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Research methods and a major research project focussed on the application of engineering principles to the solution of a forest engineering problem. Project management principles, productivity study techniques and ergonomics will be taught within the scope of the course. Research methods will include effective literature review, research design, data collection, analyses and reporting. Topic to be established in class with industry and student input.
Being able to develop new information through applied research is critical to being successful in the field of forest engineering. With few established standards and protocols to cover all of the various aspects it becomes vitally important to be able to interpret, and where required develop, a range of methods and protocols to come up with innovative solutions to address real problems. This course provides the students the opportunity to develop and carry out their own research project, while working with the NZ Forest Industry at large. All of the major steps associated with carrying out such a project are covered in the course. Throughout the year examples of recently completed research work is presented and discussed, either directly from the literature or through presentations from leading researchers.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to independently complete a research project in forest engineering, including:Be familiar with existing forest engineering research programmes; (Washington Accord WA1; UC EEI3)Be familiar with time studies and their applications;(WA1; EEI3)Have a comprehensive understanding, and be able to synthesise, relevant forest engineering literature; (WA12; EEI3)Be able to develop a detailed research work plan and demonstrate project management skills;(WA1, 2, 4, 6, 9; EEI1, 2, 3)Be able to obtain, interpret and analyse research data on a complex real world problem; (WA4, 9, 11, 12; EEI1, 3, 5)andBe able to generate, write and publish a detailed research report. (WA6, 11, EEI 2, 3, 5)This course is based on the successful completion of a research project. The research project is new and will require the student to analyse and generate solutions to a complex and unpredictable problem. To achieve this the student is required to demonstrate project development, literature review, statistical analyses, report writing and presentation skills. Although a strong focus is on the final research output in terms of the report and presentation, the student is assessed throughout the year on the major milestones associated with successfully completing a research project. The projects are being developed in conjunction with, monitored by, and presented back to, industry representatives. As such the course ensures the application of the research project results is immediate and relevant. The students must demonstrate research skills and knowledge applied and integrated into this professional context.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Subject to approval of the Director of Studies, Forest Engineering.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Rien Visser
Trevor Best
Domestic fee $2,706.00
International fee $12,747.00
* 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.
For further information see School of Forestry .