Code
ENGR4000
Credits
25
Graduate Attributes
Introduction
What happens when the final year of engineering begins not with answers, but with a question that must be defined and explored? This unit marks the beginning of a capstone experience that spans the final year. Students identify a real-world problem, collaborate with an academic supervisor, and begin developing the tools to investigate and address it. Whether lab-based, simulation-driven, field-focused, or a technical review, the project centres on applying engineering knowledge in a research-led, industry-relevant context. The purpose is not just to execute a project but to shape it. This includes defining a research question, reviewing existing knowledge, and selecting and justifying an appropriate methodology presented as a project proposal for implementation in the following semester. Learning in this unit fosters both technical depth and professional growth through the development of a rigorous, feasible, and ethical research plan. As the project takes shape, through literature reviews, methodological choices, and supervisory guidance, students are also expected to engage in critical reflection. This reflective practice is captured in a project logbook, which functions as more than a record of tasks. It documents progress achieved, challenges encountered, feedback received, and the evolving decisions made throughout the semester. In doing so, it supports the development of engineering judgment and reinforces habits of self-directed learning that are vital for professional practice. Importantly, the unit recognises the uncertainty inherent in research. Initial results may be incomplete or exploratory, and students are encouraged to engage productively with this ambiguity. The goal is not to finalise the research, but to establish a strong, credible foundation for the follow-up unit, ENGR4001. ENGR4000 supports the transition from learner to practitioner. It challenges students to take initiative, build research capability, and engage with the open-ended complexity that defines contemporary engineering practice.
Individual Study
14 x 8 Hours Weekly
Workshop
4 x 2 Hours Semester
Unit Learning Outcomes
- 1 identify an appropriate engineering research topic, including its context, significance and aims, GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC6
- 2 locate and critically review literature to establish the current state of knowledge and identify knowledge gaps relevant to the chosen research topic, GC2, GC4, GC6
- 3 create a project plan that includes a timeline showing the duration of project tasks, develop appropriate research methodologies, and identify safety and project risks along with suitable mitigation measures, GC1, GC2, GC4, GC6
- 4 apply project management techniques to commence the planned research work and manage the progress of the project professionally and ethically, GC1, GC4, GC5, GC6
- 5 professionally communicate the proposed project and report on the research progress, GC3, GC6
Course Learning Outcomes
- 4 Apply systems thinking for innovative solutions to global chemical engineering challenges, discern knowledge and undertake applied research in a discipline of chemical engineering,
- 6 Demonstrate lifelong learning habits, teamwork and leadership abilities, 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 Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) have been changed to better align with Curtin's Graduate Capabilities (GC) and Engineering Australia Stage 1 Competencies. The new Project Initiation Document for lab-based projects will replace the previous Scope of Work (SOW) document. The unit materials, rubrics and templates will be reviewed and updated as needed.