Research Project 2

Unit code: NEF4201 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEF4101 - Research Project 1
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit represents the final stage of your research journey and provides you with the opportunity to apply, integrate, and extend the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your course. Building on the foundation laid in Research Project 1, you will carry out an independent, discipline-specific research project in accordance with the approved proposal.
You will undertake data collection, analysis, and interpretation, while managing project progress, addressing challenges, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Emphasis is placed on research integrity, technical communication, and critical evaluation, culminating in the submission of a written thesis and an oral presentation of your findings. This unit supports your transition into professional or research-based roles through the development of advanced inquiry, project management, and communication capabilities.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Implement research and/or design methodologies appropriate to the defined problem and disciplinary context;
  2. Analyse data to evaluate the validity of results and the effectiveness of proposed solutions;
  3. Produce a comprehensive technical report that clearly presents the research problem, methods, findings, and conclusions;
  4. Collaborate with supervisors, peers, and other stakeholders in a professional and ethical manner; and
  5. Justify and present your ideas, results, and interpretations with clarity and confidence.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 10%
Progress Report (Individual) (1000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Oral Presentation (hurdle) (Individual) (10 minutes)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 70%
Final Project Report (hurdle) (Individual) (8000)

The Final Project Report and Oral Presentation are both hurdle assessments as required to meet the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies listed below.

Research Thesis: The Progress Report includes documented process and reflections on the decision-making points, collaboration with peers, supervisors and other stakeholders. Verification of understanding trough follow-up questions. This secure assessment ensures accountability through structured reflection, and detailed explanation of techniques, with face to face progressive milestone checks. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process.

Presentation: This secure assessment features formal presentations to a panel of experts with unpredictable Q&A to verify critical reasoning and decision making.
Research Thesis: The Thesis is secured through progressive milestone submissions, regular supervisor interviews, and a final professional conversation requiring students to defend the originality, methodology, data integrity, and implications of their research work. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

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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