UNIT DESCRIPTION
Master of Engineering (Telecommunications)
MEng(Tel)
ME603 Project 1
Trimester 2, 2018
© Melbourne Institute of Technology
1. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND UNIT WEIGHTING
Prerequisites: 4 core units including MN601
Corequisites: N/A
Credit Points: 20 credit points
Level: Year 2, Core
Workload: Timetabled hours 4 hours/week (lectures or industry workshops and meetings with project supervisor for Weeks 1 to 8) and 1 hour/week (meetings with project supervisor for Weeks 9 to 12)
Teamwork and personal study: 8 hours/week (average for Weeks 1 to 8), 11 hours/week (average for Weeks 9 to 12)
2. STAFF
Unit Moderator: A/Prof Johnson Agbinya jagbinya@mit.edu.au
Unit Coordinator/Lecturer (Melbourne): Dr Amoakoh Gyasi-Agyei agyasiagyei@mit.edu.au
3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
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.
4. 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.
5. 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 are covered in this unit is as follows:
MIT Graduate Attributes Extent of
Attributes
Coverage
Evidence and Notes
Ability to
Communicate The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a range of contexts to achieve high order speaking, listening, reading, writing, numeracy and information technology communication skills. 5
Oral and interpersonal communication skills are refined in weekly meetings with the supervisor. The oral presentation develops oral communication skills. Reading and writing skills are built on in project reports.
Independent and Lifelong
Learning A capacity to be a self-directed learner and thinker and to study and work independently, resulting in continuous learning, resilience, confidence, learning transferable and time management skills and an ability to learn independently. 4
The subject matter of the unit emphasizes the importance of independent and lifelong learning through the study of research methods and the development of a specific research project.
Ethics Awareness, sensitivity, and commitment to ethics and ethical standards in personal, social, business and professional contexts. 2
Ethical issues and standards relating to research are raised during the trimester.
Analytical and
Problem
Solving The ability to collect, analyse and evaluate information and ideas and to solve problems by thinking clearly, critically and creatively to solve problems and issues using established methods of enquiry. 4
Students are required to analyse project requirements, apply research methods, and plan projects.
Cultural and
Global
Awareness An acknowledgment of and respect for: equality of opportunity; individual and social responsibility; and a recognition and appreciation of other cultures and times recognizing the global context of business. 2
Through their study of research methods and project design, cultural and global issues that arise are discussed.
Team work A capacity to relate to, collaborate with, and, where appropriate lead others, and to exchange views and ideas in order to achieve desired outcomes through teamwork, negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership. 4
The project work will be in teams, but the final report is an individual’s responsibility.
Specialist knowledge of a field of study Comprehensive specialist knowledge of
a field of study and defined professional skills ensuring work readiness. 5
Students gain an in-depth understanding of relevant research methods, industrial project issues, and the importance of appropriate project design to solve complex problems.
Legend:
Coding Extent covered
5 The standard 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
4 The standard is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, interpreting documents, tests, examinations
3 The standard 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
2 The standard 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
1 The standard is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this standard
6. CONTENT
This is the first of the two core project units. Each week, students will meet with their project supervisor. In addition, to prepare students for the project, the unit will have lectures and workshops on a number of topics on research methods and industrial project issues. The order of delivery may change depending on the availability of industry speakers to run workshops on industrial project issues.
Week Topic
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
7. TEXT BOOK & REFERENCE READING
• There is no text book. References and/or notes will be provided for the lectures and workshops.
Adopted Reference Style : IEEE
8. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Each student is expected to:
1. Attend all scheduled workshops and complete all prescribed work by the due date.
2. Actively participate via listening in workshops / identifying areas requiring clarification and asking questions in classes to gain clarification.
3. Consistently apply themselves to the course throughout the trimester.
Laboratories and tutorials are specifically designed so that students may gain clarification throughout the trimester. Students risk not gaining the necessary clarification of course material if they delay their study rather than consistently applying themselves throughout the trimester.
9. ASSESSMENT
Assessment Task Release Date Due Date
% Learning Outcomes Assessed
1. Project scope, problem statement, requirements specification Week 2 Week 5
20% a, b
2. Oral presentation on project plan and preliminary design Week 3 Week 10
20% b, d
3. 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
4. Reflective Journal Week 1 Week 6 & 12 20% e
TOTALS 100%
10. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Late assignments / exercises:
Late assignments will be penalised at the rate of 10% per day, that is, an assignment is marked out of 90% for 1 day late, 80% for 2 days late, etc., and after 5 working days assignments will attract zero marks.
Special Consideration:
In the case of serious illness, loss or bereavement, hardship or trauma students may be granted special consideration. A completed Application for Special Consideration (available from the website or academic Reception) and supporting documentation must be submitted directly to the School's Administration Office. This application must be submitted no later than three working days after the due date of the specific piece of assessment or the examination for which the student is seeking Special Consideration. Further information is available at: http://www.mit.edu.au/about-mit/institute-publications/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/special- considerationdeferment
Available Grades:
A list of the available grades, a description of the corresponding required student performance and the required percentages for the unit is also given in the MIT Handbook and the MIT website.
Grade Distribution Table
HD 80% and above
D 70 – 79%
C 60 – 69%
P 50 – 59%
MN 40 – 49%
N 0-39%
11. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
It is important to learn from the work of others and students are encouraged to explore the library, World Wide Web resources and have discussions with other students. However work for assessment must be entirely the student's own work.
Plagiarism can vary from minor lapses in referencing to the use of someone else’s work or ideas passed on as the student’s work without the origin of the material being appropriately referenced to serious breaches such as using someone else’s work as one’s own deliberately, recklessly and/or involving gross negligence.
Plagiarism—copying or using the work of others without giving details of the source of information—is not acceptable. All sources used and any collaboration in the exploratory work for an assignment must be clearly acknowledged using standard academic referencing.
Collusion that is, secret cooperation between people in order to deceive others, is unacceptable. Contract Cheating, a form of collusion which involves employing or passing off work of any other person as the student’s own work (e.g. paying another person to write the assignment), is a serious breach of academic integrity and has heavy penalties.
Students must not allow other students to copy their work and must take care to safeguard against this happening. In cases of copying, normally all students involved will be penalised; an exception will be if a student can demonstrate the work is his/her own and that student took reasonable care to safeguard against copying.
Academic Misconduct is a serious offence. Depending on the seriousness of the case, penalties can vary from a written warning or zero marks to exclusion from the course or rescinding the degree. Students should makes themselves familiar with the full policy and procedure available at:
http://www.mit.edu.au/about-mit/institute-publications/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Plagiarism-AcademicMisconduct-Policy-Procedure
12. ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
Students should note that supplementary information concerning teaching, learning, and assessment may be provided from time to time. In response to unforeseen circumstances this may include changes in times or location of classes, order of the schedule or due dates for assignments. Announcement of these matters in classes and placement of a notice on the officially designated noticeboard shall be deemed to be official notification.
Students are advised to acquaint themselves with the academic regulations regarding progress as outlined in the MIT Handbook and the MIT website.
13. STUDENT SUPPORT
It is recommended that students who have life circumstances or personal limitations that may affect their course of study should refer to the list of Student Services contacts on the official notice board, and to the Special Consideration policy in the Student Handbook.
14. STUDENT FEEDBACK
Students are encouraged to give feedback on each unit whenever it is offered. This is part of MIT’s commitment for continuous improvement and such feedback is valued and acted upon.
15. ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA STAGE 1 COMPETENCIES ADDRESSED IN THIS UNIT
The following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency elements are covered and assessed in this unit:
Competency Element Level Addressed
1. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BASE
1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. 4-5
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. 4-5
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. 3-4
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. 3-4
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. 3-4
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. 3-4
2. ENGINEERING APPLICATION ABILITY
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. 3-4
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. 3-4
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. 4-5
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. 3-4
3. PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. 4-5
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. 4-5
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. 4-5
3.4 Professional use and management of information. 4-5
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. 4-5
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. 3-4
CDIO scale for table (CDIO = Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate)
1. To have experienced or been exposed to
2. To be able to participate in and contribute to
3. To be able to understand and explain
4. To be skilled in the practice and implementation
5. To be able to lead or innovate in