Course coordinator
Associate Professor Italo Onederra
Please contact course coordinator to arrange consultation.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (01/04/2025 - 30/09/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 8
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
A major investigation or research project or a significant design task in industry, UQ or another university/research institute that integrates factors encountered in real life industry or research projects. Please note: This course falls outside the regular semester dates. Students are required to undertake a placement of up to 24 weeks in duration. This course is restricted to BE(Hons)/ME students in all fields. Students need to contact EAIT Employability (employability@eait.uq.edu.au) to make arrangements for suitable placements in the semester prior to their required placement semester.
A major investigation or research project or a significant design task:
- In industry that integrates technical, commercial and other factors, or
- Within a university or research organisation (UQ or at another approved institution in Australia or overseas).
This will include an assessment of the risk associated with the project including the conduct of the project. Projects must be approved prior to enrolment. This course is available only to students undertaking the integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)ﾠ and Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)/ME) and ME Urban Water Engineering (Professional) programs.
Note that ENGG7293ﾠis not the appropriate platform for self-supervised and or entrepreneurial projects (e.g. self-employment or 'start-up' activities).ﾠ
Extended Semester & Graduation Implications:ﾠ
ENGG7293 ﾠhas an extended semester and runs outside of a typical semester. Students are encouraged to avoid enrolling in a placement course in their final semester as this may delay their graduation.
Intellectual Property:
Intellectual Property created by students during the period of enrolment in this thesis course will be treated in accordance with the University's Intellectual Property policyﾠ and the associated procedures .
Confidentiality:
Prior to the commencement of the project, check with your industry supervisor(s) to see if there will be any confidentiality requirements for the thesis. Note that academics not involved in the project will examine the thesis and this needs to be recognised and acknowledged by the research partner. Unless an agreement is in place otherwise, theses will also be posted on a University website.
If your industry advisor indicates that the thesis should be kept confidential for some period of time, the University has an "EAIT Thesis Placement Agreement" for this purpose. Should this be required, please refer to the "Confidentiality of thesis" instructions online here: ﾠhttp://www.mechmining.uq.edu.au/mech-mining-thesis-enrolment.ﾠ
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CHEE7104 or CHEE7105 or CHEE7106 or CHEE7107 or CHEE7108 or CHEE7109 or ENGG7280 or ENGG7281 or ENGG7282 or ENGG7820 or ENGG7830 or ENGG7290 or ENGG7291 or ENGG7292 or METR7820 or METR7830
Restrictions
Contact the EAIT Employability team on employability@eait.uq.edu.au to discuss your placement opportunities. The team will liaise directly with the School to finalise your thesis enrolment.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Aims and outcomes
This course will assist your transition to becoming a responsible professional or research engineer through conducting a complete engineering project in which you integrate engineering skills acquired throughout your engineering program.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use a project brief from industry or a research lab to identify a problem, its associated risks and opportunities, and to formulate a solution.
LO2.
Locate and evaluate relevant literature and prior art; locate, access, select and use technical and commercial information from various sources; relate prior knowledge to the problem to identify how it can best be applied to tackle the problem.
LO3.
Gather and analyse data or elicit requirements, and develop concepts.
LO4.
Select and apply appropriate research or design methods and be able to draw conclusions based on evidence and argument.
LO5.
Maintain professional standard records; use the means provided on a regular basis to create a thorough record of ideas, plans, discussion, decisions etc. and to reflect on progress made and milestones reached.
LO6.
Use appropriate conventions to communicate the information in reports and presentations.
LO7.
Identify critical aspects of professional behaviour within the professional context and conduct yourself accordingly.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Project Proposal | 10% |
4/06/2025 4:00 pm |
| Performance, Placement | Workplace Feedback and student reflection | 10% |
2/07/2025 - 17/09/2025
Due Wednesday 2 July 16:00 and Wednesday 17 September 16:00. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Reflection |
Progress review presentation and evidence of final report drafting
|
15% |
Meeting with advisory team within the week of 14/07/2025 - 18/07/2025 Required documentation at 4:00pm on 21/07/2025 |
| Presentation | Oral Presentation | 10% |
5/09/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Final Report | 55% |
22/09/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Project Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
4/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Submit a Project Proposal outlining what the project is about and what is planned to be achieved. In this proposal, also identify the risks to successful completion of the project. A possible structure of the proposal is:
- Title and supervisory team structure
- Introduction - briefly outline the background to the project and establish the context in which the proposed research is to be undertaken.
- Goals - clearly identify the aim(s) of the project. This may be in the form of one or two major goals and sub-goals.
- Methodology technical tasks and timeline - identify the proposed steps that will be undertaken to complete the project.
- Expected outcomes - if everything went according to the proposed plan, identify the outcomes that would be expected from the project.
- Risks - identify the risks to successful completion of the project.
- References - list the papers/reports referenced in the Proposal. A bibliography (a list of relevant papers/reports that are not referenced in the text) may also be included.
The expected length of the Project Proposal is 10-15 pages. Writing in a clear, concise form is an important professional skill.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit 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.
To facilitate timely feedback to students.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on a SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Workplace Feedback and student reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Performance, Placement
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
2/07/2025 - 17/09/2025
Due Wednesday 2 July 16:00 and Wednesday 17 September 16:00.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L07
Task description
A combined Workplace Feedback Form and Student Reflection are to be completed at two points during the placement: mid-placement and the end of the placement.
This assessment will model a workplace performance review and will allow for direct oral feedback between the student and the workplace supervisor.
More details on the submission will be available on Blackboard.
Note that the workplace feedback forms must be signed by your industry placement supervisor to be considered.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Ensure that the provided PDF templates are completed and signed by your industry placement supervisor.
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.
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.
Progress review presentation and evidence of final report drafting
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Meeting with advisory team within the week of 14/07/2025 - 18/07/2025
Required documentation at 4:00pm on 21/07/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
The objective of this assessment is to evaluate your progress and ensure you are on track to meet the project's final deliverables. It also provides an opportunity for your supervisory team to give feedback and for you to reflect on it while discussing a plan moving forward.
This assessment item consists of two components as outlined below:
1. Progress Presentation
You will need to organise a one-hour meeting with your supervisory team within the dates outlined in the electronic course profile (ECP) and deliver a 30-minute presentation outlining progress on your project. The presentation should include the following components:
- Project background and objectives
- Summary of methodology.
- Preliminary results, analysis and challenges.
- Timeline and plans for remaining tasks.
In this presentation, you will highlight the milestones achieved so far, identify any challenges or hurdles encountered, and discuss strategies to address them. Additionally, you will justify any changes made to the project plan, if applicable. Following the presentation, the supervisory team will provide feedback on progress, offering suggestions for improvement, as well as guidance for the successful completion of the project and final report.
2. Evidence of final report drafting process
During this meeting you will also need to demonstrate that you have begun writing your final report with evidence of a draft of the initial chapters or sections of your report, this may include but not limited to an introductory chapter, where the research problem, objectives, and significance are introduced, and a review or technical background or prior art where applicable.
Submission requirements:
You are required to submit a single PDF document with your name and student number by the due date specified in the course ECP that includes the following:
- A copy of your presentation
- A summary of feedback provided by the supervisory team with a short reflection on the feedback and how this will inform your actions moving forward
- A draft structure of your final report
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Presentations may be deferred where a student is unwell or otherwise meets the criteria for deferred assessment for the entire week.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Oral presentations are scheduled based on supervisory team availability.
Oral Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
5/09/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L06
Task description
Students are expected to present their work to peers, academic staff members, and placement supervisors. Online presentations will be scheduled. Students should discuss and review content of presentations in order to avoid disclosing confidential information.
Aim for a talk that is no more than 12 minutes long, which will allow three minutes for questions in the 15-minute slot. It is important that you ensure that your slides are available prior to your session.
A suggested format for the presentation is as follows:
- Title Slide
- Introduction: Context and Aim of Placement
- Technical Background: Review of the Literature and or State-of-the-Art
- Project Methodology and Management: Technical Approach, Resource Requirements
- Discussion of Project Outcomes and Results
- Conclusions and Recommendations
- Acknowledgments
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct
Submission guidelines
Presentations are conducted virtually.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Presentations are scheduled for presentation in the presence of peers, academic staff members, and placement supervisors.
Final Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
22/09/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
At the conclusion of the placement the student will submit a Final Report documenting the outcomes of the project. This report should serve as a reference document for UQ and for the placement hosts.
The report format is flexible, but the following is one possible structure:
- Title Page
- Cover Letter – confidential or non-confidential, including a statement of originality (refer to templates on Blackboard)
- Executive Summary – concise 1 page summary of project outcomes (could be read as a standalone document)
- Acknowledgements
- Table of Contents
- List of Figures
- List of Tables
- Introduction – placement context and business/academic driver for the project
- Technical Background – review of foundational principles, relevant literature, and/or state-of-the-art
- Project Description – aim, objectives, scope, methodology, and deliverables
- Results and Analysis – critical summary of project findings
- Conclusions and Recommendations of future work
- References
- Appendix A – summary of project timeline, risk analysis, and opportunities
- Appendix B – As required
The body of the report should not need to exceed 50 pages (excluding appendices).
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
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. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit 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.
In general, extensions will NOT be given for the submission of the Final Report unless there are very exceptional circumstances - e.g. major illness or incapacity lasting two weeks or longer in the four weeks before the due date. You should have a near-complete draft of your thesis finished at least two weeks prior to the due date and should be prepared to submit this on time with your application for an extension.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on a SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
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.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates little ability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem. Student does not submit ﾠall written assessments and does not participate ﾠin the oral presentation. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates only limited ability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem. Student does not submit ﾠall written assessments and does not participate ﾠin the oral presentation. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates some ability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem, however this is not applied consistently throughout the project. Student does not submit ﾠall written assessments and does not participate ﾠin the oral presentation. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate ability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem. Student submits ﾠall written assessments and participates ﾠin the oral presentation. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates good ability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem. Student submits ﾠall written assessments and participates ﾠin the oral presentation. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates excellent ability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem. With only minor additional work, the work presented in the final report is of a standard suitable for publication in a good professional journal. Student submits ﾠall written assessments and participates ﾠin the oral presentation. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates outstandingﾠability in applying engineering principles to a substantial engineering problem. The work presented in the final report is of a standard suitable for publication in a good professional journal. Student submits ﾠall written assessments and participates ﾠin the oral presentation. |
Additional course grading information
Students must submit ﾠall written assessments and participate ﾠin the oral presentation to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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
The Library runs a number of information sessions that are useful for research. They also have some online modules. Check the current schedule:
Student Services runs some excellent workshops (some can be done online), such as sessions on "Thesis Writing". These are recommended:
Log in to StudentHub to view the workshop calendar and book into workshops:
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 |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Placement |
Research, analysis, design During this time students will be conducting projects in allocated settings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
General contact hours |
Progress reviews and meeting advisory team Students will interact with their advisory team and present progress at agreed intervals. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 23 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Workshop |
Student Presentations Students will give oral presentations to their peers and academic staff. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
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.