UniSA’s engineer express
by Michèle Nardelli
With the world clamouring for engineers across a broad range of
industries, UniSA is introducing a flexible study program that will
ensure more qualified engineers are available more quickly.
From 2008 all UniSA engineering students will complete a common first year that provides a solid foundation in what engineering is about, which then leads to an engineering specialisation of their choice, with a special option of doing the degree in three years rather than four.
Students can now opt in to a tri-semester study regime that allows them to complete the program faster.
UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor for IT, Engineering and the Environment, Professor Andrew Parfitt says the restructure of the program will ensure UniSA can work hand-in-hand with industry to meet skills shortages and move quickly to provide education special-isations in emerging areas of significance.
"People tend to have a rather antiquated view of the role of the engineer in society – the great bridge, road and railway builders of the past," Prof Parfitt said.
"Today engineering is the basis for a range of specialisations in everything from space science, telecommunications and manufacturing to the development of sustainable systems for energy production, mining, industrial development, and water management.
"Engineering is a linchpin expertise. Engineers harness the power of science and maths to solve real problems and bring about innovation. It’s a driver’s seat career.
"Many students at high school have little understanding of the different fields of engineering. Our common first year will expose students to a range of different disciplines before they have to commit to any one. All this is achieved while still developing an understanding of the fundamental nature of engineering."
Prof Parfitt said core areas of growth in SA including the defence and mining industries and the management of natural resources would continue to force up the demand for skilled engineers for many years to come. And nationally the Department of Education, Science and Training’s Science, in its Engineering and Technology Skills Audit (July 2006) estimated there would be a shortage of 20,000 engineers within the next six years.
"This new approach to engineering at UniSA will offer students much more choice and many more opportunities to find their career fit and make an invaluable contribution to the development of the State and the nation," Prof Parfitt said.
The first year of the new look engineering program will provide a practice-centred foundation for students and all students engaged in the accelerated program will still complete the 12 weeks industrial work experience required by Engineers Australia for accreditation.