CQUniversity Unit Profile
ENEG12008 Appropriate Technology for Humanitarian Projects
Appropriate Technology for Humanitarian Projects
All details in this unit profile for ENEG12008 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will expand on your knowledge of humanitarian engineering by assessing and evaluating how using appropriate technologies can influence the success of humanitarian projects. You will work as an individual to research the real-world application of technologies and determine their effectiveness in a variety of cultural settings by creating an evaluation framework. In subsequent work as a team, you will further assess and review a complex humanitarian project regarding the adequacy of the adopted technologies. Following this analysis, you shall make recommendations for possible improvements. In addition to enhancing your technical knowledge related to the appropriate adoption of technologies, you should further develop skills in teamwork, creativity, cultural awareness, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisite: SOCL11059 Introducing Social Change OR MGMT11167 Foundations of Social Innovation

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2024

Bundaberg
Cairns
Gladstone
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 25%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Feedback

Feedback

Improve clarity of unit requirements

Recommendation

Ensure time is taken in the first lecture to outline unit requirements.

Feedback from Student Feedback

Feedback

Appreciation of project based work

Recommendation

Continue with assessments based on research into appropriate technology.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Identify applications of technologies in humanitarian projects through independent research
  2. Evaluate technologies for appropriate applications in humanitarian contexts
  3. Critique a humanitarian engineering project on the effective use of technology for the cultural context
  4. Generate solutions with appropriate technology for a humanitarian project using the human-centred design philosophy
  5. Demonstrate technical knowledge in at least one engineering discipline area
  6. Apply effective communication, creativity, cultural awareness, time management and collaborative skills to work and learn individually and in a team.

The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked with the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers in the areas of 1. Knowledge and Skill Base, 2. Engineering Application Ability and 3. Professional and Personal Attributes at the following levels:

Intermediate
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. (LO: 2I 3I 4I 5I )
1.2 Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline. (LO: 2I 3I 4I 5I )
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem-solving. (LO: 1N 2I 3I 4I 5I 6N )
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. (LO: 1N 2I 3I 4I 5I 6N )
2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. (LO: 1N 2N 3N 4I 5I 6N )
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. (LO: 1N 2I 3I 4I 5I 6N )

Advanced
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1I 2A 3A 4A 5A 6N )
1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline. (LO: 1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6N )
1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. (LO: 2I 3A 4A 5I 6N )
1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. (LO: 1N 2N 3I 4A 5I 6I )
2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. (LO: 1N 2I 3I 4A 5I 6N )
3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4A 5I 6A )
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4A 5I 6N )
3.4 Professional use and management of information. (LO: 1A 2A 3A 4A 5N 6N )
3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4I 5I 6A )
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership. (LO: 1I 2I 3I 4A 5N 6A )

Note: LO refers to the Learning Outcome number(s) which link to the competency and the levels: N – Introductory, I – Intermediate and A - Advanced.

Refer to the Engineering Undergraduate Course Moodle site for further information on the Engineers Australia's Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineers and course level mapping information
https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=1511

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Written Assessment - 25%
2 - Written Assessment - 25%
3 - Written Assessment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Shameen Jinadasa Unit Coordinator
k.jinadasa@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to Humanitarian Engineering

  • Introducing Humanitarian Engineering and how it is applied as an engineering discipline.
  • Humanitarian Engineering as an outlet for creativity and societal betterment.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Commence Assessment 1

Week 2 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

What is appropriate technology

  • What does appropriate technology mean, what is it, how is it defined.
  • Introducing the concepts of designing for purpose, which will be covered in more detail in subsequent weeks.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Appropriate technology in a humanitarian context

  • Developing the understanding of Humanitarian Engineering and how appropriate technology is utilised as part of a specific humanitarian response.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024

Module/Topic

Examples of appropriate technology used for Humanitarian Engineering projects

  • Case studies to demonstrate the use of appropriate technology.
  • Consideration that there is a need for appropriate technology in developed and developing nations.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Commence Assessment 2


Identifying appropriate technologies Due: Week 4 Tuesday (30 July 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 5 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Human Centered Design (HCD) Process – Empathise

  • Introduction to the HCD process.
  • Why empathising is critical to the success of appropriate technology.
  • The importance of stakeholder engagement.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Take this time to evaluate the information so far and catch up on any learning and assignments.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Human Centered Design (HCD) Process – Define

  • How to interpret data from the empathizing stage.
  • How to effectively define your problem.
  • How to define the parameters of a successful design.
  • Utilising frameworks to assist in evaluation.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024

Module/Topic

Human Centered Design (HCD) Process – Developing Ideas

  • How to successfully research and appraise new and existing technologies suitable for your chosen application.
  • The potential to implement and/or modify existing technologies to suit your chosen application.
  • Applying a circular process of refining your problem statement to align with your expanding knowledge and experience.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Commence Assessment 3


Application of appropriate technologies Due: Week 7 Tuesday (27 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Human Centered Design (HCD) Process – Evaluating Ideas

  • Practical processes for evaluation e.g. prototyping.
  • Implementing frameworks as a means of quantitively evaluating ideas.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Implementing Appropriate Technology

  • Working with stakeholders to enable the successful uptake of the technology.
  • Understanding the importance of continuous improvement.
  • How might your solution be scaled up to be available in volume.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Organisations promoting appropriate technology

  • How can you get involved.
  • An introduction to Engineers without Borders, the Centre of Appropriate Technology and more.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

Social Innovation @ CQU

  • Opportunities to get involved within the university.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024

Module/Topic

A recap and where to from here.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Evaluation of framework for Humanitarian Projects Due: Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Please see the updated information on the Moodle website

Unit Co-ordinator: Shameen Jinadasa

Contact Information:

Phone: 07 4150 7192 

Email: k.jinadasa@cqu.edu.au

 

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Identifying appropriate technologies

Task Description

Demonstrate an understanding of humanitarian engineering and appropriate technologies. Identify various existing, new and emerging technologies. Critique their suitability to be used in an appropriate manner.


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Tuesday (30 July 2024) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Tuesday (20 Aug 2024)


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
25%

Assessment Criteria

A Marking Rubric is provided on Moodle that includes indicators of attainment at the ‘Sound’, ‘Good’ and ‘Excellent’ level for each component of the assignment.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit as a single PDF through Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify applications of technologies in humanitarian projects through independent research
  • Demonstrate technical knowledge in at least one engineering discipline area

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Application of appropriate technologies

Task Description

Demonstrate an understanding of human centred design and various frameworks such as triple bottom line (TBL) and strengths weaknesses opportunities & threats (SWOT). Individually integrate TBL and SWOT ideologies to create a comprehensive evaluation framework to assess the application of appropriate technologies.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Tuesday (27 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Tuesday (10 Sept 2024)


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
25%

Assessment Criteria

A Marking Rubric is provided on Moodle that includes indicators of attainment at the ‘Sound’, ‘Good’ and ‘Excellent’ level for each component of the assignment.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit as a single PDF through Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate technologies for appropriate applications in humanitarian contexts
  • Apply effective communication, creativity, cultural awareness, time management and collaborative skills to work and learn individually and in a team.

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Evaluation of framework for Humanitarian Projects

Task Description

Working as a team, identify a humanitarian project and research how appropriate technologies were utilized.

Develop a framework using knowledge acquired in previous assessments and apply this evaluation framework to the technlogies adopted in the context of your chosen humanitarian project.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Tuesday (8 Oct 2024) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Tuesday (15 Oct 2024)


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
25%

Assessment Criteria

A Marking Rubric is provided on Moodle that includes indicators of attainment at the ‘Sound’, ‘Good’ and ‘Excellent’ level for each component of the assignment.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
One team member to submit a single PDF to Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critique a humanitarian engineering project on the effective use of technology for the cultural context
  • Generate solutions with appropriate technology for a humanitarian project using the human-centred design philosophy
  • Demonstrate technical knowledge in at least one engineering discipline area
  • Apply effective communication, creativity, cultural awareness, time management and collaborative skills to work and learn individually and in a team.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?