Full-time
Year 1
Autumn session
Mathematics for Engineers 1
This unit is the first of two mathematics units to be completed by students enrolled in an engineering degree. It covers the following topics: Differential and integral calculus of a single variable, complex numbers, aspects of matrix algebra, bectors and some elementary statistics and probability theory.
Physics and Materials
This unit serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of physics and materials with appropriate applications in a wide range of engineering and industrial design systems.
Engineering Computing
Students are introduced to the techniques of data manipulation and presentation using the common functions of a spreadsheet facility. The unit also aims to instil sound principles of program design that can be utilised in many units throughout the student's course. The basic elements and structures of a high level language are taught. Students are exposed to many engineering problems and are encouraged to implement solutions using an algorithmic approach.
Engineering, Design and Construction Practice
This unit aims to engender in participants an understanding of the many facets of professional practice that can be pursued as an Engineer or Designer. Communication, teamwork and problem solving skills will be fostered through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Case studies and assessment tasks aim to develop for the students their own personal ethos for practice, study and lifelong learning in line with the graduate outcomes desired by UWS.
Spring session
Mathematics for Engineers 2
This is a level 100 unit to be undertaken by students enrolled in an Engineering degree. It covers the following topics: Ordinary Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus.
Fundamentals of Mechanics
This unit deals with the action and interaction of forces, moments and couples in two and three dimensions, on machine elements and simple structures. It examines the equilibrium of single bodies, of multi-body structures and of mechanisms. It then covers the dynamics of a particle. A systematic approach to solving practical engineering design problems is provided. The unit makes extensive use of vector algebra.
Electrical Fundamentals
The objective of this unit is to provide an introduction to fundamental electromagnetism and electric circuit principles. Discussion is restricted to DC, although first-order systems are presented and second order systems introduced in preparation for on-going development. Basic definitions of charge, current, potential difference/relative potential, power, and the electric circuit as a complete path are presented, together with the basic laws - Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's nodal and loop laws. Examples from different engineering disciplines are related to circuit’s laws. Basic nodal and mesh analysis are presented together with Thevenin and Norton circuit equivalents, real versus ideal current and voltage sources and the maximum power transfer principle. The operational amplifier as a circuit element is introduced. Energy storage elements (capacitors and inductors) are discussed leading into first-order systems and their natural responses and time-constants. Several basic electromagnetic concepts related to electric and magnetic flux and induced voltage are also discussed.
Engineering and Design Concepts
This unit equips students with the fundamental skills that will enable them to use creative design and engineering approaches to solve challenging problems and to understand the design process. Students will be exposed to 2D and 3D visualisation techniques, will learn how to interpret abstract information and will work on practical projects in an interdisciplinary context.
Year 2
Autumn session
Mathematics for Engineers 3
The unit covers the topics of Advanced Calculus including Vector Calculus, Complex Analysis, Fourier Series, Heat Wave Equations, Fourier Integrals and Transforms; Discrete Mathematics including logic, set theory, graphs and trees and Random Processes including mean correlation and covariance functions, ergodicity, ensemble averages, Gaussian processes and Rayleigh and Rice distribution.
Digital Systems 1
This unit provides students with a solid background in digital logic design. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of digital logic with number systems, basic logic devices and Boolean algebra. Analysis and design of combinational and sequential logic circuits is covered in detail. Design with programmable logic devices is introduced.
Circuit Theory
This unit aims to equip students with the tools needed for the design and analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. The unit also introduces various techniques of circuit analysis, convolution, mutual coupling, frequency response and two ports loop.
Electronics
This unit discusses analysis and practical implementation and testing of analogue electronic circuits. Topics include semiconductor fundamentals, properties and application of diodes and transistors, analysis and design of amplifiers. On completion of this unit, students will develop skills in analysis and design of electronic circuits.
Spring session
Microprocessor Systems
This unit introduces students to the internal structure of microprocessors and its fundamental operations. Topics include assembly language programming, interrupt processing, CPU functions, memory organisation and peripheral programming. Intel 8088 microprocessor will be discussed in great detail. Embedded processor will also be covered.
Signals and Systems
This unit aims to develop students' understanding of continuous-time and discrete-time concepts and methods. It covers various signals and their analysis, as encountered in the fields of electrical, computer and telecommunication engineering.
Engineering Electromagnetics
This unit introduces Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form and their application to basic theory and application of electromagnetic structures, wave propagation, guides waves, antennas and electromagnetic compatibility.
Power and Machines
This unit introduces basic concepts of power and machines, including an introduction to modern power systems and transformers, and fundamentals of electromechanical energy conversion. It also covers magnetic circuits, modern permanent magnet materials and their characteristics, and balanced and unbalanced three-phase power systems.
Year 3
Autumn session
Communication Systems
This unit will provide a basic introduction to communication systems and techniques. Specific topics covered include energy and power spectral density, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, pulse modulation, an overview of digital modulation techniques, noise in communication systems and an overview of current telecommunication systems; spread spectrum systems, optical communication systems, radio broadcasting and mobile communication systems.
Digital Signal Processing
This unit examines sampling of analog signals, properties of digital systems, frequency analysis of digital signals and filter design. Students develop skills in designing and analysing digital signal processing systems.
Systems Programming 1
This unit provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills required for the design, writing and support of technical software and other such functions normally falling within the role of the systems programmer. It provides for detailed study of a systems programming environment and its application to systems programming tasks.
Engineering Visualization
This unit discusses the graphic functions of visual C++ and techniques for object drawing. On completion of this unit, students will be able to apply the knowledge to the design of graphic drawing software.
Spring session
Wireless Communications
The unit covers the analysis, design and operation of modern wireless communication systems. The primary focus is on the physical layer and hardware, emphasizing the fundamentals of coding and modulation, spread spectrum and multiple access techniques. Current wireless architectures and mobile communication systems are also covered.
Professional Practice
This unit explores the art of managing physical and human resources and the knowledge to plan, deliver and maintain the physical infrastructure for civilisation in an economically sustainable way.
Data Networks
This unit covers all major network technologies and essential networking topics such as: asynchronous transfer mode (ATM); Internet; telephony; protocol layering; multiple access; switching; scheduling, routing; congestion control; error and flow control; and network security. An engineering approach is taken to provide insight into network design.
Advanced Engineering Topic 1
This unit provides students with the opportunity to tackle challenging engineering problems. They will study advanced topics in selected areas under the supervision of academics. The advanced topics will prepare students for further study and research.
Industrial experience:
Industrial Experience (Engineering)
This is a "Work Experience in Industry" unit, for which no student contribution or fee is charged. Enrolment in the unit will not consume Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). As a formal requirement of the Institution of Engineers (Australia) and the engineering course, each student must complete 12 weeks of industrial experience in an approved engineering work environment prior to graduation.
Year 4 (Honours stream)
Autumn session
Advanced Engineering Topic 2
This unit provides students with the opportunity to tackle engineering problems that are more challenging than those in Advanced Engineering Topic 1. They will study advanced topics in selected areas under the supervision of academics. The advanced topics will prepare students for further study and research.
Advanced Engineering Thesis
This unit provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research on their chosen topics under the supervision of academics. Students are encouraged to disseminate their research results as refereed publications.
Spring session
Advanced Engineering Thesis
This unit provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research on their chosen topics under the supervision of academics. Students are encouraged to disseminate their research results as refereed publications.
Choose one of
Communication Electronics
The unit presents the theory and many of the devices used in radio frequency (RF) communication electronics. S-parameters are presented and advanced to cover areas such as- multiport networks and lossless networks. S-parameter measurement techniques are presented and tested in the lab. The analysis/design of common RF components including power splitters, directional couplers, circulators and phase shifters are developed. Microstrip transmission lines are presented as a practical means of interconnecting devices at RF frequencies. RF transistor amplifier and oscillator design is presented in detail. RF mixers, RF filters and RF receiver architectures are also discussed in detail.
Radio and Satellite Communication
This unit is offered in alternate years. This unit will develop an understanding of the theory and practice of radio and satellite communication techniques and measurements and provide an introduction to space communication systems. It will complement the general communication engineering units, addressing advanced topics important and specific to radio and satellite communications.