Outline

Overview

ENGG3112 will provide an opportunity for students to experience the interaction of different disciplines of engineering needed to deliver complex engineered systems. Students will work in multi-engineering-disciplinary teams to evaluate complex engineered systems in the context of contemporary global challenges, and put forward recommendations for change during semester-long project. The project will also have an emphasis on how engineering can contribute (positively and negatively) to complex global challenges.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Minimum of 84 credit points of engineering foundation/project/stream table units
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENGG2111
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ashlee Pearson, ashlee.pearson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Core Concepts Exam The core concepts exam is split into 2 sections - Section A which the hurdle requirement applies to and Section B which does not have a hurdle requirement. Supplementary assessment will be offered to select students who do not meet the hurdle requirement.	25%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Discussion of Weekly Progress Submissions Discussion/Q&A with staff based on submission of project update and drafts of overarching conceptual design proposal components. Best 10.	20%	Multiple weeks	Variable	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Self and peer assessment of team contribution Self and peer assessment of team contribution.	0%	Multiple weeks	15minutes per task.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Poster Submission Poster detailing proposed solution (at the time of submission)	5%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1 Poster per group	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Poster Exhibition Q&A at poster exhibition.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Apr 2026 at 13:00	Approx. 10-15 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Conceptual Design Proposal Written design proposal report.	30%	Week 12 Due date: 23 May 2026 at 23:59	30 pages excluding references & appendix	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Reflection Interactive oral reflecting on project outcomes and teamwork contributions. During week 13 tutorial.	10%	Week 13	15mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

To pass this unit, students must:

Complete all assessment tasks. Failure to complete all assessment tasks will result in a maximum final result of 45 FA.
Pass section A of the core concepts exam (80% minimum requirement).
Attend and actively participate in a minimum of 11 out of 13 tutorial classes. Each class involves a significant component of collaborative work, peer review, and team decision making. Absence from the class impacts your team and prevents you from demonstrating learning outcomes 3 and 5 throughout the project. Failure to meet the attendance requirement will result in a maximum of 45% of the available marks in the group component of assessment.

Discussion of Weekly Progress Submissions (individual and group) - Each week you will need to submit a draft version of a component of the overarching conceptual design proposal to Canvas before your tutorial. This will be discussed in class with your tutor who will provide feedback verbally on your progress. Best 10 submissions counted.

Poster Submission and Exhibition (group) - Developing further the initial ideas generated by your team, you will put forward a concept design, system design, or policy/practice recommendation for external review. It should be supported by suitable short-form documentation (drawings, annotated diagrams, flow charts, presentation slides etc.), (open) and preparedness among team members to address questions posed by staff and peers (secured).

Self and peer review of team contribution (individual) - All group assessments require you to review your performance and that of your team members using Sparkplus. Individual marks for group assessments will be adjusted based on these reviews.

Conceptual Design Proposal (group) - A report overviewing the problem, key contextual information, engineering requirements, stakeholders and proposal for a potential solution's conceptual design (including stakeholder engagement plan, detailed design plan and risk assessment).

Reflection (individual) - An interactive oral assessment of your personal reflection on how key concepts in the unit and skills you have learned elsewhere in your degree were implemented within your project and how you performed over the semester in your group assessments.

Core Concepts Exam (individual) - A final exam on basic concepts and skills used in the conceptual design proposal. The core concepts exam is split into 2 sections - Section A which the hurdle requirement applies to and Section B which does not have a hurdle requirement. The Section A hurdle requirement is 80%. Supplementary assessment will be offered to select students who do not meet the hurdle requirement through the initial examination offering.

Assessment criteria

See assessment rubrics in Canvas

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties: 1. Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. 2. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. 3. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. 4. In general there will be no late submissions allowed for Self and Peer Review of team contribution (SPARKPLUS assessments), class preparation tasks and in-class assessment activities.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Work on overarching group project.	Self-directed learning (48 hr)
	Weekly progress submissions.	Self-directed learning (13 hr)
	Weekly self-preparation work in advance of tutorials (online videos, readings and practice exercises)	Self-directed learning (26 hr)
Week 01	Design engineering principles, understanding a client brief and the basics of research and justification	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Group formation, problem definition	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Problem definition, engineering requirements	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Stakeholder identification, initial solution ideation, unintended consequences and ethics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Further ideation, engineering and ethical decision-making	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Developing your solution proposal	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Communicating your proposed solution and poster mock-ups	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Refining the verbal communication of your proposed solution, team reflection and project planning	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Ethical design review, stakeholder engagement plans, risk assessment and project planning	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Ethical design review, stakeholder engagement plans, risk assessment and project planning	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Project planning and finalisation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Final report, reflective practice and the final exam	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Reflection interactive oral assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

All classes are designed to assist students with the project. You MUST attend a minimum of 11 out of 13 tutorial classes. Each class involves a significant component of collaborative work, peer review, and team decision making. Absence from the class impacts your team and prevents you from demonstrating Learning outcomes 4 and 5 throughout the project. Failure to meet the attendance requirement will result in a maximum of 45% of the available marks in the group component of assessment.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Develop engineering solutions in response to a complex problem, considering context and diverse perspectives of stakeholders, team peers and client representatives.
LO2. Independently identify and align work to applicable regulatory frameworks, standards, client and community expectations.
LO3. Contribute disciplinary knowledge from prior studies to a multi-disciplinary systems engineering design project.
LO4. Communicate effectively to convey engineering solutions in a range of contexts and audiences.
LO5. Contribute to a team with respect and professionalism throughout a semester-long project
LO6. Use appropriate referencing systems and academic standards in formal written and oral communications.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

ENGG3112 is continually monitored for student engagement and feedback, including working with tutors on their observations from both tutorials and assessment. A breadth of industry feedback is also sought on the relevance and appropriateness of the unit’s content and activities. The unit has been continually improved over multiple iterations by many unit coordinators. In response to the USS, between S1 2026 and S2 2025 the major changes are: 1) Earlier group formation 2) Broader project topics 3) Greater weight of individual assessment 4) Revision to the unit's Canvas site and materials

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENGG3112: Interdisciplinary Engineering

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links