0% Yes 30/10/2024 (Check iLearn for details)
Research Methods 0% Yes 30/11/2024 (check iLearn for details)
Thesis 90% Yes EWS date (check your offer letter)

Literature review

Assessment Type 1: Literature review
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 30/8/2024 (check iLearn for details)
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

You will collate and understand the background literature for your chosen project and to produce a written report which will be part of your thesis.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan, undertake and complete distinct research projects using appropriate research methods aligned to complex and novel research questions within their field or discipline
  • apply critical and integrative thinking to problems, concepts and theories within their disciplinary field through scholarly investigation of currently available evidence
  • demonstrate problem solving skills and creativity through their ability to apply existing knowledge and produce new knowledge in innovative ways to enhance their field or discipline and deliver significant benefits to the broader community
  • be effective and coherent communicators to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and demonstrate high-level discipline-specific research and technical skills
  • be future focused and adaptable, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills to synthesise and advance the knowledge base of their discipline
  • demonstrate a deep knowledge of, and apply expert judgement on, contemporary local and/or global disciplinary issues
  • demonstrate an understanding of complex research systems to effectively develop impactful solutions to global problems
  • be responsible ethical and reflective researchers able to work independently and lead and collaborate within teams to enhance disciplinary knowledge to the benefit of individuals and communities
  • demonstrate an independent ability to apply their knowledge and skills as ethically responsible and reflective autonomous researchers committed to lifelong learning and discovery to advance their disciplinary field

Poster

Assessment Type 1: Poster
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 30/1/2025 (check iLearn for details)
Weighting: 10%

 

You will present a poster related to your thesis research.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan, undertake and complete distinct research projects using appropriate research methods aligned to complex and novel research questions within their field or discipline
  • apply critical and integrative thinking to problems, concepts and theories within their disciplinary field through scholarly investigation of currently available evidence
  • demonstrate problem solving skills and creativity through their ability to apply existing knowledge and produce new knowledge in innovative ways to enhance their field or discipline and deliver significant benefits to the broader community
  • be effective and coherent communicators to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and demonstrate high-level discipline-specific research and technical skills
  • be socially and culturally responsive researchers, who collaborate effectively with industry, community and their broader disciplinary field

Research planning

Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 14 hours
Due: 30/10/2024 (Check iLearn for details)
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

You will receive training in project management, and planning of a major research project. You will submit a brief project plan & budget.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan, undertake and complete distinct research projects using appropriate research methods aligned to complex and novel research questions within their field or discipline
  • be effective and coherent communicators to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and demonstrate high-level discipline-specific research and technical skills

Research Methods

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 30/11/2024 (check iLearn for details)
Weighting: 0%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

You will demonstrate your understanding and skills in appropriate research methodologies, and that you are able to critically analyse their use in comparison with alternative methods.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan, undertake and complete distinct research projects using appropriate research methods aligned to complex and novel research questions within their field or discipline
  • demonstrate problem solving skills and creativity through their ability to apply existing knowledge and produce new knowledge in innovative ways to enhance their field or discipline and deliver significant benefits to the broader community
  • be effective and coherent communicators to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and demonstrate high-level discipline-specific research and technical skills
  • be future focused and adaptable, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills to synthesise and advance the knowledge base of their discipline
  • demonstrate a deep knowledge of, and apply expert judgement on, contemporary local and/or global disciplinary issues
  • demonstrate an independent ability to apply their knowledge and skills as ethically responsible and reflective autonomous researchers committed to lifelong learning and discovery to advance their disciplinary field

Thesis

Assessment Type 1: Thesis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 200 hours
Due: EWS date (check your offer letter)
Weighting: 90%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

You will complete an individual research project, for which you will write a single coherent thesis which is examined externally.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan, undertake and complete distinct research projects using appropriate research methods aligned to complex and novel research questions within their field or discipline
  • apply critical and integrative thinking to problems, concepts and theories within their disciplinary field through scholarly investigation of currently available evidence
  • demonstrate problem solving skills and creativity through their ability to apply existing knowledge and produce new knowledge in innovative ways to enhance their field or discipline and deliver significant benefits to the broader community
  • be effective and coherent communicators to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, and demonstrate high-level discipline-specific research and technical skills
  • be future focused and adaptable, demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills to synthesise and advance the knowledge base of their discipline
  • be socially and culturally responsive researchers, who collaborate effectively with industry, community and their broader disciplinary field
  • demonstrate a deep knowledge of, and apply expert judgement on, contemporary local and/or global disciplinary issues
  • demonstrate an understanding of complex research systems to effectively develop impactful solutions to global problems
  • be responsible ethical and reflective researchers able to work independently and lead and collaborate within teams to enhance disciplinary knowledge to the benefit of individuals and communities
  • demonstrate an independent ability to apply their knowledge and skills as ethically responsible and reflective autonomous researchers committed to lifelong learning and discovery to advance their disciplinary field

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

The MRes Year 2 program provides a structured approach to guide you and your supervisor through an individual research project. Your year will incorporate a number of steps and milestones, all designed to directly assist with the initiation and implementation of a successful Higher Degree research project and submission of a well-written thesis

This is a self-directed research project unit. Candidates are expected to find thier own resources through literature survey, discussion with thier supervisors and experts and by attending workshops and conferences. 

 

Unit Schedule

Unit schedule varies for full time and part time students. More information will be provided on iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Changes from Previous Offering

No changes from the previous offering

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping (custom)

EA Competency Standard Unit Learning Outcomes  
Knowledge and Skill Base 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline 1-10
1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing 3,5,6,7
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knoweldge 1,3,5,9
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions 7,8,10
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice 9,10
1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice 1,2,3,4
Engineering Application Ability 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving 5,6
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources 5,6
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design process 4,5,6
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects 1,2,3
Professional and Personal Attributes 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability 6
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional lay domains 4,5
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour 4,5,6,10
3.4 Professional use and management of information  
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct 5,10
3.6 Effecetive team membership and team leadership 10

Unit information based on version 2024.02 of the Handbook