Industry demands graduate engineers to undertake all-encompassing design tasks that require a comprehensive range of skills often with minimal training and assistance. In preparation for this challenge, this unit requires students to undertake a range of advanced design tasks based on real life engineering projects. Students will work individually and in a team to resolve a complex engineering problem. Students will implement systems design and project management process, drawing on principles and theoretical knowledge developed in the prerequisite units. Depending on the project, students will get the opportunity to gain effective use of common engineering software such as AutoCAD, numerical modelling, project planning, budgeting/costing, and scheduling and resource allocating techniques. To ensure that teams are working towards a realistic project outcome, regular assessments will include written portfolios and oral presentations on progress. Other assessments will comprise of one interim and a final design report that will be supported by a final oral presentation. The reports will document the complete design process, the analysis of the design and comparison with the original project specifications. Students will be required to work with intellectual independence acting responsibly and accountably as professionals.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NEF4206

Prerequisites

NEF3101 - Project Management

Completion of 288 credit points.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate the capacity to conduct advanced engineering design problems or projects;  
  2. Identify design problems, propose solutions and complete associated design work in a number of engineering disciplines;  
  3. Research and locate relevant design information and data to inform resolution of design problems;  
  4. Conceptually map and adopt a system approach to design and evaluate the feasibility of solutions taking into account technical, environmental, economic and social criteria;  
  5. Work effectively as a member and/or leader of a design team;  
  6. Demonstrate sound communication skills in preparing requisite technical reports, contributing to team discussions and making oral presentations.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Portfolio Regular updates on design progress and skills development (written or oral). 20%
Presentation Oral presentations (2) providing updates on the design process and demonstration of skills developed. (10% each) 20%
Report Mid-semester design report (including design calculations and drawings) 30%
Report Final design report (including design calculations and drawings) 30%
Reports 1 and 2 focuses upon the students' ability to demonstrate his or her fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. The portfolio and presentations assess the individuals' capability against the learning outcomes for that assessment. It also evaluates effective team membership and team leadership. This has been defined in Engineers Australia competencies 2.2 and 3.6. As these presentations are one way by which these competencies can be assessed, students must achieve a minimum mark of 50% in the presentation(s) in order to pass the unit.

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