Integrated Design Project 3

Unit code: NEC3004 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEC3002 - Hydrology and Water Resources; or
NEC3103 - Hydrology and Water Resources
NEC3003 - Hydraulic Engineering
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, you will develop water engineering design solutions by integrating fluid mechanics, hydraulic and hydrological systems, geotechnical and environmental consideration and other relevant engineering disciplines ensuring compliance with industry standards and sustainable water engineering practices. This design project, undertaken at the end of the first semester of your third year, challenges you to apply systems thinking, fluid mechanics, hydrology, hydraulics, project planning, risk management, and problem-solving strategies to real-world water engineering scenarios.

Through engagement with innovative design methodologies, you will refine your technical communication skills by producing detailed water engineering design documentation and professional presentations. This unit bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications in water engineering while incorporating sustainable practices, deep respect for First Nations peoples’ culture, and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure socially responsible and impactful engineering outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Formulate cohesive engineering design solutions for complex water resource projects, demonstrating proficiency in fluid mechanics, hydraulic and hydrological modelling, water resource management strategies, and the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge;
  2. Collaborate effectively within a team setting and manage a design project through all stages using effective project planning, risk management, and scheduling techniques, while demonstrating orderly management of self and professional conduct;
  3. Critically review and apply creative approaches in the development of engineering designs, addressing complex challenges while incorporating sustainable practices, deep respect for First Nations peoples’ culture, and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure socially responsible and impactful outcomes; and
  4. Report complex water and civil engineering design solutions clearly and professionally to both technical and non-technical audiences through detailed reports, drawings, and presentations.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 20%
Preliminary design proposal with project planning, load analysis, and conceptual design. (Group) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 50%
Comprehensive project report with calculations, drawings, project management, and validated sustainable and culturally informed design solutions. (Group) (4000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Oral presentation and individual portfolio documenting design process, project management, and validated solutions. (Individual) (Presentation 8mins)

Report: Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process.

Project: This secure assessment ensures authenticity through documented milestone checks tied to individual students, in-class feedback sessions incorporating process-focused questioning, and engagement with clients to simulate real-world practice. Students produce industry-standard outputs, and their work is further validated through peer evaluation, feedback and explicit evaluation of each student’s individual contributions and achievement of learning outcomes.

Presentation: This secure assessment features a formal presentation to a panel of experts with unpredictable Q&A to verify critical reasoning, supported by an individual portfolio reflecting on personal contributions, experiences, and responses to feedback.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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