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Recommended Study Sequence

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Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

Mathematics for Engineers 1

This unit is the first of two mathematics units to be completed by students enrolled in an engineering degree. It covers the following topics: Differential and integral calculus of a single variable, complex numbers, aspects of matrix algebra, bectors and some elementary statistics and probability theory.

Physics and Materials

This unit serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of physics and materials with appropriate applications in a wide range of engineering and industrial design systems.

Engineering Computing

Students are introduced to the techniques of data manipulation and presentation using the common functions of a spreadsheet facility. The unit also aims to instil sound principles of program design that can be utilised in many units throughout the student's course. The basic elements and structures of a high level language are taught. Students are exposed to many engineering problems and are encouraged to implement solutions using an algorithmic approach.

Engineering and Industrial Design Practice

This unit aims to engender in participants an understanding of the many facets of professional practice that can be pursued as an Engineer or Designer. Communication, teamwork and problem solving skills will be fostered through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Case studies and assessment tasks aim to develop for the students their own personal ethos for practice, study and lifelong learning in line with the graduate outcomes desired by UWS.

Spring session

Mathematics for Engineers 2

This is a level 100 unit to be undertaken by students enrolled in an Engineering degree. It covers the following topics: Ordinary Differential Equations and Multivariable Calculus.

Fundamentals of Mechanics

This unit deals with the action and interaction of forces, moments and couples in two and three dimensions, on machine elements and simple structures. It examines the equilibrium of single bodies, of multi-body structures and of mechanisms. It then covers the dynamics of a particle. A systematic approach to solving practical engineering design problems is provided. The unit makes extensive use of vector algebra.

Electrical Fundamentals

The objective of this unit is to provide an introduction to fundamental electromagnetism and electric circuit principles. Discussion is restricted to DC, although first-order systems are presented and second order systems introduced in preparation for on-going development. Basic definitions of charge, current, potential difference/relative potential, power, and the electric circuit as a complete path are presented, together with the basic laws - Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's nodal and loop laws. Examples from different engineering disciplines are related to circuit’s laws. Basic nodal and mesh analysis are presented together with Thevenin and Norton circuit equivalents, real versus ideal current and voltage sources and the maximum power transfer principle. The operational amplifier as a circuit element is introduced. Energy storage elements (capacitors and inductors) are discussed leading into first-order systems and their natural responses and time-constants. Several basic electromagnetic concepts related to electric and magnetic flux and induced voltage are also discussed.

Engineering and Design Concepts

This unit equips students with the fundamental skills that will enable them to use creative design and engineering approaches to solve challenging problems and to understand the design process. Students will be exposed to 2D and 3D visualisation techniques, will learn how to interpret abstract information and will work on practical projects in an interdisciplinary context.

Electrical Key Program

Year 2

Autumn session

Mathematics for Engineers 3

The unit covers the topics of Advanced Calculus including Vector Calculus, Complex Analysis, Fourier Series, Heat Wave Equations, Fourier Integrals and Transforms; Discrete Mathematics including logic, set theory, graphs and trees and Random Processes including mean correlation and covariance functions, ergodicity, ensemble averages, Gaussian processes and Rayleigh and Rice distribution.

Digital Systems 1

This unit provides students with a solid background in digital logic design. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of digital logic with number systems, basic logic devices and Boolean algebra. Analysis and design of combinational and sequential logic circuits is covered in detail. Design with programmable logic devices is introduced.

Circuit Theory

This unit aims to equip students with the tools needed for the design and analysis of electrical and electronic circuits. The unit also introduces various techniques of circuit analysis, convolution, mutual coupling, frequency response and two ports loop.

Electronics

This unit further develops skills in the analysis, design, practical implementation and testing of the main analogue electronic circuits. Topics covered are: semiconductor diodes and their applications, Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), Field Effect Transistors (FET), analysis of BJT and FET, design of discrete operational amplifiers, and operational amplifier characteristics and circuit configurations. The unit introduces students to Nanotechnology or the 'Molecular electronics' field.

Spring session

Microprocessor Systems

This unit introduces students to the internal structure of microprocessors and its fundamental operations. Topics include assembly language programming, interrupt processing, CPU functions, memory organisation and peripheral programming. Intel 8088 microprocessor will be discussed in great detail. Embedded processor will also be covered.

Signals and Systems

This unit aims to develop students' understanding of continuous-time and discrete-time concepts and methods. It covers various signals and their analysis, as encountered in the fields of electrical, computer and telecommunication engineering.

Engineering Electromagnetics

This unit introduces Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form and their application to basic theory and application of electromagnetic structures, wave propagation, guides waves, antennas and electromagnetic compatibility.

Power and Machines

This unit introduces basic concepts of power and machines, including an introduction to modern power systems and transformers, and fundamentals of electromechanical energy conversion. It also covers magnetic circuits, modern permanent magnet materials and their characteristics, and balanced and unbalanced three-phase power systems.

Year 3

Autumn session

Communication Systems

This unit will provide a basic introduction to communication systems and techniques. Specific topics covered include energy and power spectral density, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, pulse modulation, an overview of digital modulation techniques, noise in communication systems and an overview of current telecommunication systems; spread spectrum systems, optical communication systems, radio broadcasting and mobile communication systems.

Digital Signal Processing

This unit is aimed to provide an introduction to fundamental concepts and principles in digital signal processing. It focuses on signal analysis, digital filter design, hardware implementation and applications.

Electrical Machines 1

This unit introduces the fundamental principles of electrical machines: DC generators and motors, induction motors and synchronous machines. The unit also introduces various special purpose electrical machines, such as permanent magnet machines, step motors and reluctance machines.

Control Systems

This unit introduces the fundamental concepts of automatic control engineering. It covers traditional and contemporary design and analysis techniques; the concepts required to design continuous time and discrete time controllers. Matlab is utlilized considerably.

Spring session

Energy Systems

The unit introduces the global energy picture of electric energy systems, including a look ar alternative energy sources where time permits. It deals with mainly power systems on a macroscopic scale and with power electronics to a lesser extent and on a smaller scale. Basic processes of energy generation, distribution and conversion are presented, along with the use of semiconductor power switching devices.

Professional Practice

This unit explores the art of managing physical and human resources and the knowledge to plan, deliver and maintain the physical infrastructure for civilisation in an economically sustainable way.

Electrical Drives

The subject covers various types of Electrical drive systems, their applications and control. It also covers application considerations and modern developments in high performance drive systems.

One elective

Industrial Experience:

Industrial Experience (Engineering)

This is a "Work Experience in Industry" unit, for which no student contribution or fee is charged. Enrolment in the unit will not consume Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). As a formal requirement of the Institution of Engineers (Australia) and the engineering course, each student must complete 12 weeks of industrial experience in an approved engineering work environment prior to graduation.

Year 4 (Non-Honours stream)

Autumn session

Engineering Project

This is a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at encouraging students to participate in solving multi-disciplinary problems. Where possible these will be real-world problems for engineering companies and/or local councils in Western Sydney.

Instrumentation and Measurement

This unit covers all topics associated with the measurement of physical quantities and the instrumentation required to accurately present this information to a controller. Transducers used to measure common physical quantities are presented in detail, while instrumentation includes a detailed analysis of zero-span circuits, Wheatstone bridges, Instrumentation amplifiers, isolation amplifiers, voltage-to-current and voltage-to-frequency modules used for faithful signal transmission, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital circuits, analog multiplexers and sample/hold amplifiers. The application of these modules in modern measurement equipment- multimeters, digital CRO's, and PLC/PC interfacing modules is discussed.

Choose one of:

Digital Systems 2

This unit covers modern digital design techniques and the process of creating a digital circuit from design specifications to the implementation of more complex digital circuits and systems. Specific topics include a review of logic design techniques; hardware description languages, HDL; digital circuit modeling using an HDL; logic simulations; state-of-the-art digital circuit design tools; programmable logic devices; digital circuit implementation rapid circuit prototyping; integration of HDL, a digital circuit design tool and programmable logic devices in a single design process.

Electronic Systems Design

This unit is concerned with the processes involved in the design and production of complete electronic systems. The product development cycle is considered from concept to market and commercialisation. The design of a large electronic system is undertaken as a group project. Production processes explored are printed circuit board (PCB) design and computer aided design (CAD) tools, and PCB manufacture and assembly. Management of the processes are studied including the application of total quality management (TQM) and just-in time management (JIT).

And one elective

Spring session

Engineering Project

This is a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at encouraging students to participate in solving multi-disciplinary problems. Where possible these will be real-world problems for engineering companies and/or local councils in Western Sydney.

Choose one of:

Digital Control Systems

This unit is a first course in discrete, single rate sampled linear control systems and introduces the use of a computer as the main control element in a feedback system and as a data acquisition tool in real time. Methods of analysis and design are examined, using s-domain and state space methods, with an emphasis on the practical aspects of designing and implementing digital control systems. Less emphasis on theoretical issues. Direct design and emulation methods are included. Practical laboratory work is included along with the use of Matlab software tools

Data Networks

This unit is concerned with the principles and topics of fundamental importance to data communication, computer communication networks and telecommunications. The lower layers of the OSI reference model are emphasized (hardware, physical layer, data link layer and network layer). Also, it will cover all major network technologies- SONET, ATM, Internet, and Telephony. Essential network engineering topics such as protocol layering, multiple access, switching, scheduling, routing, congestion control, error control, flow control, and network security shall also be included. An engineering approach will be taken to provide an insight into network design.

And two electives

Year 4 (Honours stream)

Honours streaming based on 2nd and/or 3rd year performance:

Autumn session

Engineering Thesis

This unit provides honours level students with the opportunity to undertake research on a specialist topic with their key program of undergraduate study. Please note that you need to enrol in both sessions 1H and 2H to achieve a total of 40 credit points.

Instrumentation and Measurement

This unit covers all topics associated with the measurement of physical quantities and the instrumentation required to accurately present this information to a controller. Transducers used to measure common physical quantities are presented in detail, while instrumentation includes a detailed analysis of zero-span circuits, Wheatstone bridges, Instrumentation amplifiers, isolation amplifiers, voltage-to-current and voltage-to-frequency modules used for faithful signal transmission, digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital circuits, analog multiplexers and sample/hold amplifiers. The application of these modules in modern measurement equipment- multimeters, digital CRO's, and PLC/PC interfacing modules is discussed.

One elective

Spring session

Engineering Thesis

This unit provides honours level students with the opportunity to undertake research on a specialist topic with their key program of undergraduate study. Please note that you need to enrol in both sessions 1H and 2H to achieve a total of 40 credit points.

Two electives

Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical


The future presents significant challenges to those responsible for managing the environment, infrastructure and technological developments. Effective solutions to these challenges will require innovative engineering, applied science and design strategies. At the University of Western Sydney, we prepare students to take on those challenges and succeed.

The UWS Engineering Program is all about the application of knowledge to achieve practical outcomes. It covers all major engineering domains, and you can experience many facets of engineering before deciding your area of specialisation at the end of first year.

After a common first year, you can specialise:   

  • Electrical – Working on electronic components, computers, power generation and distribution systems, and in communications and control.

Course Details

UAC Code Campus UAI 2008
703000 Penrith 68.00

From 2009 this course will have an advanced leadership program. Any student who enters the B Engineering in 2008 and achieves a grade point average of 5 or above will be eligible to apply for this advanced leadershp program. For more information call the Course Information Centre on 1800 897 669.

Duration

4 years full-time.

Practical Experience

Twelve weeks of industrial experience is required after the end of the third year. The Engineering Summer Placement program available through UWS Cooperative Programs gives high achieving students the opportunity for paid placements.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Engineering course is accredited by Engineers Australia.

A Career in Engineering

The UWS Engineering Program gives you professional skills and knowledge in specialisations of great demand:  

Electrical – Working in communications, electro-magnetics, power and control, public utilities, telecommunications, manufacturing, and electrical systems areas. For example, designing or improving electrical systems to conserve energy and improve productivity.

Assumed Knowledge

Mathematics, any two units of science and any two units of English.

Application Information

To lodge an application for the course of your choice check the Application Information.

Honours

Students can study for an Honours award during their last year. Entry to the Honours stream is by superior performance in years two and three.

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

For further assistance contact us.