This course is one of a suite of research and development courses designed for the BE (R&D) program. These courses are varying length and are offered at different stages of the degree program and are essentially stand-alone research projects. ENGN3712 is a 12 unit research course designed to complement the student's basic research skills through non-trivial research work in an area chosen by the student.

To instil an ability to undertake independent and life-long learning through investigative research methodologies in an area chosen by the student.

After successfully completing this subject the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an improved ability to communicate in relation to an engineering project in oral, written and graphical forms.
2. Demonstrate an improved ability to use an active approach to learning and to undertake reflective professional practice.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of the existence of technological choices.
4. Make appropriate technological choices based on a consideration of design criteria
5. Design and conduct experiments, devise appropriate measurements, analyse and interpret data and form reliable conclusions
6. Demonstrate an ability to undertake and manage a research project of significant size and scope;
7. Demonstrate awareness of the importance of documenting all aspects of the development of an engineering project of significant magnitude;
8. Have an appreciation of the need to pitch any communication item (e.g., thesis, seminar) appropriately for the audience;
9. Understand the importance of careful communication of technical ideas so that others can effectively use them;
10. Understand the different skills required for different forms of written technical communication such as an abstract and a full thesis;
11. Time management
12. Ability to Carry out literature searches and some ability to critically evaluate literature
13. Understanding of process of identifying and formulating research problem; planning and implementing specific research tasks (simulation/experiment) and communicating outcomes