Students

ENGG411 – Engineering Research Thesis

2017 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Raheel Hashmi
Yijiao Jiang
Credit points Credit points
12
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(75cp at 100 level or above) including (ENGG460 and (COMP434 or ELEC426 or ELEC436 or ELEC446 or ELEC466 or ELEC476 or ELEC486 or MECH401))
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is an individual research thesis in which students conduct research on a topic in their Engineering major under the direction of an academic supervisor.

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.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.
  • Ability to manage, and participate in, complex intra- and cross-disciplinary engineering projects through applying established systematic approaches.

General Assessment Information

Notifications

Formal notification of assessment tasks, grading rubrics and due dates will be posted on iLearn. Although all reasonable measures are taken to ensure the information is accurate, The University reserves the right to make changes without notice. Each student is responsible for checking iLearn for changes and updates.

Report Submissions

All reports must be submitted electronically through iLearn (in pdf format). Submissions will undergo plagiarism checkers using the turnitin software and any work deemed to have 30% or higher similarity score may incur academic penalty. For more details on the policies of academic penalties relating to academic honesty, please refer to the policies and procedures section below. Submissions are expected to be typed set in a logical layout and sequence. The expected workload includes preparation of final copies and clear diagrams.

Late submissions

Late submissions will not be accepted without prior arrangement made at least one week before the submission date. Extenuating circumstances will be considered upon lodgement of a formal notice of disruption of studies.

Grading and passing requirement for unit

For further details about grading, please refer below in the policies and procedures section. 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).

Student Responsibilities

Be familiar with University policy and College procedures and act in accordance with those policy and procedures. It is the responsibility of the student to retain a copy of any work submitted. Students must produce these documents upon request. Copies should be retained until the end of the grade appeal period each term. Student is to perform the required due diligent for their assessment grade and rectify as soon as possible upon finding any errors.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Progress Report 20% No Week 6
Final Report 60% No Week 13
Presentation, Demo and Poster 20% No Exam Period

Progress Report

Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%

Guidelines and template will be available 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.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.
  • Ability to manage, and participate in, complex intra- and cross-disciplinary engineering projects through applying established systematic approaches.

Final Report

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 60%

Guidelines and template will be available 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.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.
  • Ability to manage, and participate in, complex intra- and cross-disciplinary engineering projects through applying established systematic approaches.

Presentation, Demo and Poster

Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 20%

Detailed guidelines will be available in iLearn along with templates and instructions.


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 apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards as well as further learning to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.

Delivery and Resources

Unit Delivery

This unit is project-based. The students are required to work on an engineering project under direct supervision of an academic supervisor. This unit has no lectures, however, special lectures may be organised. Announcements related to special lectures will be made via iLearn.

Technology Used and Required

The students are required to discuss with their supervisor about the software/hardware resources required for analysis, simulation, testing and experimentation of their project. In addition, word processing software (MS Word, Latex etc.) will be required to produce the reports and MS PowerPoint or equivalent software will be required for presentation slides/poster design.

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.

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.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of 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/support/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

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

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 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.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

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 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.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.
  • Ability to manage, and participate in, complex intra- and cross-disciplinary engineering projects through applying established systematic approaches.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

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 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 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

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

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.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

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.
  • Ability to design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.
  • Ability to manage, and participate in, complex intra- and cross-disciplinary engineering projects through applying established systematic approaches.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

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 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

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

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 design and implement the necessary experimental or computational processes, information management, records keeping, project management, and communications that should be undertaken for an engineering research investigation.
  • Ability to manage, and participate in, complex intra- and cross-disciplinary engineering projects through applying established systematic approaches.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

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.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster

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.

Assessment tasks

  • Progress Report
  • Final Report
  • Presentation, Demo and Poster