421-207 Introduction to Design

421-107 Environmental Engineering Introduction or 421-101 Civil Engineering Introduction

The subject content is as follows: techniques for problem definition; nature of infrastructure systems and their sub-systems; conceptual modelling of systems; conceptual design and creative thinking; planning methodology; function; and performance, failure and reliability, communication by reports and plans. Topics include: infrastructure and natural systems; economy and life cycles costs; planning and designing; design objectives: function, aesthetics, costs, serviceability, safety; analysis and synthesis; conceptual design; uncertainties: variably, inaccuracy, mistakes; standardisation of materials, load calculations and procedures; government and other regulation; philosophies of design: allowable stress design, limit states design; and detailing and documentation: computations and iterative design, drawing conventions.

• ability to communicate effectively with engineers and the community as large

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance

• ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team leader

• understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

• understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship

One 3-hour end of semester exam (60%). Three in-class conceptual design group reports over the first 8 weeks of semester (10%). Three 600 word reports spread over the semester (15%) and one 2000 (per student) word group end-of-semester report (15%).