IFN738 Industry Research Project (Phase 2)


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:IFN738
Credit points:24
Pre-requisite:IFN737
Assumed Knowledge:

This is a research project unit designed to integrate all of the discipline specific knowledge and skills that you have developed throughout your course and major/specialisation.

Coordinator:Yanming Feng | y.feng@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

The aim of IFN738 is to provide you with the opportunity to integrate and apply your broad and specialised knowledge and skills gained from your degree to conduct real-world industry research project, in collaboration with an industry client and academic mentor who will form your research team. IFN738 builds upon its partner unit IFN737. In IFN738 you will further develop your understanding of research principles and methodologies, and enhance your skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and communicating research outcomes. At the end of this unit, you will have a high level of research capability, allowing you to conduct research and contribute to various professional settings. Additionally, the unit aims to produce graduates who are well-prepared for PhD research positions in universities and research-oriented roles in public organisations, and private corporations, including positions as research-active staff and technical personnel supporting research activities.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Integrate advanced specialist disciplinary knowledge and skills in an industry research project.
  2. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to solve a real-world industry research problem or opportunity.
  3. Apply well-developed research skills to synthesise new knowledge to solve a real-world industry problem.
  4. Manage the ethical issues, risk and sustainability issues in the research project.
  5. Plan and manage a real-world industry research project and apply appropriate research methodologies.
  6. Demonstrate well-developed independent research skills including autonomy, responsibility, adaptability and working effectively in an industry-connected research team.
  7. Communicate your research progress and outcomes in a professional and scholarly way in written, visual and oral formats to diverse audiences.

Content

This is an independent study unit designed to allow you to integrate and apply your knowledge and skills acquired from across the degree to the implementation of an industry research project. As such is not content heavy, with the content being tailored to meet the needs of the specific cohort. Potential topics that will be explored in this unit include: 

  1. Writing and structuring a thesis.
  2. Domain specific methodologies
  3. Analysis and interpretation of results.
  4. Oral and written communication skills to clearly, concisely, coherently and convincingly convey research to an academic and industry audience.

Learning Approaches

This unit makes use of a mentoring and independent project-based learning pedagogies where you will conduct your real-world industry research project under the guidance of your industry partner and academic mentor who will form part of your research team. This collaborative learning approach ensures that all participating students have a consistent and valuable industry research experience. As part of this unit, you will be expected to attend regular small group meetings with your academic mentor to check on your progress, discuss planned upcoming work and challenges.

At key times during the semester, interactive workshops will be held to further develop your research knowledge and skills necessary for executing, and effectively communicating research. The teaching and workshops will be delivered by a team with expertise covering diverse IT research disciplines, approaches, and methods. These workshops will also provide the opportunity for you to meet with your peers to discuss your research and to receive diverse, interdisciplinary and interprofessional perspectives.

Embedded support for learning has been integrated into this unit by providing continual opportunities for formative feedback in workshops, mentoring meetings and through assessment is an integral part of this learning experience. As a 24 CP unit you can expect to spend between 20 - 30 hours per week undertaking your industry project, conducting independent research, attending workshops and mentoring meetings.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

This unit provides you with multiple opportunities to receive feedback on your learning and assessment. This includes:

  • Teaching team feedback: Advice and assistance will be provided by the teaching staff during workshop sessions. Formal feedback in the form of a rubric and personalised written feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks.

  • Academic mentor: Regular small group meetings with your academic mentor.

  • Industry partner: You will be encouraged to seek formative feedback on your progress from your industry partner. Your industry partner will provide summative feedback on your thesis and seminar at the conclusion of the research project.

  • Peers: During scheduled workshops your peers will provide feedback on your project.
     
  • Unit Coordinator: Consultations with the unit coordinator can be arranged at any time throughout the semester at a mutually convenient time.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment in this unit has been designed to provide you the opportunity to draw together your IT knowledge and research skills developed in the degree. You will be required to undertake an ethics module to meet the Australian Computing Society requirements. Across the semester you will maintain a guided reflective practice portfolio of your industry research experience. Early in the semester, you will orally present your research progress. This presentation is an important opportunity for you to receive feedback on your progress. The final assessment task will be a research thesis and seminar where you will present the results of your industry research project to a variety of key stakeholders and invited guests.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Online Ethics Module - Part 3

In this self contained online Ethics module (Part 3) you will learn about the different methods of ethical analysis, a model of reflective practice and strategies for recovering from ethical failures. You will then need to pass an online quiz to test your knowledge of the topics covered. You must pass the quiz in order to pass this unit, however you may attempt the quiz an unlimited number of times until you pass.

This Ethics Module Part 3 has as a prerequisite Ethics Module Parts 1 and 2 which you will normally have completed as part of earlier units at QUT (IFN585 for Part 1 and IFN737 for Part 2). However, if you haven't already completed those Modules, you will need to complete them first before completing Part 3.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.

Threshold Assessment:

As an IT professional you will be legally bound by a code of ethics and professional conduct. Knowledge of these codes is therefore essential for all IT graduates. You must pass this Online Ethics Module in order to pass this unit, i.e. regardless of how well you do in the other assessment items, you cannot pass this unit if you fail this assessment item. You may however attempt this assessment items an unlimited number of times until you pass.

Weight: 0
Length: 45-90 minutes (online course and associated quiz)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Unlimited attempts allowed any time before the end of semester.
Related Unit learning outcomes: 4

Assessment: Research Progress Presentation

You are required to provide a detailed presentation on the progress of your research project, focusing on new development, results and findings. You will need to identify any potential challenges you are facing as well as any adjustments to your planned timeline.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Weight: 30
Length: 15 minutes
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7

Assessment: Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio

You will be given a series of guided reflections questions that covers the implementation of your project. You will be required to write your reflections in response to the questions and to evidence your reflections where appropriate with project artefacts.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Weight: 20
Length: 1000 - 1500 words in total
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7

Assessment: Research Thesis and Seminar

You will be required to write your research thesis and then present your thesis to your industry partner, academic mentor and other invited guests. Your thesis will contribute 40% of your final grade for this unit. Your seminar presentation will contribute 10% towards your final grade.

The thesis is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions. The seminars for all students will be arranged within Week 13.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Weight: 50
Length: Up to 10,000 words + 15 minute seminar
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit. Students in the course of completing this project might opt to visit the industry partner's workplace for meeting. Costs associated with this optional activity, will be the responsibility of the student.

Resources

All learning materials to support your learning in this unit will be provided via your Canvas site.

Risk Assessment Statement

Project work can sometimes involve site visits to commercial or industrial premises. When you visit such premises, you are responsible for acquainting yourself with any Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable to visitors (e.g. wearing of protective clothing such as hard hats, safety glasses, etc), and for observing those procedures. You are also responsible for notifying workplace supervisors of any health condition you have (e.g. asthma) which may place you at risk in some commercial or industrial situations.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

IN20 Master of Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  2. Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of IT research principles and methods and their application to IT focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO5, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  5. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
    Relates to: ULO6, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  6. Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: ULO7, Research Progress Presentation, Research Thesis and Seminar
  7. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  8. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: ULO4, ULO7, Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar

IN28 Master of Artificial Intelligence

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Artificial Intelligence discipline.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  2. Critically analyse complex Artificial Intelligence problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Artificial Intelligence methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Artificial Intelligence systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of Artificial Intelligence research principles and methods and their application to Artificial Intelligence focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  5. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  6. Communicate effectively in Artificial Intelligence professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Research Thesis and Seminar
  7. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  8. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the Artificial Intelligence field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar

IN29 Master of Cyber Security

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in Cyber Security discipline.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  2. Critically analyse complex Cyber Security problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, Cyber Security methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex Cyber Security systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of Cyber Security research principles and methods and their application to Cyber Security focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  5. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  6. Communicate effectively in Cyber Security professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Research Thesis and Seminar
  7. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  8. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the Cyber Security field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar

IN31 Master of Data Science

  1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the principles, concepts, techniques, and approaches in data science.
    Relates to: ULO1, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  2. Skilfully use appropriate statistical, computational, and modelling techniques to derive insights from data to support decision-making.
    Relates to: Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  3. Critically apply specialist problem-solving approaches to design, execute and produce data science solutions.
    Relates to: ULO2, Research Thesis and Seminar
  4. Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in project teams to enable successful processes and outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO6, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  5. Communicate effectively and succinctly in oral, written and visual formats for diverse purposes and audiences.
    Relates to: ULO7, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  6. Appraise personal values, attitudes and performance in your continuing professional development.
    Relates to: Research Thesis and Seminar
  7. Critically reflect on social and ethical data science issues, including how these relate to First Nations Australians.
    Relates to: ULO4, Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar

IQ20 Master of Information Technology

  1. Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO6, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  2. Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  3. Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO5, ULO6, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of IT research principles and methods and their application to IT focused, real-world scholarly or professional projects.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, ULO5, ULO6, Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  5. Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others
    Relates to: ULO5, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  6. Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
    Relates to: ULO7, Research Progress Presentation, Research Thesis and Seminar
  7. Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, ULO6, Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar
  8. Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
    Relates to: ULO4, Online Ethics Module - Part 3, Research Progress Presentation, Guided Reflective Practice Portfolio, Research Thesis and Seminar