ENGR682-26A (C) Approved Start 2026

Special Topic: Energy Project

15 points

Details:
Start/End Date: The start and end dates are specific to each student. For further information please contact one of the following (as appropriate):
  • For Masters theses please contact the relevant Faculty Office.
  • For Doctoral degrees (PhD) please contact the Graduate School.
  • For other types of approved start courses (i.e. generally courses worth 60 points or less) please contact the Course Coordinator.
Withdrawal Dates
The withdrawal dates for this course (both with and without fee refund) will be confirmed once a) the course start date and b) course length is confirmed. Students are advised to consult the department for further information.

Description

Special Topic: Energy Project

This is a project-based course in which master’s students undertake an independent research or applied engineering project within the broad field of energy. Possible focus areas include renewable energy technologies, sustainable systems, energy transitions, power-to-X solutions, and other relevant engineering disciplines. Projects may be conducted either at the University or in collaboration with (or at) an external company.

For clarity, ENGR682 is a 15-point course and can be more applied in nature compared to ENGR683, a 30-point course.

The course is designed to develop and refine students’ abilities in independent research and problem solving, technical writing and evidence-based argumentation, and peer collaboration with strong professional communication.

Instead of traditional weekly lectures, students will participate in regular progress meetings and targeted skills workshops. Topics may include research planning, literature review strategies, methodology design, data analysis, and effective communication of scientific findings.
Each project will be guided by a mentor (often a PhD researcher) under the supervision of academic staff.

The course culminates in two key outputs: a formal research paper suitable for an academic or professional audience, and an oral presentation. Depending on cohort size, presentations may be delivered at a final project symposium that simulates a professional or academic conference environment.

Learning Outcomes

Conduct a comprehensive literature review to synthesise existing knowledge and identify gaps in the field of energy, including cultural perspectives where appropriate.

Demonstrate the ability to apply or develop scientific techniques and knowledge to existing or emerging energy problems.

Synthesise findings into a coherent, technically sound scientific report.

Deliver clear and engaging oral presentations that effectively convey complex findings to a target audience

Demonstrate self-direction, critical thinking, and professional responsibility including self-reflection in executing an independent project.

Prerequisites

Subject to the approval of the Head of Department.

Course Coordinator

Jannik Haas

Assessment

The assessment for this course centres on a self-led research project, developed under supervision.

It includes:
• Written Report: A scientific paper-style document with a literature review, research methodology, data analysis and discussion, and conclusions.
• Oral Presentation: A 5-10 minute oral presentation delivered to an evaluation panel, followed by a Q&A as an exam.
• Project Management: Active participation in workshops and regular progress via meetings and check-ins with your assigned supervisor.

Final written report
40%

Final oral presentation
40%

Project management and progress
20%

Textbooks / Resources

Course resources will be provided through the course Learn page.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,344.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

Minimum enrolments

This course will not be offered if fewer than 5 people apply to enrol.

For further information see Faculty of Engineering .

All ENGR682 Occurrences

  • ENGR682-26A (C) Approved Start 2026