Overview
In this unit, you will explore the critical role of engineers in community solutions, focusing on the relationship between engineering and the social and natural world, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable solutions with safety practices. You will learn how to conduct a community needs assessment, apply human-centred design methods, and develop community-empowered solutions. You will develop skills to strategically engage community groups and individuals and manage their involvement as stakeholders in engineering projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding the social, cultural, and environmental contexts in which engineering solutions are applied. The unit prepares engineers to create positive and lasting impacts, fostering social innovation and betterment that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
- Identify interconnections between professional engineering and society
- Demonstrate skills to network with different stakeholders impacted by engineering solutions
- Analyse the societal impacts of engineering projects
- Explore social change opportunities incorporating human-centred design principles
- Examine safety practices and risk management strategies for effectively delivering community-engaged engineering projects
- Explore opportunities for sustainable development and social innovations in community-engaged engineering projects.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of
1. Knowledge and Skill Base,
2. Engineering Application Ability and,
3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:
Introductory
2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem-solving. (LO: 3N, 4N)
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 4N, 5N)
2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. (LO: 1N, 3N)
3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 6N)
3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 3N,4N, 6N)
3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 5N)
Intermediate
1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I,3I,4I)
1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1N,3N, 5I)
3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 2I)
Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) that link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate, and A - Advanced.
Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course-level mapping information https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Textbooks
Saving Lakes The Urban Socio-Cultural and Technological Perspectives
1st Edition (2018)
Authors: Ng Wun Jern, Sreeja Nair, Evelyn Valencia, Shameen Jinadasa
World Scientific
Singapore Singapore
ISBN: 978-981-327-126-5
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.jinadasa@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Engineering and the social and natural world
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Nature of problems in communities (Complex vs Complicated vs wicked problems)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Stakeholder/Community Engagement
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Relationship Management
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cultural Heritage/ Indigenous Knowhow
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Social change/innovation concepts
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Humanity Centered design introduction
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Human Factors Engineering - Introduction
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Project Management and Safety practices in working with communities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Project Management and Safety practices in working with communities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Community Engagement Assessment methods and reporting
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
You will be provided with one or two real-world case studies related to engineering interventions in communities (e.g. infrastructure development, disaster response, water and sanitation, or urban development). These examples will highlight the interaction between engineering practice, society, and the natural environment. Based on the selected case study, you are required to write a reflective paper that critically examines how engineering decisions influenced social outcomes and sustainable development.
AI Use – AI Planning: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 3 Friday (27 Mar 2026) 11:45 am AEST
Within two weeks of the submission.
The submission will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Clear description of the engineering case study and community context [05 marks]
Demonstrated understanding of the relationship between engineering, society, and the natural environment [10 marks]
Critical reflection on social impacts, sustainability considerations, and social innovation opportunities [10 marks]
Structure, clarity of writing, referencing, and overall presentation [05 marks]
The marking rubric is available on the Moodle unit website.
- Identify interconnections between professional engineering and society
- Explore social change opportunities incorporating human-centred design principles
- Explore opportunities for sustainable development and social innovations in community-engaged engineering projects.
2 Written Assessment
Effective stakeholder communication is essential for engineers working in community settings. In this assessment, you will analyse stakeholder feedback for a given engineering project and communicate the project’s purpose, impacts, and benefits to non-technical audiences through a clear, accessible infographic and well-organised responses to stakeholder concerns.
AI Use – AI Planning: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 7 Friday (1 May 2026) 11:45 am AEST
Within two weeks of the submission.
The submission will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Accurate identification of key stakeholder groups and concerns [05 marks]
Effectiveness of communicating technical and non-technical aspects of the project to community audiences [10 marks]
Quality, clarity, and appropriateness of the infographic (visual communication and accessibility) [10 marks]
Professional presentation, organisation, and clarity of responses [05 marks]
The marking rubric is available on the Moodle unit website.
- Demonstrate skills to network with different stakeholders impacted by engineering solutions
- Analyse the societal impacts of engineering projects
- Examine safety practices and risk management strategies for effectively delivering community-engaged engineering projects
3 Written Assessment
This assessment builds on the project introduced in Assessment 2. You are required to prepare a Community Project Management Plan that demonstrates how an engineering project can be safely, ethically, and sustainably delivered in a community context. The plan should integrate technical, social, and human-centred considerations, with a strong focus on safety, risk management, and long-term sustainability.
AI Use – AI Planning: You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Exam Week Friday (12 June 2026) 11:45 am AEST
Within two weeks of the submission.
The submission will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Clear description of the project context, objectives, and stakeholder environment [05 marks]
Application of human-centred (or humanity-centred) design principles in community project planning [10 marks]
Identification and analysis of project risks, including safety hazards and mitigation strategies [10 marks]
Quality of project management approach, including safety practices, risk register, and implementation strategies [10 marks]
Structure, clarity, referencing, and overall professionalism of the report [05 marks]
The marking rubric is available on the Moodle unit website.
- Identify interconnections between professional engineering and society
- Demonstrate skills to network with different stakeholders impacted by engineering solutions
- Analyse the societal impacts of engineering projects
- Explore social change opportunities incorporating human-centred design principles
- Examine safety practices and risk management strategies for effectively delivering community-engaged engineering projects
- Explore opportunities for sustainable development and social innovations in community-engaged engineering projects.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
