Program Overview

CIVL4091 Civil Engineering Research Thesis B

Unit Description

In this unit, students will conduct the second half of their individual research thesis on a topic in the Civil Engineering discipline. Students will implement the previously developed project plan, conducting experimental and theoretical work to obtain results and analysis presented in the form of a final research thesis. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

General Information

• Unit Convenor: Hazer Inaltekin
• Credit Points: 10
• Prerequisites: 30cp at 4000 level including CIVL4090
• Corequisites: None
• Co-badged Status: None

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Undertake a complex engineering-specific research project.
• Develop new knowledge using appropriate technical and/or laboratory skills, data management, and synthesis, critical analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Communicate research results through an effective written dissertation and oral presentation to a variety of audiences in research fora.
• Produce technical writing and presentations at a standard acceptable in a professional engineering workplace.
• Identify, formulate, and solve complex open-ended civil engineering problems in an ethical manner.
• Apply research principles, research methods, and technical standards to identify and provide solutions to complex problems in civil engineering.

General Assessment Information

Grading and Passing Requirements

To pass this unit, a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit.

Hurdle Requirements

• The Thesis Report is a hurdle requirement, requiring a grade of 50% or more.
• Regular meetings with the thesis supervisor are a hurdle requirement, with students required to attend at least 6 out of 12 weekly meetings.

Late Submissions and Re-submissions

All assessments must be submitted by 23:59pm (Sydney Time) on their due date. Late submissions are not allowed unless there is an approved special consideration request. Re-submissions are not allowed.

Assessment Tasks

• Thesis (70%): A thesis report about the project, including literature review, technical execution, discussion, and conclusions.
• Presentation (20%): A comprehensive oral presentation about the project outcomes.
• Project Management (10%): A logbook judgment by the supervisor on self-management, engagement, intellectual independence, initiative, and record-keeping.
• Research Plan (0%): Development of knowledge and skills guided by regular interaction with the supervisor, with outcomes documented using a meeting log sheet.

Delivery and Resources

• Unit Delivery: This is a project-based unit with no scheduled lectures or tutorial sessions.
• Logbook: Students must maintain an individual logbook containing a dated log of day-to-day activities undertaken in relation to the project.
• Technology Used and Required: Software/hardware resources required for analysis, simulation, testing, and experiments will be discussed with the supervisor.
• Unit Webpage: Accessible from the online iLearn System.
• Required and Recommended Texts/Materials: No set textbook; required/recommended reading materials will be discussed with the supervisor.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the Academic Appeals Policy, Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Progression Policy, Assessment Policy, Fitness to Practice Procedure, Assessment Procedure, Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public, and Special Consideration Policy.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

The unit learning outcomes map to the Engineers Australia Competency Standards, including:

• Knowledge and Skill Base: ULO1, ULO2, ULO6
• Engineering Application Ability: ULO2, ULO5, ULO6
• Professional and Personal Attributes: ULO3, ULO4, ULO5

Academic Integrity

Macquarie University emphasizes academic integrity, providing resources to support students in meeting expectations, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development, and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

The university offers a range of support services, including academic success resources, library support, IT help, accessibility and disability support, mental health support, safety support, and social support.