Course coordinator
Associate Professor Vigya Sharma
Please email if you need to organise a meeting.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
This course will provide students with perspectives and tools to sensitively and appropriately apply their engineering practice to humanitarian contexts and development. The course will expand students' existing engineering knowledge to work with vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and communities in challenging and uncertain environments, informing and improving their overall engineering practice. Students will explore the history of community development in Australia and the region, including contemporary approaches and models used. Appropriate and sustainable design and technology will be explored, including critical reflection of the benefits and limitations of engineering practice.
Humanitarian engineering is the application of any given engineering discipline to a specific development or humanitarian context. Its purpose is to use engineering knowledge to develop affordable, culturally appropriate, sustainable solutions that improve social wellbeing, particularly for marginalised and disadvantaged communities.
ENGG2000 will provide specific development knowledge and tools to students from all engineering fields. In particular, the course will focus on developing new skills and competencies to allow students to develop a strong sense of ethics, partnerships and resilience, that will, in turn, benefit their understanding of the role of engineers in addressing contemporary challenges.
It is recognised that engineers have a critical role to play in achieving the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This course will help you reflect on your training as an engineer and the positive impact that you can make in the world through learning how engineering can help improve people's living conditions - both here in Australia and overseas.
The course has five key modules:
- Introduction to humanitarian settings
- Appropriate technology and human-centred design
- Skills and competencies for a humanitarian engineer
- Development frameworks and tools for humanitarian engineering
- Domestic and international development in Australia
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students must have passed one semester of engineering (or equivalent).
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1100
Restrictions
BE; BE (Hons) students only.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Dr Andrew Pascale
Dr Anh Tran
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The dates are pending publication of the semester 2 timetable.
A detailed course timetable will be provided on the course Blackboard site at the start of semester.
Aims and outcomes
Learn how to apply your core engineering knowledge to develop affordable, scalable and sustainable solutions for a range of humanitarian challenges – from post-earthquake reconstruction to livelihood generation in disadvantaged communities in Australia and overseas.
In addition to acquiring new knowledge in development and emergency practice, you will build a variety of skills, competencies and attitudes that are critical for good engineering professional practice in all contexts.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain and reflect on the role of a Humanitarian Engineer.
LO2.
Explain the links between humanitarian engineering and sustainable development goals.
LO3.
Describe the skills and competencies needed by humanitarian engineers to work effectively in a range of domestic and international contexts
LO4.
Explain human-centred design, reflect on its significance, and provide examples.
LO5.
Determine appropriate technologies based on local needs assessment and best practice guidelines.
LO6.
Explain the role of humanitarian engineering in addressing complex technical, social and ecological challenges facing Australia's Indigenous communities.
LO7.
Compare various development approaches and tools, and determine their suitability in resolving potential conflicts in a humanitarian setting.
LO8.
Describe, and give examples of Australia's domestic and international humanitarian challenges.
LO9.
Improve teamwork skills through practice and reflection by working on a humanitarian engineering project.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Poster, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Concept Questions
|
20% |
Concept Question 1 2/08/2024 5:00 pm Concept Question 2 23/08/2024 5:00 pm Concept Question 3 6/09/2024 5:00 pm Concept Question 4 4/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project |
Student presentation
|
5% |
21/10/2024 - 24/10/2024 |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project |
Project Scoping Plan and Final Submission
|
25% |
Group presentation scoping plan 13/09/2024 5:00 pm Project Final Submission 25/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam
|
50% Hurdle |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
| Project |
Group Project - Peer Assessment Factor (PAF)
|
21/10/2024 - 1/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Concept Questions
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Poster, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Concept Question 1 2/08/2024 5:00 pm
Concept Question 2 23/08/2024 5:00 pm
Concept Question 3 6/09/2024 5:00 pm
Concept Question 4 4/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
Concept Question 1 - 5%: Further details will be shared in the first session.
Concept Question 2 - 5%
Concept Question 3 - 5%
Concept Question 4 - 5%
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
CQs are due every 2 weeks (more or less). Maximum 7 day extension provided to help students not have a backlog of CQ assessments.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Student presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
21/10/2024 - 24/10/2024
Task description
The Project comprises three deliverables:
- A scoping plan (5%): This is a mid-project progress report that will enable you to get feedback at an early stage of the project. This is due on Friday, Week 8.
- Presentation (5%): This will be a group presentation where you present your proposal. These will be due in week 13.
- Final Project Submission (20%): This will be a document outlining a proposal to provide a solution to one of the project opportunities presented in the EWB Challenge. This will be due on Friday, week 13.
The project work will be conducted in groups of 4 or more students. This is because this type of project work would be conducted by teams in the field, and it is important that multiple viewpoints are considered for developing the proposed solution. Work in humanitarian settings is often challenging and requires effective teamwork and the support of team members. It is important that this is part of your experience in this course.
Individual marks will be determined by a combination of:
- Participation and contribution in tutorials.
- Peer Assessment.
- Clearly identified contributions from individuals for each of the deliverables.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In-person presentation. All team members required.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As this piece of assessment is part of the Project Final Submission, a group assessment, no extension is available.
Project Scoping Plan and Final Submission
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Group presentation scoping plan 13/09/2024 5:00 pm
Project Final Submission 25/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
Project Scoping Plan - 5%: This is a mid-project progress report that will enable you to get feedback at an early stage of the project.
Final Submission - 20%: This will be a document outlining a proposal to provide a solution to one of the project opportunities presented in the EWB Challenge.
The Project comprises three deliverables:
- A scoping plan (5%): This is a mid-project progress report that will enable you to get feedback at an early stage of the project.
- Presentation (5%): This will be a group presentation where you present your proposal.
- Final Project Submission (20%): This will be a document outlining a proposal to provide a solution to one of the project opportunities presented in the EWB Challenge.
The project work will be conducted in groups of 4 students. This is because this type of project work would be conducted by teams in the field, and it is important that multiple viewpoints are considered for developing the proposed solution. Work in humanitarian settings is often challenging and requires effective teamwork and support of team members. It is important that this is part of your experience in this course.
Individual marks will be determined by a combination of:
- Participation and contribution in tutorials.
- Peer Assessment.
- Clearly identified contributions from individuals for each of the deliverables.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The Project Final Submission is a group presentation, and students cannot apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50% Hurdle
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Final Exam - Closed book. No written materials permitted. No calculators permitted.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
As the main piece of the Identity Verified Assessment Hurdle, students need to pass the final exam to pass the course.
Hurdle requirements
You will need to pass the final exam to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Group Project - Peer Assessment Factor (PAF)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Due date
21/10/2024 - 1/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
This will be explained in the class. All team members will be asked to provide peer-assessment for other members on their quality and nature of contribution to the group work. This PAF will then be applied to calculate each team member's final mark for the group project.
Submission guidelines
This will be done online.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
The Project Final Submission is a group presentation, and students cannot apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy the requirements for a Pass. A serious lack of evidence of competence in the course material. [Typically <30%] |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy the requirements for a Pass. Lack of evidence of competence in the course material. [Typically 30% to 44%] |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all basic requirements for a Pass. Lack of demonstration of satisfactory understanding of the principles of humanitarian engineering. Typically an overall mark of 45% to 49%. A grade of 3 may also result if you receive over 50% overall but do not complete all pieces of assessment (without appropriate justification). |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Competent level of work demonstrating and understanding the key principles of humanitarian engineering (see course Learning Objectives). To achieve a grade of 4 in this course you must achieve an overall mark in excess of 50% and complete all pieces of assessment. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to the criteria for a grade of 4, you must achieve an overall mark in excess of 65%. Evidence of critical thinking and synthesis and evaluation skills. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to meeting the criteria for a grade of 5, you must demonstrate consistently very high achievement in all pieces of assessment. Demonstrates critical thinking and good synthesis and evaluation skills. To achieve a grade of 6, you must have an overall mark above 75%. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: In addition to meeting the criteria for a grade of 6, you must demonstrate outstanding achievement in all pieces of assessment. Clearly demonstrating critical thinking and high quality synthesis and evaluation skills. To achieve a grade of 7, you must have an overall mark above 85%. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Other Supplementary Assessment Information
Supplementary Assessment will be a written exam, and will need to be passed to pass the course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
All learning resources will be provided via the Blackboard site.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 2 |
Tutorial |
Module 1: Introduction to Humanitarian Engineering Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Introduction to the EWB Challenge |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Tutorial |
Module 2: Appropriate Technology Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Tutorial |
Module 3: Skills & Competencies for a HE |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Tutorial |
Module 4: Development Frameworks & Tools Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
Tutorial |
Module 5: Domestic & International Development Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L08 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Project Work Project Work |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Tutorial |
EWB Challenge and group presentations |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- Safety Induction for Practicals
Course guidelines
Safety Induction for Practicals
Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.
Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.
In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.