Final Year Capstone Project 1

Overview

This WIL-spine unit is paired with Final Year Capstone Project 2 and gives students the opportunity to work on a year-long engineering research project. Projects are usually related to students’ majors and may address current industry problems, although this is not required. Projects may involve research investigations, design-and-build work, or the development of products, software, systems, or other solutions to real-world engineering problems, including industry-linked projects where available. Across the two units, students take part in planning, managing, carrying out, and delivering an engineering research or development project.
In this first unit, ENG40005, students focus on planning, managing, and preliminary execution of their project. They work individually or in teams, as appropriate, under the guidance of an academic supervisor, while applying professional skills and developing innovative approaches to problem-solving. The unit helps students build their ability to create practical and innovative solutions to real-world problems through research and development, while also strengthening their professional capabilities.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Plan, manage and execute engineering research projects using appropriate engineering project management and self-management skills. (K3, K4, K5, K6, S1, S2, S3, S4, A2, A3, A4, A6).
2. Apply research planning principles, methods, tools, and techniques to the design, development, and completion of engineering research projects, including complex engineering design problems. (A4, A5, K1, K2, S1)
3. Investigate complex engineering problems by applying engineering knowledge, formulating research questions, reviewing relevant literature, and using appropriate research methods to develop and justify innovative solutions. (K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A2, A3, A4)
4. Apply effective professional communication in written and oral forms within teams and with diverse audiences and stakeholders using appropriate professional approaches. (A2, A4)
5. Critically evaluate and reflect on professional engineering practice in relation to economic, safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural and sustainability considerations, and relevant industry standards. (K5, K6, S4, A1, A2, A4).
6. Exhibit professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct and accountability in all project activities, including teamwork and stakeholder engagement. (K5, K6, S4, A1, A2, A5, A6)

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

The final‑year capstone research project involves analytical, experimental, design or computational work, or an integrated combination of these approaches, with a strong emphasis on creativity and originality. Students will undertake independent investigation and research, guided and supported by their supervisor(s).

This unit is organised to include:

• Face‑to‑face seminars on contemporary engineering issues and online seminars introducing research methods

• Weekly small‑team meetings between students and their supervisors

• Self‑directed, project‑based learning activities and presentations

• Seminars featuring industry guest speakers

The research component includes:

• Core principles and ethical considerations in engineering research

• Defining, identifying, and planning research problems and projects

• Conducting and evaluating literature reviews, including establishing a theoretical framework and contextual foundation for a report

• Understanding and applying research methods and methodologies

• Maintaining academic integrity, addressing plagiarism, and upholding ethical responsibilities

• Effectively communicating research outcomes and findings

• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of students, supervisors, and project managers in engineering projects

• Principles and practices of project and engineering management

The contemporary issues in the engineering profession include:

• The profession of engineering

• Issues in professional engineering practice, including economic, safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural, and sustainability considerations

• Reflection and self‑review practices