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

This unit will enable you to link your workplace needs or interests with your studies in mathematical science. This mathematics unit is available to students in postgraduate courses only. It fills the need for a project based on a problem derived from your workplace or your specific interests. It is not intended to be a research project of the type which is normally undertaken in postgraduate research-orientated courses. The emphasis is on applying the skills and knowledge acquired within the course to a specific application and further development of your associated capabilities. You will need to consult with your Course Coordinator and potential supervisor to decide on a suitable topic. You will also need to have completed or be concurrently studying units relevant to your project topic.

Aims

This unit aims to provide a framework for you to apply the mathematically-founded analytical methods and quantitative techniques learned in other units in the course to real world problems relevant to you. You will gain expertise in problem formulation, problem solving and communication, involving mathematical techniques.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you will:

1. Have solved, or made significant progress towards solving, a problem relevant to your workplace or interest using an approach involving mathematical or statistical modelling.
2. Developed an appropriate plan for analysing and resolving the problem in a professional manner.
3. Improved your skills in using a planned approach to mathematical, analytic and creative problem solving.
4. Be aware of the situations where an evidence-based or data-based approach to problem solving is required, and the consequent implications in terms of uncertain inference.
5. Have further developed your written communication and oral presentation skills especially to non-mathematically trained people.
6. Have further developed your mathematical problem-solving skills.

Content

You will undertake a research project related to your area of mathematical interest.

You will need to consult with your Course Coordinator and potential supervisor to decide on a suitable research topic and advanced level coursework that will supplement your knowledge in your chosen area of interest.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There are no formal classes in this unit; however, you will normally meet regularly with your project supervisor(s) to promote learning through discussion on planning issues, feedback on draft reports, advice on work in progress and guidance on future developments.

Assessment

The timing, weighting and type of assessment is individually negotiated between you and your principal supervisor. The assessment instruments applied in this unit will, in general, fall into the categories listed below. The assessment will generally include progressive assessment items within each module in order to provide you with a clear idea of your progress and areas where you may be having problems. The principal supervisor of the project will liaise with the Course Coordinator to ensure that content and assessment are appropriate and equitable in standard. It is expected that the assessment will be both formative and summative in nature.Formative and summative feedback will be provided via regular meetings with your principal supervisor.

Assessment name: Interview
Description: You will meet with your designated supervisor(s) on a regular basis to discuss plans, progress and future work. This process is formative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Throughout the semester you may be asked to present a summary of the progress that you have made in your project in the form of a seminar to an audience which includes your supervisor(s). You will be provided with oral feedback on your progress. This process may be summative and/or formative.
Relates to objectives: 2, 5 and 6.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: You may be asked to present a summary of the main outcomes of your project in the form of a seminar to an audience which includes your supervisor(s). You will be provided with oral feedback on your project to assist you in developing the final draft of your project report. This process is both summative and formative.
Relates to objectives: 2, 5 and 6.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: A formal report should be submitted providing details of the work on the project. You will be given written and oral feedback on draft versions of your report, which should be handed to your supervisor on an ongoing basis, to assist you in developing the final report. Examination of the final project report shall be carried out by your principal supervisor and one independent examiner from within the Faculty of Science and Technology. The general criteria and performance standards that will be applied to the assessment of the project report, including a detailed marking scheme, will be provided to you by your principal supervisor by no later than the end of the second week of semester. This process is both summative and formative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Weight: 70%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:
There is no prescribed text set down for the unit.

References:
1. Anderson PV (1995) Technical Writing, 3rd edition, Hartcourt
2. Riordan DG & Pauley SE (2002) Technical Report Writing Today, 8th edition, Houghton Mifflin
3. Silyn-Roberts H (2000) Writing for Science and Engineering: Papers, Presentations and Reports, Butterworth-Heinemann

Risk assessment statement

While you are working on this project you should be mindful of the Health and Safety requirements of the university, your workplace and other relevant locations as appropriate. Further information on health and safety at QUT can be found at site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafe/index.jsp

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: 20-Sep-2012