Engineering and the Community

Unit code: NEF1103 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Footscray Park
N/A
Overview
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Overview

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.

Learning Outcomes

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

  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; and
  6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Study as a single unit

This unit can be studied on its own, without enrolling in a full degree.

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Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 15%
Individual video responding to 3 posed questions, (2-3 mins)
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 25%
Team PROJECT: Part A Draft technical team report on proposed solution
Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 30%
Team PROJECT: Part B Final technical Repot
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Presentation - each group proposes 1 or 2 solutions and defends their solutions of defined criteria, audience judge better solution
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules

Required reading

Refer to VU Collaborate for recommended reading and additional resources.

As part of a course

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

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