202-301 Industry Project

Completion of 1st and 2nd year of degree, or equivalent.

This subject involves definition and development of an industry-related project, and develops skills in project management, problem-solving and planning and reporting investigations. The topic involves or draws on a planned period of time spent in the workplace or in industry placement, and may be developed in relation to previously or concurrently selected elective subjects, applying the knowledge gained in these subjects to a real resource-based industry investigative problem. The project may address an applied scientific, economic or sociological or managerial topic, and the work will involve close collaboration between student, academic and industry advisers.

Students work interactively with subject coordinators and the class to define their particular project. Each student prepares a short oral presentation on the project proposal, followed by a 5-8 page written proposal that also covers the relevant background. Project execution involves establishing base knowledge in the relevant area; quantification of aspects of the problem; development of suitable investigative strategies and methodologies; and analysis of results or outcomes in a practical context. Students meet weekly as a group (or electronically for those in the workplace) for guided, interactive discussion on their projects. A longer oral presentation is presented at completion, to an audience including institute and industry staff.

Students are also required to attend a series of seminars delivered across the institute on project design, management and communication strategies, including case studies.

Oral presentation of project proposal (10%), written project proposal (20%), individual written thesis of 5000-10 000 words (50%), final oral presentation (20%).