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Unit outline_

ENGD1000: Building a Sustainable World

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

The course is designed to introduce Dalyell students to the essential professional skills of leadership, communication, problem identification and solution, design, teamwork, project management and understanding of the social, cultural, global, ethical and environment responsibilities of emerging servant leaders by applying both technical and non-technical skills to real world challenges. The course ends with a Rapid Response Challenge where a number of organisations provide challenges to student teams who will work on the challenge for 10 days and present back to the company. This is all complemented by industry and academic mentors throughout the course. Through the course students learn how to lead themselves, lead a project team and attempt to contribute to society and lead change.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
must be in the Dalyell stream
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG1111 OR INFO1111
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ehssan Sakhaee, ehssan.sakhaee@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Ehssan Sakhaee, ehssan.sakhaee@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Melissa Neighbour, melissa.neighbour@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Weekly Discussion Forums
Reflections on a discussion forum online
20% Multiple weeks 100-200 words for each post (2 posts)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Personal & Leadership Development Plan
This report is the individual personal development plan for the course.
10% Week 03
Due date: 21 Mar 2021 at 23:59
~2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation group assignment Team Problem Presentation
This will be a group presentation of the problem identified.
10% Week 05
Due date: 02 Apr 2021 at 10:00
5 mins + 2mins Q&A + feedback
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO7 LO5 LO4
Presentation group assignment Final Project Presentation
Final team project presentation to a panel of judges.
15% Week 08
Due date: 23 Apr 2021 at 10:00
7 minutes + 2 mins Q&A + feedback
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4
Presentation group assignment Final Prototype
Presentation of group project prototype during the final presentation.
10% Week 08
Due date: 23 Apr 2021 at 10:00
As part of presentation.
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO7 LO5
Assignment group assignment Final Project Report
Group report of the sustainability project.
25% Week 09
Due date: 30 May 2021 at 23:59
5000 words.
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Assignment Final Reflection Report
Personal reflection report
10% Week 13
Due date: 06 Jun 2021 at 23:59
2000-3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Students work on sustainability projects individually and in teams. The assessment tasks evaluate students’ integration of theory and practice as well as their delivery to a wider audience and various stakeholders. 

Students do presentations on their projects in tutorials and assessed during their presentations.

Students submit a final group report on their group project after their final presentations. 

Students write reflections on their experiences in the course that is submitted in weekly discussion forums and a final reflection at the end of the course.

Students complete activities towards a pesonal and leadership development plan early in the course that is also used for reflection in their final report. 

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 AUL Framework, Awareness, Mindset, Mindfulness, Attitude, Reflective Practice, Collaboration, Introduction to Systems Thinking in the context of problem identification (root causes and impacts) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Team-based activities with PSU (and UM), Icebreakers, differences between US/Australian culture, Cultural Trivia. What are the biggest problems in the world? (get into teams 5 to discuss your discoveries) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Self Management Plan + Special Guest Lecture on Resilience and Growth (11am) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Work on your Personal Development Plan and peer up to obtain feedback and peer/buddy support system. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Virtual Tour of UN (Headquarters) & Talk on UN SDGs Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO7
sustainability presentations (assessed) + team formation Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 teamwork, motivation and effective communication Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Select the SDGs you'd like to work on for your team project, then pick problems to solve within SDG group. Team Formation (Pitch problems and form groups around problems) Select individual problems and pitch it to working groups (tutorials). Work in your team : Background Research (Existing Solutions/Frameworks) - Your Why Problem articulation and problem statement. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Problem Identification, stakeholders, data collection, how solutions might impact stake holders, systems thinking, communication and teamwork, Project Management, Tips on Presentation of Problem (Assessment) for next week. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
This will be a group presentation of the problem identified that includes definition of problem, systems diagram of causes, a systems diagram of impacts, and a 1-2 slides on existing solutions, their effectiveness and limitations. You will be doing research of the problem from credible sources, citing all sources of data. Duration of this will be 5 mins + 2mins Q&A + feedback. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Creativity & Innovation, Team work and Effective Communication, More on Presentation Skills and Tips, Cross-Cultural Factors Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
This will be a group presentation of the problem identified that includes definition of problem, systems diagram of causes, a systems diagram of impacts, and a 1-2 slides on existing solutions, their effectiveness and limitations. You will be doing research of the problem from credible sources, citing all sources of data. Duration of this will be 5 mins + 2mins Q&A + feedback. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 07 Dedicated to Team Project Work, Consultation, Mentoring Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Final Group Presentations and Prototype. Here you will present your project solution and prototype to a panel of judges in your team and in your tutorial time slot. It includes the solution, a systems diagram of it’s impact, justification for solution (e.g. design, process, technology etc), considering social and cultural factors, adaptability, feasibility and sustainability of solution and digital prototype. Duration for this is 7 minutes + 2 mins Q&A + feedback Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Work on final report in your team Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Work on final project report in teams + consultation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 More on reflective report and reflection + Guest Lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Working on Reflection Report and Reflection Activities Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 10 Implementing Sustaining + Guest Lecture Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Reflection Activities + Discussion + Group Reflection Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 11 Change, Measuring Change from Self to World Impact Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Implementing and leading sustainable change Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Wrap Up Lecture Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Work on Final Reflection Report. Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

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

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership – A new paradigm for sustainable success

Drawdown The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming

 

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. lead and sustain self more effectively enabling higher-functioning and wellbeing, leading to higher-quality decision making in challenging, uncertain, and unpredictable environments (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous, aka VUCA world).
  • LO2. integrate multiple perspectives and exercise systems awareness and systems thinking to solve problems in a VUCA world.
  • LO3. exercise self-reflection, enabling higher levels of learning from the past and problem-solving in a VUCA world future.
  • LO4. work effectively within a small yet interdisciplinary team of students to address real-world sustainability issues (social, environmental, etc).
  • LO5. speak to a live audience of peers, academics and industry mentors and judges as part of a group presentation.
  • LO6. exercise authentic empathy and effective communication within a team environment.
  • LO7. apply and implement sustainable strategies to problems in our daily lives and the lives of people locally and globally.

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

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

At each iteration student feedback is considered. In this iteration expectation setting is added at the beginning of the subject. More videos and content are being produced also to cater for students who are not able to be physically present due to Corona virus.

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.