Engineering for the Future unit (ENG407)

Introduction

This unit is a multi-disciplinary engineering unit that examines the role of engineering in delivering future development at local, national, and global scale, in order to sustainably meet the needs of a growing population out to 2050. It examines societal and environmental drivers, including quantitative analysis, drawing on various data sources. The unit then explores techno-economic analyses of major engineering transformative approaches in the transport, infrastructure, energy, water, and technology sectors. Students from the different degree specialisations will work together on projects that seek solutions based on long-term strategic timeframes. The world is facing unprecedented challenges. As we contend with the climate crisis, related natural disasters, sharp decline in biodiversity, and looming pressure on freshwater resources, we are also continuing down an unsustainable path of extraction and consumption against headwinds of shifting demographics in developing countries and related geopolitical instability.The production and consumption that drives our economy must fundamentally change in the coming decades to prevent the compounding of negative impacts and a sharp decline in the liveability of our world. Additionally, our infrastructure, buildings, power systems, and transport must become carbon neutral over the whole life-cycle. This unit explores the role of engineering in transforming our future to correct the imbalance between human progress and sustainability. Case studies will be examined and students will participate in large-scale design thinking and life-cycle analysis of major projects. 

Summary

Unit name	Engineering for the Future
Unit code	ENG407
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Professor Tim Finnigan
Delivered By
Level	Honours

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the use of natural resources for energy and industrial processes across the whole value chain in the context of long-term sustainability
• Critically evaluate existing systems, processes and case studies from industry to identify policy and planning failures and propose solutions to technical challenges associated with unsustainable practices
• Construct a techno-economic model that balances the costs and benefits of sustainability strategies
• Apply acquired engineering skills to projects and development plans that incorporate specific targets for sustainability

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Completion of 50 credit points of ENG units at intermediate level AND 50 credit points of ENG units at advanced level

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Students work with academic and industry professionals on developing solutions to real-world issues
Assessment	Sustainability Industry professional - analysis (20%)|Exam (30%)|Final Project (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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