Professional Engineering Practice

Unit code: NEF4105 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
288 credit points in the course.
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit is designed to prepare you for the transition from university to professional engineering practice. You will engage in career development activities such as preparing a résumé, participating in mock interviews, and planning your professional pathway. The unit also explores the ethical, legal, social, and environmental responsibilities of engineers, guided by the Codes of Ethics of Engineers Australia and other professional bodies.



In addition, you will examine the relationship between engineering, business, and industry through topics such as organisational structure, intellectual property, business start-up, financial management, safety, and industrial relations. The importance of lifelong learning, reflective practice, and community contribution will be emphasised to support your ongoing professional growth and readiness to operate within complex workplace settings.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Compose employment documentation and perform in a simulated interview to demonstrate your understanding of recruitment practices and emerging professional opportunities in engineering;
  2. Critique the role of a professional engineer within a team setting by appraising ethical codes and professional standards across diverse societal and technical contexts;
  3. Justify the value of lifelong learning, community engagement, and professional development by reflecting on your evolving role and responsibilities as an engineer;
  4. Investigate and analyse key intellectual property considerations applicable to engineering innovation and practice; and
  5. Collaborate effectively in a diverse team to compare business structures, appraise regulatory obligations for start-ups, and design a business plan with a focus on funding strategies.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 40%
Employment Application (1000 words) and Mock Interview (10mins)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Presentation on Professional Conduct & Development and Ethics (Group) (15 mins)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 40%
Business Plan (Group) 2500 words)

Portfolio: Employment application (20%) and mock interview (20%). Mock interview is a secure assessment as it will consist of unpredictable follow up questions.

Presentation: This secure assessment features a formal presentation to a panel with unpredictable Q&A to verify individual contributions and achievement of learning outcomes.

Assignment: Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process.

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
NHEE | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering)
NHEM | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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