Integrated Design Project 1

Unit code: NEC2004 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEC2002 - Sustainable Materials and Construction Practices; and
NEC2003 - Structural Analysis and Design
NEC2001 - Mechanics of Materials; or
NEC2102 - Solid Mechanics
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, you will develop structural engineering design solutions by integrating knowledge of structural mechanics, material behaviour, structural analysis and other relevant engineering disciplines ensuring compliance with industry standards and sustainable structural engineering practices. This integrated design project, undertaken at the end of the first semester of your second year studies, challenges you to apply systems thinking, structural analysis and design principles, project planning, risk management, and problem-solving strategies to real-world structural engineering scenarios.

Through engagement with innovative design methodologies, you will refine your technical communication skills by producing detailed structural design documentation and professional presentations. This unit bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications in structural engineering while incorporating sustainable practices 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. Integrate disciplinary knowledge from mechanics of materials, structural analysis, sustainable materials, and construction practices to develop cohesive structural engineering design solutions that address complex design challenges;
  2. Manage design projects through all stages by applying effective project planning, risk management, and scheduling techniques to ensure efficient and accountable delivery;
  3. Devise and implement innovative, sustainable, and regulatory-compliant design strategies that address complex engineering problems, demonstrating effective teamwork and a commitment to ethical, social, and environmental responsibility; and
  4. Present complex structural design solutions professionally to technical and non-technical audiences through structured reports, annotated drawings, and discussion.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 20%
Preliminary structural design proposal with project planning, load analysis, and conceptual design. (Group) (1000 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 50%
Comprehensive structural design report with calculations, engineering drawings, and validated design solutions. (Group) (3000 words)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Oral presentation and individual portfolio documenting design process, iterations, and structural solutions. (Individual) (Presentation) (8 mins)

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 evaluations, 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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