This course is the introductory course for the R&D major which BE (R&D) students have to complete. The course introduces students to some fundamentals of research methodology, and gives students first hand experience by having them carry out a small research project, under close supervision by a member of academic staff.

The course comprises a series of lectures which cover the following topics: How to define a research problem; writing a research paper and report; how to give a seminar; the use of search tools and databases to find relevant literature; scientific methods in practice; design of an experiment.

Students complete an individual research project which requires them to carry out background reading and literature review, and to prepare a research report and give a seminar at the end of the course.

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

Two assignments, worth 15% each.  The project assessment is worth 70% and consists of the project report (65%), a seminar (15%) and other assessment items jointly agreed on by the student and supervisor prior to project commencement (20%).

A research project with a time commitment of approximately 90 hours, and two assignments with a time commitment of approximately 20 hours each.  The projects take into account the student's background and the stage of their degree.

Students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor on a regular basis (at least once a week).

Academic program BEng(R&D) 4714 or BEng(R&D)/BSc 4715

Course page http://eng.anu.edu.au/study/currentstudents/courses