Students

ENGG2050 – Engineering Systems and Design Thinking

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor/Lecturer
Gordon Wyeth
gordon.wyeth@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via Private message on iLearn
9WW
By appointment
Convenor
Foad Taghizadeh
foad.taghizadeh@mq.edu.au
Contact via Contact via Private message on iLearn
9WW
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ENGG1050 and COMP1000 and (MATH1010 or MATH1015 or MATH1007)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

The 3rd SPINE unit aimed to develop professional, transferable and employability skills. The unit deals with the design of complex systems from a top-down perspective. Students will be exposed to different engineering management approaches (waterfall and Agile) and other tools involved in the field of systems engineering. Students will be able to apply Design Thinking processes and apply problem-solving heuristics to solve complex engineering systems.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Evaluate a complex engineering problem from a range of perspectives, such as technological, social, environmental, financial, professional and ethical.
  • ULO2: Analyse and describe large engineering problems and related systems and subsystems.
  • ULO3: Apply appropriate engineering modelling and management tools in analysing a large engineering system.
  • ULO4: Apply design thinking and associated thinking techniques in generating a variety of solutions.
  • ULO5: Explain and integrate human and non-technical elements in an engineering project and its associated systems.

General Assessment Information

Requirements to pass the unit

To pass this unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD). For further details about grading, please refer below in the policies and procedures section. There are no hurdles. 

Attendance and participation

We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone. 

Late Assessment Submission

5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

  • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
  • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
  • Extensions: Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

           Need help? Review the Special Consideration page here

  • Re-Submission of work: Re-submission of work is not accepted.

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Video submission and presentation 25% No Week 13 Individual and Group No Observed
Final Quiz 45% No University exam period (TBA) Individual No Observed
Case studies 30% No 26/04/2026 Individual and Group Yes Open

Video submission and presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

Your group will present the final project outcomes, showcasing the system design, response to a system shock, alignment with UNSDG 9, and reflections on practice. The presentation will be group-based with each individual contributing and being assessed based on their contribution, communication skills and ability to respond to technical questions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse and describe large engineering problems and related systems and subsystems.
  • Apply design thinking and associated thinking techniques in generating a variety of solutions.
  • Explain and integrate human and non-technical elements in an engineering project and its associated systems.

Final Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 29 hours
Due: University exam period (TBA)
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will be assessed on your understanding of systems engineering concepts and semester project work. Based on a real or similar engineering scenario, you will answer design-focused questions to demonstrate problem-solving, systems thinking, and the application of course methodologies.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate a complex engineering problem from a range of perspectives, such as technological, social, environmental, financial, professional and ethical.
  • Analyse and describe large engineering problems and related systems and subsystems.
  • Apply appropriate engineering modelling and management tools in analysing a large engineering system.
  • Apply design thinking and associated thinking techniques in generating a variety of solutions.
  • Explain and integrate human and non-technical elements in an engineering project and its associated systems.

Case studies

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 26/04/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

You will submit a portfolio of worksheets from workshops, documenting your group’s systems analysis process, including requirements, problem definition, system modelling, and the “waterfall” methodology. Assessment will consider technical analysis, clarity, and planning, with individual contributions assessed through teaching staff feedback and a peer evaluation process.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate a complex engineering problem from a range of perspectives, such as technological, social, environmental, financial, professional and ethical.
  • Analyse and describe large engineering problems and related systems and subsystems.
  • Explain and integrate human and non-technical elements in an engineering project and its associated systems.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

On-campus activities commence in week 1. if you are unable to return to campus for the start of session, contact the unit convenor immediately.

Methods of Communication

Students are reminded the University will communicate all official notices to you by email to your university email account. Please read your @student.mq.edu.au email regularly, or forward it to an account you do read regularly. All announcements and other communications regarding this unit will be via the unit iLearn website, https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/ Please do not email unit convenors and other staff directly, but instead use the "Important Private Messages to Unit Contacts" forum on the unit website in iLearn.

Unit Website

The iLearn website for this unit can be found at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/. Note: All information and communications relevant to this Unit will be via the iLearn website.

Other Resources

All unit resources and communications relating to this unit, including a week-by-week schedule of learning and assessment activities, will be provided via the iLearn unit website.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

Knowledge and Skill Base 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.  
1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing. ULO3
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge ULO3
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions  
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice  
1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice. ULO3, ULO5
Engineering Application Ability 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving ULO1, ULO2, ULO3
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. ULO2, ULO3, ULO5
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. ULO4
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. ULO1, ULO2
Professional and Personal Attributes 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. ULO1
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. ULO1
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.  
3.4 Professional use and management of information.  
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.  
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership  

Changes since First Published

Date Description
23/03/2026 Date format updated

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook