Master of Engineering (MC-ENG) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

This course has as its objectives that graduates should:

• Have a sound fundamental understanding of the scientific principles underlying technology;
• Have acquired the educational and professional standards of the professional institutions and boards with which the School's courses are accredited;
• Possess a broad knowledge base of their chosen discipline, and of other disciplines so as to facilitate effective communication with those other professionals with whom engineers routinely communicate;
• Understand the basic principles underlying the management of physical, human and financial resources;
• Have acquired the mathematical and computational skills necessary for the solution of theoretical and practical problems for further professional development and for meeting future changes in technology;
• Possess analytical, problem-solving and, where relevant, design skills, including those appropriate for sustainable development;
• Have verbal and written communication skills that enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the changes facing our society;
• Have developed professional ethics and responsibility towards the profession and the community;
• Have an appreciation of the interpersonal and management skills required by engineers in undertaking professional activities; and
• Understand the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development.

Generic skills

Master of Engineering graduates are expected to have the following qualities and skills:

• An advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in their specialist area of engineering;
• An ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in their specialised area of engineering;
• Advanced skills and techniques applicable to their specialist area of engineering;
• Well-developed problem-solving abilities in the specialist area of engineering, characterised by flexibility of approach;
• Advanced competencies in engineering professional expertise and scholarship;
• A capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations;
• An advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of their specialist area within engineering;
• An appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research;
• A capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
• A profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
• An appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
• The capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;
• An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
• A capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society; and
• Advanced working skills in the application of computer systems and software and a receptiveness to the opportunities offered by new technologies.

Graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Elements of Competency

1.1 Knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
1.2 In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
1.3 Techniques and resources
1.4 General knowledge
2.1 Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
2.2 Understanding of social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development
2.3 Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design design and operational performance
2.4 Proficiency in engineering design
2.5 Ability to conduct an engineering project
2.6 Understanding of the business environment
3.1 Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and the community at large
3.2 Ability to manage information and documentation
3.3 Capacity for creativity and innovation
3.4 Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and committed to them
3.5 Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
3.6 Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development
3.7 Professional attitudes

Engineering Faculty Graduate Attributes

• Strong analytical skills
• Depth of understanding
• Practical ingenuity creativity
• Understanding of global issues
• Communication
• Business and management
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Lifelong learners
• High ethical standards and professionalism

University of Melbourne Graduate Attributes

• Academically excellent
• Knowledgeable across disciplines
• Attuned to cultural diversity
• Active global citizens
• Leaders in communities