Engineering/IT Graduate Attribute Matrix 2009

Faculty of Engineering

The Graduate Attribute Matrix comprises seven attributes representing the key areas of generic capability shared by all Engineering & IT graduates. Each attribute encompasses a series of levels, with specific performance criteria, each mapped to Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards. Level criteria were developed using Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards as initial source material and current degree programs as main guide in sequencing. The overall progression of levels is in terms of the practical application of skills and knowledge within each attribute, rather than skills or knowledge as things in themselves. Higher levels involve a broader integration of skills, particularly focused on advanced project work while lower levels involve skill and knowledge applications that are on a smaller scale, widely varied and specific to each attribute. While the attributes vary in a similar direction, they do not necessarily vary to the same extent. Thus range of levels is different from one attribute to another, five levels in some cases and four in others. The levels are intended to reflect the practical order of teaching within programs and may evolve with changes in program structure or priorities.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

1) Design and Problem Solving Skills
Ability to work both creatively and systematically in developing effective, sustainable solutions to complex practical problems. Standard problem-solving solving. Ability to analyse standard technical problems and evaluate potential causes and solutions. [EA Comp PE2.1b] Fuzzy problem solving. Ability to analyse ambiguous and unfamiliar technical problems with appropriate consideration of assumptions made and their reliability. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE2.1a] Guided project design. Ability to undertake a major design exercise to achieve a substantial engineering outcome at professional standards, to given specifications.Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE2.3d, 2.4c, 2.4d] Creative design. Ability to develop creative design solutions for given technical problems. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE2.1c, PE2.4a, 2.4b, 3.3a, 3.3b] Independent design. Ability to undertake a major design exercise to achieve a substantial engineering outcome at professional standards, with specifications determined by independent analysis of situation and requirements. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.2e, 2.1d, 2.3a, 2.3b, 2.3e-h]

2) Discipline Specific Expertise
In-depth technical proficiency in a specific engineering discipline. Discipline elements level. Knowledge of the major technical areas in a particular engineering/IT discipline and the general types of situations, techniques, tools and materials relevant to each. [EA Comp PE1.3b] General applications level. Proficiency in applying standard theories and principles of the discipline and solving standard problem types within it. Proficiency in selecting relevant tools and materials for standard tasks with due consideration of their capabilities and limitations. Plus all capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE1.2a, 1.2b] Analytical applications level. Ability to use mathematical, physical and conceptual models typical of the discipline and practical tools associated with these, with due consideration for their capabilities and limitations. Ability to verify the credibility of results achieved, preferably from first principles, to a reasonable approximation. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.3a, 1.3c, 1.3d]. Advanced technical level. Ability to work consistently friom disciplinary principles in addressing problems at a significant level of conceptual and technical challenge, requiring knowledge of current issues and recent technical developments not just standard formula. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.2c] Advanced project level. Ability to undertake projects requiring advanced knowledge of specific areas within the discipline, ensuring that project decisions are soundly based in theory and fundamental principles of the discipline and that ill-founded assumptions, calculations and results are detected and remedied. [EA Comp PE1.2d]

3) Fundamentals of Science and Engineering
Knowledge of maths and science concepts, principles, tools and techniques common to the broad engineering/IT field, including lab and experimental skills. Science elements level. Basic knowledge of concepts, principles, tools and techniques common to the broad engineering/IT field Includes and use of standard computing tools, knowledge of lab procedures, ability to conduct routine experiments. [EA Comp PE1.1b, 1.1c] Analytical methods level. Sound grasp of mathematics to the level required for techniques of modeling and analysis of engineering or IT systems, processes and structures [EA Comp PE1.1a]. Independent experiment level. Ability to independently and reliably design and conduct laboratory experiments and interpret resulting data, addressing risks of error and quantifying significance of conclusions. Ability to construct and test representative components or sub-systems in a laboratory setting. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.3e,f,g,h] Independent research level. Ability to independently undertake experimental investigation of technically challenging problems. Ability to work from first principles of maths & science in analysing and solving such problems. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.1d]

4) Information Skills
Ability to search, evaluate and manage information from varied sources, to identify personal and professional information needs and to take charge of ongoing professional development. Search and report level. Ability to formulate queries, locate sources, evaluate reliability, and extract and synthesise relevant content using standard library resources. [EA Comp PE3.2a, PE 3.2b] Technical documentation level. Ability to sift, interpret and organise large amounts of technical information in undertaking engineering design work. Plus capabilities of previous level. Major review level. Ability to independently and thoroughly research current state of knowledge on personally selected professional topic. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.2f, 3.3d]. Independent professional development level. Personal initiative in monitoring own learning and development, identifying learning needs and seeking ideas and learning opportunities from diverse sources within and outside the professional engineering community. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE3.3e, PE3.6a-d].

5) Professional Communication
Proficiency in organising, presenting and discussing professional ideas and issues in oral, written and graphic formats. General expression level. Proficiency in oral, written and graphic presentation of basic engineering concepts and issues, using standard professional communication tools and formats, both computer and paper-based. [EA Comp PE3.1a, PE3.2c, PE3.2d] Technical documentation level. Proficiency in oral, written and graphic documentation of standard engineering tasks. Ability to maintain professional journal and records. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE3.1b, 3.2e] Technical discussion level. Proficiency in presenting, discussing and negotiating problematic engineering ideas and situations in writing and face to face. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE3.1c, 3.1d, 3.1e] Major project level. Ability to present, discuss and negotiate engineering ideas and situations at required by a major project. Ability to produce a major report and presentation. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE2.5c, PE3.2f]

6) Professional Values, Judgement and Conduct
Professional approach to engineering/IT work, exercising appropriate values, standards and judgement, consistent with requirements of economic, social and environmental sustainability. Professional awareness level. Knowledge of the engineering professional context including: business principles, management issues, the role of engineering in society, the roles of different engineering specialisations as well as the codes of practice, professional standards and legislative and statutory requirements for the specialisation studied. [EA Comp PE1.4a, 2.6a, 2.6e, 3.4a, 3.4b, 3.4c] Professional analysis level. Ability to critically reflect on interactions between technical systems and the social, cultural, environmental, economic and political context. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE2.2a] Professional decision-making level. Ability to undertake engineering decisions on a sound professional basis, consulting widely and giving appropriate consideration to business, community and environmental needs and interests along with legal and ethical requirements. Plus capabilities of previous [EA Comp PE2.2b, 2.2c, 2.2d), PE2.6b, 2.6c, 2.6d, PE3.3c, PE3.6d, PE3.7b] Professional leadership level. Ability to articulate the broad physical and intellectual dimensions of a major engineering project or program, working from relevant economic, environmental and social principles. Ability to present a consistent sense of the broad intellectual and ethical commitment of professional engineering in all interactions and communications at major project level. Plus capabilities of previous [EA Comp PE 3.7a, 3.7c]

7) Teamwork and Project Management
Ability to manage the complex roles and responsibilities involved in the conception, design, construction and operation of technical systems & process. Project elements level. Broad appreciation of key aspects of project work and team effectiveness, including scope and planning, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, human resources, team dynamics, communication and cross-cultural skills. Project applications level. Ability to integrate understanding of personal and technical aspects of project work in a varied range of tasks. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE2.5b, PE3.5a, PE3.5b] Team leadership level. Ability to provide leadership on specific team tasks, ensuring appropriate communication and support for other team members. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE3.5c, PE3.5d, PE3.5e] Independent project level. Significant contribution to an independently directed team project. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE2.5a, PE2.6c] Complex multi-disciplinary project level. Significant contribution to a large scale independently directed team project in a multi-discipline context. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE2.2c]

	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
1) Design and Problem Solving Skills Ability to work both creatively and systematically in developing effective, sustainable solutions to complex practical problems.	Standard problem-solving solving. Ability to analyse standard technical problems and evaluate potential causes and solutions. [EA Comp PE2.1b]	Fuzzy problem solving. Ability to analyse ambiguous and unfamiliar technical problems with appropriate consideration of assumptions made and their reliability. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE2.1a]	Guided project design. Ability to undertake a major design exercise to achieve a substantial engineering outcome at professional standards, to given specifications.Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE2.3d, 2.4c, 2.4d]	Creative design. Ability to develop creative design solutions for given technical problems. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE2.1c, PE2.4a, 2.4b, 3.3a, 3.3b]	Independent design. Ability to undertake a major design exercise to achieve a substantial engineering outcome at professional standards, with specifications determined by independent analysis of situation and requirements. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.2e, 2.1d, 2.3a, 2.3b, 2.3e-h]
2) Discipline Specific Expertise In-depth technical proficiency in a specific engineering discipline.	Discipline elements level. Knowledge of the major technical areas in a particular engineering/IT discipline and the general types of situations, techniques, tools and materials relevant to each. [EA Comp PE1.3b]	General applications level. Proficiency in applying standard theories and principles of the discipline and solving standard problem types within it. Proficiency in selecting relevant tools and materials for standard tasks with due consideration of their capabilities and limitations. Plus all capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE1.2a, 1.2b]	Analytical applications level. Ability to use mathematical, physical and conceptual models typical of the discipline and practical tools associated with these, with due consideration for their capabilities and limitations. Ability to verify the credibility of results achieved, preferably from first principles, to a reasonable approximation. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.3a, 1.3c, 1.3d].	Advanced technical level. Ability to work consistently friom disciplinary principles in addressing problems at a significant level of conceptual and technical challenge, requiring knowledge of current issues and recent technical developments not just standard formula. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.2c]	Advanced project level. Ability to undertake projects requiring advanced knowledge of specific areas within the discipline, ensuring that project decisions are soundly based in theory and fundamental principles of the discipline and that ill-founded assumptions, calculations and results are detected and remedied. [EA Comp PE1.2d]
3) Fundamentals of Science and Engineering Knowledge of maths and science concepts, principles, tools and techniques common to the broad engineering/IT field, including lab and experimental skills.	Science elements level. Basic knowledge of concepts, principles, tools and techniques common to the broad engineering/IT field Includes and use of standard computing tools, knowledge of lab procedures, ability to conduct routine experiments. [EA Comp PE1.1b, 1.1c]	Analytical methods level. Sound grasp of mathematics to the level required for techniques of modeling and analysis of engineering or IT systems, processes and structures [EA Comp PE1.1a].	Independent experiment level. Ability to independently and reliably design and conduct laboratory experiments and interpret resulting data, addressing risks of error and quantifying significance of conclusions. Ability to construct and test representative components or sub-systems in a laboratory setting. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.3e,f,g,h]	Independent research level. Ability to independently undertake experimental investigation of technically challenging problems. Ability to work from first principles of maths & science in analysing and solving such problems. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.1d]
4) Information Skills Ability to search, evaluate and manage information from varied sources, to identify personal and professional information needs and to take charge of ongoing professional development.	Search and report level. Ability to formulate queries, locate sources, evaluate reliability, and extract and synthesise relevant content using standard library resources. [EA Comp PE3.2a, PE 3.2b]	Technical documentation level. Ability to sift, interpret and organise large amounts of technical information in undertaking engineering design work. Plus capabilities of previous level.	Major review level. Ability to independently and thoroughly research current state of knowledge on personally selected professional topic. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE1.2f, 3.3d].	Independent professional development level. Personal initiative in monitoring own learning and development, identifying learning needs and seeking ideas and learning opportunities from diverse sources within and outside the professional engineering community. Plus capabilities of previous levels. [EA Comp PE3.3e, PE3.6a-d].
5) Professional Communication Proficiency in organising, presenting and discussing professional ideas and issues in oral, written and graphic formats.	General expression level. Proficiency in oral, written and graphic presentation of basic engineering concepts and issues, using standard professional communication tools and formats, both computer and paper-based. [EA Comp PE3.1a, PE3.2c, PE3.2d]	Technical documentation level. Proficiency in oral, written and graphic documentation of standard engineering tasks. Ability to maintain professional journal and records. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE3.1b, 3.2e]	Technical discussion level. Proficiency in presenting, discussing and negotiating problematic engineering ideas and situations in writing and face to face. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE3.1c, 3.1d, 3.1e]	Major project level. Ability to present, discuss and negotiate engineering ideas and situations at required by a major project. Ability to produce a major report and presentation. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE2.5c, PE3.2f]
6) Professional Values, Judgement and Conduct Professional approach to engineering/IT work, exercising appropriate values, standards and judgement, consistent with requirements of economic, social and environmental sustainability.	Professional awareness level. Knowledge of the engineering professional context including: business principles, management issues, the role of engineering in society, the roles of different engineering specialisations as well as the codes of practice, professional standards and legislative and statutory requirements for the specialisation studied. [EA Comp PE1.4a, 2.6a, 2.6e, 3.4a, 3.4b, 3.4c]	Professional analysis level. Ability to critically reflect on interactions between technical systems and the social, cultural, environmental, economic and political context. Plus capabilities of previous level. [EA Comp PE2.2a]	Professional decision-making level. Ability to undertake engineering decisions on a sound professional basis, consulting widely and giving appropriate consideration to business, community and environmental needs and interests along with legal and ethical requirements. Plus capabilities of previous [EA Comp PE2.2b, 2.2c, 2.2d), PE2.6b, 2.6c, 2.6d, PE3.3c, PE3.6d, PE3.7b]	Professional leadership level. Ability to articulate the broad physical and intellectual dimensions of a major engineering project or program, working from relevant economic, environmental and social principles. Ability to present a consistent sense of the broad intellectual and ethical commitment of professional engineering in all interactions and communications at major project level. Plus capabilities of previous [EA Comp PE 3.7a, 3.7c]
7) Teamwork and Project Management Ability to manage the complex roles and responsibilities involved in the conception, design, construction and operation of technical systems & process.	Project elements level. Broad appreciation of key aspects of project work and team effectiveness, including scope and planning, time, cost, quality, risk, procurement, human resources, team dynamics, communication and cross-cultural skills.	Project applications level. Ability to integrate understanding of personal and technical aspects of project work in a varied range of tasks. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE2.5b, PE3.5a, PE3.5b]	Team leadership level. Ability to provide leadership on specific team tasks, ensuring appropriate communication and support for other team members. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE3.5c, PE3.5d, PE3.5e]	Independent project level. Significant contribution to an independently directed team project. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE2.5a, PE2.6c]	Complex multi-disciplinary project level. Significant contribution to a large scale independently directed team project in a multi-discipline context. Plus capabilities of previous level. [Comp EA PE2.2c]