Research Project

Unit code: NEC4901 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
48
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
Completion of at least 288 credit points of NHEC
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit, you will undertake independent research in a specialised area of engineering, developing critical research, analytical, and professional skills essential for engineering practice. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you will formulate a research question, conduct an in-depth study, and apply engineering principles to address contemporary challenges in their field.



Research will include comprehensive literature reviews, data analysis, and, where applicable, experimental or field-based investigations. Those conducting fieldwork must demonstrate a strong understanding of ethical research practices.


To support the successful management and execution of their research, you will integrate key project management elements, including planning, time management, risk assessment, and milestone tracking. The research culminates in a thesis, demonstrating rigorous analysis, synthesis of findings, and evidence-based conclusions that contribute to engineering knowledge and practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically review and synthesise literature relevant to the proposed engineering project, identifying established knowledge, current challenges, and potential areas for further investigation.
  2. Analyse complex engineering problems by applying methodologies to interpret, integrate, and contextualise advanced technical data;
  3. Justify research design through clear problem definition, hypothesis formulation, and methodologically sound approaches aligned with ethical and professional standards;
  4. Validate data collection and analysis techniques using appropriate engineering principles to derive reliable, evidence-based conclusions;
  5. Plan and implement an independent engineering research project, demonstrating professional judgement, accountability, and ethical research conduct; and
  6. Distil and present research findings effectively, using persuasive communication techniques to convey technical concepts and conclusions to an academic and professional audience.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 20%
Research project proposal including objectives, methodology, project management plan, and risk analysis. (Individual) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Research symposium presentation (Individual) (10mins)
Assessment type: Research Thesis
|
Grade: 50%
Final thesis presenting original research findings, critical analysis, and professional recommendations. (Individual) (8000 words)

Report: The research project proposal is secured through staged progressive submissions, in-person milestone discussions, and a professional conversation verifying the student’s independent development of objectives, methodology, project management planning, and risk analysis. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process.

Presentation: The research symposium presentation is secured through a formal panel presentation and unpredictable Q&A, requiring students to orally defend their research objectives, methodology, findings, and implications, demonstrating independent scholarly and professional judgement.

Research Thesis: The thesis is secured through progressive milestone submissions, regular supervisor interviews, and a final professional conversation requiring students to defend the originality, methodology, data integrity, and implications of their research work. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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