Course(s)Common to all Bachelor of Engineering Courses
Subject NameEngineering Practice and Sustainability
Subject CodeEN111
Duration13 Lecture Weeks, 1 Exam Week, 1 Mid-Semester Week
Contact Hours6 hours per week (2 Lectures, 2 Tutorial, 2 Project)
Credit Points18
Delivery ModeOn Campus
PrerequisitesNil
CorequisitesNil
CoordinatorTBA

Synopsis

This subject provides students with an overarching introduction to the broad elements of professional engineering practice and their core competencies. The role of the engineers in society is explored along with the social, political and economic issues that may influence the role. The subject adopts a problem-based learning approach where student teams review a hypothetical engineering case study involving multiple, ethical and environmental related issues to critically analyze possible outcomes. Findings are presented via progressive and final reports culminating in a team work presentation to allow students to demonstrate attainment of good communication skills.

Subject Themes/Topics

TopicThemesTopic Details
1Introduction to professional conducts and ethical engineering practicesRole of Engineering in development contextEngineering ethics and Society
2Team Building in Engineering TeamsEffective CommunicationAssertive ListeningCritical ThinkingOrganizational Communication
3Theories of DevelopmentSociological TheoryPsychological TheoryOther relevant theories
4Social Change & Technology in economic and political context of societySocial ChangeTechnology Change
5Sustainable engineering practice in social, economic and political contexts.Principle of SustainabilityEnvironmental SustainabilityEngineering Economics & Development
6The role of media communication in an Engineers’ worldRole of Media CommunicationEngineers in the real worldSubject summary

Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

On completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate various concepts of professional and ethical conducts and practices in this contemporary engineering and development context.
  2. Demonstrate team building, relationship and stakeholder engagement behaviors in engineering and development problem solving situations.
  3. Research the range of environmental, technical and social elements involved in engineering challenges.
  4. Apply skills in accessing, evaluating and summarizing information to communicate ideas and present arguments individual and within teams.
  5. Apply a variety of Engineering Practices and strategies to meet engineering needs in complex social, political and economic environments.
  6. Investigate, analyses and use a range of communication skills (speaking, writing, drawing and listening); and select and apply appropriate channels of communication in the sustainability process individually and within teams.

Assessment Tasks and Weightings – 100% Continuous

There is no final examination in this Subject. To pass this subject students must obtain 50% overall and a minimum of 40% in the Major Project Report.

Assessment TypeMark (%)
Assessment 1: A Short Paper (concept understanding)30
Assessment 2: A Short Test15
Assessment 3: Major Project Report40
Assessment 4: Problem-Based Project (Practical Application)25

Students must also refer to the Subject Assessment Details

Assessment 1 – A Short Essay Paper: A concept based short essay paper outlining the students’ understanding of general concepts, definitions and explanations relevant to the themes within Topics 1 & 2 covered in the lectures. The paper relates to professional conducts and ethical practices, their role in society and team building. The essay contributes 20% towards the final grade for the subject.

Assessment 2 – A Short Test: A concept based closed book assessment, testing students’ abilities and comprehensions of the various concepts covered in the Topics. The test contributes 15% towards the final grade for the subject.

Assessment 3 – Major Project Report: A professional engineering structured report with individual and team components that outlines and communicates the project design/initiation processes, objectives, rationale and outcomes. The Major Project Report contributes 40% towards the final grade for the subject.

Assessment 4 – Problem-Based Project: A group professional report on resolving contemporary engineering associated issues prevalent in PNG. All team members will contribute and grades will be as function of team and individual performance. The presentation contributes 25% towards the final grade for the subject.

It is important that all students familiarize themselves with the University of Technology Assessment Guidelines including those on plagiarism at www.unitech.ac.pg.

Mapping

Subject Learning Outcomes (SLO) are mapped to each of the PNG National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Course Learning Outcomes (CLO), Unitech Graduate Attributes (GA), Assessment Tasks (AT) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 Competencies.

SLOSLO TO NQF7SLO to CLOSLO to GASLO to ATSLO to EAS1C
1Knowledge & Skills73 & 51 & 21.5, 1.6, 3.1
2Knowledge, Skills & Applications42 & 31 & 21.5, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.6
3Applications & Autonomy52, 3 4 5 & 63 & 41.5, 1.6, 3.1
4Knowledge, Skills & Application73 & 543.2, 3.4, 3.6
5Applications & Autonomy4 & 51, 2, 3, 4 5 & 641.6, 3.1, 3.4
6Knowledge, skills & Application5, 6 & 71, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 631.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

1. Knowledge and Skills Base2.Engineering Application Ability3. Professional and Personal Attributes
Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.2.1 Application of      established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.  3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
Conceptual understanding     of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.  2.2 Fluent application of     engineering techniques, tools and resources.  3.2 Effective oral and written communicator in professional and lay domains.
In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
  Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.  3.4 Professional use and management of information.
Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. 3.5 Orderly management of self and professional conduct.
Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline   3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.

Unitech Graduate Attributes

AttributeAcademic DimensionPersonal DimensionTransferable Dimension
  Lifelong LearnerSustained Intellectual Curiosity and Use of Feedback Reflected in WorkSets Aspiration Goals for Personal Improvement and Career GrowthTakes responsibility for one’s learning and development.
  Critical ThinkerUse of Inference Rules in Analysing and Finding Solutions for Complex Problems  Non-Emotional, Logic and Critical Thinking Abilities in all Situations.Ability to find solutions to problems by using logical and imaginative thinking.
Effective CommunicatorAbilities in Articulate DiscussionsSkills in Delivering high Quality written essays and oral presentations.Ability to communicate and negotiate with others and to listen to them.
Cultural ModernistFamiliarity with international standards, world cultures and human rights.Tolerance of the religions and cultures of others.Ability to work in a multicultural setting and comprehension and tolerance of religious and cultural differences.
Moral UprightnessUnderstand and act upon the ethical responsibilities of their actions.Character of acting in a morally upright way in all situations.Professional behaviour at all times.
Technologically SavvyFamiliarity and use of technologies appropriately.Keeping up to date with innovations.Character of accepting new technology and quickly adapting to it.

Engineering Graduate Statement

This subject is common to all Bachelor of Engineering courses. Each engineering discipline will map subject learning outcomes to its own CLOs and the graduate statement and capabilities that stem form those CLOs. Refer to each engineering discipline for the relevant graduate statement.

Engineering Course Learning Outcome

Course Learning OutcomeDescriptor
Underpinning Math and SciencesMastery of the principles and methods of the sciences and mathematics that underpin engineering.
DesignDeveloping creative, sustainable solutions to complex problems.
Engineering Discipline SpecialisationIn depth proficiency in applying the tools, methods, concepts, technology and knowledge of an engineering discipline.
Communication and TeamworkProficient communication via written, oral and digital means across multiple audiences and within teams.
Researching and Evaluating InformationAbility to research, evaluate and synthesise information from varied sources.
Project ManagementManage project conception and operation involving complex technical systems and processes.
Professional ConductConducting oneself in a professional, ethical manner consistent with sustainable economic development and society’s expectations

Student Workload

The total workload for the subject for the ’average’ student is a nominal 150 hours, based on a 13 week semester with 13 weeks of teaching as per the PNG National Qualification Framework.

Subject Text

No specific Text

References

  1. William E. Kelly, Ph.D., P.E.; Barbara Luke, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE; and Richard N. Wring, Ph.D., (2017). Engineering for Sustainable Communities, ASCE
  2. American Society of Civil Engineers, (2004). Sustainable Engineering Practice: An Introduction.
  3. David T. Allen & David R. Shinnard (2011). Sustainable Engineering: Concepts, Design and Case Studies 1st Education
  4. Braden R. Allenby, (2011). The Theory and Practice of Sustainable Engineering 1st Edition

Readings and Resources:

Lecture notes and PowerPoints will be uploaded to the Google classroom.

Relevant Unitech Policies

It is important that all students familiarize themselves with the University of Technology Assessment Guidelines including those on plagiarism at www.unitech.ac.pg.