Final Year Research Project 1 (Mechanical)
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Prerequisites
287.5 credit pointsAims and objectives
This unit of study aims to introduce you to engineering research through planning and managing an innovative engineering research project, using research methods and reflecting on broader professional issues related to the project.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Plan and manage an innovative engineering research project, within given constraints, using knowledge and skills developed during the course (K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, S4, A2, A3, A4, A6).
2. Research a complex problem by formulating a research question, appraising current literature and developments, and applying research principles and methods (K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A2, A3, A4).
3. Demonstrate effective professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences through proposals, reports, documentation and presentations (A2, A4).
4. Apply problem-solving methodologies to generate, evaluate and justify innovative solutions (K1,K2,K3,K4,S1,S2,S3,A3)
5. Use project management processes and tools, and self-management skills, to plan and manage project work (K5, K6, S4, A2, A4, A5, A6).
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Plan and manage an innovative engineering research project, within given constraints, using knowledge and skills developed during the course (K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, S4, A2, A3, A4, A6).
2. Research a complex problem by formulating a research question, appraising current literature and developments, and applying research principles and methods (K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A2, A3, A4).
3. Demonstrate effective professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences through proposals, reports, documentation and presentations (A2, A4).
4. Apply problem-solving methodologies to generate, evaluate and justify innovative solutions (K1,K2,K3,K4,S1,S2,S3,A3)
5. Use project management processes and tools, and self-management skills, to plan and manage project work (K5, K6, S4, A2, A4, A5, A6).
6. Reflect on professional engineering practice and its impact on the project, including safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural and sustainability considerations, along with standards and codes of practice (K5, K6, S4, A1, A2, A4).
7. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct and professional accountability in all aspects of project work, including teamwork, dealing with stakeholders and demonstrating a professional image (K5, K6, S4, A1, A2, A5, A6).
Courses with unit
Not offered from 2021 (replacement ENG40001)Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
*Scheduled face to face: Lectures (12 hours), Workshops (24 hours), Supervisor Meetings (12 hours) – not timetabled
*Scheduled synchronous online learning events (N/A)
Non-scheduled online learning events and activities (6 hours)
Other non-scheduled learning events and activities including independent study (approx. 96 hours)
*Scheduled synchronous online learning events (N/A)
Non-scheduled online learning events and activities (6 hours)
Other non-scheduled learning events and activities including independent study (approx. 96 hours)
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Research Plan | Individual or Group | 15% | 1,2,3 |
| Presentation | Individual or Group | 15% | 1,3,7 |
| Report | Individual or Group | 50% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Workbook Assessment | Individual | 20% | 1,3,4,5,6,7 |
• an aggregate mark for the unit of 50% or more.
General skills outcomes
During this unit, students will receive feedback on the following key generic skills:
• Teamwork skills
• Analysis skills
• Problem solving skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
Content
Research
• The principles of engineering research
• Defining a research problem
• Reviewing the literature
• Research methods and methodologies
• Ethics and plagiarism
• Planning a research project
• Reviewing the literature
• Research methods and methodologies
• Ethics and plagiarism
• Planning a research project
• Communicating research
The Engineering Profession
• The Profession of Engineering
• Professional issues in engineering practice, including safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural and sustainability considerations
Research Project
• Experimental and /or theoretical investigation of issues related to mechanical engineering
• Selection of an approved project from list or proposed area of interest, or industry/IBL-based topic. The project may be either experimental or theoretical that investigates a particular phenomenon related to mechanical engineering. The project will have an original or novel element, and may involve technology research and development, experimental work, computer modelling and/or analysis, industry liaison and business skills.
• Literature and state-of-the-art surveys
• Formulation and definition of problems
• Generation and selection of solutions
• Analysis and design preparation.
• Regular meetings with supervisor to discuss and assure progress.
• The principles of engineering research
• Defining a research problem
• Reviewing the literature
• Research methods and methodologies
• Ethics and plagiarism
• Planning a research project
• Reviewing the literature
• Research methods and methodologies
• Ethics and plagiarism
• Planning a research project
• Communicating research
• The roles of students and supervisors
• The Profession of Engineering
• Professional issues in engineering practice, including safety, ethical, legal, social, cultural and sustainability considerations
• Reflection and self-review practices
• Experimental and /or theoretical investigation of issues related to mechanical engineering
• Selection of an approved project from list or proposed area of interest, or industry/IBL-based topic. The project may be either experimental or theoretical that investigates a particular phenomenon related to mechanical engineering. The project will have an original or novel element, and may involve technology research and development, experimental work, computer modelling and/or analysis, industry liaison and business skills.
• Literature and state-of-the-art surveys
• Formulation and definition of problems
• Generation and selection of solutions
• Analysis and design preparation.
• Regular meetings with supervisor to discuss and assure progress.
Study resources
- References.
References
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available on the Unit Outline.