SUBJECT OUTLINE

48221 Engineering Computations

Course area UTS: Engineering
Delivery Spring 2019; City
Subject
Engineering: Civil and Environmental Engineering
classification
Credit points 6cp
Requisite(s) 33130 Mathematical Modelling 1
Result type Grade and marks

Attendance: 4hpw (2hrs lecture: in lecture theatre/computer lab; 2hrs computer lab: tutorial/activity session)
Recommended studies: 48321 Engineering Mechanics; 48331 Mechanics of Solids

Subject coordinator
Subject Coordinator: Dr Ali Altaee

Office / consultation: Building 11, Level 07, Room 312

Phone:9668

Email: ali.altaee @uts.edu.au

Teaching staff
Leading Tutors:

Ali Altaee, Nic Surawski, Qilin Wang, Wiwen Lui, John Phung, Marwa Mohsen, Pshtiwan Shakor, Hossein Haddad,
Jianchun Li

Email: 48221@uts.edu.au

Contacting Staff:

The leading tutors should be the students’ first contact point in this subject, whether it is of an administrative nature or
to do with content. Students are particularly encouraged to make use of the opportunity offered by tutorials for
assistance. Note that tutors are only available in scheduled class times and advertised consultation times.

However, if the matter is beyond tutors’ responsibility, you may choose to see the coordinator after lectures, or during
consultation hours. If you are unable to come then, please email and suggest several alternative times when you will
be available.

Subject description
This subject provides engineering students with necessary computing knowledge, numerical techniques and
programming skills as well as understanding of using knowledge, skills and tools for engineering problem solving. The
subject introduces students to basic knowledge and skills on computational numerical methods, excel spreadsheet and
Visual Basic programming with no assumed knowledge of programming. It requires students to develop understanding
on the application of such knowledge and skills for civil and mechanical engineering problem solving. Examples are
chosen from within an engineering context and serve to reinforce material covered in other subjects in civil and
mechanical engineering.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. Explain basic numerical techniques and engineering computational techniques in the support of professional
engineering practice.

2. Independently acquire knowledge and skills in the utilisation of engineering computational tools.

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 1 of 10

 3. Use practical skills to solve engineering problems with a variety of computational tools.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty Course Intended Learning
Outcomes (CILOs) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies:
Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.2, 2.3, 2.4 (A.1)
Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behaviour including interactions between components and
with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.), which is linked to EA Stage 1
Competency: 1.5 (A.5)
Identify and apply relevant problem-solving methodologies, which is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.1, 2.1,
2.2, 2.3 (B.1)
Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures, which is linked to EA Stage 1
Competencies: 1.1, 3.3 (B.3)
Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation, which is linked to
EA Stage 1 Competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 (C.1)
Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices, which
is linked to EA Stage 1 Competencies: 2.2, 2.3, 2.4 (C.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

The delivery of the subject will include:
1. lectures (two modes):

a. 5 class Lectures: take place in class room

b. 5 lab Lectures: take place in a computer laboratory.
2. tutorials (two modes): all in the computer laboratories:

a.main tutorial sessions in every second week

b.Activity sessions in alterative week

Lectures are supported by the textbook, lecture notes/slides and online materials as well as reference books. The
classLectures focus on theories and fundamentals and the labLectures focus on practical skills.

The tutorial sessions (both modes) form a crucial part of this subject and therefore they are highly recommended. Main
tutorials provide students with opportunities for tutorials& activities (details in the tutorial booklet) to practise and apply
what has been learnt as well as interaction and hand-by-hand assistance from experienced tutors. The activity
sessions running in alternate weeks during the tutorial sessions provide resources and support for group projects
encouraging group learning and group interaction. An academic facilitator will be present to guide activities and Q/A

NOTE: As an indication, a typical 6cp subject would normally assume a total time commitment (including class time) of
approximately 150 hours, for an average student aiming to pass the subject.

Content (topics)
48221 Engineering Computations covers two broad areas, namely, concepts and skills. Firstly, the subject develops an
understanding of the concepts related to the utilisation of computational tools in the support of professional
engineering practice. The second area covered by the subject is the development of specific skills and utilisation of
such skills for engineering problems solving. In particular:

1) General concepts and basic knowledge (self-learning)

• Computer and hardware
• Operating Systems and software
• Networking and Internet

2) Numerical techniques/methods
• Matrix operation and applications
• Least Square method for curve fitting
• Solving nonlinear equations

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 2 of 10

• Numerical differentiation
• Numerical integration
• Basic optimisations
• Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT)

3) Spreadsheets + Visual Basic for Application (VBA)

The aim of this module is to develop an appreciation of the power of a spreadsheet program as an engineering tool.
Particular emphasis is placed on obtaining solutions to a variety of real problems in engineering analysis. Particular
topics which are covered include:
• Basic Spreadsheets
• Advanced spreadsheets
• Visual Basic for application (VBA) : Macro &UDF

4) Programming
This subject focuses on the development of fundamental programming skills. This covers concepts such as typical
programming constructs (variables, types, instructions, branching, looping, and subroutines, input/output) and
algorithm design.
This module applies fundamental programming principles to the Visual Basic language using Visual Basic Editor
(VBE) in Excel. It focuses on the sequential programming which develops understanding of basics programme coding,
but also covers material related to the design of the user interface through user form through Object-Orientated
programming. It is important to recognise that, within the scope of this subject, it is not possible to become familiar with
the majority of the features of this extensive applications development tool. Rather, this subject serves to provide an
understanding of the fundamentals and the confidence needed to explore further features as the situation requires.

Program
Week/Session Dates Description

1 24 July Lab Lecture

2 31 July Class Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

3 7 Aug Lab Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

4 14 Aug Class Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

5 21 Aug Lab Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 3 of 10

 6 28 Aug Class Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

7 4 Sep Lab Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

8 18 Sep Class Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

9 25 Sep Lab Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

10 2 Oct Class Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

11 9 Oct Lab Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

12 16 Oct Lab Lecture

Notes:

Tutorial Thur & Fri

Detailed teaching program is available on UTSOnline

Additional information
Check UTSOnline frequently for updated Subject Information

Assessment
Assessment task 1: Activity Gauge - Assessing learning activities through entire session
Intent: To assess students' capability to solve mathematical and engineering problems using numerical

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 4 of 10

 Intent: To assess students' capability to solve mathematical and engineering problems using numerical
methods.

Tutorial problems encourage students to develop individual skills. Students will submit this activity
individually.

Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning
outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1 and C.2

Type: Exercises

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 20%

Task: The Learning Activities (total of 7 activities, Quiz 1 to 6 is 3 marks each and quiz 7 is 2 marks/activilty
and capped on max 20 points) :

1. 3 Pre-Lecture Quizzes (online), including a Self Pre-learning assessment (online)

2. 4 Post-Lecture Quizzes (online)
Details published in UTSOnline

Length: The activities, monitored by an activity gauge weekly, include assessments of a variety of learning
activities such as pre- & post- Lecture online quizzes, on-class activities, tutorial performance etc.
The purpose of the activities is to encourage self and flexible learning and provide guide and
feedbacks to learning.

Due: Week 2 to Week 12

Criteria Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

linkages:
Correctness of application of theory 25 1 C.1

Correctness of the answer 25 1 B.1

Application of methodology 50 1 C.2

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Further Feedback: Weekly update on each student’s performance on activities is provided by an

information: online report

Assessment task 2: Group Project

Intent: This group project is designed to provide an opportunity for students to develop an essential
skill/ability of an engineer, i.e. working with a group to solve an engineering problem by applying
learnt (or new) knowledge. It encourages group learning, group management, group discussions,
in-depth learning, innovations and engineering ethics. The project runs through the entire session
and contains two stages at which reports are required to be submitted and assessments will be
conducted at each stage.

Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 5 of 10

 Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning
outcomes (CILOs):

A.1, A.5, B.3, C.1 and C.2

Type: Project

Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed

Weight: 30%

Task: Bi-weekly activity sessions in the subject have been designed to provide support and resources for
the group project with a facilitator to closely guide the sessions.

Due: Week 7 and 11

Criteria Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

linkages:
Interpretation of results 10 3 A.1

Creativity of Solution 10 2 B.3

Correctness of application of theory 20 1 C.1

Relevance of model 10 3 C.2

Accuracy & evaluation of model 20 1 A.5

Accuracy of Self-review 20 2

Accuracy of Peer-review 10 2

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Further At the end of each stage a project group needs to submit a project report for assessment. Each
information: group submits only one report at each stage of the project. A report template (in excel format) is
provided (download from UTSOnline) and must be used for the report submission (or the
submission is invalid).

Feedback: 2 weeks after submission

Assessment task 3: Final Examination (Open book)

Intent: To assess students' understanding and skills to the applications of spreadsheet and VBA in solving
numerical and engineering problems.

Objective(s): This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning
outcomes (CILOs):

A.1, A.5, B.3, C.1 and C.2

Type: Examination

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 6 of 10

 Type: Examination

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 50%

Task: The final examination covers all topics from spreadsheet to VBA programming. It is an open book
exam.

Length: Duration: 120mins

Due: UTS Exam period

Criteria Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

linkages:
Interpretation of results 20 3 A.1

Creativity of Solution 20 3 B.3

Correctness of application of theory 20 1 C.1

Correctness of Modelling 20 3 C.2

Accuracy & evaluation of model 20 1 A.5

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Further Submission Format: online submission/ Excel file

information:

Assessment feedback
1.Exams:

The final exam (50%): summative feedback (with marks) will be incorporated into the overall marks of the subject to
be published online by FEIT at the end of the session.

2.Learning Performance

The group Project (30%): it contains a two stage assessment through the session. feedbacks for each assessment
include reports &marks on self-peer-review, peer review from other students as well as from the teaching staff

The activity gauge (20%): it contains five types of activities through the entire session including pre- & post- Lecture
quizzes, On-class activities, tut-performance and survey and questions. Feedbacks are given weekly with performance
statistical and ranking etc.

Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts
UTSOnline

Communication in this subject will be conducted through lectures and UTSOnline. Important information and materials
related to this subject will be posted on UTSOnline and. UTSOnline announcements must be checked at least twice a
week. Not checking for messages, or not attending classes, will not be considered an acceptable excuse for any
failure to adhere to important announcements.

The URL of UTSOnline is: https://online.uts.edu.au/

Textbook (optional)

“Engineering Computations”, Complied by Dr Jianchun Li, a Custom Editions, Pearson, ISBN: 978 1 4860 06557

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 7 of 10

Free online resource for excel 2010:

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/excel2010

Recommended texts
Other References

"Power Programming with VBA/Excel”/Steven, C. Chapra, 2nd ed. ISBN: 013239667X

Spreadsheets in science and engineering / Gordon Filby, ed. - 502.8553 FILB

Microsoft Excel VBA programming for the absolute beginner [electronic resource] / Duane Birnbaum (also print
005.133 VINE (ED.2) )

Master visually : Excel 2003 VBA programming / by Julia Kelly. 005.54 KELL

Excel 2003 VBA programming with XML and ASP / Julitta Korol. 005.54 KORO

Professional Excel development : the definitive guide to developing applications using Microsoft Excel and VBA /
Stephen Bullen, Rob Bovey, John Green. + CD-ROM 005.54 BULL

Excel for Chemists : a comprehensive guide / E. Joseph Billo. (has a couple of chapters - Ch. 14. Programming with
VBA. Ch. 15. Working with Arrays in VBA. - 542.85 BILL (ED.2)

Other resources
Students are encouraged to make use of the facilities in the Computing Study Centre which is located in CB01.16.11.
The centre provides computer based tutorials in a range of introductory informatics skills. It will be assumed that
students have a basic knowledge in this range of introductory informatics skills.

Graduate attribute development

For a full list of the faculty's graduate attributes and EA Stage 1 competencies, refer to the FEIT Graduate Attributes
webpage.

Assessment: faculty procedures and advice

Extensions

When, due to extenuating circumstances, you are unable to submit or present an assessment task on time, please
contact your subject coordinator before the assessment task is due to discuss an extension. Extensions may be
granted up to a maximum of 5 days (120 hours). In all cases you should have extensions confirmed in writing.

Special consideration

If you believe your performance in an assessment item or exam has been adversely affected by circumstances
beyond your control, such as a serious illness, loss or bereavement, hardship, trauma, or exceptional employment
demands, you may be eligible to apply for Special Consideration.

Late penalty

Work submitted late without an approved extension is subject to a late penalty of 20 per cent of the total available
marks deducted per calendar day that the assessment is overdue (e.g. if an assignment is out of 40 marks, and is
submitted (up to) 24 hours after the deadline without an extension, the student will have eight marks deducted from
their awarded mark).

For some assessment tasks a late penalty may not be appropriate – these are clearly indicated in the subject outline.
Such assessments receive a mark of zero if not completed by/on the specified date. Examples include:
1. weekly online tests or laboratory work worth a small proportion of the subject mark, or
2. online quizzes where answers are released to students on completion, or
3. professional assessment tasks, where the intention is to create an authentic assessment that has an absolute
submission date, or
4. take-home papers that are assessed during a defined time period, or
5. pass/fail assessment tasks.

Querying marks/grades and final results

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 8 of 10

If a student disagrees with a mark or a final result awarded by a marker:
where a student wishes to query a mark, the deadline for a query during teaching weeks is 5 working days from the
date of the return of the task to the student
where a student wishes to query a final examination result, the deadline is 5 working days from the official release
of the final subject result.

Further information can be found at the current students Results page.

Academic liaison officer

Academic liaison officers (ALOs) are academic staff in each faculty who assist students experiencing difficulties in
their studies due to: disability and/or an ongoing health condition; carer responsibilities (e.g. being a primary carer for
small children or a family member with a disability); and pregnancy.

ALOs are responsible for approving adjustments to assessment arrangements for students in these categories.
Students who require adjustments due to disability and/or an ongoing health condition are requested to discuss their
situation with an accessibility consultant at the Accessibility Service before speaking to the relevant ALO.

The ALO for undergraduate students is:

Chris Wong
telephone +61 2 9514 4501

The ALO for postgraduate students is:

Dr Nham Tran
telephone +61 2 9514 4468

Statement about assessment procedures and advice

This subject outline must be read in conjunction with the policy and procedures for the assessment for coursework
subjects.

Statement on copyright
Teaching materials and resources provided to you at UTS are protected by copyright. You are not permitted to re-use
these for commercial purposes (including in kind benefit or gain) without permission of the copyright owner. Improper
or illegal use of teaching materials may lead to prosecution for copyright infringement.

Statement on plagiarism
Plagiarism and academic integrity

At UTS, plagiarism is defined in Rule 16.2.1(4) as: 'taking and using someone else's ideas or manner of expressing
them and passing them off as ... [their] own by failing to give appropriate acknowledgement of the source to seek to
gain an advantage by unfair means'.

The definition infers that if a source is appropriately referenced, the student's work will meet the required academic
standard. Plagiarism is a literary or an intellectual theft and is unacceptable both academically and professionally. It
can take a number of forms including but not limited to:
copying any section of text, no matter how brief, from a book, journal, article or other written source without duly
acknowledging the source
copying any map, diagram, table or figure without duly acknowledging the source
paraphrasing or otherwise using the ideas of another author without duly acknowledging the source
re-using sections of verbatim text without using quote marks to indicate the text was copied from the source (even if
a reference is given).

Other breaches of academic integrity that constitute cheating include but are not limited to:
submitting work that is not a student's own, copying from another student, recycling another student's work,
recycling previously submitted work, and working with another student in the same cohort in a manner that exceeds
the boundaries of legitimate cooperation
purchasing an assignment from a website and submitting it as original work
requesting or paying someone else to write original work, such as an assignment, essay or computer program, and
submitting it as original work.

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 9 of 10

Students who condone plagiarism and other breaches of academic integrity by allowing their work to be copied are
also subject to student misconduct Rules.

Where proven, plagiarism and other breaches of misconduct are penalised in accordance with UTS Student Rules
Section 16 – Student misconduct and appeals.

Avoiding plagiarism is one of the main reasons why the Faculty of Engineering and IT is insistent on the thorough and
appropriate referencing of all written work. Students may seek assistance regarding appropriate referencing through
UTS: HELPS.

Work submitted electronically may be subject to similarity detection software. Student work must be submitted in a
format able to be assessed by the software (e.g. doc, pdf (text files), rtf, html).

Further information about avoiding plagiarism at UTS is available.

Retention of student work

The University reserves the right to retain the original or one copy of any work executed and/or submitted by a student
as part of the course including, but not limited to, drawings, models, designs, plans and specifications, essays,
programs, reports and theses, for any of the purposes designated in Student Rule 3.9.2. Such retention is not to affect
any copyright or other intellectual property right that may exist in the student's work. Copies of student work may be
retained for a period of up to five years for course accreditation purposes. Students are advised to contact their subject
coordinator if they do not consent to the University retaining a copy of their work.

Statement on UTS email account

Email from the University to a student will only be sent to the student's UTS email address. Email sent from a student
to the University must be sent from the student's UTS email address. University staff will not respond to email from
any other email accounts for currently enrolled students.

05/07/2019 (Spring 2019) © University of Technology Sydney Page 10 of 10