Students
COMP4093 – Software Engineering Research Thesis B
2026 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Kate Stefanov
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
20cp at 4000 level and COMP4092
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students will conduct the second half of their individual research thesis on a topic in Software Engineering major under the direction of an academic supervisor. Students will implement the previously developed project plan conducting the experimental and theoretical work to obtain results and analysis presented in the form of a final research thesis. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
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: Undertake a complex engineering specific research project, based on a discipline specific research question, and involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical and/or 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.
- ULO2: Demonstrate technical writing and presentation skills at a standard that would be acceptable in a professional engineering workplace.
- ULO3: Identify, formulate and solve complex open-ended software engineering research problems in an ethical manner.
- ULO4: Apply discipline specific research principles, research methods, and technical standards to identify and provide solutions to complex problems in software engineering.
General Assessment Information
Unit Delivery
This is a project-based unit. Development of knowledge and skills will be guided by both weekly sessions with the unit convenor and also regular interaction with your supervisor.
The one-hour sessions (lectures / workshops / discussions) with the unit convenor start in Week 1.
Logbook
This unit requires a logbook. The students should maintain an individual logbook which should contain a dated log of day-to-day activities undertaken in relation to the project.
Technology Used and Required
The students are required to discuss with their supervisor about the software/hardware resources required for analysis, simulation, testing and experiments related to their project. In addition, word processing software (MS Word, Latex etc.) will be required to produce the preliminary thesis and 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 not set textbook for this unit. The students are required to discuss with their supervisor regarding required/recommended reading materials, as suited to individual project needs.
Communication
We will communicate with you via your university email or through announcements on iLearn. Queries to the convenor can either be placed before/after the weekly meeting, on the iLearn discussion board or sent via email to the convenor's address from your university email address.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 20% | No | Weeks 14-16 | Individual | No | Observed |
| Thesis | 70% | No | 08/11/2026 | Individual | No | Open |
| Supervisor Project Management Assessment | 10% | No | 08/11/2026 | Individual | Yes | Observed |
Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Weeks 14-16
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
You will deliver a presentation of your project at the end of the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Undertake a complex engineering specific research project, based on a discipline specific research question, and involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical and/or 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.
- Demonstrate technical writing and presentation skills at a standard that would be acceptable in a professional engineering workplace.
- Identify, formulate and solve complex open-ended software engineering research problems in an ethical manner.
- Apply discipline specific research principles, research methods, and technical standards to identify and provide solutions to complex problems in software engineering.
Thesis
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: 08/11/2026
Weighting: 70%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
You will prepare a thesis report on your project. It will include a literature review, technical execution of the project, discussion and understanding of results, and conclusions and added value of work.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Undertake a complex engineering specific research project, based on a discipline specific research question, and involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical and/or 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.
- Demonstrate technical writing and presentation skills at a standard that would be acceptable in a professional engineering workplace.
- Identify, formulate and solve complex open-ended software engineering research problems in an ethical manner.
- Apply discipline specific research principles, research methods, and technical standards to identify and provide solutions to complex problems in software engineering.
Supervisor Project Management Assessment
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 08/11/2026
Weighting: 10%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Observed
You will meet with supervisors regularly to support the development of your knowledge and skills. You will be assessed by your supervisor based on your supervisor’s judgement of self-management, intellectual independence, initiative and your written logbook. You are required to maintain a logbook detailing day-to-day activities associated with the project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Undertake a complex engineering specific research project, based on a discipline specific research question, and involving the development of new knowledge, using appropriate technical and/or 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.
- Demonstrate technical writing and presentation skills at a standard that would be acceptable in a professional engineering workplace.
- Identify, formulate and solve complex open-ended software engineering research problems in an ethical manner.
- Apply discipline specific research principles, research methods, and technical standards to identify and provide solutions to complex problems in software engineering.
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
- Academic Success 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.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
One hour weekly meeting with the unit convenor and a weekly meeting with your supervisor.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Ask a Study Coach
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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 https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk.
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.
Unit information based on version 2026.03 of the Handbook