Discovering Engineering engages students in engineering and provides a foundation of skills and knowledge for the rest of their engineering studies.  It introduces three aspects of engineering: the disciplines; the practice; and the responsibilities. These three themes are interwoven throughout the course to enhance student learning in problem formulation, systems design, communication, teamwork, research, an understanding of the responsibilities of engineering practice, and an awareness of reflective and ethical professional practice.

The systems approach which encompasses the ANU’s engineering philosophy and program is introduced.  Its relevance and importance to modern engineering is examined through technology projects and guest speaker presentations by practicing engineers and researchers.

The practice of engineering is examined through a group design project focused around the EWB Design Challenge.  Students gain an appreciation of the issues involved in taking a design from problem-formation, through concept generation to design, manufacture and proposed implementation during an open-ended, real-world design challenge.  The roles and responsibilities of engineers, technologists and scientists are considered through this project and by examining existing professional practice, the engineering profession and its peak professional bodies.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate research into engineering concepts, technology and contexts
2. use CAD tools to model engineering components
3. effectively communicate engineering concepts using different media 
4. identify their responsibilities within the engineering profession
5. design a solution to an open-ended problem using an engineering process
6. reflect on and evaluate their own ideas and work

Engineering Technology Report - Initial (5%)
EWB Research Report (10%)
CAD Assignment (15%)
Engineering Technology Report (20%)
EWB Presentation (10%)
EWB Design Report (40%)

27 one-hour lectures, 12 20min online lectures, 10 one-hour tutorials, 10 hours of labs, plus ~40 hours outside of class

Admission to the BE degree course or the BSEng degree course or approval of Head of Engineering.

Recommended: "Engineering Your Future", by Dowling, Carew and Hadgraft.

Course page http://eng.anu.edu.au/study/currentstudents/courses