ENG1012 · Engineering for people and planet

Overview

OVERVIEW FOR SEMESTER 1, 2026 This unit covers the engineering design process, which is a method used by engineers from all disciplines to determine a solution to a problem or address a need. You will use design thinking models to define the problem, create innovative conceptual designs, prototype possible design solutions, refine several designs to a single final design, and determine the specifications of the final design. In order to simulate a real-world experience, you are required to determine the role of the stakeholders in the project, and consider the economic, environmental, Indigenous, social and ethical aspects of your proposal. You will be working in a team throughout the semester to gain the communication skills which are highly desired by industries. You will be required to reflect on your work to help improve your interpersonal and teamwork skills contributing to your personal growth. You will also consider the value of engineering ethics and the Code of Ethics whilst learning the engineering design process. Engineers need to submit proposals and pitch their ideas to stakeholders within communities and their team members. They will give presentations to their peers, to their project managers, and to possible stakeholders to develop these presentation skills. On completion of this unit, you should be able to participate in multidisciplinary conversations about the engineering design process. OVERVIEW UPDATE - SEMESTER 2, 2026 This unit explores the role of engineering in addressing complex humanitarian, societal, and environmental challenges. Using design thinking as a guiding framework, it introduces approaches for developing engineering solutions that meet human needs while balancing technical, social, cultural, environmental and economic considerations. The unit emphasises sustainable and ethical engineering practice by examining professional responsibilities, ethical principles, and codes of conduct that inform engineering decision-making. It also considers how engineers engage with diverse stakeholders and communities to develop inclusive, responsible and sustainable outcomes. Students will develop skills in investigating complex issues, applying appropriate research methods, critically evaluating information, and synthesising evidence to support well-reasoned conclusions. The unit further promotes independent learning, critical thinking and adaptability in response to emerging technologies and evolving global challenges. Through collaborative and multidisciplinary learning experiences, students will strengthen their communication, teamwork, and stakeholder engagement capabilities while developing an appreciation of engineering's role in improving the wellbeing of people and supporting a sustainable future for the planet.

Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) S2010 Bachelor of Applied Data Science - Applied studies: Computer systems engineering S3003 Bachelor of Applied Data Science Advanced (Honours) - Applied studies: Computer systems engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Continuous assessment: 100% Assessment in this unit includes competency hurdle assessment tasks. The consequence of not achieving a competency hurdle is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Semester 1: Discern fundamental chemical, materials, mechanical and environmental engineering knowledge, principles and concepts to propose solutions to a humanitarian engineering problem. Semester 2: Identify societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and apply sustainable design principles.
2. Semester 1: Identify design requirements from a provided brief and analyse potential solutions using first principles of mathematics and natural and engineering sciences. Semester 2: Describe ethical principles and professional codes of conduct that apply when designing engineering solutions and engaging with diverse stakeholders in engineering practice.
3. Semester 1: Identify societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues relevant to your project, including the Indigenous context, and your consequent responsibilities as an engineer. Semester 2: Discern fundamental engineering principles to identify requirements and develop solutions to humanitarian engineering problems.
4. Semester 1: Determine appropriate principles of sustainable design and development, including embodied energy, renewable materials, availability, costs, etc, of a proposed solution using a systems approach to design. Semester 2: Demonstrate independent and life-long learning, adaptability to new and emerging technologies, and critical thinking in the contexts of the project.
5. Semester 1: Discern the ethical considerations of working with diverse communities and stakeholders, and demonstrate your commitment to the Engineers Australia Code of Ethics and/or the Board of Engineers Malaysia Code of Professional Conduct, and established norms of professional conduct throughout your project. Semester 2: Apply teamwork principles and function effectively in a diverse and multidisciplinary context.
6. Semester 1: Describe project progress and outputs to stakeholders verbally through pitches, in writing through professional engineering documentation, and graphically through drawings and visualisations. Semester 2: Conduct investigation and synthesise information using appropriate research methodologies to develop comprehensive conclusions.
7. Semester 1: Describe the principles of team norms, collaboration and dynamics, define your professional goals and discern the practices that lead to successful teamwork in a multicultural context.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.