MXN401 Minor Project
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 code: | MXN401 |
|---|---|
| Other requisite(s): | Unit Coordinator approval is required to enrol. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $578 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,528 |
| International unit fee | $4,632 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MXN401 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Other Requisite: | Unit Coordinator approval is required to enrol. |
| Coordinators: | Elliot Carr | elliot.carr@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a minor research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor in a discipline related to your area of mathematical interest. This unit will develop your skills in problem solving, critical thinking, written and oral communication, research and project management. You will present your research project in the form of a written report and oral presentation at the end of semester. Permission to enrol in this unit must be obtained from the Unit Coordinator.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the advanced theories, concepts and techniques that are relevant to an area of research that is of interest to you.
- Contribute significant critical commentary toward these theories, concepts and techniques using an approach based on your knowledge in the mathematical and/or statistical sciences.
- Demonstrate improved oral and written communication skills so as to be able to articulate and communicate ideas using high-level mathematical notation and language.
- Demonstrate personal responsibility and independent learning of your area of interest.
Content
You will undertake a minor research project in a discipline related to your area of mathematical interest. You will need to consult with your Course Coordinator and potential supervisor to decide on a suitable research topic that will supplement your knowledge in your chosen area of interest. Minor projects in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, operations research and statistics are among those generally available.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you are required to complete a small research project in consultation with an academic supervisor/s. Your supervisor/s will discuss with you the most appropriate strategies and milestones to be achieved throughout the semester based on your chosen topic.
You are expected to maintain regular contact with your supervisor and are encouraged to manage your own learning to plan for and meet interim milestones to successfully complete your research project.
Although you are completing an individual research project, you are encouraged to connect with your peers and the broader research community within the School of Mathematical Sciences to support your research and develop professional networks.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive ongoing feedback on your work. Feedback, both structured and unstructured, will be delivered in both formative and summative ways. The types of feedback will include peer-to-peer learning and feedback from your project supervisor. Feedback will be provided in both oral and written formats. Feedback from your examiners will also given during the thesis and presentation assessments.
Assessment
Overview
You will submit your research project by delivering a report and a seminar.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Report
You will submit a written report providing details of the work undertaken while completing the project, including background to the problem, a description of the project itself and details of results and outcomes achieved. The report will demonstrate in a written form that you have applied your knowledge to investigate a research area in a style appropriate to the academic and professional practice of the mathematical sciences. This authentic assessment will simulate the types of technical reports mathematicians deliver in research and industry.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of Generative AI tools is prohibited for this assessment. Please see the Assessment page on the canvas site for the unit for any further explanation.
Assessment: Seminar
You will present key aspects of your report in the form of an oral seminar. Your seminar will be presented to a mathematically-diverse audience and will include appropriate visual aids. You will be given the opportunity to answer questions and engage in discussion about your research project, respond to possible critiques of your work, reflect on challenges encountered and/or overcome during your project and share potential future directions of your work. This authentic assessment will replicate the style of presentations mathematicians deliver in research and industry.
The use of Generative AI tools is prohibited for this assessment. Please see the Assessment page on the canvas site for the unit for any further explanation.
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.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
If you undertake a project, either individually or in a group, you may in conjunction with your QUT project supervisor, be required to complete and submit a Risk Assessment of your project activities in the Faculty of Science Health and Safety (HSE) hub. For further information go to Health, safety and environment for research students - QUT Students
Additionally, if you undertake an industry project, either individually or in a group, you must ensure that the QUT project partner agreement is completed, respect confidentiality, be aware of any intellectual property requirements for the project and comply with workplace health and safety requirements, (either at QUT or at worksite). For further information please refer to the Work Integrated Learning - QUT Students webpage
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.MS10 Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)
- Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical sciences to critically analyse and solve complex problems within the discipline or in cross-disciplinary fields where mathematics underpins innovation
Relates to: Report - Apply advanced knowledge, skills, digital tools including AI, and research principles of the mathematical sciences to plan and execute a substantial independent research project that systematically addresses theoretical or applied problems in disciplinary or industry contexts
Relates to: Report - Communicate complex concepts, methods and findings in the mathematical sciences clearly and effectively to a range of audiences including mathematicians, industry professionals and the general public, using a range of academic, professional, and technical formats
Relates to: Report, Seminar - Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, ethical scholarship, and effective collaboration for research and continuous learning, consistent with professional practice in the mathematical sciences
Relates to: Report, Seminar
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | MXN401 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Other Requisite: | Unit Coordinator approval is required to enrol. |
| Coordinators: | Megan Farquhar | me.farquhar@qut.edu.au Elliot Carr | elliot.carr@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a minor research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor in a discipline related to your area of mathematical interest. This unit will develop your skills in problem solving, critical thinking, written and oral communication, research and project management. You will present your research project in the form of a written report and oral presentation at the end of semester. Permission to enrol in this unit must be obtained from the Unit Coordinator.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the advanced theories, concepts and techniques that are relevant to an area of research that is of interest to you.
- Contribute significant critical commentary toward these theories, concepts and techniques using an approach based on your knowledge in the mathematical and/or statistical sciences.
- Demonstrate improved oral and written communication skills so as to be able to articulate and communicate ideas using high-level mathematical notation and language.
- Demonstrate personal responsibility and independent learning of your area of interest.
Content
You will undertake a minor research project in a discipline related to your area of mathematical interest. You will need to consult with your Course Coordinator and potential supervisor to decide on a suitable research topic that will supplement your knowledge in your chosen area of interest. Minor projects in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, operations research and statistics are among those generally available.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you are required to complete a small research project in consultation with an academic supervisor/s. Your supervisor/s will discuss with you the most appropriate strategies and milestones to be achieved throughout the semester based on your chosen topic.
You are expected to maintain regular contact with your supervisor and are encouraged to manage your own learning to plan for and meet interim milestones to successfully complete your research project.
Although you are completing an individual research project, you are encouraged to connect with your peers and the broader research community within the School of Mathematical Sciences to support your research and develop professional networks.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive ongoing feedback on your work. Feedback, both structured and unstructured, will be delivered in both formative and summative ways. The types of feedback will include peer-to-peer learning and feedback from your project supervisor. Feedback will be provided in both oral and written formats. Feedback from your examiners will also given during the thesis and presentation assessments.
Assessment
Overview
You will submit your research project by delivering a report and a seminar.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Report
You will submit a written report providing details of the work undertaken while completing the project, including background to the problem, a description of the project itself and details of results and outcomes achieved. The report will demonstrate in a written form that you have applied your knowledge to investigate a research area in a style appropriate to the academic and professional practice of the mathematical sciences. This authentic assessment will simulate the types of technical reports mathematicians deliver in research and industry.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The use of Generative AI tools is prohibited for this assessment. Please see the Assessment page on the canvas site for the unit for any further explanation.
Assessment: Seminar
You will present key aspects of your report in the form of an oral seminar. Your seminar will be presented to a mathematically-diverse audience and will include appropriate visual aids. You will be given the opportunity to answer questions and engage in discussion about your research project, respond to possible critiques of your work, reflect on challenges encountered and/or overcome during your project and share potential future directions of your work. This authentic assessment will replicate the style of presentations mathematicians deliver in research and industry.
The use of Generative AI tools is prohibited for this assessment. Please see the Assessment page on the canvas site for the unit for any further explanation.
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.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
If you undertake a project, either individually or in a group, you may in conjunction with your QUT project supervisor, be required to complete and submit a Risk Assessment of your project activities in the Faculty of Science Health and Safety (HSE) hub. For further information go to Health, safety and environment for research students - QUT Students
Additionally, if you undertake an industry project, either individually or in a group, you must ensure that the QUT project partner agreement is completed, respect confidentiality, be aware of any intellectual property requirements for the project and comply with workplace health and safety requirements, (either at QUT or at worksite). For further information please refer to the Work Integrated Learning - QUT Students webpage
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.MS10 Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours)
- Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical sciences to critically analyse and solve complex problems within the discipline or in cross-disciplinary fields where mathematics underpins innovation
Relates to: Report - Apply advanced knowledge, skills, digital tools including AI, and research principles of the mathematical sciences to plan and execute a substantial independent research project that systematically addresses theoretical or applied problems in disciplinary or industry contexts
Relates to: Report - Communicate complex concepts, methods and findings in the mathematical sciences clearly and effectively to a range of audiences including mathematicians, industry professionals and the general public, using a range of academic, professional, and technical formats
Relates to: Report, Seminar - Demonstrate autonomy, accountability, ethical scholarship, and effective collaboration for research and continuous learning, consistent with professional practice in the mathematical sciences
Relates to: Report, Seminar