451-450 Research Project

Upon completion of this subject students should have developed skills in research, communication and writing by either individual or group investigation of a research topic and the subsequent preparation of a report; received experience in working independently or in groups on a project; and developed skills in planning, executing and managing a project.

The subject will include supervised individual or group discussions, individual or group investigation and experimental work, project management, and preparation and presentation of a final project report. This subject is considered the culmination of the educational experience within the undergraduate degree program in the Department of Geomatics. The project is designed to consolidate a range of skills which are considered essential in the development of a successful professional.

• ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals

• ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

• understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

• understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

• openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom

• profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship

Four short literature reviews (250 words each and 10% total), a literature synthesis (1000 words 7%), peer review of draft proposals (800 words 8%) and a full research proposal (2000 words - 15%) are completed in the first semester. A poster (10%) and paper (6000 words - 50%) are required at the end of second semester.