Overview
In this unit, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout your Associate Degree to a capstone project. You will manage the project, identify and apply required technical knowledge, develop a project problem definition from a loosely formed client brief and produce detailed drawings and documentation. You will also review the conduct and management of engineering enterprises based on personal work experience and reflect on the engineering design process and project management and their role in it. You will operate in an ethical manner, communicate effectively, and provide evidence of professional conduct and a commitment to lifelong learning. Note: You may make this project part of your compulsory minimum of six weeks of work experience required before graduation.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Students must have completed 72 credit points.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from In class discussion
Individual discussions on the potential project ideas at the start of the term helped develop the project.
This practice should be continued.
Feedback from In class discussion
More resources for literature review and methodology development will be helpful.
The next delivery should provide more resources for the literature review and methodology development.
Feedback from In class discussion
Assessments 1 and 2 helped for the gradual development of the project report.
This practice should be continued.
- Apply and reflect on Engineers Australia's Stage One Competencies for Engineering Associates to the planning and implementation phases of engineering projects
- Prepare a project scope that includes a project definition, identification of project stakeholders and expected milestones and deliverables
- Research critical areas of your project and identify the tasks required for the implementation phases, including the application of appropriate technical capability developed in preceding units of study
- Implement the project plan prepared in the planning phase in consultation with and guidance from your project adviser(s)
- Prepare professional project documents that convey the processes and outcomes of the project
- Communicate your project outcomes to project adviser(s), other stakeholders, and the wider community.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Engineering Associates in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Intermediate
1.2 Procedural-level understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the practice area. (LO: 3I 5I)
1.4 Discernment of engineering developments within the practice area. (LO: 2I 3I 4I 5I)
Advanced
1.1 Descriptive, formula-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the practice area. (LO: 1A 3A)
1.3 In-depth practical knowledge and skills within specialist sub-disciplines of the practice area. (LO: 2A 3A 4A 5A)
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the practice area. (LO: 2A 3I 4I)
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the area of practice. (LO: 2A 3I 4I 5I)
2.1 Application of established technical and practical methods to the solution of well-defined engineering problems. (LO: 1A 3A 4A)
2.2 Application of technical and practical techniques, tools and resources to well-defined engineering problems. (LO: 1A 3I 4A)
2.3 Application of systematic design processes to well-defined engineering problems. (LO: 1A 4I)
2.4 Application of systematic project management processes. (LO: 1A 2A 3A 4A)
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 1A)
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 1A 2A 5A 6A)
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 1A)
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 1A 4A)
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 1A 4A)
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. (LO: 1A 2I 4I)
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 10% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||
| 3 - Portfolio - 70% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.narayanan@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Week 1 Introduction
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Introduction of the unit structure and main activities
2. Introduction of the assessment items
3. Project Idea development
Module/Topic
Week 2 Project Proposal
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Engineering Associate Project flow diagram
2. How to structure a research proposal
3. Start preparing Assignment 1: Project Proposal
Module/Topic
Week 3 Project Gantt Chart
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Project report structure and template
2. Database for literature review and reference style
3. Submission of Project Proposal
Project Proposal Due: Week 3 Friday (1 Aug 2025) 11:50 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Week 4 Literature Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. How to conduct a literature review
2. CQU guide for literature review
3. Proper use of AI chat-box for proof-reading
Module/Topic
Week 5 Project Methodology
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Research approach and methodology
2. Risk assessment template
3. Focus on Assignment 2: Literature Review and Project Methodology
Module/Topic
Break Week
Chapter
Break Week
Events and Submissions/Topic
Break Week
Module/Topic
Week 6 Project Implementation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Project implementation process
2. Submission of Review of literature review and research methodology
Literature Review and Project Methodology Due: Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:50 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Week 7 Checking Project Schedule
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Project flowchart and technical framework
2. Project milestone and working package
Module/Topic
Week 8 Project Implementation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Data processing and analysis
2. Diagram and table generation
3. Project report template
Module/Topic
Week 9 Project Finalization
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Discussions and conclusions
2. Review of project implementation
Module/Topic
Week 10 Project Report
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Focus on completing the Project report
Module/Topic
Week 11 Stage 1 Competencies
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. EA Stage 1 competency reports
Module/Topic
Week 12 Video Presentation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1. Video presentation preparation
2. Preparation for Assignment 3 - Portfolio (Project Report + Video Presentation + Reflective Report)
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
You must submit a project proposal following the format provided on Moodle. You must include project title, background, rationale, aims & objectives, duration, EA competencies, preliminary budget, stakeholders and resources required for the project.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time.
Week 3 Friday (1 Aug 2025) 11:50 pm AEST
Week 5 Friday (15 Aug 2025)
Assignments will be returned after two weeks from submission
A marking rubric will be provided on Moodle that includes indicators of attainment at the ‘Sound’, ‘Good’ and ‘Excellent’ levels for all aspects of the assignment such as the project title, background, rationale, aims & objectives, duration, EA competencies, preliminary budget, and stakeholders and resources.
- Prepare a project scope that includes a project definition, identification of project stakeholders and expected milestones and deliverables
2 Written Assessment
Prepare a literature review and project methodology suitable for your project in consultation with project stakeholders. Check Moodle for further guidance, especially the CQU Library guide for Literature Reviews.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time
Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:50 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (12 Sept 2025)
Assignments will be returned after two weeks from submission date
This assessment will be marked on the criteria such as accuracy and clarity of the written document, quality, quantity and reliability of references used for the literature review, reliability of information, and appropriateness of the project methodology. A marking rubric will be provided to the student in Moodle.
- Research critical areas of your project and identify the tasks required for the implementation phases, including the application of appropriate technical capability developed in preceding units of study
3 Portfolio
The portfolio should have the following compulsory items in this unit:
1. Project Report
2. Video Presentation
3. Reflective paper on your attainment of the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies for Engineering Associate
Please refer to the unit Moodle site for detailed information on the above submissions.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
This assessment is exempted from the 72-hour submission grace period and must be completed by the stated submission date/time
Review/Exam Week Monday (13 Oct 2025) 11:50 pm AEST
Assignments will be returned after two weeks from the submission date.
The following assessment criteria shall apply (refer to the unit Moodle site for a comprehensive guide to the assessment criteria):
1. Project Report (50% Weighting) - The report should capture all the elements of the work that have been undertaken during the term. It should be presented in the prescribed format and follow all relevant guidelines stipulated on the unit Moodle site.
2. Video Presentation (10% Weighting) - The video must summarise the project work - aims & objectives, approach and methodology, main results and outcomes achieved.
3. Reflective report (10% Weighting) - The report must describe how you have attained the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies for Engineering Associate.
Refer to the Unit Moodle site for more details about the Assessment Criteria.
- Apply and reflect on Engineers Australia's Stage One Competencies for Engineering Associates to the planning and implementation phases of engineering projects
- Prepare a project scope that includes a project definition, identification of project stakeholders and expected milestones and deliverables
- Research critical areas of your project and identify the tasks required for the implementation phases, including the application of appropriate technical capability developed in preceding units of study
- Implement the project plan prepared in the planning phase in consultation with and guidance from your project adviser(s)
- Prepare professional project documents that convey the processes and outcomes of the project
- Communicate your project outcomes to project adviser(s), other stakeholders, and the wider community.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
