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ENG423 - Research and Design for Technologists

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Engineering

Credit Points

Unit Level

300

Equivalent Units

(ENG303, ENG304)

Prerequisites

Must have passed 3 units in (ENG246, ENG247, ENG248, ENG252, ENG364) OR
Must have passed 3 units in (ENG212, ENG215, ENG247, ENG267, ENG364) OR
Must have passed 3 units in (ENG221, ENG223, ENG224, HIT235, HIT365) OR
Must have passed 3 units in (ENG212, ENG235, ENG247, ENG338, ENG364)

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit invites you to tackle real-world engineering challenges with practical and societal relevance. You will build skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and systematic design as you review existing research, develop innovative solutions, and apply engineering standards and codes. Using tools like life cycle analysis and the CDIO (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) framework, you will guide projects from concept to delivery. Whether your project is based at a university, in industry, or with the government, you will strengthen your ability to collaborate, solve problems, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Identify, frame, and investigate a real-world engineering problem by considering practical relevance and societal impact.
2.	Conduct a critical literature review to evaluate previous research and design approaches related to the problem.
3.	Develop and justify creative, ethical, and systematic approaches to solving identified engineering problems, applying the principles of the design cycle.
4.	Evaluate and apply engineering standards, systematic design procedures, and relevant codes of ethics to enhance the quality and feasibility of solutions.
5.	Effectively communicate solutions, ideas, and principles through structured reports, oral presentations, and professional documentation tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Project Plan (Group of max. 3 students, Group Report of 500-1000 words, 250 words per student).	10%	1,2
2.	Research and Design Development Report (1500-2000 words per group of 3-4 students; ~500 words per student)	30%	1,2,3,4,5
3.	Final Report (6000-8000 words for groups of 3-4 students, 2000 words per student).	40%	1,2,3,4,5
4.	Oral Presentation (15 minutes presentation + 5 minutes question and answer (Q&A)).	20%	1,2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLS	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OL/OLS: Supplementary material will be provided on-line through Learnline. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)