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 computer aided design software, 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 two (2) design reports that will be supported by oral presentations. 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:
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
NEF4206

Prerequisites

NHEE students require: NEF3101, 288 credit points and NEE2204. NHEM students require: NEF3101, 288 credit points and NEM3102. NHEC students require: NEF3101, 288 credit points and NEC4102 Others require: NEF3101, 288 credit points

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Identify design problems, propose solutions and implement a range of advanced engineering design skills to complete projects across a broad range of engineering fields;  
  2. Research and critically review relevant design information and data to inform resolution of design problems;  
  3. Conceptually map and adopt a system approach to design and evaluate the feasibility of solutions taking into account technical, environmental, economic and social criteria;  
  4. Collaborate effectively as a member and/or leader of a design team; and  
  5. 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 providing updates on the design process and demonstration of skills developed. 20%
Report Report 1: design report (including design calculations and drawings) 30%
Report Report 2: design report (including design calculations and drawings) 30%
The reports focus upon the students' ability to demonstrate their fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. The portfolio and presentations assess the individuals' capability against the learning outcomes for that assessment. They also evaluate effective team membership and team leadership, which been defined in Engineers Australia competencies 2.2 and 3.6. As the presentations are the only 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.

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.

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