Skip to main content
Unit outline_

CIVL9320: Engineering for Sustainable Development

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit introduces students to the principles of designing and implementing engineering projects to address global sustainable development challenges. Students will learn about sustainable development theories, frameworks, and debates positioned against the history and legacy of engineering in international development and humanitarian practice. Modules will equip students to apply participatory tools in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive engineering projects, while reflecting on the ethical dilemmas that surface in cross-cultural engineering work with marginalised communities. The unit provides a survey of design solutions to address basic needs and presents contemporary issues in global development. Students will explore these topics through an immersive real-world design project to understand the landscape of international development and humanitarian work.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
CIVL5320
Assumed knowledge
? 

CIVL3310 or CIVL9310

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Aaron Opdyke, aaron.opdyke@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Aaron Opdyke, aaron.opdyke@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Weekly quizzes
Weekly in-class quizzes will assess knowledge of pre-readings.
30% Multiple weeks 5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Needs assessment
Population needs assessment using poverty and spatial data.
15% Week 04
Due date: 23 Aug 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 02 Sep 2024
500 - 1,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Logframe
Logical framework for project design.
15% Week 06
Due date: 06 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 16 Sep 2024
500 - 1,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Presentation group assignment Project presentation
Presentation detailing project approach and design.
10% Week 13
Due date: 29 Oct 2024 at 14:00
15 - 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO8 LO7 LO6
Assignment group assignment Project report
Report detailing project approach and design.
30% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 11 Nov 2024
6,000 - 8,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO3 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Weekly quizzes: Short in-class quizzes will test knowledge of pre-lecture readings and other preparation content.
  • Needs assessment: This assignment will require you to use poverty data and propose activities to assess the needs of a population.
  • LogFrame: This assignment will require you to develop a logical framework (LogFrame) outlining activities, outputs, outcomes, and goals in response to a sustainable development challenge.
  • Project presentation: Groups will deliver an oral presentation discussing their approach to the planning and design of a project in response to a sustainable development challenge.
  • Project report: Groups will write a report discussing their approach to the planning and design of a project in response to a sustainable development challenge.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Distinction

75 - 84

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Credit

65 - 74

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Pass

50 - 64

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.

Fail

0 - 49

To be awarded to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.  This grade, with corresponding mark, should also be used in cases where a student fails to achieve a mandated standard in a compulsory assessment, thereby failing to demonstrate the learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.  In such cases the student will receive the mark awarded by the faculty up to a maximum of 49. demonstration of learning outcomes failing to meet the necessary standards.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 What is Sustainable Development? Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 02 History and Theories of Development Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 03 Poverty Definitions and Dynamics Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO7
Week 04 Needs Assessment and Project Planning Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Participation and Power Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO2 LO5 LO7
Week 07 Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4
Week 08 Water, Energy, and Food Nexus Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4
Week 09 Global and Planetary Health Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4
Week 10 Disasters and Climate Change Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO4
Week 11 Emerging Topics in Global Development: Part 1 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO4 LO7
Week 12 Emerging Topics in Global Development: Part 2 Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO4 LO7
Week 13 Project Presentations Presentation (2 hr) LO6 LO8

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed Canvas.

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.

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

  • LO1. Converse in, and critically examine sustainable development theories, frameworks, and debates.
  • LO2. Understand the history and legacy of engineering in development and humanitarian practice
  • LO3. Apply engineering tool-sets to needs assessment, project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEAL) in developing community contexts
  • LO4. Develop sustainable engineering solutions using incomplete or limited data from multiple sources to address complex social, economic, and environmental challenges facing developing communities
  • LO5. Choose participative approaches and tools in project planning, implementation, and evaluation to inform more inclusive engineering designs
  • LO6. Convey engineering analysis to multi-cultural audiences to inform effective technical solutions and policy recommendations
  • LO7. Apply ethical and appropriate judgement in development practice while introspectively examining positionality
  • LO8. Employ appropriate teamwork skills across project phases to address development challenges

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
4.2. Ability to use a systems approach to complex problems, and to design and operational performance.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
4.3. Proficiency in the engineering design of components, systems and/or processes in accordance with specified and agreed performance criteria.
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
LO7
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
LO8
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

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

Modules in the second half of the unit have been updated to introduce contemporary themes and perspectives in global development. Assessments have also been redesigned to more cohesively align with the integrated project.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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