Engineering Design and Practice 2B
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit adopts a problem-based learning (PBL) approach where students work collaboratively in teams to solve authentic engineering problems that integrate content from Linear Systems with MATLAB Applications and Analogue Electronics. Under the guidance of an academic mentor, students apply scientific and engineering principles to analyse, design, and present solutions to complex, multidisciplinary challenges. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, communication, professional ethics, and sustainable design, helping students develop the technical and interpersonal capabilities required for professional engineering practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific and engineering fundamentals to identify complex problems and propose effective solutions;
- Communicate technical information clearly and confidently to both professional and general audiences;
- Demonstrate advanced technical competence within at least one engineering discipline;
- Adopt a systems approach to design, integrating sustainability, ethics, and operational performance;
- Collaborate effectively within diverse teams, demonstrating leadership and accountability; and
- Recognise the social, environmental, and ethical responsibilities of professional engineers in sustainable development.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Laboratory Work | Grade: 20%
Practical Lab Assessment (Individual) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Project | Grade: 60%
Report (30%), Oral Presentation and Project Demonstration (30%) (20 mins per group) (Group)
Assessment type: Portfolio | Grade: 20%
Portfolio (Individual) (1500 words)
Laboratory Work: This assessment ensures accountability by requiring students to perform hands on and lab tasks under supervision. Real-time observation and process-focused questioning verify understanding and application of analytical skills
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 evaluations, feedback and explicit evaluation of each student’s individual contributions and achievement of learning outcomes. This secure assessment features an oral presentation, followed by unpredictable Q&A to assess each student’s understanding and critical reasoning.
Portfolio: Structured portfolio, supported by progressive milestone checks with regular feedback and validation discussions.
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):