Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Systems Engineering) (Honours)

Verbal expression and comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.

In an industry placement environment, this will assist you in your work with team members to understand and convey project specifications. Clear communication assists with completing your industry placement tasks safely.

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations.

In the on-campus learning environment this will assist you to explain your research project progress and outcomes.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities.

Industry placement activities may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement. 

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately during on-campus, laboratory workshop and industry placement activities to build relationships, display understanding and acknowledgement of others.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include:

• identifying  and using gestures, verbal turn-taking and proximity when sharing workload and equipment with others
• responding to peers and supervisors with open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to demonstrate understanding.

Using and understanding non-verbal cues is essential for safe execution of engineering tasks

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service(ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.  

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication. 

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, reference material and /or handwritten notes.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, essential information is communicated in written form.  Tasks which require reading include:

• reading and understanding laboratory workshop based protocols such as: notes, reports, policies
• reading and understanding equipment use instructions and safety procedures

The ability to read, understand and interpret written information is fundamental for safe execution of engineering tasks

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during your industry placement may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Writing (Written Language)

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to on-campus, laboratory workshop and industry placement settings.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing include:

• writing reports to meet technical standards
• project record keeping

The ability to accurately communicate in writing is fundamental for the safe delivery of engineering tasks

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during industry placement may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Number Skills (Numeracy)

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What do I need to be able to do?

Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and formulae in a time-efficient manner in on-campus learning, laboratory workshop and industry placement environments.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of number skills include:

• performing accurate calculations that represent an engineering system and its behaviour in response to different conditions
• providing valid interpretation of engineering system response data

The ability to accurately work with numbers is important for safe execution of engineering tasks

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your numeracy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during professional experience may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from on-campus learning activities to tasks in the laboratory workshop and industry placement environments

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of concentration, memory and problem solving include:

• tracking progress and completion of a large number of experimental readings and accurately recording the readings
• completing accurate measurements and assessments of engineering systems
• solving engineering problems that require extended periods of concentration

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during industry placement should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Mental wellness is a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.

Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour.

Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning and industry placement settings. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully. The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT: 

Equitable Learning Services

Counselling Services

What do I need to be able to do?

The on-campus learning environment can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Laboratory workshop and industry placement environments can present complex and unpredictable human situations which require the following:

• managing multiple, complex demands with focus and composure
• remaining alert, focussed and engaged
• managing personal emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with others

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments such can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Flexible arrangements for your professional experience placement will be considered. The appropriateness and practicality of these arrangements may vary between placements and agencies and should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencement of the placement.

You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability. 

Vision

Visual acuity refers to the extent to which a person can see or interpret visual information. This may also include colour vision.

What do I need to be able to do?

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require vision include:

• recognising the  colour code and value on electronic components such as resistors and capacitors 
• accurately adjusting the setting on a small dial to the test and measure equipment 
• observing changes during testing using pressure gauges, manometers, temperature gauges etc. 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of assistive technology to enhance vision will be considered. It is recommended that you discuss this with the ELS and your placement coordinator prior to commencing industry placement.

Glasses and other visual aids can be used in the laboratory workshop environment and industry placement settings

If you have been deemed legally blind or have a medical condition that may impact your vision, it is recommended that you discuss your condition with Equitable Learning Service. 

What do I need to be able to do?

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks may involve:  lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, twisting, and bending.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require gross motor abilities include:

• setting up experimental, mechanical systems and rigs
• picking up, carrying and placing various components in design and build activities

Safe manual handling minimises the risk of injury to yourself and others 

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities. Any adjustments should not compromise your safety or the safety of others

i.e. The ability to undertake precise coordinated movements of the hands.

What do I need to be able to do?

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks may involve: pushing, pressing, turning, pinching, grasping, shaking and manipulating

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require fine motor abilities include:

• picking up small electronic components and manipulating hand tools to build a complete circuit board
• creating and fixing connections by manipulating detailed components and small parts
• attaching a coaxial cable to test and measure equipment by turning and tightening.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities.

Any adjustments considered should not compromise your safety or the safety of others.