ENGG7806 - Sem 1 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

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Printed: 19 February 2008, 04:00PM
This printed course profile is valid at the date and time specified above. The course profile may be subject to change during the semester – the online version is the authoritative version.

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

Course Code: ENGG7806 Course Title: Engineering Postgraduate Project D
Coordinating Unit: School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
Semester: Semester 1, 2008    Mode: Internal
Level: Postgraduate Coursework
Location: St Lucia
Number of Units: 8    Contact Hours Per Week: 2C
Pre-Requisites: Permission of Head of School
Course Description: A field- based project with industry relevance that allows students to apply previously acquired knowledge, design skills & practices to practical applications. Students commencing in Semester 1 enrol in ENGG7807 for sem 1 and sem 2. Students commencing in Semester 2 enrol in ENGG7808 for sem 2 and the following sem 1. Students completing course in single semester enrol in ENGG7806.
Assumed Background: Students are assumed to be prepared for this subject by having gained entry to the Masters course.   In the first semester of this course, students should consider enrolling in the companion course COMP4809/COMP7809 Research Methods, especially if they intend to undertake a research intensive thesis topic and/or continue on to further study.

1.2 Course Introduction

The purpose of ENGG7806/7/8 is to develop the student's research and problem solving skills. The course involves the specification, development and evaluation of an individual research project on a specific topic or problem within the broad fields of electrical, computer systems, software and mechatronics engineering. The student is expected to systematically plan and manage the project, and to clearly present the work and its contribution in context of the current literature and prior art.

1.3 Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Adam Postula
Phone: 3365 3746     Email: adam@itee.uq.edu.au
Campus: St Lucia Building: General Purpose South (Map)   Room: 604
Consultation:

Arrange in advance by email to: adam@itee.uq.edu.au



1.4 Timetable

Timetables are available on mySI-net.

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

This course aims at developing problem-solving and project management skills including: research problem formulation, independent research and learning, problem specification and solution and reporting the results of the project

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Identify and formulate relevant thesis, problem or research question; set goals and scope of the problem and systematically outline a plan for solving the problem.
2  Find appropriate resources associated with a particular problem.
3  Gain in-depth understanding of the relevant research problem by using literature and other resources.
4  Successfully analyse, specify, design, and implement a solution to the selected research problem including all aspects of the project like risk and time management, and purchasing.
5  Report the outcomes of the project by means of verbal and written presentation

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Postgrad Coursework) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTELEARNING OBJECTIVES
A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY
A2. A broad understanding of the field of study, including how other disciplines relate to the field of study. 3, 4
A3. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in the field of study.3, 4
A5. An international perspective on the field of study. 
A7. An appreciation of the link between theory and practice.4
B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.2
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.5
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.5
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.1, 5
B5. The ability to practise as part of an interdisciplinary team. 
C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY
C2. The ability to work and learn independently and effectively. 
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.1, 4, 5
C5. The ability to formulate and investigate problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices. 
C6. The abilities and skills that provide a foundation for future leadership roles. 
D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.1, 2, 3, 4
D4. The ability to process material and to critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources.3
D5. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions using an evidence-based approach. 
E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility. 
E3. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline. 
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study. 
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity. 
E7. The ability to work effectively and sensitively across all areas of society. 
E8. An understanding of and respect for the roles and expertise of associated disciplines. 

3. Learning Resources

3.1 Required Resources

There are no set textbooks for this course. You will be provided with the appropriate learning resources by your supervisor

 
 

3.3 University Learning Resources

Access to required and recommended resources, plus past central exam papers, is available at the UQ Library website (http://library.uq.edu.au/search/r?SEARCH=ENGG7806).

The University offers a range of resources and services to support student learning. Details are available on the myServices website (https://student.my.uq.edu.au/).

3.4 School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Learning Resources

Students enrolled at St Lucia who wish to retain a hard copy of this profile can use the free print quota provided each semester to students enrolled in courses in the School of Information Technology & Electrical Engineering. For information on how to use this print quota, see the School Policy on Student Photocopying and Printing (St Lucia) (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/copy-print.html). Students enrolled at the Ipswich campus will either be provided with a hard copy or given directions in class on how to obtain a free copy.

ITEE course websites can be found at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~COURSECODE. Many ITEE courses also have Usenet newsgroups, named uq.itee.COURSECODE. Instructions for accessing newsgroups are available at http://studenthelp.itee.uq.edu.au/faq/1stYearFAQ.html#accessnews.

4. Teaching & Learning Activities

4.1 Learning Activities

Date
Activity
Learning Objectives
25 Feb 08 00:00 - 30 May 08 00:00
Meetings with thesis supervisor (Discussion): Your thesis supervisor will provide you with the support you require to successfully complete your thesis. They will be able to guide you
in project specification and development,
through technical difficulties,
in your search for relevant literature and prior art, and
with project and time management issues.
Students should meet regularly with their supervisor throughout the project.

1, 2
25 Feb 08 09:00 - 30 May 08 00:00
Independent work (Project based Learning): It is important to remember that you largely drive your thesis. You are responsible for managing your thesis project: generating ideas, working through difficulties, searching for appropriate resources, and completing your project on time. Your supervisor's role should be as an advisor and mentor
Readings/Ref: Text ;
1, 2, 3, 4, 5

4.2 Other Teaching and Learning Activities Information

It is the student's responsibility to find an appropriate topic and supervisor. Project suggestions and potential supervisors are available on the course web page.
Students interested in projects or subject areas should consult with a supervisor. Students with their own ideas for a project should consult with a potential supervisor in a similar subject area. All students enrolled in projects commencing in a semester are required to finalise their choice of project with the supervisor by the end of the first week of the semester. Should a student wish to involve an external supervisor (from a research centre or other school) who may even take on the primary role of driving and directing the project, they should also find an ITEE academic to serve as an associate supervisor who will ensure that the academic goals of the project are not overlooked, and that project administration is handled in accordance with ITEE policy.

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task
Due Date
Weighting
Learning Objectives
Project Progress Report
Project Progress Report
20 Mar 08 09:00 - 20 Mar 08 17:00
As explained on the course WEB pages
15%
1, 2, 3, 5
Seminar
Project half-time seminar
14 Apr 08 09:00 - 18 Apr 08 17:00
As explained on the course WEB pages
15%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Thesis
Project Thesis
28 May 08 08:00 - 28 May 08 16:00
Print version due within seven days of the electronic submission
50%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Demonstration
Oral presentation
29 May 08 08:00 - 29 May 08 18:00
Location TBA on Innovation Expo Web site
20%
1, 2, 3, 4, 5

5.2 Course Grading


Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course:

--



Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline:

--



Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline:

--



Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

--



Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline:

--



Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience:

--



Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications:

--



Other Requirements & Comments :
The following conditions also apply to the generation of the final grade:
  • In order to receive a grade of 4, students must achieve >= 50% overall and >= 40% on each assessment component.
  • In order to receive a grade of 5, students must achieve >= 65% overall and >= 50% on each assessment component.
  • In order to receive a grade of 6, students must achieve >= 75% overall and >= 50% on each assessment component.
  • In order to receive a grade of 7, students must achieve >= 85% overall and >= 75% on each assessment component.
Putting these conditions into words, to pass (achieve a grade of 4) you must at least reasonably attempt every component, and to achieve a grade above 4, you must pass every component.  Across-the-board excellence (minimum of 75% for each component) is required for a grade of 7. 
The following table presents this information again for clarity. 
To be awarded this requires that you achieve this...
Final Grade Overall Percentage Progress Report Seminar Seminar attendance CD-ROM etc Demonstration Thesis
7 (High Distinction) 85% or higher 75% or higher 75% or higher Five other seminars submitted 75% or higher 75% or higher
6 (Distinction) 75% or higher 50% or higher 50% or higher Five other seminars submitted 50% or higher 50% or higher
5 (Credit) 65% or higher 50% or higher 50% or higher Five other seminars submitted 50% or higher 50% or higher
4 (Pass) 50% or higher 40% or higher 40% or higher Five other seminars submitted 40% or higher 40% or higher
3 (Fail) 45% or higher No requirement. Pass at least one
2 (Fail) 20% or higher No requirement.
1 (Fail) At least one item of work submitted or seminar / demo attempted.
X No work submitted or attempted.
 

5.3 Late Submission

Since the thesis project requires planning of its workload, a request for an extension of a submission date due to exceptional circumstances (e.g. for medical reasons) must be made in writing to your supervisor AND the course co-ordinator at least one week before the submission date, unless the exceptional circumstances actually occur in that final week.  Details of the exceptional circumstances, with supporting evidence, and justification of the length of extension requested should be part of the written extension request.   
The penalty for late submission of any assessable item is an immediate 10% penalty, and additionally 0.33% per hour or part there-of (i.e.8% per day), taken from the mark (out of 100%) of that assessable item.  Note however, that after the due time, no guarantee can be made that the assessable item can be received by the school or their representative at a time that suits you.
Late electronic submissions can usually still be submitted using the normal mechanism, however, you should carefully read information provided detailing their submission.  Late submissions for printed (or other physical) material should be made via the school office during the official office working hours.  The office will note the time of submission and forward it to the appropriate person.

5.5 Assessment Detail


Project Progress Report
Type: Project Progress Report
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 5
Due Date:
         20 Mar 08 09:00 - 20 Mar 08 17:00    As explained on the course WEB pages
Weight: 15%
Task Description:
Each student must write a progress report which clearly defines the thesis topic, presents a review of relevant background material and an assessment of the impact of previous work on the current project. Importantly, the progress report should state the purpose, aims, coverage and relevance of the project and a project plan for its completion. All background and related material should be appropriately referenced and appear in a bibliography. The assessment also includes initiatives and abilities shown by the student in preparing the progress report, in particular initiative, creativity and problem solving skills

Criteria & Marking:

See course WEB site for details


Submission: Electronic or Print submission as explained on the course WEB pages

Project half-time seminar
Type: Seminar
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Due Date:
         14 Apr 08 09:00 - 18 Apr 08 17:00    As explained on the course WEB pages
Weight: 15%
Task Description:
Half-way through their projects students are asked to orally present the key content of their research. The seminar should describe the scope and relevance of their thesis, the reviewed literature and its relevance to the thesis, the work carried out so far, and the work remaining to be done. The material should be prepared in a fashion that suits oral presentation and gives justice to the progress made so far.

Criteria & Marking:

See course WEB site for details



Project Thesis
Type: Thesis
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Due Date:
         28 May 08 08:00 - 28 May 08 16:00    Print version due within seven days of the electronic submission
Weight: 50%
Task Description: The project thesis is the major means of reporting the contribution of the project. The thesis should be such as to facilitate assessment by persons other than the supervisor, and should comprehensively include material on the problems and goals of the project, applicable methods, the approach taken, major decisions and the reasons for the selection of goals and methods, results, the extent to which the goals have been achieved, the relevance, importance and context of achievements, and the reasons for any shortcomings. Production of the thesis is regarded as part of the educational value of the project, and the supervisor should give guidance where appropriate.
Criteria & Marking:

See course WEB site for details


Submission: As explained on the course WEB pages

Oral presentation
Type: Demonstration
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Due Date:
         29 May 08 08:00 - 29 May 08 18:00    Location TBA on Innovation Expo Web site
Weight: 20%
Task Description: Each student must verbally and visually present the results of their work during an expo event – open to other students and academics, and possibly industry and the public. Where tangible working hardware or software has been produced, it should be demonstrated. All students will be required to produce a poster documenting their work to support their presentation, and a project abstract for prior publicity. The poster should clearly identify the project title, goals, some relevant background information, and outcomes. The abstract should clearly state the project aims and goals, methods used and the project outcomes.
Criteria & Marking:

See course WEB site for details



6. Policies & Guidelines

 
This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25114&pid=25075)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953&pid=2910)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct
 

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

 

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

 

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

 

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

 

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

 
Examination Feedback
 
In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:
  • group or team based assessment;
  • attendance or class participation requirements;
  • laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
  • project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
  • progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
  • multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.
If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120&pid=25075) for detailed information.
 
Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004&pid=24963) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.
 
Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122&pid=25075) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111&pid=25075

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.  

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055&pid=25015) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057&pid=25015) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance
If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

 

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1  Identify and formulate relevant thesis, problem or research question; set goals and scope of the problem and systematically outline a plan for solving the problem.
2  Find appropriate resources associated with a particular problem.
3  Gain in-depth understanding of the relevant research problem by using literature and other resources.
4  Successfully analyse, specify, design, and implement a solution to the selected research problem including all aspects of the project like risk and time management, and purchasing.
5  Report the outcomes of the project by means of verbal and written presentation


Assessment & Learning Activities

  Learning Objectives
  1 2 3 4 5
Learning Activities
Meetings with thesis supervisor (Discussion)
selected
selected
     
Independent work (Project based Learning)
selected
selected
selected
selected
selected
Assessment Tasks
Project Progress Report
selected
selected
selected
 
selected
Project half-time seminar
selected
selected
selected
selected
selected
Project Thesis
selected
selected
selected
selected
selected
Oral presentation
selected
selected
selected
selected
selected

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Postgrad Coursework) graduate attributes:

  Learning Objectives
  1 2 3 4 5
Graduate Attributes
A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY
A2. A broad understanding of the field of study, including how other disciplines relate to the field of study.    
selected
selected
 
A3. A comprehensive and in-depth knowledge in the field of study.    
selected
selected
 
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.          
A7. An appreciation of the link between theory and practice.      
selected
 
B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.  
selected
     
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.        
selected
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.        
selected
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
selected
     
selected
B5. The ability to practise as part of an interdisciplinary team.          
C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY
C2. The ability to work and learn independently and effectively.          
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
selected
   
selected
selected
C5. The ability to formulate and investigate problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.          
C6. The abilities and skills that provide a foundation for future leadership roles.          
D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
selected
selected
selected
selected
 
D4. The ability to process material and to critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources.    
selected
   
D5. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions using an evidence-based approach.          
E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.          
E3. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.          
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.          
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.          
E7. The ability to work effectively and sensitively across all areas of society.          
E8. An understanding of and respect for the roles and expertise of associated disciplines.