University of Technology Sydney

17915 Major Project 2

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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

Major Project 2 is the second subject of Major Projects and builds upon the foundation of the Major Project 1. In this subject the students delve deeper into the research conducted in Major Project 1 and finalise the research project undertaken. Students focus on executing the research methodology by collecting the data, analysing the data, developing planning solutions, drawing meaningful conclusions/recommendations, and finally communicating their research through article, poster, or video presentation. In this subject student are provided supervision like Major Project 1 through weekly Zoom sessions, email and canvas discussion board. By the end of Major Project 2 students have completed an original research project initiated in Major Project 1 and contributed valuable insights to the field of urban planning.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate reflective and critical understanding of one’s own perspective.
2. Develop effective communication strategies.
3. Critically evaluate evidence and conclusions based on evidence.
4. Identify and apply effective methods and appropriate analytic tools in research analysis.
5. Develop a deeper understanding of a current urban problem and possible solutions. 
6. Present a clear rationale for proposed solutions.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

  • Enable reflective practice on one's personal views and values and interpret how they might affect one's professional judgement (A.1)
  • Communicate with people with a wide variety of cultural, social, economic, and political perspectives and interests using verbal, written, and visual media (C.2)
  • Investigate strategically the future of cities and regions and identify the drivers of change (P.1)
  • Apply a wide array of analytic tools (which may include spreadsheets, geographic information software, three-dimensional simulations, or negotiation tools) to determine constraints and opportunities (P.3)
  • Design and conduct a research project to identify and evaluate alternative strategies to resolve a complex problem (R.2)
  • Develop coherent and logically structured arguments that use evidence appropriately (R.5)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is taught fully online. Each week is self-paced through the learning management system. You are
expected to complete a range of different learning activities throughout the week. Activities provide opportunities to
learn, apply, and discuss the knowledge gained in a practical manner. Feedback is provided from both peers and
teaching staff throughout the activities. You are encouraged to actively provide feedback and interact with staff and
students in the exercises and on the discussion board(s). Online Zoom sessions will be held regularly throughout
the subject to allow you to interact with staff and students, ask questions and receive clarification and formative
feedback on your assignments.

Content (topics)

Module 1: Revisiting the research and data collection (Week 1)

Module 2: Data Analysis (Week 2 + 3)

Module 3: Developing planning solutions and recommendations (Week 4)

Module 4: Communicating Research (Week 5 + 6)

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Video Presentation

Intent:

The aim of this assignment is to revise the research conducted in Major Project 1 in the form of a video presentation. This first assignment of Major Project 2 will help to recapitulate the learnings, most importantly the background of the research, literature review conducted, research questions framed, and the methodology adopted. This will set the stage for the requirements in Major Project 2.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.2, P.1 and R.5

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

3 Min video presentation + 500 words writeup (optional)

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Demonstrate thorough understanding of the research project matter from MP1 40 1 P.1
Ability to clearly and coherently present accurate and relevant research objectives 40 3 R.5
Engagement and creativity in the presentation 20 2 C.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Draft Report

Intent:

The intent of this assignment is to guide students in developing a complete report on their chosen research project in urban planning. This assignment adds on the task completed in Major Project 1. In this assignment students will present a complete report comprising of the information completed in MP1 along with the data analysis, solutions developed, and recommendations proposed in Major Project 2. This assignment aims to enhance students' research skills and develop ability to write a report in its entirety. By completing this assignment, students will demonstrate their ability to identify key sources, synthesise existing knowledge, analyse data, develop planning solutions and propose recommendations.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1, C.2, P.1, P.3, R.2 and R.5

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 45%
Length:

5000 (+/-10%) words report. Exceeding the given word limit will attract penalty.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Appropriate application of analytical approaches 15 3 P.3
Depth and validity of critical research analysis 20 4 R.5
Accuracy and relevance of findings and recommendations/response 25 5 P.1
Creativity in finding solutions to the planning problem 10 6 R.2
Ability to present a clear rationale for proposed solutions 15 1 A.1
Organisation and quality of report 15 2 C.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Communicating the research

Intent:

The intent of this assignment is to encourage students to creatively and effectively communicate their research projects. Recognising the diverse ways in which research project can be conveyed, this assignment offers students the flexibility to choose between three different presentation formats: an article, a poster, or a video. Each format demands unique skills and approaches, allowing students to play to their strengths and interests while also challenging them to think critically about the best way to reach their intended audience.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1 and 2

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.1 and C.2

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 35%
Length:

Article: 3000 to 4000 words, Poster: A1 or A2 Size, Video: 5-8 Minutes

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Present comprehensive and accurate information from the research project in one of the chosen formats 50 1 A.1
Ability to present information in a clear, logical and organised manner 50 2 C.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total mark.