Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Problem identification, research design and planning, literature search and communications through reports and presentations are essential attributes of engineers in all the disciplines. Research methods and their applications for investigating and solving discipline specific real world problems are skills that are in demand from engineers in today's work places. It is also equally important to communicate solutions clearly and effectively in writing and verbally. This unit is complemented by further statistical and optimisation methods in ENB542.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with an introduction to engineering problem identification and application of research methods to find solutions to complex problems in the context of an engineering project. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods will be introduced. You will learn how to identify a problem, write a research proposal and conduct related literature search. You will also learn to write a research report and present your findings verbally using clear and coherent language in an academic sense.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to demonstrate:
1. Independence in research planning and selection and application of research methods
2. Finding, analysis and evaluation of literature related to a research question
3. Advanced communication skills through field specific analytic documentation and presentations
4. Effective group and collaborative skills in a team environment and ethical behaviour

Content

The content in this unit covers the process of problem solving in the context of an engineering project.

1. Identify and develop clear and concise description of the problem

2. Identify and review of the related literature and proper citation (Library Skills)

3. Write a research proposal

4. Experimental design

5. Conduct appropriate experiments, collect data and analyse data using Qualitative and Quantitative methods

6. Draw conclusions, make recommendations and prepare reports

7. Presentations

8. Engineering ethics and management of intellectual property

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning approaches in this unit will involve occasional lecture/discussion, guest lecturers as appropriate, hands-on workshops using QUT library and databases, student seminars and debate, self-directed learning including hands on use of statistical and other relevant software packages. You will be encouraged to work and learn cooperatively with others through interacting with peers in tutorials and project work. Peer review of group work will assist full group participation and impact on final grades.

Assessment

All three assessments are formulated around a group project. Each group will choose a project of interest and write a project proposal with a number of relevant references. Individually, you will also critically evaluate a chosen publication and submit a review. At the end of the semester the group will submit and present a project report. Each group member will rate their own as well as other members' contributions and this may impact individual grade for group work.You will receive verbal feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. The written feedback will also be provided for proposal, critique and the project report.

Assessment name: Project (research)
Description: Problem Identification
As a group, you will submit a proposal for the project with evidence showing effective information literacy skills. Individual contribution will be assessed through peer review.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week3

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Critical Evaluation of Literature
You will submit a report critically analysing a project related publication.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Report
Description: Project Report
As a group, you will submit a report clear showing, the problem, research method, literature, outcomes and recommendations.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

Paul D. Leedy and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod, Practical Research: Planning and Design, 7th edition published by Prentice Hall, Inc.

Risk assessment statement

A Statement that informs students of any risks involved and how students will be guided through the hazards. Risks may be associated with:

• constructions tasks (including art work)
  
• laboratory work
  
• hazardous materials or tools
  
• fields trips or industrial visits
  
• handling animals

QUT has a formal risk assessment process which can be used to determine the types or risks and how you should handle them.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Mar-2012