ME603 - Project 1

Credit Points: 20 credit points

Workload: 8 hours

Prerequisite: 4 core units including MN601

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & Objectives

This is a third trimester core unit out of a total of 12 units in the Master of Engineering (Telecommunications) MEng(Tel). This unit addresses the MEng(Tel) course learning outcomes and complements other courses in a related field by developing students’ specialised knowledge in telecommunication networks and applying critical skills in project management and telecommunication equipment such as Emona ET101, TIMS modules, antenna lab and GSM trainer. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/courses/master-engineering-telecommunications.

This unit provides students with grounding in research methods, and approaches to research and project design. It also, together with ME604, constitutes a capstone final year project. Students will work under an assigned project supervisor who will assist in the selection of the project topic. Students spend substantial time on researching, analysing and developing the requirements, project plan and preliminary design for a capstone project. There will be a set of lectures and workshops on topics including research methods and industrial project issues. Students will apply what they have learned during their course to planning and designing a capstone project. Students will analyse requirements and apply research methods relevant to the formulation of the approach to their project.

This unit provides students an opportunity to conception and design based on an engineering project in the relevant area. It gives students the experience of putting into practice the concepts, methods and principles of core units of MEng (Tel), the appropriate use of research methods as well as an ability to apply communication and technical research skills in a realistic situation.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:
a. Conceptualize, develop and apply research methods and analytical, technical, managerial and time-management skills to the analysis and design of a capstone project;
b. Identify and evaluate project management concepts and apply them to a realistic business problem;
c. Research, adapt and apply the knowledge and skills acquired over the core units to design and plan a substantial capstone project;
d. Demonstrate effective communication skills in relation to client, ethical and professional behaviour;
e. Work effectively and efficiently in a team, and write an individual report.

Weekly Topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week Topics
1 Introduction
2 Conducting Systematic Literature Reviews
3 Quantitative Research Methods
4 Qualitative Research Methods
5 Modelling and Simulation methods
6 Prototyping as a Research Tool
7 Industry Speakers
8 Industry Speakers
9 Ethical Designs and Costing of Engineering Projects
9-12 No further lectures/workshops. Students will continue their project work under supervision

Assessment

Assessment Task Release Date Due Date % Learning Outcomes Assessed
Project scope, problem statement, requirements specification (A)
Project scope, problem statement, requirements specification (B)		 Week 1 Week 3
Week 7		 5% 15% a,b
Oral presentation on project plan and preliminary design Week 3 Week 10 20% b,d
Final Report on research undertaken for project planning, and research methods to be used for the next stage of the project Week 5 Week 11 40% c
Reflective Journal Week 1 Week 6 & 12 20% e
TOTALS     100%  

Class Participation Assessment
This unit has class participation as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/aboutus/governance/institute-rules-policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Textbook and Reference Materials

There is no text book. References and/or notes will be provided for the lectures and workshops.
Adopted Reference Style : IEEE

Graduate Attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and Lifelong Learning Ethics Analytical and Problem Solving Cultural and Global Awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.