Course outline

Code: ENG403
Title: Engineering Research Methodology
Faculty of: Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Teaching Session: Semester 2
Year: 2017
Course Coordinator: Professor Mark Porter Email: mporter1@usc.edu.au
Course Moderator: Joanne Macdonald Email: jmacdon1@usc.edu.au

1. What is this course about?

1.1 Course description
Problem solving skills are essential requirements for engineers. When complex theoretical and technical
problems are solved, new knowledge is created. In this course you learn how to apply the engineering
research process and methods of inquiry to solve these problems. This involves critiquing current research
in your discipline and developing competence in using instruments and software to collect data. You
analyse and evaluate the results and judge their quality and limitations. You also learn how to communicate
findings in specific engineering formats to specialist audiences.

1.2 Course content

Literature search, review and citation practices
Problem identification, formulating research questions
Quantitative and qualitative methods strengths and weaknesses
Instrumentation and data logging
Data sampling, collection, testing
Data analysis, interpretation and limitations
Validity, reliability, sources of error
Data management and presentation

2. Unit value
12 units

Semester 2, 2017 Recfind File Number: F20724

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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

3. How does this course contribute to my learning?

The specific learning outcomes that you You will be assessed on the Completing these tasks
will achieve by successful completion of learning outcome in task/s: successfully will contribute
this course: to you becoming:
1. Demonstrate and apply current Task 1: Literature review and Knowledgeable.
knowledge of the research process and identifying a research question
methods for engineering projects Task 2: Quality check of data
including: Task 3: Laboratory reports
literature search, review and citation
practices
quantitative and qualitative methods
for conducting engineering research
2. Quantify complex theoretical and Task 1: Literature review and Empowered.
technical engineering problems to be identifying a research question Engaged.
solved by: Task 2: Quality check of data
demonstrating skill in techniques of: Task 3: Laboratory reports
instrumentation and data
logging/acquisition
data sampling, collection, testing
and analysis
data interpretation and dealing
with sources of error
data management and
presentation
interpreting, critically analysing,
evaluating and synthesising research
literature
3. Communicate research results to Task 1: Literature review and Creative and critical
specialist audiences in written and identifying a research question thinkers.
visual modes, in the form of a critical Task 2: Quality check of data
review of a publication, quality check of Task 3: Laboratory reports
data, and laboratory reports
4. Act professionally when using Task 2: Quality check of data Ethical.
research methods by: Task 3: Laboratory reports
functioning autonomously and in
teams
adhering to the engineering code of
ethics and environmental
sustainability practices
adhering to engineering standards
and regulatory frameworks
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

4. Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the Undergraduate Coursework Programs and Awards - Academic Policy for definitions of pre-
requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites

4.1 Enrolment restrictions

This course is only available to students enrolled in SC410, SC411, SC425, SC430, UU301 and XU301

4.2 Pre-requisites
Nil

4.3 Co-requisites
MTH312 Numerical Analysis

4.4 Anti-requisites
Nil

4.5 Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (optional)

Statistics, computer programming (e.g. MATLAB and EXCEL scripting) to analyse data

5. How am I going to be assessed?

5.1 Grading scale
Standard High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL)

5.2 Assessment tasks

Task ENG403 Individual Weight- What is the duration / When Where should
No. Assessment or Group ing length? should I I submit it?
Tasks % submit?
1 Literature Individual 30 2000 words Friday, SafeAssign
review and week 4
identifying a
research
question
2 Quality check of Group 40 2000 words Friday, SafeAssign
data week 12
3 Learning reports Individual 30 Weekly reports Friday Blackboard for
answering questions each week online quizzes
related to the material and SafeAssign
presented each week (10 for laboratory
online quiz questions and reports
500-word laboratory
write-ups
100%
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

Assessment Task 1: Literature review and identifying a research question

Goal: Demonstrate and apply knowledge of literature review practices by critically analysing a
series of publications and determining a research question.
Product: Critical review of a publication
Format: In the role of a researcher you are to write an individual 2500 word literature review to
critically analyse a relevant Civil or Mechanical Engineering field, following the format below.
Statements and judgments you make in your review must be supported with reference to
examples from peer-reviewed publications. The tone of your writing is to be as a peer and
not a critic. That is, you are writing to other Engineers within the field.
Format:
Introduction, including the problem context and relevance/justification
Systematic analysis of the literature, following a logical sequence of a broad background
to more specific research.
Critical analysis of two key publications specific to the research topic, discussing
strengths and weaknesses of interpretations and findings.
Identification of research gap/s
Discussion of future research required and key research question/s
Conclusion

To prepare for this task you will be examining a range of publications and learning how to
review them with reference to the characteristics of quality publications.
Criteria 1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of literature review practices to interpret, critically
analyse, evaluate and synthesise a research question
interpretation
introduction and problem context
systematic analysis of peer-reviewed publications
critical analysis and evaluation
strengths and weaknesses of interpretations and findings for two key
publications
identification of research gap/s
synthesis
development of key research question/s
Conclusion
2. communicate to specialist audiences in the form of a written literature review
adhere to review structure and word limit
English expression
use of terminology
follow referencing conventions
Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level
Communication Graduate
Information literacy Graduate
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

Assessment Task 2: Quality check of data

Goal: Apply knowledge of engineering research process and methods, and demonstrate skill in
data techniques and instrumentation to determine the limitations inherent in measuring.
Product: Technical report
Format: You will be provided with real data that is in the public domain and relates to a problem. This
data has NOT been quality checked.
In a group you are to:
1. identify sources of potential errors, e.g. instrument and its method of use.
2. carry out a quality check of the data to statistically determine its validity, reliability and
limitations using established engineering techniques
3. determine whether the data provides sufficient evidence to solve the problem
4. propose solutions to add to or improve the quality of the data.
5. write a technical report of 2000 words, that summarises steps 1-4 above and presents
supporting evidence (such as graphs, tables, instrument calibrations).
You are awarded an individual grade according to an algorithm that uses the grade assigned
by the lecturer/tutor for the whole task plus a rating of your contribution by the other
students in the group (a peer assessment)- refer to Blackboard for more information. Peer
ratings are submitted when you submit the plan. Marks will be recorded and made available
to students through Gradebook.
Criteria 1. Demonstrate and apply current knowledge of the research process and methods, and
demonstrate skill in data techniques and instrumentation to determine the limitations
inherent in measuring:
sources of errors
quality check of data using established techniques
usefulness of the data as evidence to solve the problem
solutions to add to or improve data quality
2. Communicate to specialist audiences in the form of a technical report
adhere to technical report format and word limit
English expression
use of terminology, nomenclature and units
follow referencing conventions
adhere to conventions for presentation of supporting evidence
3. Act professionally when performing a quality check of data by:
functioning in teams
adhering to the engineering code of ethics and environmental sustainability practices
adhering to engineering standards and regulatory frameworks
Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level
Collaboration Graduate
Applying technologies Graduate
Problem solving Graduate
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

Assessment Task 3: Learning reports

Goal: To demonstrate and apply knowledge, analyse relationships, and solve problems in
Engineering research methods, and report on how you applied knowledge of engineering
research methods and demonstrated skill in data techniques and instrumentation.
Product: Online multiple choice answers to 10 questions for 8 weeks of the semester, and 500 word
laboratory reports.
Format: Each week an online quiz will be provided on Blackboard based on material covered in the
lectures and tutorials from that week. For the laboratory sessions, you will undertake two
different lab experiments to collect complex data that requires decisions about how you are
going to quantify the problem. This will involve further development and refinement of your
instrumentation skills. For each laboratory, a report of 500 words is required, that will:
explain, with reasons, your selection of instrumentation to match the parameters
describe the investigations, analyse the results and draw conclusions
be accompanied by raw and processed data in appendices
follow the standard lab report format
Criteria 1. Demonstrate understanding of the theory and knowledge behind research techniques
relevant to Engineering students, including literature reviews, critical analysis of literature,
instrumentation, sources of error, quantitative and statistical analysis, software competency,
and risk analysis.
2. Demonstrate and apply current knowledge of quantitative methods to solve complex
theoretical and technical engineering problems by conducting laboratory investigations:
demonstrating skill in techniques of:
instrumentation and data logging/acquisition
data sampling, collection, testing and analysis
data interpretation and dealing with sources of error
data management and presentation
3. Communicate in the form of written laboratory reports
adhere to prescribed report structure and word count
English expression and conventions
terminology, nomenclature and units
adhere to established conventions for presentation of raw and processed data and
instrumental results
4. Act professionally when reporting laboratory results by:
functioning autonomously
adhering to the engineering code of ethics
adhering to engineering standards
Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level
Applying technologies Graduate
Communication Graduate
Organisation Graduate

5.3 Additional assessment requirements

Blackboard
As a student enrolled in this course you will have access to course information on the Blackboard site. You
are strongly recommended to log onto the course site on a regular basis. All course announcements,
course changes, posting of course materials and grades (via My Interim Results) will be accessed through
Blackboard. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate internet access (either off campus on on-
campus) in order to access Blackboard regularly and to complete required assessment tasks.
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

Safe Assign
In order to minimise incidents of plagiarism and collusion, this course may require that some of its
assessment tasks are submitted electronically via Safe Assign. This software allows for text comparisons to
be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work that Safe Assign has access to. If
required, details of how to submit via Safe Assign will be provided on the Blackboard site of the course.

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

A students eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions
applying:
a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
c) The student has not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

5.4 Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks will be penalised at the following maximum rate:
5% (of the assessment tasks identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified
as the due date for the assessment task.
10% (of the assessment tasks identified value) for the third day
20% (of the assessment tasks identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and
including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task.
A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date
identified as the due date for the assessment task.
Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late.
To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

6. How is the course offered?

6.1 Directed study hours
Lecture 1hr/week; tutorial 2hrs/week; 4 x 2hour labs in weeks 3, 5, 7 and 9

6.2 Teaching semester/session(s) offered

Sippy Downs: Semester 2

6.3 Course activities

Teaching What key concepts/content will I What activities will I engage in to learn the
Week / learn? concepts/content?
Module Directed Study Activities Independent Study
Activities
1 Overview on Engineering research Lecture, 2 hr tutorial on As stipulated on
methodology and introduction to literature searches BlackBoard
Assessment Task 1.
2 Literature reviews and critical Lecture; 2 hr tutorial on As stipulated on
analysis of publications academic writing BlackBoard
3 Academic writing skills: critical Lecture; 2 hr tutorial on As stipulated on
concepts for higher level report literature reviews and critical BlackBoard
and thesis writing analysis of publications;
laboratory session 1A
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

4 Thesis structure & formulating Lecture; 2 hr tutorial on Critical review of

research questions planning a research project publication due
5 Introduction to large data sets Lecture; 2 hr tutorial on As stipulated on
and Assessment Task 2 presentation of data and use BlackBoard
of excel; laboratory session 1B
6 Examples of current research Lecture; 2hr tutorial on As stipulated on
projects at USC programming in R; BlackBoard
7 Electron miscroscopy and uses in Lecture; Laboratory session As stipulated on
engineering BlackBoard
8 Statistical techniques for Lecture; 2hr tutorial on As stipulated on
engineering data statistics Blackboard
9 Instrumentation and data logging Lecture; 2hr tutorial on As stipulated on
overview programming in R BlackBoard
Labview software
remote measurement techniques
10 Quantitative and qualitative data Lecture; 2hr tutorial on As stipulated on
analysis qualitative and quantitative BlackBoard
data analysis
11 Data quality and uncertainty Lecture; 2hr tutorial on data As stipulated on
quality and uncertainty BlackBoard
12 Correlation and data fitting (least Lecture; 2hr tutorial on As stipulated on
squares) Correlation and data fitting BlackBoard Task 2
(least squares) Qual check due
13 Risk assessments for Engineers Lecture; 2hr tutorial on As stipulated on
developing risk assessments BlackBoard

Please note that the course activities may be subject to variation.

7. What resources do I need to undertake this course?

7.1 Prescribed text(s)
Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below:
Author Year Title Publisher
McCormac, C. Davis, J. 2012 Research Project Success: The Royal Society of
Papakonstantinou, P., & Ward, N. Essential Guide for Science and Chemistry Publishing,
Engineering Students. Paperback Cambridge, UK

7.2 Required and recommended readings

Lists of required and recommended readings may be found for this course on its Blackboard site. These
materials/readings will assist you in preparing for tutorials and assignments, and will provide further
information regarding particular aspects of your course.

7.3 Specific requirements

Safety glasses and closed in footwear
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Course Outline: ENG403 Engineering Research Methodology

7.4 Risk management

There is moderate health and safety risk in this course. Risk assessments have been performed for each
laboratory experiment. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies
and procedures applicable within campus areas.

8. How can I obtain help with my studies?

In the first instance you should contact your tutor, then the Course Coordinator. Additional assistance is
available to all students through Peer Advisors and Academic Skills Advisors. You can drop in or book an
appointment. To book: Tel: +61 7 5430 2890 or Email: studentcentral@usc.edu.au

9. Links to relevant University policies and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:
Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
Review of Assessment and Final Grades
Supplementary Assessment
Administration of Central Examinations
Deferred Examinations
Student Academic Misconduct
Students with a Disability
http://www.usc.edu.au/university/governance-and-executive/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-
and-teaching

10. Faculty specific information

In person:
Sippy Downs - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C
USC SouthBank - Student Central, Building B, Ground floor (level 1)
USC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
USC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Building A

Tel: +61 7 5430 2890

Email: studentcentral@usc.edu.au