Complete Report - University of New South Wales

5.5.1 New Flexible First Year
In 2005 the Faculty undertook a revision of all Engineering programs to increase fl exibility for
students in their fi rst year, and ensure a broad base in mathematics, science and engineering
fundamentals. Prospective students had indicated that there was value in delaying their choice
of specialisation, and this new program exposes students to the various engineering schools
and enables them to make an informed choice at the end of their fi rst year. However, students
who already know which fi eld of engineering they would like to enter, can enter directly into
that specialisation in their fi rst year. The Centre’s educational programs were involved with
this revision and academic and administrative staff were involved with the process that will
see these new style programs effective from 2006.
5.5.2 New Engineering Design and Innovation Course
Along with the rationalisation of fi rst year courses for all engineering programs for the fl exible
fi rst year, a new common course on Engineering Design and Innovation was created. Staff
members from each School met periodically throughout the year to establish the aims and
structure of the course, and to write a course outline. The course aims to give students fi rst
hand experience with designing and building creative solutions to problems which are limited
by budget, time and resources. The key engineering skills it aims to develop in students include
concept development, critical thinking and evaluation skills, clear communication, research
and information literacy skills, and teamwork. Dr Jeff Cotter is one of the leaders in the
development and implementation of the new course, and is teaching the course in 2006.
5.5.3 First Year Course on Sustainable Energy
With the introduction of the new fl exible fi rst year program and the opportunity for fi rst year
students to take electives, the Centre decided to offer a new fi rst year course on Sustainable
Energy as part of the elective pool. This new course will introduce students to the concept
of energy in its different forms through a range of demonstrations which will introduce
the concepts of energy storage, energy effi ciency, energy conversion and sustainability. An
overview of renewable and nuclear energy sources will be given with particular emphasis
on photovoltaic technology including interesting case histories and fascinating mistakes
and disasters. One lecture each week will be given by guest lecturers who are experts from
industry, end-user groups, research and government. The course will fi rst be offered in 2006
to all students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering.
5.5.4 Multiple Criteria Entry for Undergraduate Programs
Generally, admission to undergraduate programs for local Australian citizens and permanent
residents is through the Universities Admissions Centre based solely on a prospective
student’s UAI result as part of the Higher School Certifi cate. However, in 2005 the Faculty
of Engineering introduced the Multiple Criteria Entry admissions scheme which recognises
that there are a number of factors not measured in high school assessment, which indicate
the potential of a student to succeed in engineering programs. In addition to their UAI, these
factors include a student’s attitude, commitment, interest in engineering and the type of
subjects taken for their HSC. Students who anticipated receiving a UAI less than 85, but
higher than 75, were encouraged to apply for an interview with members of the Faculty’s
academic staff. At the interview students have the opportunity to exchange information,
demonstrate their suitability to engineering and ask questions of Engineering staff.
135