Course coordinator
Professor Lianzhou Wang
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Challenging project under the supervision of industry and academic experts in the fields of chemical, biological, environmental, materials, and metallurgical engineering. The tools of research, i.e. surveying literature, designing and running experiments, modelling results and possible outcomes, etc., are used to investigate a particular topic or problem. Projects can range from fundamental research to proposing solutions to issues of immediate industry or community concern. Students commencing Thesis Project in sem 1 enrol in CHEE4026 for sem 1 and sem 2; students commencing in sem 2 enrol in CHEE4027 for sem 2 and the following sem 1.
This course involves a research thesis conducted by you under the general guidance of an academic advisor over two semesters. This is a research project, which could be experimental or computational. ﾠ
Why do a Research Project/Research Thesis?
Conducting a Research Project/Research Thesis is a fantastic opportunity to pursue a piece of work that is your own. It allows you to go a little bit more in-depth into a topic, helping you to stand out in job applications within a very competitive market. Students often list their project on their CV and it has helped many get the jobs they seek. Several graduate engineers have highlighted how this course actually got them job-ready and into a position where they could deliver to their new employer.
During the course, you will have the opportunity to develop valuable research skills, which may include: reviewing scientific literature, using advanced scientific equipment, performing experiments and engineering processes.ﾠ
It will also allow you to develop and demonstrate your critical thinking; a key skill requirement in the engineering profession. It provides a great opportunity to demonstrate your job readiness to potential employers.
Students completing a four-unit project can also claim hours for their Engineering professional practice.
To find a project, please see the project selection guidelines below.
Project selection
You have three options when selecting a project:
- Choose from listed projects on the ﾠEAIT Student website and email potential supervisor. (Note, this is not a complete list of projects available and academics may continue uploading projects)
- If none of the listed projects are of interest, then consult School web pages and approach individual academics in research areas you are interested in. Should you be interested in any particular academic's research, you should enquire directly to them if they have a project.
- You may also create your own project, but must approach an academic to supervise you.
For a guide on the research covered by UQ Chemical Engineering, including relevant contacts for particular areas that may interest you, go to the Research Page of the School website.
Another useful source to discover the research at UQ and the School of Chemical Engineering is ﾠUQ Researchers database. This can be searched with keywords of areas of interest, or with a researcher's name to get more information on their research.
It is possible to do projects led out of different Schools at the University with permission from the coordinator.
How to apply
For any project, you must gain permission from the supervising academic and complete an Assignment of Topic Form (available on ChemEng website) - prior to the beginning of semester (submission by email is acceptable). Please include the following information in the email and upload the completed form as attachment in the email to the course coordinator Prof. Lianzhou Wang at l.wang@uq.edu.au. Once your form has been approved, the School will provide you with permission to enrol.
- Student name
- Student number
- Name of UQ Academic Supervisor (Cc in your supervisor)
- Project title
Read the guidelines in this course profile. Note there are several versions of this course:ﾠ
4006 – 2 unit thesis (Sem 1 only)
4007 – 2 unit thesis (Sem 2 only)
4026 – 4 unit across year (starting Sem 1)
4027 – 4 unit across year (starting Sem 2)
Confidentiality
If your thesis is to remain confidential for a period of time, include an accompanying Confidentiality Submission Letter cover page (DOCX, 22.5 KB)ﾠ in your final report. This letter is normally located in the report immediately after the title page and before the abstract.
If your thesis does not need to remain confidential, use the ﾠNon-Confidential Submission Letter cover page (DOCX, 24.3 KB).
Any queries, please contact:
Course Coordinator: Professor Lianzhou Wang, l.wang@uq.edu.au
Chemical Engineering Enquiries: studentenquiries@chemeng.uq.edu.au
Assesment
At the end of the year, the student will submit a project report in the form of a thesis that will be read and assessed by the supervisor and a nominated examiner. A short seminar abstract (for publicising presentation) and an oral presentation of about 15 min (~10 min presentation and 5 min questions) will also be required that will be assessed. There will also be an interim assessment in the first semester of the course (report and seminar).ﾠ
All students are expected to provide an electronic version of their thesis report.ﾠ
Intellectual Property:
Intellectual Property created by students during the period of enrolment in the thesis course will be treated in accordance with the ﾠ4.30.01 Intellectual Property Policy. The main clause is:ﾠ Students other than HDR candidates
The University does not assert ownership of IP created by students other than HDR candidates. However, it is acknowledged that some students (in particular honours students or postgraduate course work students with a research component) may collaborate with external entities on research projects. If there is potential for IP to be created, the University expects students to assign IP that the student may create to the University before project commencement. If the project does result in the creation of IP, students other than HDR candidates will be treated as HDR candidates per the Intellectual Property Procedures.ﾠ
However, it is suggested that you discuss IP with your advisor and assign any IP associated with the research projects/thesis to the university to be consistent with HDR students, as outlined here: ﾠhttps://study.uq.edu.au/admissions/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/intellectual-property.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This depends upon the specific topic chosen, but in general one should have undertaken the normal chemical engineering course work for the first six semesters.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Permission of Head of School.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE4006, CHEE4007, CHEE4027, MINE4205, MINE4206, MINE4216
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Haijiao Lu
Professor Lianzhou Wang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The contact hours need to be arranged between the students and their thesis supervisors. The students are strongly advised to have regular meetings with their supervisors to enable them to monitor, critique and advise on the students’ progress. The expectation is that students meet with their supervisors regularly and that typically students spend about 10 hours per week (per 2-unit) working on the project. The supervisors often co-supervise students with their postdoctoral researchers and Higher Degree Research students who can work more closely with students in the laboratory and provide advice and guidance in a timely manner. However, it is recommended that students arrange to meet with their thesis supervisors at least fortnightly.ﾠ
Lecture/workshop: There will be a lecture in the first/second week of the semester to go through: expectations of course, OHS, ﾠresearch methodology, report writing, presentation skills, etc. as well as highlighting the value of scientific research from an academic and industry perspective. There will be a second lecture in Week 8 or 9 in the semester focusing on thesis writing, presentation skill and assessment.
Seminar Day:ﾠ Presentations will be held during exam period and students will be required to attend and ask questions during the entire session (up to 4 hours) in which they present.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to stretch and develop student's problem solving and creative thinking abilities by exposing them to an open-ended research oriented problem. It also provides an opportunity for the motivated student to further enhance these skills in a situation where self-motivation is an added requirement.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Personal management: Manage his or her priorities and make decisions/judgements in handling open ended problems.
LO2.
Written and verbal technical communication skills: Communicate effectively through written reports as well as through verbal presentation the results of a project.
LO3.
Problem solving: Exercising critical thinking in solving a research problem.
LO4.
Scientific method: Adopt the scientific method (review, hypothesis, test, evaluation) in solving open ended problems.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | OHS | PASS/FAIL |
5/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Project | Project Execution | 15% |
Throughout Semester 1 and 2 Submission not required |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Interim Report | 10% |
9/06/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Thesis | Asbtract and Thesis Report | 60% |
Abstract PASS/FAIL 21/10/2025 4:00 pm Thesis Report 60% 10/11/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination | Exam During Exam Period (School) | 15% |
Second End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
OHS
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- PASS/FAIL
- Due date
5/03/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L04
Task description
- Anyone undertaking a practical component must complete the UQ Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
- In addition, most practical components will be in research laboratories (as opposed to teaching laboratories) or working in pilot plant facilities, which require additional safety requirements that includes attendance at a specific laboratory induction/training session. This advice will be provided as required. This must be done and local induction forms signed before any experimental work is conducted.
- Please consult with your supervisor what inductions you are required to complete.
- Please see Section 2.10.04 of the PPL in relation to UQ Health and Safety Responsibilities.
Submission guidelines
Submitted online on UQSafe.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Project Execution
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Throughout Semester 1 and 2 Submission not required
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Project Execution 1 - 7.5%: Arrange regular planned meetings with supervisor (e.g. weekly meetings to discuss progress). To assist you in undertaking the thesis you should have regular, scheduled meetings with your supervisor. These meetings will provide you with advice and feedback on your progress. To efficiently use the time during the meetings, it`s highly recommended that the students bring an agenda with specific questions of the project, take notes and develop clear actions lists for project execution.
The assessment by your supervisor will partly be based on your progress through the year as monitored through these meetings. Lack of communication with your supervisor may lead to a low mark regardless of the quality of the Final Report submission.
Make sure your peruse the marking sheet early in the project so you know what you are being assessed against.
The following is a suggested guide to this assessment:
1. Self Appraisal - It is encouraged that students make a 'self-assessment' at the end of term, using the same marking sheet, and provide this to their supervisor.
2. The student and supervisor discuss the students self-appraisal and overall progress, and consider ways-of-working in the next term.
3. The supervisor submits their own assessment to the course coordinator (usually during the 2nd week of exam period).
I encourage this process to be followed and that the final assessment is discussed with the student, but this is at the supervisors' discretion.
The Project Execution will be graded by the supervisors, evaluating the following aspects:
- The ability of student to start the project
- The ability of student to plan and manage the project
- The ability to analyse and interpret results
- The quality of the outcomes
Project Execution 2 - 7.5%: Arrange regular planned meetings with supervisor (e.g. weekly meetings to discuss progress). To assist you in undertaking the thesis you should have regular, scheduled meetings with your supervisor. These meetings will provide you with advice and feedback on your progress. The assessment by your supervisor will partly be based on your progress through the year as monitored through these meetings. Lack of communication with your supervisor may lead to a low mark regardless of the quality of the Final Report submission.
Make sure your peruse the marking sheet early in the project so you know what you are being assessed against. Note, this is different from 1st semester project execution.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Interim Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Each student must write a progress report which clearly defines the thesis topic, presents a review of relevant background material and an assessment of the impact of previous work on the current project. Importantly, the progress report should state the purpose, aims, coverage and relevance of the project and a project plan for its completion. All background and related material should be appropriately referenced and appear in the reference list. The report should demonstrate the initiative and abilities of the student in preparing the progress report, in particular initiative, creativity and problem solving skills.
The Report format is flexible but the following is expected to be included:
- Thesis Title and Abstract
- Draft Table of Contents for the Final Report
- A literature review with an appropriate list of references
- A short description of the work conducted in the 1st semester
- Research Plan for the 2nd semester
There are no page limits per se, but long reports are not recommended for several reasons. As a guide, the Interim Report should be around 10-20 pages.
Note, it is expected that much of the text from the interim report will be used in, or adapted for, the final report.
What to submit
Students are required to submit the following:
One (1) electronic version submitted via Turnitin on the course Learn.UQ site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Submission guidelines
Electronic version submitted via Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions for the interim report are capped at 14 days to ensure alignment with the overall course timeline and to maintain fairness for all students. This limit also ensures timely assessment and feedback, which are critical for meeting subsequent academic or graduation deadlines.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Asbtract and Thesis Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Thesis
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
Abstract PASS/FAIL 21/10/2025 4:00 pm
Thesis Report 60% 10/11/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
<200 word Abstract Due 21/10/2025 4pm Weight description: PASS/FAIL
An abstract (see attached template provided on Learn.UQ) to be submitted electronically to the coordinator for assessment and preparation of event notice to the department. The abstract must be no more than 200 words.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Thesis Report Due 10/11/2025 4pm Weight: 60%
Final report describing work conducted during the year and results obtained.
The Final Report is the main assessment component in this course. The contents will depend on the Thesis Topic. It is important that both the breadth and the depth of the Thesis study are presented in the Final Report.
See guidelines for general format and the submission guidelines (available on Learn.UQ). There is no page limit. As a guide, the number of pages (excluding the Appendices) is expected to be in the range 30-40.
Students must pass their lab books or a scanned copy to their supervisor to support their thesis and project execution.
Students are required to submit the following:
- One (1) electronic version submitted via Turnitin on the relevant course on Learn.UQ site.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Submission guidelines
Electronic version to Turnitin on blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The Abstract is required to prepare the formal program for the seminar, so it must be submitted prior to the event. Therefore, the maximum possible extension length is 7 days.
Extensions for the Thesis report are capped at 28 days to ensure alignment with the overall course timeline and to maintain fairness for all students. This limit also ensures timely assessment and feedback, which are critical for meeting subsequent academic or graduation deadlines.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments for the Thesis Report must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Exam During Exam Period (School)
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Second End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The report of the work and results will be orally presented. There will be about 15 minutes per speaker, and students should aim to do a 10 min presentation and there will be ~5 min for questions. Exact timings will depend on the number of students enrolled and a program will be emailed at least a week prior to the seminar day. Students are expected to attend the entire morning or afternoon sessions in which they present and ask questions. The session may last for up to 4 hours.
Location of seminars and session schedule will be advertised to students towards the end of semester.
Typical marking considerations are in the guidelines. Students will be assessed by both their peers and academics who are present at the seminars, provided there are no conflicts of interest.
The seminars will be in person.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 1-19%. Fail: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a pass, and failure to submit all assignments. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 20-44%. Fail: Falls short of satisfying basic requirements for a pass. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 45-49%. Fail: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a pass. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50-64%. Pass: Satisfies all the basic learning requirements for the course, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory in the course. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65-74%. Credit: Demonstrates ability to apply and use fundamental concepts of the subject, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills and some originality and insight. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75-84%. Distinction: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of the subject, such as ability to identify critical issues, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to invent and apply new ideas to new situations. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85-100%. High distinction: Demonstrates imagination, originality, based on proficiency in all learning objectives for the course. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
- Thesis topics: ﾠhttps://student.eait.uq.edu.au/projects/
- Library research information including ‘Assignment Essentials’: ﾠhttps://web.library.uq.edu.au/research-tools-techniques/assignment-essentials/
- Student Services workshops, including ‘Thesis Writing’ and ‘Referencing Correctly and Avoid Plagiarism’: ﾠhttp://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/learning.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
Course introduction, Guidelines, Research Methods A lecture will be provided on the course introduction, guidelines, and research methods. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Lecture |
Report writing, presentation and assessment A lecture will be provided on the report writing, presentation and assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.