Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) / Bachelor of Commerce.

Aims & Objectives:

During the unit we aim:

• To develop collaborative and team work skills
• To develop project management skills
• To develop skills in planning and executing an innovative project
• To undertake a major project and complete the task satisfactorily within time and budget
• To develop an understanding of the processes of research
• To demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and skills acquired during the course
• To develop advanced skills in literature review, report writing and oral presentation
• To develop skills in writing and presenting a major project report
• To demonstrate the ability to communicate by presenting a professional seminar

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

• To develop skills in planning and executing an innovative project
• To develop skills in the research of the literature and prior art
• To develop skills in writing and presenting a major project report
• To demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and skills acquired during the course
• To demonstrate the ability to complete a full project from inception to achieving stated deliverables
• To demonstrate the ability to communicate by presenting a professional seminar

Teaching Methods:

Project based learning (60 hours)

Assessment:

Major Research Report (80%), Oral Presentation (10%), Poster (10%)

Generic Skills Outcomes:

• Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
• Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large
• Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
• Ability to utilize a systems approach to design and operational performance
• Ability to function effectively as an individual and in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member
• Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development
• Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development.
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them
• Expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and capacity to do so

Content:

The student will be able to:

• Define research
• Specify roles of student and supervisor
• Develop a research/project question/problem/objective
• Develop their Presentation techniques
• Review the literature
• Plan a research/project design
• Understand ethical requirements
• Write a research/project proposal
• Understand qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• Write a research paper and technical report with corresponding writing skills

Students may select a project from a list prepared by academic staff, or may suggest their own topic based on individual interest, or arising from their period of Industry-Based Learning. The project may be university based or industry based. It may take various forms involving technology research and development, experimental work, computer analysis, industry liaison and business skills. Students are expected to conduct literature and state-of-the-art surveys, formulate and define problems, generate and select solutions, and analyse and prepare designs. Where appropriate, students will build and test their design. Projects are undertaken under the close supervision of a staff member who meets regularly with the students to discuss and assure progress. Total student time spent on the project is expected to be a minimum of 160 hours.

References: