IE Research Project 2

This subject is not offered in 2014.

400 hours

This is a Capstone subject and may only be taken in the final semester of study.

None

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

AIMS

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.

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.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

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 supervisors 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.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

Having completed this subject the student is expected to:

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

• By mid-project each group must submit an 8 page (approx. 3000 words) ‘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 (500 words) and oral presentation (1000 words) (poster 10%, presentation 10%) and a 15 page (approximately 5000 words) 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 and evaluation of group project records.
• Individual journal containing reflections on the research process and progress, and the development of graduate attributes presented in 12 individual journal entries totalling approximately 2000 words over the project period (10%)

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 factual record of project progress including items such as meeting minutes, key decisions and resources used must be maintained on a project blog. For group projects the relative contributions of each group member to the overall project should be discernible from this record
• A Pass mark for the mid-project report

None

David Evans, Paul Gruba and Justin Zobel (2011) How to write a better thesis. Melbourne University Press. Carlton, Vic.

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

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and tutorials on research techniques. Fortnightly meetings with mentors and other students to discuss progress and problems. Independent research on a project, and communication of the results of that research.

INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

David Evans, Paul Gruba and Justin Zobel (2011) How to write a better thesis. Melbourne University Press. Carlton, Vic.

CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

Some topics available for investigation are sponsored and supervised by industry partners. For students intending to develop a career in research, this subject represents a key subject and opportunity to demonstrate their talents.