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 Spring 2017; City
Subject
classification Fields of practice
Credit points 6cp
Result type Grade and marks
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 1 of 12Subject 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
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 2 of 12Program
Week/Session Dates Description
1 Orinetation and Preparation (No class)
Notes:
Pre-reading
Log on to UTSOnline and watch the videos and material designated for Week 1. 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 of Academic Conduct Quiz is mandatory for subject, Academic
Conduct Quiz is available for completion from Week 1.
2 Ensure you have covered the Orientation and Preparation materials, awareness of the
materials is essential for in class activities.
Addressing FEIT Graduate Attributes, Evidence of Attainment, Activities for Attainment.
Notes:
PROVIDED: Assignment 1, Assignment 2, Research Topic Formulation Template
3 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
Pre - work:
Ensure you have attempted provided UTS Library Activities.
Notes:
3 items DUE on Sunday 13th August 23:59
1) Assignment 1: Self Assessment of Graduate Attributes
2) Academic Conduct Quiz
3) OPELA
4 NO CLASS
Independent work:
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
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 3 of 125 Research Writing Workshop 2 : Critiquing and Evaluating Research Articles
Pre-work:
Completion of work set in Week 4, 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.
Notes:
PROVIDED: Peer Review 1
DUE: Peer Review 1 and SPARK+ - Sunday 27th August 23:59
6 Scoping a Research Question, Conceptual Research Design
Pre-work:
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
Notes:
PROVIDED: Assignment 1 Feedback
DUE: Research Topic Formulation - Sunday 3rd September 23:59
7 Conceptual Research Design 2
Pre-work:
Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (1/2). Evaluate the type of
project you envisage conducting, complete handout for in-class discussion.
SV1 StuVac1 - NO CLASS
Notes:
PROVIDED: Research Topic Formulation Feedback
DUE: Assignemt 2 : Literature Review - Sunday 17th September 2017
8 Research Methodologies: Data Analysis
Pre-reading
Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (3/4). Complete the Project
Formulation template for in Class discussion.
Notes:
PROVIDED:
Assignment 3, Project Formulation Template
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 4 of 129 Research Methodologies: Data Analysis 2
Pre-reading
Log on to UTSOnline, view the TUDelft Lecture materials (5/6). Complete the Project
Formulation Template for in Class discussion.
Notes:
PROVIDED: Peer Review 2
DUE: Peer Review 2and SPARK+ - Sunday 1st October 2017 23:59
10 NO CLASS
Student work independently on the Project Formulation
Notes:
DUE: Project Formulation - Sunday 8th October 2017 23:59
11 Project Planning
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.
Notes:
PROVIDED: Assignment 2 Feedback
12 Project Planning Assistance
Discussion on feedback from Project Formulation Template
Groups of Critical Freinds Discuss Project - Mentoring
Notes:
PROVIDED: Project Formulation Feedback, Peer Review 3
DUE: Peer Review 3 and SPARK+ - Sunday 22nd October 2017
SV2 STUVAC 2 - NO CLASS
Notes:
DUE: Assignemt 3 : Individual Project Proposal - Tuesday 24th October 2017
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 5 of 12Assessment
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):
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: 3-4 pages excluding cover sheet
Due: Refer Program for Due Date
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
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 6 of 12Weight: 30%
Length: 7-8 pages excluding cover sheet and reference section
Needs to include 15 high quality references
Due: Refer Program for Due Date
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: 10-11 pages excluding cover sheet and references.
Due: Refer Program for Due Date
Criteria
linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 7 of 12linkages:
Succint overview and articulation of needs
to undertake research
10 7 F.0
Analysis and critical evaluation of existing
research
10 4 B.6
Identify 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: Refer Program for Due Date
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
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 8 of 12SLOs: 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
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: Refer to Program for Due Dates. Peer Reviews receive a mark of zero if not completed by/on the
specified date.
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.
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 9 of 12Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark
Due: Not applicable
Completion via OPELA system, refer to Program for due date
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
Exceeding page limits specified in Assignments section will incur a 10% per page penalty.
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 FEIT Graduate Attributes
webpage.
Assessment: faculty procedures and advice
Extensions
When, due to extenuating circumstances, you are unable to submit or present an assessment task on time, please
contact your subject coordinator before the assessment task is due to discuss an extension. Extensions may be
granted up to a maximum of 5 days (120 hours). In all cases you should have extensions confirmed in writing.
Special Consideration
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 10 of 12If 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.
Late Penalty
Work submitted late without an approved extension is subject to a late penalty of 10 per cent of the total available
marks deducted per calendar day that the assessment is overdue (e.g. if an assignment is out of 40 marks, and is
submitted 36 hours after the deadline without an extension, the student will have eight marks deducted from their
awarded mark). Work submitted after five calendar days is not accepted and a mark of zero is awarded.
For some assessment tasks a late penalty may not be appropriate – these are clearly indicated in the subject outline.
Such assessments receive a mark of zero if not completed by/on the specified date. Examples include:
a. weekly online tests or laboratory work worth a small proportion of the subject mark, or
b. online quizzes where answers are released to students on completion, or
professional assessment tasks, where the intention is to create an authentic assessment that has an absolute
submission date, or
c.
d. take-home papers that are assessed during a defined time period, or
e. pass/fail assessment tasks.
Querying marks/grades and Final Results
If a student disagrees with a mark or a final result awarded by a marker:
where a student wishes to query a mark, the deadline for a query during teaching weeks is 10 working days from
the date of the return of the task to the student
where a student wishes to query a final examination result, the deadline is 10 working days from the official release
of the final subject result.
Further information can be found at Academic advice.
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
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 discuss their
situation with an accessibility consultant at the Accessibility 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
Statement about assessment procedures and advice
This subject outline must be read in conjunction with the policy and procedures for the assessment for coursework
subjects.
Statement on copyright
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 11 of 12Teaching materials and resources provided to you at UTS are protected by copyright. You are not permitted to re-use
those for commercial purposes (including in kind benefit or gain) without permission of the copyright owner. Improper
or illegal use of teaching materials may lead to prosecution for copyright infringement.
Retention of student work
The University reserves the right to retain the original or one copy of any work executed and/or submitted by a student
as part of the course including, but not limited to, drawings, models, designs, plans and specifications, essays,
programs, reports and theses, for any of the purposes designated in Student Rule 3.9.2. Such retention is not to affect
any copyright or other intellectual property right that may exist in the student's work. Copies of student work may be
retained for a period of up to five years for course accreditation purposes. Students are advised to contact their subject
coordinator if they do not consent to the University retaining a copy of their work.
Statement on UTS email account
Email from the University to a student will only be sent to the student's UTS email address. Email sent from a student
to the University must be sent from the student's UTS email address. University staff will not respond to email from
any other email accounts for currently enrolled students.
24/07/2017 (Spring 2017) © University of Technology Sydney Page 12 of 12