SUBJECT OUTLINE 42908 Engineering Project Preparation Attendance: typically undertaken during first or second session of ME candidature Subject coordinator Dr Alen Alempijevic Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9514 2963 Teaching staff Dr Alen Alempijevic Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9514 2963 A/Prof Jaime Valls Miro Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9514 2967 Dr Lei Shi Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9514 3147 Contacting staff: If you wish to discuss your questions or need further help understanding concepts in the subject, please discuss these first with your tutor in classes. Thereafter utilise the Discussion Board on UTSOnline for the benefit of all students in the subject, as a quicker response from teaching staff / other students in the subject. Email messages will be responded to within two working days, though they are discouraged as inefficient means for the subject matter. Phone messages will not be responded to. Students who attend class regularly will be given priority for assistance. Subject description This subject provides students with the opportunity to learn and understand different research methodologies that can be applied to successfully complete an engineering professional project or a graduate research project. In this subject students are expected to develop specialised knowledge and attributes that demonstrate their preparedness for further learning or high-level professional practice while preparing or undertaking a project. Students are expected to use these skills to identify knowledge gaps and prepare a project proposal related to their field of study or major. Students communicate their learning through written assignments and a final report encompassing literature review and a preliminary project proposal. Class time is used for lectures and collaborative work in teams of critical friends. There are a number of group work exercises that investigate the theoretical frameworks applied to practical problems, which also familiarise students with the state of the art in research within their respective field of study or major. Course area UTS: Engineering Delivery Autumn 2017; City Subject classification Fields of practice Credit points 6cp Result type Grade and marks 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 1 of 11Subject learning objectives (SLOs) Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to: 1. Reflect on your personal and professional experiences to engage in ongoing development. 2. Participate effectively in team and group processes including peer evaluation 3. Select and evaluate information for accuracy, currency and relevancy for the task at hand 4. Synthesise complex ideas, arguments and rationales in research articles to explore alternatives 5. Identify and justify a research gap and research hypotheses that need addressing 6. Select and integrate appropriate research methodologies to carry out investigative study 7. Communicate a comprehensive project proposal within a written document Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies: Demonstrate research skills (B.6) Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal goals (Manage self) (D.1) Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose. (E.1) Professional practice within global context - Graduates must possess skills, knowledge and behaviours to operate effectively in culturally-diverse workplaces and a changing global environment. (F.0) Be able to conduct critical self-review and performance evaluation against appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and achievements (F.1) Contribution to the development of graduate attributes Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering Practice should note that this subject contributes to the assurance of Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies: 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3.2, 3.4. Teaching and learning strategies The subject uses a model of brief lectures followed by class activities to support student learning. Students are grouped in teams of critical friends aligned by major to assist in collaborative work. The students are expected to go through online materials and videos before coming to class as instructed in the program so they are prepared for class activities. These activities include collaborative discussions, analysis of research work in their respective fields and hands on activities. Students will be guided and assisted to reach learning objectives through a series of milestones with deliverables strategically set throughout the teaching session. All students will be expected to contribute to group learning, assisting the group of critical friends in framing research underpinning their respective projects as well as demonstrating a high level of autonomy and accountability. A review mechanism, both on a self-review level as well as group review, enables students to gain a wider appreciation of applying knowledge on given tasks and the merits of appropriate solutions. Content (topics) The following topics will be covered: Importance of literature review, methods to undertake the review and identify knowledge gaps Different types of research methodologies Conceptualising research design and formulating a research question Formulating research hypotheses Sampling, data collection, analysis and interpretation of data, validation of hypotheses Developing a research plan within given constraints 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 2 of 11Program Week/Session Dates Description 1 13 Mar Orinetation and Preparation (No formal class) Notes: Pre-reading Log on to UTSOnline and watch the videos and material designated for Week 0. This will provide a generic introduction to the subject, the UTS FEIT Graduate Attributes and the AQF9 framework, the concept of critical friends, the peer review mechanisms and expectations for the subject. Completion of OPELA is mandatory for the subject, OPELA is available for completion from Week 1. Completion if Academic Conduct Quiz is mandatory for subject, Academic Conduct Quiz is available for completion from Week 1. 2 20 Mar Ensure you have covered the Orientation and Preparation materials, awareness of the materials is essential for in class activities. Activities hands on: Addressing FEIT Graduate Attributes, Evidence of Attainment, Activities for Attainment. Notes: Register: your group of critical friends on UTSOnline. 3 27 Mar Ensure you have registered your group of critical friends and have attempted the pre class activities. Active hands on: Searching for and Evaluating High Quality Academic Articles, Research Writing Workshop 1 : Summarising Research Articles Notes: DUE: Assignment 1: Self Assessment of Graduate Attributes DUE: Academic Conduct Quiz DUE: OPELA Pre - work: Ensure you have attempted provided UTS Library Activities. 4 03 Apr No class Notes: Log on to UTSOnline, summarise the two articles supplied using the provided template Find independently research articles that are the focus of your literature review, discuss with critical friends and select at least 2 for in class group discussion next week. 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 3 of 11week. 5 10 Apr Research Writing Workshop 2 : Critiquing and Evaluating Research Articles Ensure you have attempted the pre class activity. Notes: DUE: Peer Review 1: FEIT Graduate Attributes Pre-work Log on to UTSOnline, critique/evaluate the two articles supplied using the provided template. Bring at least 2 research articles that are the focus of your literature review for in class group discussion. 6 17 Apr No class Notes: DUE: Peer Review 1: FEIT Graduate Attributes DUE: Completed Research Topic Formulation Template Log on to UTSOnline, complete the provided reserach topic formulation template with information, preview supplied research articles for in class discussion. SV 24 Apr Mid-term StuVac - No class 7 01 May Scoping a Research Question, Conceptual Research Design Ensure you have attempted the pre class activity, bring the completed template for in class discussion. Notes: DUE: Assignemt 2 : Literature Review DUE: Peer Review 2 : Research Topic Formulation Pre-reading Complete the provided template on types of research projects with supporting information related to your individual project. Preview supplied research articles for in class discussion. 8 08 May Conceptual Research Design 2 Addressing feedback from peer reviews on research topic formulation. Ensure you have attempted the pre class activity, bring the completed template for in class discussion. Notes: Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (1/2). Evaluate the type pf project you envisage conducting, complete handout for in-class discussion. 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 4 of 119 15 May Research Methodologies: Data Analysis Ensure you have attempted the pre class activity. Notes: DUE: Completed Project Proposal Template Pre-reading Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (3/4). Complete the Project Formulation template for in Class discussion. 10 22 May Research Methodologies: Data Analysis Ensure you have attempted the pre class activity. Notes: Pre-reading Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (5/6). 11 29 May Project Planning Ensure you have attempted the pre class activity, bring the completed template for in class discussion. Notes: Pre-reading Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (7). Complete the provided template on types on project planning with supporting information related to your individual project. Preview supplied research articles for in class discussion. 12 05 Jun Feedback from project proposal Scoping Groups of Critical Freinds Discuss Project - Mentoring Notes: DUE: Assignemt 3 : Individual Project Proposal DUE: Peer Review 3: Project Proposal Scoping Assessment Assessment task 1: Self Assessment of Graduate Capabilities Intent: Students complete a critical self assessment of their graduate capabilities with respect to the FEIT Graduate Attributes and AQF level 9 descriptors in knowledge, skills, and application. Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 5 of 11Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 5 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): D.1, E.1 and F.1 Type: Reflection Groupwork: Individual Weight: 10% Length: Typically 3 pages Due: 11.59pm Sunday 2 April 2017 Submission to dropbox on UTS Online Criteria linkages: Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Evaluation of own existing level of attainment 50 1 F.1 Description of level of attainment expected at course completion and supporting activities planned 30 5 D.1 Completeness of information; quality & clarity of expression 20 7 E.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes Assessment task 2: Literature Review Intent: Students prepare a literature review of their chosen project topic area which is located within the domain of their course/major. The literature review will show evidence of learning from external sources, such as Library research methods programs. Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3, 4, 5 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.6, E.1 and F.0 Type: Literature review Groupwork: Individual Weight: 30% Length: Typically 7 pages, including 15 high quality references Due: 11.59pm Sunday 7 May 2017 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 6 of 11Due: 11.59pm Sunday 7 May 2017 Submitted to dropbox on UTS Online Criteria linkages: Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Succint overview and articulation of needs to undertake research 15 7 F.0 Summary, strategical ordering of research articles 15 4 B.6 Review, analysis and critical evaluation of research articles 30 5 B.6 Summarise relevant outcomes 10 7 F.0 Credibility and relevance of sources, correctness of format of the referencing 10 3 B.6 Completeness of information; quality & clarity of expression 20 7 E.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes Assessment task 3: Individual Project Proposal Intent: A project proposal will be prepared, critically identifying a research question, series of hypotheses, details/plan on activities the student will undertake, and the evidence that will be provided to verify the student has achieved the required levels of attainment of FEIT Graduate Attributes and AQF level 9 descriptors. The plan will be used as a basis for work to be undertaken in a project subject in a following semester, typically 42003 Engineering Graduate Project. Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.6, D.1, E.1 and F.0 Type: Report Groupwork: Individual Weight: 45% Length: Typically 10 pages Due: 11.59pm Sunday 11 June 2017 Submitted to dropbox on UTSOnline. Criteria linkages: Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Succint overview and articulation of needs to undertake research 10 7 F.0 Analysis and critical evaluation of existing research 10 4 B.6 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 7 of 11Identify and justify research question 10 5 B.6 Identify clear research hypotheses, research methodology and theorectical basis 10 5 B.6 Identify experimental framework 10 6 B.6 Identify data evaluation methods and forward projections of outcomes 10 5 B.6 Applicability of envisaged planning 10 5 D.1 Summarise relevant outcomes 5 7 F.0 Credibility and relevance of sources, correctness of referencing format 5 3 B.6 Completeness of information; quality & clarity of expression 20 7 E.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes Assessment task 4: Academic Conduct Quiz Intent: Students complete an online academic conduct module to build awareness of academic conduct and good academic practice. Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): D.1 Type: Quiz/test Groupwork: Individual Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark Due: 11.59pm Sunday 2 April 2017 Test completed via UTSOnline. Criteria: Completion of the assessment is a compulsory requirement of the subject, there are no marks associated with this task. Criteria linkages: Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Demonstrated understanding of what qualifies as good Academic Practice 100 3 D.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes Assessment task 5: Peer Review Intent: The review mechanism allows students to gain a wider appreciation of applying theoretical 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 8 of 11Intent: The review mechanism allows students to gain a wider appreciation of applying theoretical knowledge and addressing criteria thereof on given tasks, bechmarking their own approaches against other students from the same disciplne, and developing insights into addressing criteria and presenting matter. Students submit additional material for peer reviw on 2 ocassions throughout the teaching session, (1) reseach topic formulation and (2) project proposal scoping. Students who do not provide material for peer review will not be provided submissions for review and will not be partaking in the peer review process. Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): F.1 Type: Reflection Groupwork: Individual Weight: 15% Due: Not applicable Students will be notified of the online activities through the session. Criteria: The review and reflection is initally conducted by individual students, evlauting and ranking submissions of their peers and their own submission against provided criteria. Thereafter, groups of critical freinds collectively evaluate the amalgamation of peer submissions against same criteria and devise a group agreed ranking with supporting justification. A review of submissions by subject staff (expert review) is used as a broad benchmark for comparison of rankings. Online forms will be used to facilitate the self and group peer review. Criteria linkages: Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Individual peer review justified and alligned with expert review 50 1 F.1 Group peer review alligned with expert review and provides insights on strengths / limitations of the submitted work 50 2 F.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes Assessment task 6: Online Post-Enrolment Language Assessment Intent: Students complete the online post-enrolment language assessment to ascertain their level of Academic English literacy. Type: Quiz/test Groupwork: Individual Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 9 of 11Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark Due: 11.59pm Sunday 2 April 2017 Completion via OPELA system Criteria: Completion of the assessment is a compulsory requirement of the subject, there are no marks associated with this task Use of plagiarism detection software Plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct and will be reported to the faculty. Assessment tasks submitted via electronic upload will be subject to similarity detection software. Where routinely used, students will be given the opportunity to review their own work prior to submission. Moderation of marks Standard late penalties apply for late submission of assignments: a -10% per day penalty will be applied up until 7 days post the due date. At this stage a 100% penalty applies. SPARK will be used to moderate marks within groups of critical friends. Assessment feedback Formative individual feedback will be provided via Turnitin. Group intercommonalties from Turnitin will be used as feedback to class. Examination material or equipment N/A Supplementary assessments University rules will apply, specifically Section 8 - Assessment of coursework subjects. Minimum requirements Students must obtain an overall mark of 50% or more. References Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N.E. 2012, How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education. (8th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill, ISBN-978-0-07-809785-0. Borrego, M., Douglas, E.P & Amelink, C.T. 2013, ‘Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Methods in Engineering Education’, Journal of Engineering Education, vol. 98, viewed 11 April 2014, . Other resources None (as required for individual project plans) Graduate attribute development For a full list of the faculty's graduate attributes and EA Stage 1 competencies, refer to the Student Guide. Assessment: faculty procedures and advice Special Consideration If you believe your performance in an assessment item or exam has been adversely affected by circumstances beyond your control, such as a serious illness, loss or bereavement, hardship, trauma, or exceptional employment demands, you may be eligible to apply for Special Consideration. Academic integrity Work submitted electronically may be subject to similarity detection software. Student work must be submitted in a format able to be assessed by the software (e.g. doc, pdf (text files), rtf, html). For information about avoiding plagiarism see: https://avoidingplagiarism.uts.edu.au 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 10 of 11https://avoidingplagiarism.uts.edu.au www.gsu.uts.edu.au/rules/student/section-16.html#r16.2 Academic liaison officer Academic liaison officers (ALOs) are academic staff in each faculty who assist students experiencing difficulties in their studies due to: disability and/or an ongoing health condition; carer responsibilities (e.g. being a primary carer for small children or a family member with a disability); and pregnancy. ALOs are responsible for approving adjustments to assessment arrangements for students in these categories. Students who require adjustments due to disability and/or an ongoing health condition are requested to consult a disability services officer in the Special Needs Service before speaking to the relevant ALO. The ALO for undergraduate students is: Chris Wong telephone +61 2 9514 4501 The ALO for postgraduate students is: Associate Professor Rob Jarman telephone +61 2 9514 2368 Disclaimer This outline serves as a supplement to the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Student Guide. On all matters not specifically covered in this outline, the requirements specified in the Student Guide apply. 20/02/2017 (Autumn 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 11 of 11