FIT4046 Computing research project 2

This unit supports you to progress, complete and document an honours-level research project in an information technology, computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, human-centred computing, information systems, or related computing context. It builds on the research plan developed in the first research project unit and focuses on carrying out the investigation, analysing evidence, interpreting findings, and preparing the thesis or equivalent research output.

The unit is designed to accommodate a broad range of research approaches. Projects may involve systematic literature review, empirical research, design-based research, technical development and evaluation, computational modelling or experimentation, data analysis, human-centred studies, cybersecurity investigations, AI or machine learning experimentation, information systems research, or other approved research approaches relevant to your course and supervision context.

You will progress your research activity by applying appropriate methods, gathering or generating evidence, analysing results, evaluating limitations, and explaining the significance of their contribution. Depending on the project, this may include completing a literature synthesis, conducting experiments, analysing datasets, developing or evaluating prototypes, studying users or organisations, assessing technical performance, examining ethical or social implications, or producing validated recommendations for practice.

Assessment is undertaken through a portfolio of work that captures and evidences the development, execution and communication of the research project. The portfolio may include research artefacts, analysis outputs, datasets or code where appropriate, design and evaluation materials, experiment logs, reflective checkpoints, supervisor feedback, thesis drafts, revision evidence, presentation materials and the final thesis or equivalent research output. This portfolio-based approach makes your progress visible over time and supports assessment of both the research process and the final research contribution.

The unit culminates in the preparation of a thesis or equivalent research documentation that presents the research problem, literature, methods, findings, analysis, limitations and contribution. You will also reflect on your development as researchers or research-informed practitioners and demonstrate advanced course-specific capability through the conduct and communication of your project.