Course coordinator
Dr Karl Bertling
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Field based project with industry relevance that allow students to apply their previously acquired knowledge, design skills and practices to practical applications. Students completing the course in a single semester enrol in REIT7840.
The purpose of ﾠthe courseﾠis to develop the student's research and problem-solving skills. The course involves the specification, development and evaluation of an individual research project on a specific topic or problem within the broad field of computer science. The student is expected to systematically plan and manage the project, and to clearly present the work and its contribution in context of the current literature and prior art. Detailed information about the course is available from the course website http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis. Students must secure a research project and advisor to be able to do this course. The project database which includes a list of topics and advisors is available on the course website.
Course requirements
Assumed background
All Masters thesis students are assumed to be prepared for this subject by having gained entry to the Masters course. The required academic background is usually specified in a particular project description. Always consult with your potential supervisor regarding specific background requirements for your project.
This course is only one-semester long, whereas typical thesis projects span one year. In general, we only recommend taking a one-semester thesis in exceptional circumstances. For this reason, enrolment will not be permitted until a project is allocated and the supervisor has agreed that the project is suitable for such enrolment. The EECS coursework studies office will permit enrolment when you are signed-up to a suitable project in the project database and the academic supervisor and course coordinator have approved that you be permitted to enrol.
Detailed information about the course, including how to be signed-up to a project, is available from the https://eecs.uq.edu.au/current-students/thesis-coursework-information. Permission to enrol can be requested from the EECS coursework studies office by sending your request to studentenquiries@eecs.uq.edu.au and copying your allocated supervisor.
Restrictions
Students on the Study Abroad program are not permitted to enrol. UQ students will need Head of School permission to enrol.
Course contact
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims at developing problem-solving and project management skills including: research problem formulation, independent research and learning, problem specification and solution and reporting the results of the project.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Formulate a relevant thesis, problem or research question.
LO2.
Devise a set of goals and scope of the research problem and systematically develop a plan for solving the problem.
LO3.
Identify and review appropriate resources associated with a particular problem.
LO4.
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the relevant research or engineering/computing problem employing literature and other resources.
LO5.
Formulate, design, and develop a solution to the selected problem including all aspects of the project like risk and time management, and purchasing.
LO6.
Evaluate the outcomes of the project by means of verbal and written presentation in a scholarly style with appropriate referencing.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial
|
Pass/Fail |
14/03/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Annotated Bibliography
|
Pass/Fail |
14/03/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Project Proposal | 10% |
20/03/2025 3:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Progress Seminar
|
10% |
7/04/2025 - 11/04/2025 |
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Seminar Participation
|
Pass/Fail |
7/04/2025 - 11/04/2025 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Conference Paper | 10% |
15/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Poster and Demonstration
|
20% |
19/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
No later than 4pm Friday (W12) |
| Thesis |
Thesis Report Submission
|
50% |
9/06/2025 3:00 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
UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
14/03/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L06
Task description
Academic integrity underpins all your assessment at UQ. The UQ Academic Integrity tutorial must therefore be completed to pass this course. It is an online tutorial that should take 30-60 minutes. See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/online-academic-integrity-tutorial.
Hurdle requirements
All EECS Thesis Project students must complete the UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial as a pass/fail requirement of the course.Submission guidelines
The tutorial can be accessed on the UQ Library website. It is a University requirement that students complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial before graduation. However, academic integrity is particularly relevant to a thesis project so it's appropriate that student completion of the tutorial is verified early in the project.
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
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Annotated Bibliography
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
14/03/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L06
Task description
See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/annotated-bibliography.
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
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.
Hurdle requirements
Failure to complete this assessment item means the student's overall mark for the course is capped at 49% and the final grade is capped at 3.Submission guidelines
Assignments are to be submitted online via 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
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Project Proposal
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
20/03/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L06
Task description
See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/project-proposal.
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
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
Assignments are to be submitted online via 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.
Progress Seminar
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
7/04/2025 - 11/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/seminar.
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
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
Students present the key content of their research and the progress of their work at a scheduled time. The presented slides must be submitted online to Blackboard.
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.
Seminars replicate a research presentation seminar with an audience of peers and academics that provide feedback on the student research project in the context of a week-long seminar series. It is not possible to replicate this research experience outside of the semester.
If there are exceptional circumstances, students can apply for an exemption but may be required to explain their current draft to their supervisor. Exemptions must be requested as an extension with a note specifying exemption via my.UQ.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Seminar needs to be presented at the scheduled time with the supervisor.
Seminar Participation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Pass/Fail
- Due date
7/04/2025 - 11/04/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L04
Task description
Students must participate in at least five other progress seminars during the week in which their own progress seminar is presented.
Hurdle requirements
Failure to complete this assessment item means the student's overall mark for the course is capped at 49% and the final grade is capped at 3.Submission guidelines
Record each of the seminars you participated in as described in Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
If you fail to participate in at least five other seminars and can demonstrate acceptable grounds for your request, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions must be requested as an extension with a note specifying exemption via my.UQ.
If approved, you will be required to complete a reflective writing assignment on a research seminar to be agreed with the course coordinator. The seminar must be one which you attend and can be a school or other seminar. Your supervisor and/or course coordinator will provide you with the details for this reflective writing assignment item to best fit the type of project you are working on.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Conference Paper
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
15/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/conference-paper.
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
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
Assignments are to be submitted online via 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.
Poster and Demonstration
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
19/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
No later than 4pm Friday (W12)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/poster-demonstration.
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Present your poster and demonstration to your examiner in a scheduled time during the required week. Poster must be submitted online to Blackboard.
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.
The poster and interactive demonstration replicate a research poster presentation with an audience of the examiner and supervisor, peers and academics that provide feedback on the student research project. This feedback is given immediately to allow students to take account of it in their final thesis submission. It is not possible to replicate this interactive demonstration experience outside of the semester.
If there are exceptional circumstances, you can apply for an exemption but may be required to explain their current draft to their supervisor. Exemptions must be requested as an extension with a note specifying exemption via my.UQ.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Poster & Demo needs to be presented at the scheduled time with the examiner.
Thesis Report Submission
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Thesis
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
9/06/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
See http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis/assessment/thesis-final-report.
Generative AI and Machine Translation in Assessment
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Assignments are to be submitted online via 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.
If there are exceptional circumstances, you may apply for an extension. Extensions must be requested via my.UQ.
Students with extenuating circumstances requiring a long extension may be considered and must consult with their supervisor and Course Coordinator prior to submitting an application for extension through my.UQ. Supporting documentation must be attached and should include written support from your supervisor and Course Coordinator..
It is likely students with an approved extension on the Thesis Report submission may not have their grade finalised in time to meet graduation requirements.
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 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: At least one item of work submitted or seminar / demo attempted. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To be awarded a grade of 2, you are required to achieve an overall percentage of 20% or higher. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: To be awarded a grade of 3, you are required to achieve an overall percentage of 45% or higher. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To be awarded a grade of 4, you are required to achieve each of these: - Overall percentage: 50% or higher - Completed the UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial - Passed the Annotated Bibliography - Attended five other seminars - Project Proposal: 40% or higher - Seminar: 40% or higher - Conference Paper: 40% or higher - Demonstration: 40% or higher - Thesis: 40% or higher |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To be awarded a grade of 5, you are required to achieve each of these: - Overall percentage: 65% or higher - Completed the UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial - Passed the Annotated Bibliography - Attended five other seminars - Project Proposal: 40% or higher - Seminar: 50% or higher - Conference Paper: 50% or higher - Demonstration: 50% or higher - Thesis: 50% or higher |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To be awarded a grade of 6, you are required to achieve each of these: - Overall percentage: 75% or higher - Completed the UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial - Passed the Annotated Bibliography - Attended five other seminars - Project Proposal: 40% or higher - Seminar: 50% or higher - Conference Paper: 50% or higher - Demonstration: 50% or higher - Thesis: 50% or higher |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: To be awarded a grade of 7, you are required to achieve each of these: - Overall percentage: 85% or higher - Completed the UQ Academic Integrity Tutorial - Passed the Annotated Bibliography - Attended five other seminars - Project Proposal: 40% or higher - Seminar: 75% or higher - Conference Paper: 75% or higher - Demonstration: 75% or higher - Thesis: 75% or higher |
Additional course grading information
The above table presents the conditions which apply in the awarding of grades in this course. Your overall percentage will be calculated as per the assessment item weights above and then rounded to the nearest whole percent. Your grade will then be the highest grade for which you satisfy all the criteria in the table above. Your percentage mark will then be capped at the highest mark possible for your awarded grade. The course coordinator reserves the right to moderate marks.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Not all of the assessment components of this course may be re-assessed with supplementary assessment. A grade of 3 or N does not guarantee that supplementary assessment may be undertaken for this course, however students may apply.
Refer to my.UQ for how to apply for supplementary assessment.
You will only be eligible for supplementary assessment if the course coordinator determines that there is practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to demonstrate in a reasonable amount of time that you have met the learning objectives for the course. For example, course failure due to poor presentation could result in a supplementary report to be presented. Course failure due to a poorly executed project would not result in supplementary assessment.
Resubmission Opportunity for the Annotated Bibliography
If your annotated bibliography is graded as a fail, then you will be permitted to resubmit the annotated bibliography (once) by a deadline nominated by the course coordinator. If your second submission is graded as a fail, then you will fail the course.
Resubmission Opportunity for the Project Proposal
If your project proposalﾠ mark is less than 40% then you will be permitted to resubmit the proposal (once) by a deadline nominated by the course coordinator. Your proposal mark after resubmission will be capped at 40%. If the mark for your second submission is less than 40% then you will fail the course.
Alternative to Seminar Participationﾠ
If you fail to participate in at least five other seminars, then you will be required to complete a reflected writing assignment on a research seminar to be agreed with your course coordinator. The seminar must be one which you attend and can be a school or other seminar. Your supervisor and/or course coordinator will provide you with the details for this reflective writing assignment item to best fit the type of project you are working on.
Additional assessment information
All students undertake an individual thesis project, hence all assessment items are individually submitted and assessed.
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material you should seek help. Speak to the course teaching staff.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
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
Facilities
A number of labs are made available specifically for the use of thesis students. You should speak to your supervisor about being given access to the appropriate laboratory. Most labs will require proximity card access and you will need to be aware of the Occupational Health and Safety requirements for engineering laboratories and read/acknowledge the relevant risk assessments.
Web
A course website exists at http://www.eecs.uq.edu.au/thesis. The course website contains information about all assessment components and expected deliverables. The project database can be accessed from the course website.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Not Timetabled |
Independent work It is important to remember that you largely drive your thesis. You are responsible for managing your thesis project: generating ideas, working through difficulties, searching for appropriate resources, and completing your project on time. Your supervisor's role should be as an advisor and mentor. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Not scheduled |
General contact hours |
Meetings with thesis supervisor Your thesis supervisor will provide you with guidance to help you complete your thesis. You should meet with your thesis supervisor regularly throughout the project to advise them of your progress and seek guidance on difficulties you are facing. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: