Engineering Research Project 1
EEET4000

Year 4, Sem 1 Core Enabling Knowledge and Skills Technical Competence Engineering Application Experience Practical and ‘Hands-on’ Experience Integrated Engagement with Professional Practice

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Code EEET4000
Credits 25
Graduate Attributes

Introduction

Engineering projects play a vital role in preparing future professionals for industry practice, offering a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. These experiences cultivate innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a strong sense of professional responsibility that are key attributes expected of a graduate engineer.

EEET4000 – Engineering Research Project 1 is the first of a two-part capstone project sequence in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering program. This unit marks a significant milestone in the student learning journey, transitioning from structured coursework to independent, project-based learning. It is designed to simulate professional engineering practice by engaging students in the early stages of a research and design project.

Students will undertake an in-depth investigation into an engineering problem, working individually or in small teams under academic supervision. Key activities in this unit include defining the problem, conducting a comprehensive literature review, developing a project plan, identifying technical and contextual requirements, and proposing a methodology or design strategy.

A strong emphasis is placed on the development of sustainable engineering solutions. Students are expected to consider environmental, economic, and social impacts when proposing their approaches, and to demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibilities and the long-term viability of their solutions.

The skills developed in EEET4000, such as research, technical communication, project planning, and critical analysis, form the foundation for the implementation and completion of the project in EEET4001 – Engineering Research Project 2. Together, these units provide a holistic experience that reflects the expectations of the engineering profession and contribute significantly toward meeting the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards, particularly in areas of sustainability, design, and professional conduct.

Unit Learning Outcomes

  • 1 identify, plan and commence a project that leads to the solution of an authentic Electrical engineering problem, GC1, GC2, GC6
  • 2 apply technical knowledge, research, and analytical methods to design and validate solutions for complex engineering problems, demonstrating critical thinking and independent problem-solving, GC1, GC2, CG6
  • 3 develop a project management plan that defines objectives, activities, resources, timeline, and risk assessment, demonstrating effective planning, organisation, and responsibility in achieving project outcomes, GC1, GC4, GC6
  • 4 reflect upon and critically review project work and apply advanced communication skills to convey progress, GC3, GC4, GC6

Course Learning Outcomes

  • 2 Solve complex electrical and electronic engineering problems of industrial and societal significance through the application of discipline-specific and integrated bodies of knowledge, design and sustainability principles
  • 6 Demonstrate lifelong learning habits, teamwork and leadership abilities, and project management skills, and the ability to identify opportunities for career-wide professional growth, necessary for advancing a career in engineering and beyond

Assessment Breakdown

Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback

Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff.

Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback.

The expectations for this unit have been enhanced to strengthen the quality and impact of your Final Year Project. These changes are designed to better prepare you for completing a technically sound and professionally presented project while ensuring you meet all Unit Learning Outcomes.

In response to recent feedback and evolving industry expectations, this offering places greater emphasis on sustainability across all stages of the project, from problem definition to design and evaluation. You are now expected to consider environmental, social, and economic sustainability as part of your engineering decision-making and project deliverables.

These updates aim to provide a more authentic and future-focused learning experience that aligns with professional engineering practice.