Units
Introducing Engineering Systems
Unit code: ENB200
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit will enable you as a graduating Built Environment and Engineering professional to take active and positive steps to transform professional practice in ways that promote the sustainability of our planet, our economy and our society. As future professionals in the fields of Design, Urban Development and Engineering Systems, you will need to understand and apply the concepts of sustainability in your professional practice if we are to achieve sustainable development in the 21st Century.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- EN40, IF21, IX28, IX54
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Engineers address and resolve problems within a wide variety of systems from the small scale to the very large and complex. Regardless of the specifics of the individual system, all systems regularly include both technical and non-technical issues extending beyond the boundaries of a single discipline. The ability to implement engineering systems requires the analysis, modelling and integration of multi-disciplinary solutions within appropriate social and environmental contexts. ENB200 introduces you to a common systems approach and the fundamental life-cycle characteristics of engineering systems, which will form the basis and context for your further studies in your chosen discipline.
Aims
This unit aims to develop an understanding of various engineering systems, their components and issues related to their design, maintenance, disposal and social integration.
Objectives
By the completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. describe the integrated nature of engineering systems;
2. describe and outline the various elements and issues which can impact upon an engineering system including technical, social, environmental, political, ethical, cultural, economic, and legal or policy issues;
3. apply critical thinking about engineering systems using a 'case study'.
Content
- Introduction to Engineering Systems.
- Overview of traditional Systems Engineering processes and when they fail.
- Common elements of 'systems thinking' regardless of discipline.
- Introduction to technical, political, social, environmental, and other impacts on engineering systems.
- Introductory modelling and simulation of systems.
- Overview of discipline-specific engineering system components (civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, medical).
- Case studies of engineering systems from different engineering disciplines.
- Issues related to the design, operation, management, maintenance and disposal of engineering systems.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode: 4 hours per week
Lecture: 2 hrs
Tutorial: 2 hrs
Material in this unit will be presented in lectures, hands-on tutorials and through independent learning projects which are undertaken both individually and in teams in and outside of normal class time. Case study led discussions form the major component of your learning. As a group, you will participate in a learning team, which will support and assist your learning, providing a support network.
Assessment
You will be required to complete three types of graded assessment:
1. A Quiz on the fundamentals of engineering systems;
2. A Project (applied) comprising a system case study & simulation model;
3. A final Examination.You will receive formative feedback following the week 4 quiz and following the submission of the first component of the system case study in week 9. General feedback will also be provided during tutorial classes and to the entire cohort during lectures.
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
A multiple choice questionnaire covering the terminology and modelling approaches of engineering systems.
Relates to objectives:
1
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 4
Assessment name:
Project (applied)
Description:
This assessment item is comprised of two elements:
1. Part 1 - Each group will choose an engineering system; identify its key elements, their interactions and the context for its operation. Students may work within their groups to discuss and analyse the system, and to gather supporting references. Each student will submit an individual report, which analyses the system and draws on a literature review and the findings of the group analysis. This submission is due in Week 9.
2. Part 2 - Groups will analyse a simulation model for an engineering system. Students will analyse an existing model and may propose refinements based on their analysis of their chosen model. The group will produce a report discussing the behaviour of the system, the analysis of the simulation model, and any refinements they have proposed. This submission is due in Week 12.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Week 12
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
Centrally timetabled examination
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Textbook:
No textbook will be required for this unit.
Online Resource:
1. Blackboard site for ENB200
2. Course Material Database
3. Engineering systems: meeting human needs in a complex technological world. Authors: Olivier L. de Weck, Daniel Roos, and Christopher L. Magee, 2011 - Available through QUT elibrary.
Risk assessment statement
There is no out of the ordinary risk in this unit. However, you will be informed of any requirements pertaining to a safe workplace. In lectures, tutorials and such, the information will include location of fire exits and meeting points in case of fire. If you do not follow legitimate instructions or endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, you will be required to leave the session.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 09-May-2012
