Research Project 1

Unit code: NEF4101 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEF3202 - Research Methods
Completion of at least 288 credit points
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, you will initiate an individual research project that draws on the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your course. You will focus on identifying a discipline-specific problem, conducting a critical literature review, and developing a structured research proposal that forms the foundation for your capstone project in Research Project 2. Emphasis is placed on research planning, project scoping, problem definition, and methodological design.



Where possible, projects will be sourced from industry partners to ensure relevance to professional practice. While each student will undertake their project independently, some projects may be thematically connected to address broader engineering challenges collaboratively. This unit supports the development of research capability, independent thinking, and professional communication.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically review and analyse a multi-faceted problem of significance to the discipline;
  2. Evaluate the feasibility of potential approaches using appropriate research methods and engineering judgement;
  3. Interpret and synthesise existing literature and design precedents relevant to the identified research problem; and
  4. Develop a structured and well-justified research proposal that addresses the project scope, objectives, and constraints.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 30%
Progress report (Individual) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Oral Presentation (Individual) (10 mins)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 50%
Project Proposal (3500 words) (hurdle) (Individual)

Report: The Progress Report is secured through in-person milestone discussions, and a professional conversation verifying the student’s independent development of objectives, methodology, project management planning, and risk analysis. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process.

Report: The Project Proposal is a hurdle assessment as it is the only task that addresses all Engineers Australia Competency listed below. Accountability is achieved through staged progressive submissions, in-person milestone discussions, and a professional conversation verifying the student’s independent development of objectives, methodology, project management planning, and risk analysis. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process.

Presentation: The oral presentation is secured through a formal panel presentation and unpredictable Q&A, requiring students to orally defend their research objectives, methodology, findings, and implications and assess their decision making and critical reasoning.

Required reading

None required.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
NHEE | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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