Cross discipline subjects

The Engineering Learning Unit assists in the teaching and management of the cross discipline subjects across the school.

Engineering Systems Design 1 (ENGR10004)

Engineering Systems Design 1 introduces students to the world of engineering through a mix of design projects, interactive workshops and lectures. This subject centres on the engineering method, the approach to problem solving and engineering design that makes engineers unique. The subject will prepare students for an exciting and rigorous engineering education that will allow them to serve an increasingly complex society.

Engineering Systems Design 2 (ENGR10003)

Engineering Systems Design 2 will develop the students' understanding of the engineering method and the importance of engineering in society. Engineering Systems Design 2 focuses on inter-relationships in engineering systems drawing on important examples from lightweight structures and digital electronic circuits. The importance of modeling change through dynamic models is also emphasized. This subject will prepare students for an exciting and rigorous engineering education that will allow them to serve the needs of an increasingly complex society.

Engineering Mechanics (ENGR20004)

This subject provides an introduction to modelling the stresses and deformations that occur when axial, torsional and flexural loads are applied to a body in static equilibrium; as well as the translational and rotational motions that eventuate in a body upon different load applications.

Topics to be covered include free-body diagrams; equilibrium; force systems; stresses, coordinate systems; deflections, kinetics and vibration.

This material will be complemented with laboratory and project based approaches to learning.

Fluid Mechanics (ENGR30002)

This subject concerns the fundamental science of fluid flow relevant to a range of engineering applications, and is essential for specialisations relating to Chemical, and Civil Engineering.

Topics covered include - Fluid statics, manometry, derivation of the continuity equation, mechanical energy balance, friction losses in a straight pipe, Newton's law of viscosity, Fanning friction factor, treatment of roughness, valves and fittings; simple network problems; principles of open channel flow; compressible flow, propagation of pressure wave, isothermal and adiabatic flow equations in a pipe, choked flow. Pumps - pump characteristics, centrifugal pumps, derivation of theoretical head, head losses leading to the actual pump head curve, calculating system head, determining the operating point of a pumping system, throttling for flow control, cavitation and NPSH, affinity laws and pump scale-up, introduction to positive displacement pumps; stirred tanks- radial, axial and tangential flow, type of agitators, vortex elimination, the standard tank configuration, power number and power curve, dynamic and geometric similarity in scale-up; Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, Multi-dimensional fluid flow-momentum flux, development of multi-dimensional equations of continuity and for momentum transfer, Navier-Stokes equations, application to tube flow, Couette flow, Stokes flow.

Engineering Practice and Communication (ENGR90021)

This subject introduces the nature of engineering work, at the heart of which is communication and problem solving using sustainability principles. Specific topics include:

  • Skills required for engineering practice
  • The engineering recruitment process
  • Engineering problem solving
  • Systems thinking and design
  • Teamwork
  • Meetings and group dynamics
  • Oral and written communication
  • Use of library services and information services
  • Sharing information and knowledge management
  • Creation of alternative solutions
  • Evaluation and decision making processes using sustainability

Sustainability in Developing Communities (MULT10013)

The volunteer organisation Engineers Without Borders (EWB) seeks involvement of teams of first-year students in a 'challenge' to devise solutions for real problems in under-developed communities. In this subject you will work in teams to develop conceptual solutions for sustainable development projects identified by EWB's community partners that contribute towards real international development projects

From each of the diverse and practical projects offered by the EWB, you will have the opportunity to choose from a range of problems. Each of these problems will require you to develop new technical and communication skills, whilst encouraging innovation and creativity in order to address the needs of the overall project.

The four best team proposals will be submitted for external judging. The national winning proposal is used in discussions with that local community to develop practical solutions to the challenges of poverty, and improve the quality of lives from a social, environmental and economic perspective.

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