41084 Fundamentals Studio A
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade, no marksRequisite(s): 41082 Introduction to Data Engineering
Description
This is a studio subject. It is not a conventional subject guided by a curriculum. Its purpose is to provide an environment in which students can translate the knowledge they have or can gain into what they can do.
This is the first studio in the fundamentals stage of the Data and Electronic Engineering majors.
Studios are product-based subjects, largely conducted in the studio, in collaboration with other students, academic staff and industry mentors. Students do a combination of individual self-directed study and project work as a team.
The stages of the projects are the means by which students learn how to apply their knowledge to what they can achieve. The stages follow the classic engineering paradigm of assess, design and implement.
The individual tasks are guided by a learning contract established at the beginning of the session.
In the Fundamentals Studio, students focus on learning fundamental knowledge and skills needed to achieve the basic functionality of their chosen product. There is an emphasis on creativity and exploration of different approaches, both in developing technical expertise, as well as teamwork, communication and project management. Students should use this as an opportunity to extend the knowledge gained from other coursework subjects by learning new topics of personal interest.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify needs of a product owner and formulate product requirements to address those needs. (B.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Model, prototype and/or build a product to meet requirements. (C.1) |
| 3. | Demonstrate advancement of fundamental knowledge and skills appropriate to the student's discipline. (D.1) |
| 4. | Collaboratively work in defined roles to solve complex problems (E.1) |
| 5. | Demonstrate personal reflection on learning through engineering record keeping and knowledge sharing with peers (F.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
- 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
- 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
- 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
The faculty expects a commitment of nine hours per week for the Studio. Two hours of this this will be as scheduled Studio time. Students are expected to attend this session each week. This is the time when:
- Individual students and staff meet to discuss ILCs
- Teams meet with staff to discuss Team progress
- Teams meet with Product Owners
- Industry visitors present talks on interesting topics
- “Teach” the team sessions occur.
Additional time will be available in the Software Development Studio room before and after the studio time for teams to schedule individual meetings with their Product Owner, in cases where the Product Owner cannot attend the studio.
The Studio is run predominantly on campus. For students who are overseas and cannot physically attend, an option to join the Studio session online via Microsoft Teams will be provided, with more details provided on Canvas at the start of the session.
Ultimately learning is the student's responsibility. It is an aim of this subject to help students develop strategies that will enable them to more effectively undertake the responsibility of learning. These strategies will help students throughout the rest of their course and later in practice.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Individual Learning Contract Agreement
| Intent: | Creation of an Individual Learning Contract allows students to identify and document their learning direction, and set goals for the session. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
Assessment task 2: Individual Learning Contract Delivery
| Intent: | In delivering on the Individual Learning Contract, students demonstrate that they progressively achieve the goals set near the start of the session. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Portfolio |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Team Product/Prototype Proposal
| Intent: | Creating a Product/Prototype Proposal allows teams of students to define a scope for their studio work for the current session, and to negotiate the scope and outcomes with the Product Owner(s) and academic mentor(s). |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 15% |
Assessment task 4: Team Product/Prototype Delivery
| Intent: | Students demonstrate their ability to deliver a Product or Prototype to an agreed scope. In doing so, students also demonstrate their capacity to solve problems, create solutions, work in teams, communicate professionally, and manage time and tasks. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
Assessment task 5: Personal Design Journal
| Intent: | Creation of a Personal Design Journal that allows each student to record and reflect on their process and experiences in completing the Team Product. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Journal |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |