Students
ENGG4001 – Professional Practice
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
Unit convenor
June Ho
Contact via Email
School of Engineering, Level 3, 9 Wally's Walk
Arrangement by email
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ENGG3000
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
In this professional practice capstone unit students will work as teams of consulting engineers to provide an engineering solution to a real societal need or problem, and which addresses a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The teams may be multidisciplinary, as required by the nature of the project, and will source a valuable exposure to an in-depth understanding of the problem, the relevant industry, and the socio-technical and other contexts in which the need or problem arose, and the engineered system or solution required. The teams will be expected to organise, plan, and perform all other tasks associated with good engineering practice, including discussion and reflection around the engineering problem and the engineering process. Individual and collective technical and professional competencies will be demonstrated through the production of a substantial report and presentation for consideration. An appreciation of the various contexts and factors impacting upon engineering practice will be developed. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Quality Education; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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: Work productively in teams of professional engineers.
- ULO2: Effectively and professionally communicate engineering concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.
- ULO3: Develop and deliver a professional engineering report, detailing the problem to be solved, the proposed problem solution, a critique of the solution and the reasons why the solution was chosen or recommended.
- ULO4: Examine and reflect on the socio-technical and other contexts in which engineering is practiced.
- ULO5: Exercise professional and self reflective practice.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit To pass this unit you need to: Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments
Hurdle Assessments
There is no hurdle assessment in this unit.
Late Submission Policy
- 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:
- Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
- 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
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 30% | No | Friday of Week 10 | Individual | No | Observed |
| Written Report | 40% | No | 07/06/2026 | Individual and Group | No | Open |
| Oral presentation | 30% | No | Friday of Week 12/ week 13 | Individual and Group | No | Observed |
Quiz
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 23 hours
Due: Friday of Week 10
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
You will sit a formal exam to demonstrate the knowledge you have gained in this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Effectively and professionally communicate engineering concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.
- Examine and reflect on the socio-technical and other contexts in which engineering is practiced.
- Exercise professional and self reflective practice.
Written Report
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 07/06/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
You will work in a group to produce a report covering your project proposal and the design of your engineering solution, developing key skills in teamwork, technical writing, problem analysis, project management and engineering design.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Work productively in teams of professional engineers.
- Effectively and professionally communicate engineering concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.
- Develop and deliver a professional engineering report, detailing the problem to be solved, the proposed problem solution, a critique of the solution and the reasons why the solution was chosen or recommended.
- Examine and reflect on the socio-technical and other contexts in which engineering is practiced.
- Exercise professional and self reflective practice.
Oral presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Friday of Week 12/ week 13
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
You will deliver a presentation on your engineering solution project, demonstrating your teamwork, problem analysis, project management, engineering design, and ability to communicate technical information effectively.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Work productively in teams of professional engineers.
- Effectively and professionally communicate engineering concepts in multiple modes to a range of audiences.
- Develop and deliver a professional engineering report, detailing the problem to be solved, the proposed problem solution, a critique of the solution and the reasons why the solution was chosen or recommended.
- Examine and reflect on the socio-technical and other contexts in which engineering is practiced.
- Exercise professional and self reflective practice.
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
All slides and materials, recommended book list and videos will be provided on iLearn.
Unit Schedule
Please refer to iLearn for more details.
Lectures will start from week 1. SGTAs will start from Week 2.
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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
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.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
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.
Changes from Previous Offering
Change to 3 assessments.
Engineers Australia Competency Mapping
| EA Competency Standard | Unit Learning Outcomes | |
| 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. | ||
| 1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge | ||
| 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, ULO4 | |
| Engineering Application Ability | 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving | ULO3 |
| 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. | ULO3 | |
| 2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. | ULO3 | |
| 2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. | ULO3 | |
| Professional and Personal Attributes | 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. | ULO4, ULO5 |
| 3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. | ULO2, ULO4 | |
| 3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. | ULO4, ULO5 | |
| 3.4 Professional use and management of information. | ||
| 3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. | ULO1 | |
| 3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership | ULO1 | |
Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook