In this unit, students will explore the role and importance of engineering in society, at both the national and international level. This will include identifying issues facing engineers such as sustainability; existing trends and practices; and innovations to meet future challenges. Students will examine the development of Engineering as a profession and look at the varying disciplines within the profession. This will enable students to establish their own learning and career goals and develop strategies to achieve those goals.
Students will also examine the activities that constitute the engineering method, a problem-solving process, and apply the method to an identified problem. Case studies will be presented to students introducing them to descriptions of real situations that provide a context for engineers to explore decision-making in the face of socio-technical issues, such as environmental, political, and ethical issues. Students will work on a number of deliverables that will require them to work both individually and collaboratively, and communicate their work and findings in oral and written forms.
Students will also examine the activities that constitute the engineering method, a problem-solving process, and apply the method to an identified problem. Case studies will be presented to students introducing them to descriptions of real situations that provide a context for engineers to explore decision-making in the face of socio-technical issues, such as environmental, political, and ethical issues. Students will work on a number of deliverables that will require them to work both individually and collaboratively, and communicate their work and findings in oral and written forms.
Unit details
Location:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NEF1103
Contact us
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Chat with us online
- Ask questions at GOTOVU
Find a different unit
Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Articulate using appropriate language a range of key roles and features of engineering in the local and global communities as applied in practice; | ||
| 2. | Develop their own learning and career goals, and use self-management skills to plan and manage their work; | ||
| 3. | Work collaboratively to investigate/review the professional responsibilities of engineers in the community; | ||
| 4. | Work individually and as a team member to apply the engineering problem-solving method and its associated steps to an identified problem; | ||
| 5. | Discuss strategies for sustainable and ethical practices in developing solutions to engineering problems. |
Assessment
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual video responding to 3 posed questions, 2-3 min (400-500 words equivalence) | 15% |
| Report | Team EWB PROJECT: Part A Draft technical team report on proposed solution (400-500 words) | 25% |
| Report | Team EWB PROJECT: Part B Final technical Report (500-1000 words total) | 30% |
| Presentation | Presentation - each group proposes 2 solutions and defends their solutions of defined criteria, audience judge better solution (800-1000 words) | 30% |
Required reading
Engineering Your Future: an Australasian Guide 2nd ed.
Dowling, D, Carew, A, Hadgraft, R., (2013)
John Wiley and Sons Australia, Milton, Queensland
Where to next?
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.
Study a single unit
This unit may be available as a single unit of study.
Find out more about how to apply for single units of study at VU.
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.
