Integrated Design Project 6

Unit code: NEC4002 | Study level: Undergraduate

Credit points

(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

NEC2004 - Integrated Design Project 1; and

NEC2008 - Integrated Design Project 2; and

NEC3004 - Integrated Design Project 3; and

NEC3005 - Highway Systems and Pavement Engineering

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)

Overview

In this unit, you will critically evaluate, design, and deliver a significant real-world infrastructure project, integrating knowledge from structural, geotechnical, water, transport, construction, and project management disciplines. The focus is on systems thinking, sustainability, innovation, creativity, and social impact, ensuring solutions align with engineering best practices, industry expectations, and regulatory frameworks.

This unit bridges theory and practice through advanced problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex infrastructure challenges. You will apply principles of project planning, risk management, and sustainability while developing the confidence to make informed, regulation-compliant engineering decisions. Emphasising ethical leadership, professional communication, and deep respect for cultural heritage, including the knowledge and values of First Nations peoples, this unit equips you to deliver infrastructure solutions that are sustainable and contribute to environmental regeneration and social restoration, creating meaningful and lasting impact.

Learning Outcomes

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

Critically evaluate complex infrastructure projects by integrating multidisciplinary infrastructure engineering principles with project management methodologies to develop sustainable, ethical, and innovative solutions;
Justify design decisions through evidence-based analysis, risk assessment, and alignment with industry standards, demonstrating strategic thinking and professional responsibility;
Innovate infrastructure engineering designs by embedding sustainability principles, creative problem-solving, effective teamwork and deep respect for cultural heritage, including that of First Nations peoples; and
Elucidate design concepts and project outcomes through comprehensive technical documentation, collaborative process, and professional presentations tailored to diverse stakeholder needs.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report

Grade: 20%

Preliminary design proposal with project planning, load analysis, and conceptual design. (Group) (2000 words)

Assessment type: Project

Grade: 50%

Comprehensive project report with calculations, drawings, project management, and validated sustainable and culturally informed design solutions. (Group) (8000 words)

Assessment type: Presentation

Grade: 30%

Oral presentation and individual portfolio documenting design process, project management, and validated solutions. (Individual) (10mins)

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 evaluation, 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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