This is the one of two professional practice courses (the other is ENGN8260: Professional Practice: Responsible Innovation and Leadership) for engineering and computing graduate students that focus on developing professional and communication skills for the 21st century workplace. Industry bodies and employers of engineering and computing graduates consistently rank communication skills as one of the most important selection criteria when hiring.

This course aims to heighten students’ awareness of professional practice, and to develop new interpersonal and communication skills, leading to students becoming more competent professionals in their field.

Based on Engineers Australia and Australian Computer Society professional competencies, students will develop and practice fundamental skills required by industry to better equip them for the workforce.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Communicate effectively in a professional setting in written and spoken formats to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.
2. Identify, critique and use appropriate sources of information when developing professional documents.
3. Maintain and develop appropriate, effective and professional forms of documentation.
4. Demonstrate effective team membership skills and contribute collaboratively within diverse team environments.
5. Articulate and reflect on the industry expectations of competence and conduct in engineering and computing professions.

Field Trips

In Week 3, you will independently visit the Australian War Memorial (AWM) for your Industry Skills Lab. You will receive a guided checksheet with questions to answer and consider. After this visit, your team will choose the focus of your AWM case study.

Required Resources

Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 Competency Standard - Professional Engineer

EA Code of Ethics

Australian Computer Society

SFIA 7

ACS Code of Professional Conduct

Recommended Resources

Australian War Memorial Redevelopment

Overview: Planning of AWM Redevelopment

Overview: AWM Information Booklet

Overview: The AWM Our Continuing Story

AWM Opening the Southern Entrance

AWM THE CEW Bean Building Research Centre

AWM ANZAC Hall and Atrium

AWM Heritage Main Building

AWM Year in Review Corporate and Strategic Plan

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Assignments submitted by the deadline will be marked and returned, together with constructive feedback on their performance on assessment tasks, normally within two weeks of the deadline. Students will be given feedback in the following forms:

• Written comments.
• Verbal comments.
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals. 

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Class Overview

Professional Practice 1 is the first in a two-course series designed for graduate students in Engineering and Computing. It offers practical experience with the lifecycle of an infrastructure project. Students will engage with a principal case study to explore a project's key stages, from planning to renewal/disposal.

This course features guest lectures from industry professionals with years of experience on significant infrastructure projects. These experts provide insights into the roles of engineers and computer scientists and share real-world challenges and strategies. Students will work in teams to develop a project plan, conduct risk and value management workshops, and reflect on the final stages of project lifecycle management.

Based on the professional competencies of Engineers Australia and the Australian Computer Society, this course equips students with foundational skills highly valued in the professional workforce. It emphasises teamwork, communication, critical thinking, innovation, and an understanding of professional practice in complex engineering and computing contexts.

By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, Professional Practice 1 helps students bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, preparing them to excel in their professional careers.

Generative AI Policy for Professional Practice 1

Generative AI Tools are ALLOWED in this course: “The use of Generative AI Tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is permitted in this course, given that proper citation and prompts are provided, along with a description of how the tool contributed to the assignment. Guidelines regarding appropriate citation and use can be found on the ANU library website (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai). Marks will reflect the student's contribution rather than the tools' contribution. Further guidance on appropriate use should be directed to the convener for this course.”

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	About this course. What does it mean to be a professional engineer or professional computer scientist?	Industry Skills Lab 1. Your professional image.
2	Case study, the Australian War Memorial (AWM) Project.	Industry Skills Lab 2: 100-word professional biography. Present your 3-minute professional presentation (pitch). Public-facing professional presentation.
3	Infrastructure delivery, context, innovation and system thinking.	Industry Skills Lab 3: AWM site visit with checksheet. Choose AWM focus for the team case study.
4	Project Lifecycle 1: Planning and Feasibility.	Industry Skills Lab 4: Case study, mapping of key system elements. Discuss ethical dilemmas and why these matter to a professional engineer/computer scientist.
5	Project Lifecycle 2: Preparation.	Industry Skills Lab 5: Discuss potential project stressors and how to manage risks. Research approvals requirements.
6	Project Cycle 3: Procurement.	Industry Skills Lab 6. Group task and assessment: Prepare project plan including project system design diagram.
7	Project Cycle 4: Implementation- Design.	Industry Skills Lab 7. Group task and assessment. Preparation of a risk management plan and running a risk management workshop.
8	Project Cycle 5: Implementation- Design into construction.	Industry Skills Lab 8. How do identified key factors change as project moves from design into construction. Does this influence value management?
9	Project Cycle 6: Implementation- Construction.	Industry Skills Lab 9. What engineering roles will be needed for identified tasks? How is innovation considered?
10	Project Cycle 7: Implementation- Commissioning.	Industry Skills Lab 10—Delivery of a Value Management spreadsheet. Run a value management workshop.
11	Project Cycle 8: Closure.	Industry Skills Lab 11. How have the key factors changed as the project moved through it's lifecycle? What matters most at this stage? What matters in 10 years time?
12	Project Cycle 9: Renewal.	Industry Skills Lab 12. Reflect on three key aspects of the Australian War Memorial project in 2040.

Tutorial Registration

Enrol in the Industry Skills Lab(ISK) at your preferred time, on Wattle from O-Week.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Present your updated CV written for an application with the focus on applying for a particular role at the AWM case study, including a 100 word summary detailing how you can contribute to the project.	9 %	*	1,2
Three-minute skills pitch	5 %	*	1,5
Professional Public Profile LinkedIn Set-up and Development over the semester.	11 %	*	1,2,5
Team Task 1. Team Project Plan and Presentation.	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Team Task 2: Prepare your Team Risk Management Plan and run your Risk Management Workshop.	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Team Task 3: Prepare your Team Value Management Plan and run your Value Management Workshop	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Individual: Reflection of the AWM in 2040	15 %	23/05/2025	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend all lectures and Industry Skills Labs in person throughout the semester. The majority of assessments are covered during the Industry Skills Labs. If you cannot attend a scheduled session, please discuss it with the convener or tutor in advance.

Examination(s)

There are no final exams in this course. Most assessments occur during the Industry Skills Labs.

Assessment Task 1

Present your updated CV written for an application with the focus on applying for a particular role at the AWM case study, including a 100 word summary detailing how you can contribute to the project.

Practice writing a CV with a particular role in mind. This will not be an actual job application but an exercise in developing specific CVs. Provide a detailed and accurate summation of professional-related experiences in reverse chronological order, clearly articulated with relevant skills. Write the CV as if you are applying to work on the Australian War Memorial project. Due: Industry Skills Lab (ISL) Week 2

Assessment Task 2

Three-minute skills pitch

During Industry Skills Lab 2, tell us about your professional experience, technical skills, and personal contribution to a project in three minutes.

Due: Industry Skills Lab (ISL) Week 2

Assessment Task 3

Professional Public Profile LinkedIn Set-up and Development over the semester.

Set up your professional LinkedIn page, and start making connections. Every week post about the course and continue to build connections.

Due: Weeks 2 -12. Weekly presentation to the ISL tutor during your Industry Skills Lab.

Assessment Task 4

Team Task 1. Team Project Plan and Presentation.

Prepare your team project plan, including a project system diagram. Your team will deliver a 10-minute presentation of your project plan to your Industry Skills Lab Group.

Due: Team presentation 1, ISL Week 6

Assessment Task 5

Team Task 2: Prepare your Team Risk Management Plan and run your Risk Management Workshop.

Preparation of your Team Risk Management Plan. Your team will run a Risk Management Workshop during the ISL.

Due: Team presentation 2, ISL week 7

Assessment Task 6

Team Task 3: Prepare your Team Value Management Plan and run your Value Management Workshop

Prepare and present your team value management spreadsheet and run your value management workshop.

Due: Team presentation 3, ISL week 10

Assessment Task 7

Individual: Reflection of the AWM in 2040

Write a 1000-word reflection discussing three key aspects of the AWM project that need consideration in 2040.

Due date: May 23, 2025. To be submitted via Wattle.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of '0' will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

The final reflection submission will be graded online via Wattle. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is not permitted in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students