Reliability Engineering unit (ENG301)

Hobart

Introduction

Reliability engineering utilises statistical tools and analysis techniques, along with sophisticated risk and asset management principles, to analyse and assess the condition of components or systems over their lifecycle. A substantial statistical foundation is established in this unit, from which system reliability, maintainability and availability may be carefully and accurately assessed. This extends to critically and procedurally investigating the causes of system failures, and allows the identification of cost-effective proactive, preventative or corrective maintenance measures. This unit provides a comprehensive coverage of: Data handling, treatment of measurement uncertainties, and empirical reliability modelling; Probability concepts and distributions, allowing for reliability prediction and modelling; Availability assessment and stochastic modelling; Failure analysis through Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA); Systemability and the sustainable operation of systems within uncertain environments.
 

Summary

Unit name	Reliability Engineering
Unit code	ENG301
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Doctor Jason Ali-Lavroff
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the reliability of engineering components and systems using asset management, risk management and statistical tools.
• Analyse operational data and uncertainties from sensors to monitor a condition or control a process.
• Investigate and predict causes and effects of incidents or failures using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode Effect and Criticality Analysis (FMECA).
• Assess the availability of repairable components and systems using statistical techniques and stochastic analysis.
• Explain how reliability principles contribute to balancing economic, social and environmental sustainability considerations in engineering facilities, assets or systems.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
039900	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

ENG223 or JEE125 or KAA113|KME272

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	There will be a 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour lecture each week. The is one lab during the semester.
Assessment	Test 1 (10%)|Life Data Analysis and Maintainability Assignment (15%)|Test 2 (15%)|Lab 1 (20%)|RCA/FMECA case study (20%)|Test 3 (20%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Pham, H. “Statistical Reliability Engineering. Methods, Models and Applications”. 2022. Springer Series in Reliability Engineering. Bradley, E.A. “Reliability Engineering. A life cycle approach”. 2016, 2nd edition, Taylor & Francis Group

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.