ADFA Open Day course information session – Engineering

Welcome to the School of Engineering and Technology

Introduction and Acknowledgment

• The presentation begins with a warm welcome to attendees, noting that their presence indicates interest in the School of Engineering and Technology.

• Pat Heffernon, Head of School, acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and extends respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Vision Statement

• The school's vision is focused on delivering world-class engineering education and research.

• Emphasis on creating inclusive, innovative, and creative communities as part of their mission.

Community Engagement

• The community includes external stakeholders, academic staff, researchers, students, and anyone involved in the educational process.

• Empowering this community is essential for achieving collective success through support for innovation and creativity.

Values in Action

• The university's values emphasize embracing diversity and respect among community members as foundational principles for collaboration.

• Individual success is linked to innovation within engineering disciplines; excellence is achieved collectively through these individual efforts.

What Do Engineers Do?

Understanding Engineering Roles

• Attendees are encouraged to reflect on their perceptions of what engineers do; many may still be uncertain about the profession's scope.

Defining Engineering

• Engineers apply science to create technological solutions aimed at solving problems while sustaining society's needs.

• This definition highlights engineers as creative problem solvers who contribute significantly to societal advancement.

Pathways into Engineering

Educational Journey

• Discussion on traditional pathways leading from high school through college into various engineering disciplines offered by the school (e.g., civil, mechanical).

Career Opportunities

The Role of Engineers in Society

Overview of Engineering Opportunities

• The speaker emphasizes that there is a wide range of job opportunities for engineers, indicating that engineering roles are available almost everywhere.

Intrigue and Self-Assessment

• The speaker discusses the importance of self-reflection for those considering an engineering career, suggesting they assess their interest and aptitude in math, sciences, and technology.

Impact of Engineering on Society

• An engineering degree from UNSW can significantly impact one's future options and achievements. The speaker highlights the potential to apply technology to improve the world meaningfully.

Demand for Engineers

• There is a high demand for engineers, particularly in defense sectors. Combining technical skills with soft skills like leadership enhances career prospects.

Contributions to Society

• Engineers play a crucial role in improving efficiency, performance, sustainability, and reliability across various technologies. Their work contributes to societal happiness, health, and safety.

Job Market Insights for Engineers

Employment Landscape

• According to recent reports from Engineers Australia, there is a significant shortage of engineers in society. This creates ample job vacancies and opportunities for aspiring engineers.

Job Satisfaction and Compensation

• Strong employment outcomes indicate that engineering jobs not only pay well but also align with personal interests and strengths.

Transferable Skills

• Engineering graduates possess highly valued skills that are transferable across various fields. Even if one does not work directly in engineering post-graduation, the skills acquired remain beneficial.

Pathway to Becoming an Engineer

Introduction to Programs Offered

• The presentation transitions into discussing different engineering programs available at UNSW's School of Engineering Technology.

Diverse Specializations Available

Engineering Programs Overview

Bachelor of Technology and Engineering Programs

• The institution offers a Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering and various Bachelor of Engineering Honors programs, all delivered face-to-face on campus.

• All programs are accredited by Engineers Australia and include industry work experience, allowing graduates to start working as qualified engineers recognized in Australia and globally.

• The Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering is exclusively available to defense students, while other engineering honors programs accept both defense and non-defense students.

Program Structure

• The curriculum emphasizes foundational knowledge in the first two years, covering essential courses like engineering math, physics, programming, and computational problem-solving.

• Core engineering theory is taught in the second and third years, focusing on fundamental concepts specific to each engineering discipline.

• Students engage in hands-on project-based courses throughout their degree, often working individually or in teams to design and build projects.

Specialization and Electives

• Students can tailor their education through technical elective courses based on personal interests and career goals.

• All students complete an introduction to cybersecurity course along with two general education courses from diverse fields for broader knowledge.

Capstone Projects

• A year-long capstone engineering research project is required for all honors program students, integrating practical application with theoretical learning.

Civil Engineering Program Details

Civil Engineering Focus

• Civil engineering encompasses planning, design, construction, and management of infrastructure such as roads, buildings, bridges, water supplies, and airports.

Specialized Courses

• The civil engineering program includes specialized core courses like soil mechanics, hydraulic engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and concrete design.

Faculty Expertise

• Courses are taught by world-class academics who incorporate cutting-edge research into their teaching methodologies.

Aeronautical Engineering Program Insights

Work Experience Component

• The aeronautical engineering program features an integrated industry work experience component that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems during their studies.

Duration of Work Experience

Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering Overview

Program Structure and Requirements

• The Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering is a three-year program with a work experience requirement of 40 days.

• This program aligns closely with the first three years of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) in Aeronautical Engineering, tailored for those aspiring to become air crew while gaining a solid foundation in science, technology, and engineering.

Electrical Engineering Program Insights

Course Structure and Specializations

• The electrical engineering program features varied courses across different programs but maintains a consistent structure.

• Technical elective courses are introduced towards the end of the program, allowing students to choose specializations based on their interests.

Available Courses

• Examples of technical electives include radar techniques, smart grids, renewable energy, satellite communications, cryptography, and nuclear propulsion.

• Multidisciplinary streams offer additional options such as space studies, robotics and autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence.

Mechanical Engineering Program Highlights

Focus Areas

• The mechanical engineering program emphasizes design, manufacturing, and maintenance of various machines used daily.

Project-Based Learning

• Design and project-based courses are integral throughout all engineering programs; students engage in group or individual projects that apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.

• An example includes participation in the international Warman build and design competition where students have achieved finalist status multiple times.

Naval Architecture Program Overview

Program Description

• The naval architecture program focuses on designing machines for marine environments like ships and submarines.

• It shares its first two years with the mechanical engineering curriculum before specializing further.

Honors Thesis Component

• All engineering programs culminate in an honors year where students undertake significant research projects under academic supervision.

Undergraduate Student Profile

Study Load Expectations

Course Structure and Workload

Overview of Course Credits and Study Load

• Each course is worth six units of credit, with a full-time study load totaling 24 units per semester.

• Students typically spend 3 to 5 hours in class daily and an additional 3 to 4 hours outside of class for preparation and assignments.

• The expected workload is approximately 150 hours per semester per course, leading to around 600 total hours for four courses.

• This translates to a weekly commitment of about 35 to 40 hours during the semester.

Employment Opportunities for Engineering Graduates

Job Prospects in Various Sectors

• Graduates from UNW CRO engineering programs have numerous employment opportunities in both service and civilian sectors.

• Potential employers include defense industries, government organizations, private industries, consultancies, startups, and specialized companies.

Unique Alignment of Skills

• There is a logical alignment between the engineering degree completed by graduates and available job positions, particularly in service jobs.

• For example, Aeronautical Engineering graduates can pursue roles such as aerospace engineer or avionics engineer in both military and civilian sectors.

Specialized Programs and Postgraduate Options

Bachelor of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering

• This program is designed specifically for those aiming to become air crew members within defense services.

Other Engineering Disciplines

• Civil engineering offers various exciting career options; similar opportunities exist across electrical engineering and mechanical engineering fields.

Postgraduate Studies

• The institution also provides postgraduate programs including Space Engineering, project management, explosive ordinance management, PhD options across different fields.

Application Process for UNW Cambra

Dual Admission Process for Defense Students

• Prospective training officers must navigate both the defense admission process through Defense Force Recruiting and the university application process online via U.

Application Steps for Non-defense Students

• Non-defense students follow a single-step application process through U like other Australian universities.

Faculty Admission Scheme

• An admission scheme allows applicants within a certain ATAR range (7 to 10 points below required selection rank) to receive conditional offers based on their abilities in math and science subjects.

Academic Entry Requirements

Selection Ranks Explained

• The lowest selection rank for defense students is set at 85+, while non-defense students require a minimum rank of 90.

Overview of Engineering Programs at UNSW

Introduction to Adjustment Factors

• Adjustment factors are available for students, with some calculated automatically through the U process while others require separate applications. Bonus points can be added to ATAR scores.

Benefits of Studying Engineering at UNSW

• The speaker emphasizes the alignment of programs with student career aspirations and highlights the importance of choosing a suitable engineering program.

Unique Aspects of UNSW's Engineering School

• UNSW offers world-class education benefits combined with a small campus experience, providing an optimal student-to-teacher ratio.

• Smaller class sizes allow for personal connections between students and educators, enhancing educational outcomes.

World-Class Recognition and Facilities

• UNSW ranks 19th globally and 7th according to Times Higher Education rankings, showcasing its prestigious status in engineering education.

• The university is recognized as first in Australia for engineering and promotes entrepreneurial spirit through various programs.

Integrated Learning Opportunities

• Students engage in vertical integrated learning, applying theoretical knowledge through practical experiences such as racing teams and other activities.

Support Systems and Research Opportunities

• UNSW provides comprehensive academic support services typical of a large research-intensive university, ensuring student success.

• Being part of the Group of Eight Australian universities means access to leading research opportunities that inform classroom teaching.

Facilities and Location Advantages

• The school boasts over 100 teaching and research labs tailored to various engineering disciplines.

• Canberra's central location allows easy access to Sydney, coastal areas, and ski resorts, contributing to a high quality of life.

Promoting Diversity in STEM: Yahi Program

• The Yahi program encourages young women interested in STEM fields by offering free workshops during school breaks aimed at fostering community engagement.

Final Program Details and Student Introductions

Conclusion of the Conversation

• The speaker encourages participation in an upcoming program, emphasizing its importance for students.

• Students are invited to join the discussion, with a focus on avoiding camera interference during streaming.

Student Introductions

• Finn introduces himself as a third-year civil engineering student.

• Liz is a first-year aerospace engineering student.

• Chamama identifies as a fourth-year defense aerospace student.

• Henry is a first-year aeronautical engineering student.

• Seline shares that she is a second-year mechanical engineering student in defense civilian studies.

Admission Processes and Academic Support

Dual Admission Process

• Prospective training officers must navigate both the Defense P process and the university admission process, starting at different times (year 11 for Defense, year 12 for university).

Pre-Assumed Knowledge Requirements

• Advanced math and physics are recommended but not mandatory prerequisites; support is available for first-year students struggling with these subjects.

• Emphasis on providing extensive math and physics support through individual and group sessions to help students catch up if needed.

Student Experiences with Math Preparation

Insights from Current Students

• A current student reflects that taking extension two math helped ease their transition into first-year mathematics courses.

• Another student mentions that even those who took extension one found first-semester math manageable, suggesting that advanced preparation can be beneficial but isn't strictly necessary.

Daily Life and Workload Management

Daily Schedule Overview

• Students typically allocate about two hours daily for military education alongside their academic classes, allowing time for personal activities like gym or golf.

Study Load Insights

• The study load varies by individual ambition; some may find it manageable while others might need to invest more effort depending on their goals in STEM fields.

Internship Opportunities within Defense Programs

Group Assignments Post-Admittance

• Upon joining the program, students are assigned to specific groups within the Department of Defense based on preferences related to their chosen programs.

Current Internship Programs Available

Defense Force Recruitment and Engineering Education Insights

Overview of Practical Learning in Engineering

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from Defense Force Recruiting regarding educational options, highlighting their involvement with the FSA racing team for hands-on engineering experience.

• In semester 2, students engage in practical design subjects, including creating jigs and setups. The speaker shares a personal experience of spending three hours on 3D printed parts, showcasing real-time application of learned skills.

Support Programs for Physics and Mathematics

• A Physics Support Program is mentioned, which operates bi-weekly with lecturers and tutors providing one-on-one sessions. This program is popular among students who find it beneficial for overcoming academic challenges.

• The discussion includes math support programs available alongside physics assistance. Students are encouraged to consult Student Admin Services for specific admission queries related to course offerings.

Course Load and Interconnectivity

• The conversation shifts to degree selection based on individual interests, particularly mentioning civil engineering courses like geotechnical engineering that can feel overwhelming due to content volume.

• It is noted that while initial coursework may be heavy, there’s a positive correlation between first-year courses and subsequent ones, making the learning process more manageable over time.

Conclusion on Academic Rigor