IE Research Project 2

This subject is not offered in 2013.

240 hours

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This is a Capstone subject and may only be taken in the final two semesters of study of the Master of Engineering or in the final semester of 1 year specialised Masters programs.

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject and:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides the capstone experience for students in Infrastructure Engineering. Students will combine their expertise in interdisciplinary groups or as individuals to address real-world problems, typically in contact with industry

Project topics will be advertised well in advance of commencement of the subject so that students can make an informed choice of topic and enrol early. Students must register their topic, group and supervisor before the subject commences

The first five-weeks address research training and comprise weekly structured two-hour lectures with group homework on topics such as project development, literature review, methodology development, presentations and scientific writing. Students will practise this output through their project topics with supevisors providing feedback on the results

Students then continue the project within their groups and with regular progress meetings with their supervisor for the remainder of semester. The project culminates with students presenting their project and findings on a poster at a student expo and also in written form in the style of a conference paper

Students with an average score of H1 in the previous 100 points of study and an interest in a PhD have the opportunity to undertake an individual research project

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Search, analyse and document engineering science and other literature in order to determine the need for further research in a chosen area
• Synthesize an hypothesis to be tested
• Devise a methodology of investigation to test the hypothesis
• Collect and analyse a range of data (qualitative and/or quantitative) and/or undertake computer modelling and simulation to implement the methodology
• Write project reports which follow good engineering science practice
• Present a poster of the findings of an investigation

• By mid-project each group must submit an 8 page ‘project proposal’ report, outlining the context, literature review, methodology and method for their project. Passing is a hurdle requirement (20%)
• The project culminates in a poster and oral presentation (poster 10%, presentation 10%) and a 15 page final group report in the style of a conference paper (50%). The group marks of each component will be broken down into individual marks by a peer assessment.
• Individual progress report, minutes of supervisor meetings, and reflections on the research process presented in 12 individual journal entries over the project period (10%)

Further Hurdle Requirements: The following must be satisfied in order to pass the subject:

• Students must register for a project topic prior to day 1 of the first semester of study
• Weekly attendance at a minimum of 70% of the Departmental research seminars (or equivalent) in the project period, and completion of a critique form for each seminar will be evidence of attendance which will be marked Pass/Fail
• A Pass mark for the mid-project report

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large
• Ability to manage information and documentation
• Capacity for creativity and innovation
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities, and commitment to them