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

Scientists often need to investigate open ended issues which involve research and analysis. In a holistic and systematic approach to problem solving, it is important that you learn to apply scientific methods and quantitative techniques encountered in a classroom environment to real world issues in industry.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with:

1. The opportunity to apply your knowledge of problem solving procedures and develop your communication and interactive skills by completing a specified project associated with industry under supervision.

2. Experience in presenting a formal scientific seminar and associated written scientific report.

3. An awareness of your personal knowledge, skills, experience and suitability for relevant career and industry employment opportunities.

4. An awareness of, and preparation for, your ongoing professional development needs.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Analyse and solve an industry problem which is within the capabilities of a final year student.

2. Develop an appropriate plan for analysing and resolving the industry problem in a professional manner.

3. Use skills to develop a creative and/or analytic approach to solving the problem.

4. Work effectively with colleagues in a team-oriented approach to problem solving.

5. Discern the need for information and/or data in problem solving.

6. Deliver presentations using both oral and written communication skills.

Content

Students are to initially consult with relevant academic staff in the Faculty to identify potential placement opportunities. Company/employer preferences in respect of project topics and locations are to be taken into consideration when negotiating the placement. Following the assignment of a suitable project, developed in conjunction with both academic and industry supervisors, you are normally required to work on the project for a total of approximately 25 working days (or equivalent). Depending on the project and the industry supervisor this may be distributed throughout the semester or in block mode during semester breaks.

You are given guidance by your supervisors in project planning in order to develop a suitable plan to manage the project in a timely manner. As the project is developed, you are required to keep an up-to-date log of progress made incorporating approaches, initiatives, reactions to set-backs and unexpected findings in order to develop an accurate draft report for discussion with your supervisor before presentation of the seminar and submission of the final report. This log of progress should also be recorded in your e-portfolio to record your activities, experiences, competencies and skill development.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

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

Assessment

As a Capstone Unit, the assessment will be pass/fail and results will not contribute to GPA. You are advised to discuss your assessment with the Unit Coordinator and your QUT mentor, early in the semester.Feedback will be provided via your regular meetings with your QUT mentor and in-house meetings with the industry partner.

Assessment name: Student negotiated assessment
Description: This assessment will comprise of regular meetings with your QUT mentor, to discuss plans, difficulties, progress and future work; a seminar presentation to QUT and industry representatives; and a formal report providing details of the work undertaken in accordance with the log kept by you while working on the project. For further assessment details please refer to the Unit Coordinator or the Blackboard site. The Assessment plan as a whole, contributes to achievement of Learning Outcomes 1-5. Weighting: Pass/Fail.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Weight: 100%
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, Harcourt Brace College Publishers.

2. Pauley SE (1994) Technical Report Writing Today, 2nd edition, Houghton Mifflin.

3. Silyn-Roberts H (1996) Writing for Science, Longman.

4. Willett G (2001) The CEED Guide to Project Planning.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit on campus. Risks while you are working in industry are indemnified by QUT - this includes WorkCover and insurance cover. For more information on Health and Safety, see QUT's website, 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: 12-Sep-2012