ENQ541 Research Methods for Engineers
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: | ENQ541 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | IFN600, INN700, INN701 |
| Equivalent(s): | ENN541 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic engineering maths is assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,672 |
Unit Outline: Session 1 2024, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | ENQ541 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | ENN541 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Basic engineering maths is assumed knowledge. |
| Anti-requisite: | IFN600, INN700, INN701 |
Overview
Problem identification, research design and planning, literature search, and communications through reports and presentations are essential attributes of engineers in all the disciplines. Practice-based research methods applied to solve discipline-specific real-world problems are skills in demand from professional engineers in contemporary workplaces. It is also equally important to communicate methods and solutions clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate independence in research planning and selection and application of research methods.
- Select, analyse and evaluate literature related to an engineering research question.
- Demonstrate advanced communication skills through field specific analytic documentation and presentations.
- Demonstrate effective group and collaborative skills in a professional, ethically responsive engineering team environment.
Content
The content in this unit covers the process of problem-solving in the context of an engineering project including: Describing the problem; annotated bibliography, literature review and citations (library skills); writing a research proposal; experimental design; how data is collected and analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods; preparing reports; presentations; ethics and management of the intellectual property.
Learning Approaches
You will be engaged in an active learning environment, undertaking regular online activities, guided through the learning process by expert teaching staff who provide regular feedback. On average, you will need to dedicate 12–15 hours each week for your learning that includes readings, discussions with peers and assignments.
This unit uses APA referencing style for referencing and citation. To avoid plagiarism and maintain your Academic honesty, you are required to provide a reference whenever you include information from other sources in your work. You can check your assignments ahead of submission by using Turnitin. Helpful information on referencing can be found in the QUT cite|write tool.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the teaching period which may include:
1. Rubrics provided to show the expected standard for each criteria in an assessment item.
2. Comments returned to you via canvas.
3. Consultation sessions may be available for group and individual feedback prior to assessment due dates and on completion of assessments.
Assessment
Overview
There are two major assessments in this unit. In the first assessment you will conduct a preliminary literature search on a chosen research topic. You will develop an initial literature review (in the form of an annotated bibliography) to support an argument of research significance. In the second assessment you will continue to explore the research issue and literature you analysed in assessment 1 by developing a specific research question and a research proposal to address that question.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Annotated Bibliography
You will conduct a preliminary literature search on a chosen research topic. You will develop an initial literature review (in the form of an annotated bibliography) to support an argument of research significance.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Report
You will submit a proposal for the project with evidence showing effective application of research methods and preliminary results.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
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.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
There is no prescribed text for this unit.
Recommended text(s)
Herman Tang, "Engineering Research: Design, Methods, and Publication", John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2021. Print ISBN:9781119624486 |Online ISBN:9781119624547 |DOI:10.1002/9781119624547.
Paul D. Leedy and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod, "Practical Research: Planning and Design", 7th edition, published by Prentice Hall, Inc.
Other
You are also required to use the following:
- The unit website on QUT Online
- QUT Library Databases:
- QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)