The Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC), and most other Washington Accord Signatories’ accreditation systems, state in their accreditation manuals that the all engineering programs must deliver graduates with a range program outcomes including:
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Understanding of the principals of design for sustainable development |
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Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of a professional engineer |
The Environmental College of Engineers Australia has been working for the last few years to more clearly define the discipline specific program outcomes from an environmental engineering program, to help universities prepare for accreditation and the embedding of sustainability into all engineering programs. |
In particular, the College has been involved in a two year program (2010-2011) funded by the Australian Teaching and Learning Council, called “Define Your Discipline”. This project will deliver discipline specific program outcomes for environmental engineering and the process to enable other disciplines to assess their disciplines in the same manner.
This project and previous studies undertaken by Engineers Australia provide a good foundation to help academics embed sustainability into all engineering programs.
Workshop Facilitators:
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Dr Julia Lamborn, Chair Environmental College, Engineers Australia [ + View Profile ] |
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Julian O'Shea, Curriculum and Research Coordinator, Engineers Without Borders - Australia |
This workshop will cover:
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The sustainability principles for all engineering programs |
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Different approaches for the inclusion of sustainability principals into existing programs |
Workshop Outline:
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The workshop will cover the requirements for the embedding of sustainability principles in engineering programs by accreditation bodies.
This will include a summary of the current findings of the “Define Your Discipline Project” and its extension to all engineering disciplines. |
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Issues in embedding sustainability into existing programs and curriculum renewal |
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Assessment approaches to ensure sustainability education is achieved |
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Approaches to mapping at the program level to identify gaps
This section will involve a hands-on program mapping exercise |
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Introduction to Engineers Without Borders (EWB).
EWB will present theirthree main linkageareas with universities. |
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EWB Challenge - first year design project
The majority of universities in Australia use the EWB challenge each year.
This will involve a hands-on sessioninvolving one of the types of projectsthat the EWB challenges include.
The participants will be divided into groups representing different countries,with access to appropriate resources for that country to complete the challenge. The outcomes from the different countries/groups will be compared. The educational benefit from these challenges will be highlighted. |
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Undergraduate final year research projects
Around 12 projects for individuals and groups in their final year. This research is used to support EWB projects abroad.
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High School Outreach program
Linking engineeringstudents to schools groups to run workshops about technology and development. |
Outcomes:
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Gain an understanding of sustainability principles |
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Identify issues in curriculum renewal that may be required to embed sustainability principleswithin engineering programs |
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Develop approaches to evaluate engineering programs to assess delivery of sustainability principles |
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Participate in a hands-on EWB challenge workshop |
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Working with Communities
EWB works in partnership with developing communities both within Australia and overseas, assisting them to gain access to the knowledge, resources and appropriate technologies they need to improve their livelihoods.
We focus on developing the capacity of the local technical sector through small scale, grassroots engineering programs to ensure that innovative, appropriate and sustainable solutions to issues that impede development are locally generated and driven. We believe it is essential to work in partnership with local communities and complimentary development organisations to achieve environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable solutions.
Some common issues facing the communities we work with include access to drinking water, sanitation, energy, basic infrastructure, waste systems, Information Communication Technology and engineering education.
Learning & Change
We also aim to educate Australian engineers and the wider community on issues of sustainable development, appropriate technology, poverty and the plight of disadvantaged people around the world. EWB was created in 2003 out of the passion of young engineers who wanted to make a difference using their engineering skills and resources.
EWB brings together engineering students, young graduates, experienced engineers and even non engineers as a team to help solve basic, small scale engineering problems faced by many people in need. The objective of EWB is not only to contribute to new and ongoing development projects, but also provide development training and experience for Australians.
In Australia, our activities include workshops, lectures, fundraisers, discussion groups, seminars and a national conference. These are organised by EWB to engage our members in the mission and values of the organisation, and to gather support for the organisation. Much of the work of EWB is performed through its chapters, which are generally university, company or geographically based.
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