Bachelor of Engineering (BENG) - BEng

QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Toowoomba campus: 907332; Distance education: 907335

CRICOS code (International applicants): 003581E

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In this section:

• Agricultural engineering major
• Civil engineering major
• Computer systems engineering major
• Electrical and electronic engineering major
• Environmental engineering major
• Instrumentation and control engineering major
• Mechanical engineering major
• Mechatronic engineering major
• Power engineering major
• Software engineering major

Agricultural engineering major

This major provides students with the knowledge to address problems relating to the sustainable production of agricultural, the environmental impacts of agriculture and the post-harvest handling of agricultural and other primary products. Students also acquire an understanding of the biological implications, which allows them to work with specialists in agricultural science and biology. USQ is the only institution in Australia that offers degrees specialising in Agricultural Engineering. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Research, design, development and management in agriculture, forestry, water supply, soil conservation, soil science, environmental protection and water conservation both in Australia and overseas.

Civil engineering major

This major provides students with the skills to plan, design, construct and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airfields, irrigation works, buildings, harbour facilities, dams, pipelines, sewers, tunnels, canals and disposal works. Students have the opportunity to specialise in the areas of project design and construction or research and development. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Urban, rural or bush settings in the building and development of infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airfields, irrigation works, buildings, harbour facilities, dams, pipelines, sewers, tunnels, canals and disposal works.

Computer systems engineering major

This major is concerned with the analysis, design and development of computer systems, including both hardware and software. The program is based upon electrical engineering and computer science, and, as such, has a considerable overlap with the Electrical and Electronic major. Essentially the same treatment of electronics, control and communication systems is common to both, but the Computer Systems major treats computer and micro-processor hardware and software in much greater detail. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Engineering applications of expert systems, hardware interfacing computer sales, computer engineering technologist, computer manufacturing, computer systems officer.

Electrical and electronic engineering major

There are four inter-related areas within this major: Energy Systems and Power Electronics, in which students acquire a knowledge of generators, transformers, switch gear motors and power electronics; Computers and Microprocessors, in which students are introduced to computer architecture, hardware, software, programming and interfacing; Communications, in which students investigate developments in the transmission of information; and Control, in which you learn about signal processing in control and fault diagnosis. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Analogue and digital electronics, computer engineering, microprocessors and applications, measurement, instrumentation and control, robotics, telecommunications, microwaves, fibre optics, biomedical engineering, power stations, distribution and machines, defence services, electricity boards, government departments.

Environmental engineering major

This major is unique because it focuses on the sustainable management of Australia’s vital soil and water resources. Students develop the skills to apply engineering solutions to environmental problems. Both rural and resource engineering are a major focus of the program. It is a broad-ranging major, drawing on the University’s expertise in agricultural engineering and land management. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Water and wastewater treatment, river hydrology, soil conservation, irrigation, salinisation, drainage, mine site rehabilitation, environmental studies, water resources engineering, soil science, engineering problem solving and management.

Instrumentation and control engineering major

This major addresses the issues and problems that an instrumentation and control engineer is likely to encounter within the workplace. The major covers subjects including dynamics of mechanical systems, heat and mass transfer, sensor design and evaluation, computer systems architecture and programming and energy systems, as well as linear, computer and adaptive systems control. Significant components of both analogue and digital electronic design are also studied. This major develops a practical awareness of the implementation of control strategies on existing plant, and gives students the skills to use control as a design tool for the construction of new plant. The integration of sensors and instrumentation into both of these approaches is covered at various levels within the program.

Career opportunities

Mining, telecommunications, electricity boards, government departments, hospitals, research organisations, power stations, computer companies, satellite tracking stations, public utilities and manufacturing.

Mechanical engineering major

This major focuses on energy generation, dynamic mechanisms, simulation, manufacturing and fluid flow control. Students will develop skills that are crucial to the development and manufacture of efficient, economical and reliable products. These skills will enable students to design new machines and devices and develop better manufacturing methods and systems. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Manufacturing refineries, mining, transportation, computing, energy and education industries, including consultancy, research, project planning and management design, development, supervision and commissioning of new systems, computer-aided design and manufacture of consumer products, machines and equipment, specialist technical sales.

Mechatronic engineering major

Mechatronic Engineering combines the areas of mechanical and electronic engineering to provide students with specialist knowledge in robotics and automation. This major provides students with the skills to be an effective project leader, taking a design from its barest outline to a fully engineered system. It focuses on how to combine moving parts, electronic interfaces, digital controllers and software into effective systems. Designing an aircraft’s autopilot and its multitude of control systems is one example of a major mechatronic project. The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours to high achieving students.

Career opportunities

Designing and implementing intelligent mechanical systems such as robots, computer controlled machine tools and automatic processing systems.

Power engineering major

Power engineering student study power systems, including aspects of electrical power generation, distribution and transmission, electrical power equipment and systems, and conduct a final year project in power engineering. Specifications, design and analysis of electrical power equipment and systems and engineering project management are also covered.

Software engineering major

Software Engineering involves the specification, design, implementation, verification, maintenance and documentation of large software systems. It requires the application of knowledge and design skills from computer science, computer systems, engineering, management, mathematics and other disciplines.

Career opportunities

Computer scientist, software engineer in oil refineries, chemical plants, electricity supply networks and communication networks.

Professional accreditation

A graduate of this program is eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia as a graduate Professional Engineer. After further professional development, a graduate member with a Bachelor of Engineering may apply for chartered status as a Professional Engineer and, when granted, may use the post-nominal MIEAust CPEng.

The Bachelor of Engineering program is accredited by Engineers Australia and, through an agreement reached between the professional engineering bodies of other countries (the Washington Accord), is also recognised in the United Kingdom, the Unites States of America, Canada, Ireland, Hong Kong, New Zealand and South Africa.

Program aims

The Bachelor of Engineering provides students with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to commence practice as a professional engineer and to undertake further advanced level studies in engineering. Specifically the program provides students with a core of basic generic and technical skills, common to all branches of engineering, and then permits students to undertake an in depth study of either agricultural, civil, computer systems, electrical and electronic, environmental, instrumentation and control, mechanical, mechatronic, power or software engineering. In addition, students are equipped with a knowledge of the industrial and social environments in which they will function as professional engineers. The program also seeks to instill in students a capacity to communicate effectively and adapt to change.

The Bachelor of Engineering is primarily vocationally oriented. However, the program has been designed to identify students who have the capacity to undertake further study at an advanced level and to make an original contribution to engineering knowledge. These students are encouraged to undertake the course ENG8001 Engineering and Surveying Research Methodology as one of their elective courses. This, and the two Research Project courses, will assist them in achieving these goals.

Program objectives

The objectives of this program are:

• to enable students to acquire, and demonstrate that they possess, the specified graduate attributes and capabilities

• to enable students to acquire in-depth technical competence in one of the following fields: Agricultural Engineering; Civil Engineering; Computer Systems Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Instrumentation and Control Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechatronic Engineering; Power Engineering; or Software Engineering

• to enable students from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds and locations to enrol in the program and to provide them with opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to complete the program in the normal time

• to enable students to be empowered as learners through the provision of a wide range of teaching and learning styles and modes in their program

• to ensure that all students, regardless of the mode of study, have equality of opportunity in acquiring the specified graduate attributes and capabilities

• to ensure that graduates are eligible for graduate membership of Engineers Australia, and other appropriate professional bodies.

Admission requirements

Applicants shall normally:

• have studied four semester units and achieved an exit assessment of 'Sound Achievement' or better in each of the following Queensland Senior Secondary School subjects: English and Mathematics B. It is recommended that applicants should also have satisfactorily completed the subject: Physics

or

• be able to demonstrate that they have achieved an equivalent standard in these subjects at another institution

and

• Australian applicants: have achieved a Queensland Overall Position (OP) band, or an equivalent Rank based on qualifications and previous work experience, at or above the specified cut-off level

• International applicants: must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP program. .

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for undergraduate programs may be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). The same procedure applies whether you plan to study on-campus or by distance education.

If you completed Year 12 at a Queensland secondary school you will be assessed for entry on the basis of your Overall Position (OP) or equivalent score. Year 12 students from other states or territories are considered for entry on the basis of their UAI, ENTER or TER. Other applicants will be based on their overall Rank. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Student contribution amount

For domestic students who are offered Commonwealth supported places, the Government pays some money directly to the University, but students are also required to make a contribution. This contribution is called the ‘student contribution’. For more information about student contribution amounts, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ fees.

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Engineering is a 32-unit program consisting of Academic Courses and Practice Courses.

Academic Courses are normally one-unit courses and involve approximately 155 hours of student work per unit.

Practice Courses are zero unit courses and each involves approximately 50 hours of student work. The only grades available for a Practice Course are pass (P) and Fail (F). A Practice Course is designed to enable students to acquire specific competencies associated with their major study. These competencies range from specific practical and communication skills through to generic competencies relating to ethical and social responsibility, awareness of the environment, teamwork, etc. For an external student a Practice Course generally involves attendance on-campus for a one-week residential school.

The components of the program are shown in the following table:

Program completion requirements

The Bachelor of Engineering involves either four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study. To be eligible for the award students must complete the program within a maximum period of six years full-time study or 10 years part-time study from the date of their initial enrolment. Some courses in the Agricultural Engineering major are not yet available in external mode. In that case, students may need to spend up to two terms full-time on-campus to complete those courses. The Instrumentation and Control Engineering major is designed for process technologists in industry who wish to upgrade their qualifications. As such, the program will normally be undertaken by external study. Students who undertake the program by a combination of external and full-time study must complete their studies within nine years from the date of their initial enrolment to be eligible for the award.

These modes are available in each major shown in the following table.

Required time limits

Full-time students have a maximum of 6 years to complete this program. Part-time students have a maximum of 10 years to complete this program.
A pro-rata adjustment of the maximum time period will apply for those students who transfer from one mode of study to another. A pro-rata reduction in the maximum time period will apply to students who are admitted to a program with advanced standing.

Core courses

The courses that comprise the core studies program are shown in the following table:

Major studies

The Bachelor of Engineering consists of a core component and a series of major studies. All students must complete the core courses and one of the major studies. The major study provides students with knowledge and skills in a specific discipline. The nine major study areas in the USQ Bachelor of Engineering are Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Power Engineering and Software Engineering.

The program structure for each of the major studies in the Bachelor of Engineering is shown in the following pages.

Students should select a major from one of the following:

• Agricultural Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Systems Engineering

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Instrumentation and Control Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mechatronic Engineering

• Power Engineering.

• Software Engineering.

The courses that comprise each of the majors are listed in the following tables.

Agricultural engineering major study

Civil engineering major study

Computer systems engineering major study

Electrical and electronic engineering major study

Environmental engineering major study

Instrumentation and control engineering major study

Mechanical engineering major study

Mechatronic engineering major study

Power engineering major study

Software engineering major study

Elective courses

In the Bachelor of Engineering, students are not required to undertake the elective courses until the third and fourth levels of the program. This enables students enrolled in the second level of the program to discuss their choice of electives with their Head or Associate Head of Discipline. The most popular choices of courses for electives may thus be timetabled to allow students to attend in their third and fourth years of study. Appropriate electives are shown in the tables in the Recommended Enrolment Pattern section. Heads or Associate Heads of Discipline may approve a variation in elective studies where the student can demonstrate that there is a sound academic argument for the change. Arguments based on timetabling difficulties, quota problems etc. will not normally be entertained. Note however that students who wish to enrol in courses other than those listed must obtain the written approval of the appropriate Head or Associate Head of Discipline prior to enrolling in the course if they want the course to count as credit towards their award.

Students should note that quota restrictions may preclude their enrolment in particular elective study courses as students enrolling in these courses as part of their core or major studies will be given enrolment priority.

Practical experience

To be eligible to graduate from the Bachelor of Engineering, students must obtain an aggregate of at least 12 weeks of suitable practical experience during their program. This experience may be in an engineering office or laboratory where the student would be working principally with professional engineers and engineering associates. It may, however, be preferable for students to spend some time in field or factory activities to gain insight into industrial practice and to see what is involved in converting designs into finished products. Students are required to keep a record of such experience in the Practical Experience Record Book available in the ENG4903 Professional Practice 2 Practice Book and on the ENG4903 website http://www.usq.edu.au/engsurv/students/enrolment/project/default.htm. The Record Book is to be endorsed by an appropriate person in the organisation providing the experience and by the student's Head of Discipline. The student must meet all costs associated with the acquisition of practical experience to satisfy this requirement. The Record Book must be made available for perusal by the Head of Discipline upon request. The acceptability or otherwise of employment experience, and the period of that type of experience that may be credited towards the 12 weeks, will be determined by the Head of Discipline.

IT requirements

Students should refer to the section entitled Access to Information Technology Facilities in the General Faculty and Program Information section of this Handbook.

Residential schools

External students are required to attend a number of residential schools during their program. These are associated with practice courses and are normally conducted during February, at the end of Semester 3, and during the mid-semester recess in Semester 2.

Related programs

Students may combine the Bachelor of Engineering with a program from another Faculty. Currently the following combined programs have been accredited by the University:

• Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Business

• Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Information Technology

• Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science.

Exit points

Students who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete the Bachelor of Engineering and who satisfy all of the requirements of either the Bachelor of Engineering Technology, the Associate Degree in Engineering or the Diploma of Engineering Studies, may be permitted to exit with that award.

Honours

The Bachelor of Engineering may be awarded with Honours. The class of honours to be awarded to a student is dependant upon:

• the Grade Point Average calculated from the grades achieved in the courses studied in, or transferred to, the program

• the grade achieved by the student in the courses ENG4111 Research Project Part 1 and ENG4112 Research Project Part 2 (unless the student is exempted from these courses).

The minimum levels of achievement normally required for each class of honours are shown in the following table. To be assured of achieving a particular class of honours students must have achieved the specified grade in the research project courses and the minimum GPA requirements for all of the courses studied, for the last 16 courses studied, or for the last eight courses studied.

In this section:

• Agricultural Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Agricultural Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Agricultural Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Agricultural Engineering elective courses
• Civil Engineering recommended enrolment pattern
• Civil Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Civil Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Civil Engineering elective courses
• Computer Systems Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Computer Systems Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Computer Systems Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Computer Systems Engineering elective courses
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering recommended enrolment patterns - Academic courses
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering elective courses
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering elective courses
• Environmental Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Environmental Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Environmental Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Environmental Engineering elective courses
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering elective courses
• Mechanical Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Mechanical Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Mechanical Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Mechanical Engineering elective courses
• Mechatronic Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Mechatronic Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Mechatronic Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Mechatronic Engineering elective courses
• Power Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Power engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Power engineering elective courses
• Software Engineering recommended enrolment patterns
• Software Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses
• Software Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses
• Software Engineering elective courses

Agricultural Engineering recommended enrolment patterns

To satisfy the requirements of the program students must complete all of the Academic Courses and the Practice Courses in the following tables that show the recommended enrolment patterns for on-campus and external students. Students following a non-standard enrolment pattern should consult the course synopses section of this Handbook to ascertain if a course is offered in another term. Elective courses are included in the list of Academic Courses. Students should select these courses from the Electives table.

Agricultural Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Academic courses

Notes

For students transferring from one program to another a complete list of enrolment requirements are available in the course synopses section of this Handbook.

Agricultural Engineering recommended enrolment pattern - Practice courses

The majority of the practical and professional experience requirements for the program are contained within the Practice Courses in the following table. These are zero unit courses that are a compulsory part of the program, however they do not attract a student contribution charge for Australian Residents or a tuition fee for International students.

Residential Schools

Students enrolled in the external offer of a Practice Course must attend the residential school for that course. In some cases students enrolled in the on-campus mode may also be required to attend the residential school. Students should only enrol in a Practice Course when they are able to attend the residential school for that course. Practice Courses may not be taken earlier than shown except with the permission of the Associate Head responsible for the program. In some cases students may enrol in two Practice Courses in one term so they can complete the two residential schools in a two-week period. The actual dates for each residential school are shown in the Residential School schedule in this Handbook.

Safety boots are compulsory in engineering laboratories for several of the practice courses and are strongly recommended for all other practice courses.