This paper is suitable for anyone interested in the application of science to technology and engineering. It provides an introduction to the engineering profession and the role of engineers and technologists in shaping technology in the industrial and post-industrial age. It also covers fundamental principles of engineering design, open-ended problem solving, engineering analysis and engineering accounting of mass and energy.

The learning outcomes for this paper are linked to Washington Accord graduate attributes WA1-WA11. Explanation of the graduate attributes can be found at: https://www.ieagreements.org/assets/Uploads/Documents/IEA-Graduate-Attributes-and-Professional-Competencies-2021.1-Sept-2021.pdf

The paper content is delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions. The highlight of the course is the major design project, which this year is designing and building a remote-controlled model boat to collect floating plastic waste from the university lake.

Important Note for International Students: For international students in New Zealand under student visas, regular attendance is part of your visa obligation and is checked as a requirement on the University under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, to which the University is a signatory. Academic staff are formally required to monitor attendance in classes and submission of compulsory assessment events/items and to report to Waikato International in the event that any problem with irregular attendance or non-submission is not resolved.

This paper facilitates the development of technical writing and management skills, two important competencies expected of a professional engineer. In order to pass this paper, the students are expected to demonstrate their ability to produce written work of adequate standard. The success of the project will depend on the students’ understanding of making appropriate financial decisions to manage a project. Participation in the design project also introduces students to working in a team.

Samples of your work may be required as part of the Engineering New Zealand accreditation process for BE(Hons) degrees. Any samples taken will have the student name and ID redacted. If you do not want samples of your work collected then please email the engineering administrator, Natalie Shaw (natalie.shaw@waikato.ac.nz), to opt out.

This course has a Moodle site (elearn.waikato.ac.nz) associated with it, providing discussion forums and access to additional resources.

PLEASE NOTE: Moodle will be used for class notices etc and it is your responsibility to check the site regularly. Instructions provided on Moodle and in lectures are considered to be given to the class as a whole.

You are expected to attend the three 1-hour lectures, a 1-hour tutorial and a 3-hour laboratory each week. There is a total of 35 hours of lectures, 9 hours of tutorials, 30 hours of labs - giving a total of 74 hours of contact. Personal study, such as completing tutorial assignments, preparing for tests and exams, working on the group design project outside of lab times is in addition to the contact hours.