Course(s) Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 8)
Subject Name Research Project A
Subject Code EN411
Duration 13 teaching weeks, plus 1 examination week and 1 mid-semester week
Contact Hours 6 hours per week (1 hour lecture, 5 hours project)
Credit Points 11
Delivery Mode On campus
Prerequisites All Year 3 Subjects
Co-requisites Nil
Subject Coordinator TBA
Synopsis
This subject outlines the commencement of undertaking of research that will augment professional work in the student’s engineering discipline and form a foundation for future learning and professional development. It is intended to help students develop the cognitive skills for to think critically about research methods and literature reviews. The subject covers the introduction to research investigation through the creation of a research hypothesis, critical review and interpretation of literature on an approved topic and communication of those outcomes. The research provides an opportunity for the practical application and integration of the student’s professional background and skills, and previous studies in the discipline’s supporting subjects.
Subject Topics
Topic 1 concerns developing a research proposal and outlines the various types of research that may be undertaken by engineers and suggests that most engineers typically undertake research in the applied research space, using a quantitative approach.
Topic 2 stresses the importance of developing the research question and topic is stressed along with the need to ensure that the proposed research can be completed within the time allocated to the project.
Topic 3 succinctly outlines definitions, structures and the role of the literature review in a research report. It stresses how one of the most important roles of the literature review is to show where the proposed research fits within, and augments, the existing international contemporary literature.
Topic 4 involves the provision of guidance on structuring and writing the Literature Review Report and communication the outcomes via an audio visual presentation.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Explain the various types of research that may be undertaken by engineers and the use of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Develop and justify a research question/hypothesis and proposal.
- Source and critically evaluate and synthesise research literature to determine the level of contemporary knowledge in a specialist area.
- Construct a literature survey that places a research question within the international contemporary space and justifies the research hypothesis.
- Create an audio visual presentation that communicates the outcomes of the literature survey to a diverse audience.
Assessment Tasks and Weightings
To obtain a pass grade in this Subject at least 50% overall must be achieved, and at least 40% achieved in the Research Literature Review Final Report.
Students must also refer to the Subject Assessment Details.
Assessment Task 1 requires the development of the Research Proposal, the research question and outlining the proposed research methodology to ensure that the proposed research is achievable. It is worth 10% of the total marks for the Subject.
Assessment Task 2 helps to facilitate the structured developed of the research literature review by requiring a Research Literature Review Progress Report, which must include a critical review of the international literature. The progress report will be presented as a concise engineering report. It is worth 25% of the total marks for the Subject.
Assessment Task 3 requires the production of the Research Literature Review Final Report that will be a critical review of the international literature and include ethical and sustainability aspects. The final report will be presented as a concise engineering report. It is worth 45% of the total marks for the Subject.
Assessment Task 4 provides an opportunity for the Audio-visual Presentation of the Research Literature Review Outcomes. The presentation must include both visual and audio and must be delivered to the student cohort for the Subject. It is worth 20% of the total marks for the Unit.
It is important that all students familiarise themselves with the University of Technology Assessment Guidelines including those on plagiarism at:
http://asix.unitech.ac.pg/apps/pnguot/?q=unitech/policies
Subject Mapping
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLO) are mapped to each of the PNG National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Course Learning Outcomes (CLO), Unitech Graduate Attributes (GA), Assessment Tasks (AT) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 Competencies.
| SLO | SLO to NQF | SLO to CLO | SLO to GA | SLO to AT | SLO to EA Stage 1 Competencies |
| 1 | Knowledge and Skills, Applications and Autonomy | 2, 4 | Lifelong learner, Critical thinker, Technologically savvy | A1, A2 | 1.3, 1.4 |
| 2 | Knowledge and Skills, Applications and Autonomy | 2, 3 | Lifelong learner Critical thinker Effective communicator Technologically savvy | A2, A3 | 1.3, 2.3 |
| 3 | Knowledge and Skills, Applications and Autonomy | 3, 4, 5 | Critical thinker Effective communicator Technologically savvy | A2, A3 | 1.3, 2.3 |
| 4 | Knowledge and Skills, Applications and Autonomy | 3, 4, 5 | Lifelong learner Critical thinker Effective communicator | A2, A3 | 1.3, 2.4, 3.2, 3.4 |
| 5 | Knowledge and Skills, Applications and Autonomy | 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 | Effective communicator | A4 | 1.3,1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
| 1. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BASE | 2.ENGINEERING APPLICATION ABILITY | 3. PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES |
| 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. | 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. | 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. |
| 1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. | 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. | 3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. |
| 1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. | 2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. | 3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. |
| 1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. | 2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. | 3.4 Professional use and management of information. |
| 1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. | 3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. | |
| 1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline | 3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. |
Graduate Statement
The mechanical engineering graduate will have the skills and ability to systematically apply the engineering knowledge in an ethical and morally responsible manner in providing practical and sustainable solutions to engineering problems while upholding a level of sensitivity to social, cultural, legal and environmental issues in society.
Mechanical Engineering Course Learning Outcomes
The following table is included to demonstrate to mechanical engineering students that their Course Learning Outcomes address all EA Stage 1 Competencies. The mapping matrix for all subject learning outcomes within the Course, against EA Stage 1 Competencies, provides more detailed information. That matrix is provided separately to students.
| Course Learning Outcome | Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies |
| 1. Possession of a deep understanding of the sciences, math, information systems and engineering fundamentals that underpin the mechanical engineering discipline. | 1.1, 1.2 |
| 2. An in-depth understanding of the body of knowledge that forms the mechanical engineering discipline. | 1.2, 1.3 |
| 3. Collection, synthesis and application of information within the mechanical and related engineering disciplines. | 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.4 |
| 4. Undertaking research, analysis & evaluation of ideas and concepts within mechanical engineering. | 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.2, 3.4 |
| 5. Applying problem solving skills to complex mechanical engineering systems and processes. | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 |
| 6. Undertake mechanical engineering design and manage engineering projects. | 1.6, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
| 7. Communication via multiple media to diverse audiences, undertaking team roles, teamwork and providing team leadership. | 2.4, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
| 8. Behaving in an ethical and professional manner and respecting others. | 1.6, 2.4, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
| 9. Being cognisant of the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of engineering. | 1.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4 |
Unitech Graduate Attributes
| Attribute | Academic dimension | Personal Dimension | Transferable Dimension |
| Lifelong learner | Sustained intellectual curiosity and use of feedback to reflect on their own work. | Sets aspirational goals for personal improvement and career growth. | Takes responsibility for one’s learning and development. |
| Critical thinker | Uses rules of inference to analyse complex issues and find solutions. | Calmly uses logic and critical thinking, and not emotion, in all situations. | Ability to find solutions to problems by using logical and imaginative thinking. |
| Effective communicator | Ability to discuss and debate issues articulately and confidently and convincingly. | Character of producing high quality written essays and oral presentations. | Ability to communicate and negotiate with others and to listen to them. |
| Cultural modernist | Familiarity with international standards and world cultures and human rights. | Tolerance of the religions and cultures of others. | Ability to work in a multicultural setting and comprehension and tolerance of religious and cultural differences. |
| Moral uprightness | Understand and act upon the ethical responsibilities of their actions. | Character of acting in a morally upright way in all situations. | Professional behaviour at all times. |
| Technologically savvy | Familiarity and use of technologies appropriately. | Keeping up to date with innovations. | Character of accepting new technology and quickly adapting to it. |
Student Workload
The total workload for the subject for the ‘average’ student is a nominal 150 hours, based on a 15 week semester with 13 weeks of teaching as per the PNG National Qualification Framework.
Subject Text
Theil, D.V 2014 Research Methods for Engineers, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
References and Readings
Numerous links are provided within the Subject Topics to research organisations, international universities, YouTube clips, and research databases.
Relevant Unitech Policies
It is important that all students familiarize themselves with the University of Technology Assessment Guidelines including those on plagiarism and other relevant policies via the link: http://www.unitech.ac.pg/unitech/policies