Year
2019
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 60-minute lecture weekly
1 x 480-minute seminar per semester
8 x 60-minute supervised studies per semester
Prerequisites
1 Admission into MEB-Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
2 Admission into BENGBMEB-Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical), Master of Engineering (Biomedical)
2a Admission into BENGRMEE-Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics), Master of Engineering (Electronics)
2b Admission into MEBBC-B Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours), M Engineering (Biomedical)
2c Admission into MEBMC-B Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours), M Engineering (Biomedical)
2d Admission into MEEC-B Engineering (Robotics) (Honours), M Engineering (Electronics)
2e Admission into BENGBHMEB-B Engineering (Biomedical) (Honours), M Engineering (Biomedical)
2f Admission into BENGRHMEE-B Engineering (Robotics) (Honours), M Engineering (Electronics)
2g Admission into BENGMCHMEB-B Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours), M Engineering (Biomedical)
3 139.5 units of topics
4 Admission into MEC-Master of Engineering (Civil)
4a Admission into MEMC-Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
5 31.5 units of topics
Must Satisfy: ((1) or ((2 or 2a or 2b or 2c or 2d or 2e or 2f or 2g) and 3) or ((4 or 4a) and 5))
Enrolment not permitted
1 of ENGR4700, ENGR4700A, ENGR4700B, ENGR4700C, ENGR4700D, ENGR4710, ENGR4710A, ENGR4710B, ENGR5700A, ENGR5710A, ENGR5710B has been successfully completed
Assumed knowledge
Skills such as acquired in the first three years of the award or in their undergraduate award.
Course context
The Master Thesis topics are taught and assessed as a continuum.
Topic description
The masters thesis is intended to promote the development of research including communication and technical skills through an in-depth investigation of a particular area under the guidance of a supervisor. The thesis is not merely a large system-building exercise. Rather, the principle objective is for students to show initiative, acquire new knowledge, develop basic research skills, and develop insight in assimilating and critically evaluating ideas. The nature of the investigation will depend on the project itself but is likely to include: a literature search; the identification (in collaboration with the supervisor) of a suitable project; the planning and management of the project; the execution of the plan resulting indefensible results; the development and presentation of seminar(s); and, the production of a thesis embodying the methods and results of the project. Other aspects which may be included in some projects include: liaison with other researchers, industry practitioners and/or the community, either working on similar projects or with expertise required for the project, as may be appropriate; and, external presentation of results.
Educational aims
On completion of this topic, students will be able to:
  1. Understand the open research issues in a given area of investigation
  2. Further develop analytical and critical thinking skills appropriate to research
  3. Further develop technical skills relevant to the given area of investigation
  4. Further develop high level writing and communication skills through the writing of reports including a final thesis and the delivery of presentations related to the thesis
  5. Develop project management skills appropriate to research-oriented investigation
Expected learning outcomes
At the completion of this topic, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of discipline fundamentals and research principles, together with mastery of specialist knowledge and familiarity with the research agenda for a particular area
  2. Critically reflect on and interpret existing knowledge, investigate alternatives, and synthesise diverse approaches to generate and evaluate new ideas in a particular research domain
  3. Develop and effectively deliver clear and coherent presentations to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
  4. Write a research thesis that presents complex arguments with maturity and sophistication
  5. Exercise creativity and initiative in developing and executing a research program with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability