Course coordinator
Dr Tony Heynen
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 8
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
Students are required to complete a professional project (4 course equivalence) in their chosen field of study before the end of the third semester. Students will be encouraged to select a suitable project or a dissertation topic upon enrolling, ideally with a suitable industry partner, and to continuously consider their topic throughout the program, adding value from the different courses they undertake.
ENGY7112 is the MSE Professional Project course that spans Semester 1 and Semester 2, sequentially. The course's submissions must represent academic effort attributable to 8 units in total. It is designed to be the culminating experience of the MSE program, with students designing and undertaking self-directed Project work that consolidates and applies the concepts, principles and methodologies learned to date. Students are strongly encouraged to anchor their Project on a focal issue of personal or professional development interest. The rationale behind the Project will be firmly rooted in a current, emerging or forecast challenge facing the energy sector, explored through integrated stakeholder and disciplinary viewpoints.
Permission from the Course Coordinator is required to enrol in this course, usually after completion of all MSE Part A coursework.
Modes of the Professional Project delivery are flexible, enabling students to tailor a Project to their demonstrated strengths and personal and professional development aspirations. Options include:
- An applied research Project involving fieldwork and data collection
- A professional placement Project around an internship or placement in an external organisation or current workplace
- A desktop critical review of a particular energy related issue, and
- Multimedia submissions including videos, posters, pamphlets, phone apps and web sites
Students must negotiate the scope of the Project with the Course Coordinator. Students are required to secure at least one, and preferably two, supervisors prior to submitting the Project Proposal. At least one of these advisors should be a UQ staff member or MSE lecturer. It is up to the student to negotiate with the Supervisor/s their role and responsibilities.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The Professional Project in the Master of Sustainable Energy (MSE) commences following the completion of MSE foundation courses: ENGY7000, ENGY7001, ENGY7002, ENGY7003, ENGY7004, ENGY7117, ENGY7200 and ENGY7301.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Completion of 16 units from MSE core courses towards Master of Sustainable Energy
Restrictions
Restricted to MSE Students.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tony Heynen
Dr Run Zhang
Timetable
Additional timetable information
Course information and resources are available on Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
Through this course, students will be able to conceptualise, develop and execute a project that contributes to critical aspects of the sustainable energy transition, building on the knowledge they have gained in their MSE coursework. In so doing, students will:
- Synthesise and communicate project outcomes appropriate to the relevant audience, and delivered to academic and industry standards;
- Contribute valuable and innovative insights on the complex challenges facing energy stakeholders, including private and government sectors and academic and research institutions.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Knowledge of field - Identify and scope a professional or research area of inquiry, and develop related questions, in a critical area of sustainable energy.
LO2.
Knowledge of field - 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.
Knowledge of field - Conceptualise, develop and implement a methodology to produce results for the Project, delivered to academic and professional standards.
LO4.
Analysis and critical thinking - Collect and analyse data; elicit project requirements and academic concepts.
LO5.
Analysis and critical thinking - Draw conclusions based on evidence and argument in a field of sustainable energy.
LO6.
Analysis and critical thinking - Contextualise outputs relevant to current research and industry practice.
LO7.
Communication - Build professional links and networks with energy practitioners as part of the Project experience.
LO8.
Communication - Produce a written report or other instrument that eloquently communicates integrated, reflective approaches to the sustainable energy challenge.
LO9.
Communication - Deliver an oral presentation at a professional level (similar to an international conference or 'board of directors' briefing).
LO10.
Communication - Confidentially discuss relevant aspects of the Project, and why it matters in the context of the sustainable energy transition, to relevant stakeholders.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Milestone 1: Project Proposal
|
5% Hurdle |
10/03/2025 4:00 pm |
| Project |
Milestone 2: Interim Report
|
10% Hurdle |
25/08/2025 4:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Milestone 3: Oral Presentation
|
15% Hurdle |
16/10/2025
Presentation Schedule TBA. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Milestone 4: Final Report
|
70% Hurdle |
31/10/2025 4:00 pm |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Milestone 1: Project Proposal
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 5% Hurdle
- Due date
10/03/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Please consult the Professional Project Handbook for full details of this assessment task. The Handbook is available from ENGY Integrated Resources on Blackboard, or by emailing the Course Coordinator.
In cases where proposals fail to meet the required standards (as outlined in the Professional Projects Handbook), students will be allowed a week in which to revise the proposal document in response to feedback but with their mark capped at 50%.
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.
Hurdle requirements
To receive a 4 or higher you must pass all Milestones. Failure to pass the Proposal (Milestone 1) or Interim Report (Milestone 2) will result in a grade of 1. Failing both the Presentation (Milestone 3) and the Final Report (Milestone 4) will result in a maximum grade of 2. Failing one of the Presentation or Final Report will result in a maximum grade of 3. A pass mark for all pieces of assessment is 50%.Submission guidelines
Project Proposals are to be submitted via the link on Blackboard.
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.
Milestone 2: Interim Report
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 10% Hurdle
- Due date
25/08/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Please consult the Professional Project Handbook for full details of this assessment task. The Handbook is available from ENGY Integrated Resources on Blackboard, or by emailing the Course Coordinator.
The interim report submission is necessary for the student to demonstrate:
- written progress toward the final project output; and
- effective writing skills for the purpose of communicating reflection and understanding of integrated approaches to energy management principles, theory and concepts.
In cases where Interim Reports fail to meet the required standards (as outlined in the Professional Projects Handbook), students will be allowed a week in which to revise the document in response to feedback but with their mark capped at 50%.
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.
Hurdle requirements
To receive a 4 or higher you must pass all Milestones. Failure to pass the Proposal (Milestone 1) or Interim Report (Milestone 2) will result in a grade of 1. Failing both the Presentation (Milestone 3) and the Final Report (Milestone 4) will result in a maximum grade of 2. Failing one of the Presentation or Final Report will result in a maximum grade of 3. A pass mark for all pieces of assessment is 50%.Submission guidelines
Interim Reports are to be submitted via the link on Blackboard.
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.
Milestone 3: Oral Presentation
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Online
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15% Hurdle
- Due date
16/10/2025
Presentation Schedule TBA.
Task description
Please consult the Professional Project Handbook for full details of this assessment task. The Handbook is available from ENGY Integrated Resources on Blackboard, or by emailing the Course Coordinator.
Students may elect to deliver this presentation and participate in the Q&A via Zoom.
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.
Hurdle requirements
To receive a 4 or higher you must pass all Milestones. Failure to pass the Proposal (Milestone 1) or Interim Report (Milestone 2) will result in a grade of 1. Failing both the Presentation (Milestone 3) and the Final Report (Milestone 4) will result in a maximum grade of 2. Failing one of the Presentation or Final Report will result in a maximum grade of 3. A pass mark for all pieces of assessment is 50%.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.
Milestone 4: Final Report
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 70% Hurdle
- Due date
31/10/2025 4:00 pm
Task description
Please consult the Professional Project Handbook for full details of this assessment task. The Handbook is available from ENGY Integrated Resources on Blackboard, or by emailing the Course Coordinator.
The word limit of the Final Report is 15,000 words.
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.
Hurdle requirements
To receive a 4 or higher you must pass all Milestones. Failure to pass the Proposal (Milestone 1) or Interim Report (Milestone 2) will result in a grade of 1. Failing both the Presentation (Milestone 3) and the Final Report (Milestone 4) will result in a maximum grade of 2. Failing one of the Presentation or Final Report will result in a maximum grade of 3. A pass mark for all pieces of assessment is 50%.Submission guidelines
Final Reports are to be submitted via the link on Blackboard.
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: Fails to pass Project Proposal (Milestone 1) OR fails to pass Interim Report (Milestone 2) OR overall course grade typically < 20%. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Overall course mark between 20-44% OR overall grade >45% but both Presentation (Milestone 3) and Final Report (Milestone 4) failed. Must pass both Project Proposal (Milestone 1) and Interim Report (Milestone 2) to receive a grade of 2 or greater. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Overall course mark between 45-49%, OR overall grade > 50% but Presentation (Milestone 3) or Final Report (Milestone 4) failed. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The candidate has produced a competent and comprehensible Final Report, which satisfies the assessment criteria to the satisfaction of the examiners. Overall course mark between 50-64%. Must pass all milestones to receive a grade of 4 or higher. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The Final Report is judged by the examiners to be of interest, showing competence in the disciplinary areas applied, and with sufficient structure and content to support its approach and findings. Overall course mark between 65-74%. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The candidate has demonstrated creative, adaptive, and proactive behaviour in their Professional Project. The Final Report is original in conception, effectively written and presented, and represents a useful contribution to the relevant area of practice. Overall course mark between 75-84%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Outstanding achievement in all aspects of the Professional Project. The Project demonstrates critical analysis and original insight, understanding of large-scale system processes and interactions between these (ecology, economics, climate, culture, history), the relevance of the 'big picture' to local contexts, and an innovative response to the specific research problem. Overall course mark >=85%. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Other Supplementary Assessment Information
Supplementary assessment will consist of a resubmission of the failed Milestone.
Students are presented with the assessment criteria at the commencement of the Professional Project.
Two markers are allocated to each student project (one being the supervisor). Each marker should independently assess the submission, providing a mark out of 100 and written feedback.
In cases where grades are significantly different between markers (>10%) the Course Coordinator will provide a third review and mediate a final score in consultation with both markers. The average of the total marks should provide the final mark out of 100 and the ultimate grade for the submission.
Deductions from the overall mark for those submissions significantly over or under the word limit.
e.g. 5% if > or < 500 words; 10% if > or < 1000 words.
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.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| MSE Professional Project Handbook |
Additional learning resources information
Available on Blackboard ENGY Integrated Resources.
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 |
Not Timetabled |
Research and report writing Activities vary according to project scope and delivery mode, and may include field work, industry placements, interviews and surveys, desktop modelling and analysis, software design, and thesis writing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
Presentation session Students will present their Professional Project at a Presentation 'conference' session (schedule TBA). Students are expected to attend the entire session to support their peers, which may also include students undertaking MSE Mini Projects. Learning outcomes: L09, L10 |
Additional learning activity information
Presentation Conference held on Thursday of Week 11
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.