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The surfing Year Welcome to QUT. You’ve made an excellent choice. Engineering is one of the most satisfying, challenging and exciting careers you could ever go for. Many people want to change the world and make a difference, but engineers actually do. (Read More…) |
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Plan your WIL First year Engineering students should plan from their early days at University – where and when they undertake their engineering work experience ( Read More...) |
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The funny Bone: Engineers and light bulbs & a Problem Solving Flowchart (Read More...) |
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New web developments to support first year staff and students (Read More...) |
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Robotics has come to QUT It’s true!!!. QUT now has robotics. After so much expectation, QUT finally welcomes two new professors involved in the area of intelligent robotics: Professor Gordon Wyeth and Professor Peter Corke. (Read More...) |
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QUT researchers are working to make the airport experience safer and easier for passengers A national research project spearheaded by QUT is aiming to revolutionise airport security across the country. The university is leading a consortium of aviation industry stakeholders in the Airports of the Future project, which has also been backed by the Australian Research Council with a $2.4M linkage grant – one of the largest ARC linkage grants ever awarded – and another $1.9 M from industry partners... (Read More...) |
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$162,000 in research support for Implant fixation in osteoporotic patients Osteoporosis or poorer bone quality is known to impair the process of implant fixation. (Read More...)
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3 D Models could help patients get better quality implantsQUT Senior Research Fellow in Medical Engineering Dr Beat Schmutz has been awarded a prestigious international prize for his contribution to research on anatomically contoured metal implants regularly used for the internal fixation of shaft fractures in long bones. (Read More...) |
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V-C scholarship brothers share in twin uni success It takes a lot to separate twins Tae-Seung and Tae-Woo Eom.The 18-year-olds did the same subjects at school, both received OP1s, both chose engineering at QUT and have now both been awarded prestigious QUT Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships to help pursue their dream of a career in construction. (Read More...) |
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Sci-Fi Inspiration Stargate SG-1 character - Colonel Samantha Carter – was the inspiration for new Queensland University of Technology student Rhianna Ferguson to study aerospace avionics engineering. (Read More...) |
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QUT Storm FSAE Elite in 2009 Theory, concept and execution fused seamlessly for QUT Motorsport in 2009, with its best Formula SAE competition result ever – fourth placed overall among the 21 university teams that managed to make it to Melbourne. Astoundingly, QUT was pipped from first place in the flagship event, the Enduro, in a phoenix-like revival of the eventual winners (Monash University) in the closing stages of the competition. (Read More...) |
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Uni life is better with MESS So 2010 is here and with it comes many opportunities for engineering students to have an enjoyable and productive life at QUT. MESS will be there to help them. (Read More...) |
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Giving QUT Engineers the Edge AIESEC QUT (International Association of Students in Economics and Business Management) is the world’s largest student-run organisation, which provides students with the opportunity to gain skills in leadership, management, teamwork and business to enhance their degrees. (Read More...) |
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Make a difference with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Medical engineer students Naleesha Niranjan and Nicole Leochel worked in India last summer on a technology project, the main purpose being to solve problems with medical devices in the developing world. (Read More) |
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Study and play segue in QUT's biggest ever development Wii consoles, games and streaming TV-equipped active learning zones are greeting students for 2010 at QUT's Gardens Point campus, where learning and leisure combine in seamless spaces. (Read More...) |
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To the Himalayas for a good cause Zoe Eather, a 3rd year Civil and Environmental student is getting ready for the trip that could change the way she sees the world.
As a volunteer for StepUp Foundation (a non-profit association wanting to educate and excite teenagers about the possibilities in business... (Read More) |
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High School aerospace student flies into uni place Colombian-born engineering student Juan Granados flew into a place at Queensland University of Technology this year after studying aerospace at high school. (Read More) |
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Book of the Month from the Teaching and Learning Portfolio: The Stress-Free Guide to Studying at University |
 Click Here!! |
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The surfing Year
Welcome to QUT. You’ve made an excellent choice. Engineering is one of the most satisfying, challenging and exciting careers you could ever go for. Many people want to change the world and make a difference, but engineers actually do.
“The Surfing Year” is your first year in engineering, because we’re encouraging you to surf around to try and discover a bit of everything about engineering, so you get a clear idea of the different engineering options that QUT will be offering. This first year is fundamental to all engineering disciplines so you’ll study some foundation units where you will start to learn how to solve the world’s most challenging problems. With a solid foundation, a career in engineering can take you anywhere you want to go.
As a first year student, you’ve come at a time when there’s going to be some big changes to parts of the Gardens Point campus that will affect your BEE Faculty. Expect to see quite a few of your lecturers and professional staff changing buildings, but we’ll be letting you know where they’re all going so you can find them when you need them!
Finally, may I urge you always to “ask”. There are many ways we can help you, through the BEE faculty and QUT as a whole, but we do need you to ask. If you are not sure, confused, stuck or just plain lost, we are more than ready to help point you in the right direction.
So, welcome and happy studying!
All the best,
Martin
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Plan your WIL
First year Engineering students should plan from their early days at University – where and when they undertake their engineering work experience.
All Engineering students must successfully complete BEB701 Work Integrated Learning 1 (WIL 1) as part of their EN40 course. The recommended enrolment for BEB701 is in your final year.
Unlike any other unit – this unit requires the work placement to be completed on or before your enrolled semester. Assignments are submitted (only) in your enrolled semester.
The work placement (required to be sourced by the student) is required to be at least sixty (60) days. This can be completed over several periods and with one or more employers. The type of work should relate to the student’s enrolled sub-discipline in Engineering.
Importantly the work placement cannot be undertaken until the student has passed the first two (2) years of their course (192 cps). No exemptions will be granted for this unit. The last thirty (30) days of work placement must be “continuously” completed i.e. five (5) days / week for six (6) weeks.
All engineering students are encouraged to consider formal work placements during their Xmas period after their second and third years – but many work patterns can be suitable. Working after your first year is encouraged but would not normally be acceptable for BEB701 purposes.
More information on Work Integrated Learning can be obtained from your Blackboard website then “My Communities” / “Work Integrated Learning” / “Resources” with particular reference to advice for EN40 students.
More specific advice for Engineering students can be obtained from the BEB701 Co-ordinators:
Cliff Button – for Civil Engineering Programs – c.button@qut.edu.au
John Edwards – for all other Engineering Programs j.edwards@qut.edu.au
General information about WIL can be obtained from the WIL Officer in BEE:
Iwona Czaplinski – i.czaplinski@qut.edu.au; Phone: (07) 3138 7655
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Letter from the School of Engineering Systems
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the first newsletter for 2010. I wish everyone a happy new year (although we are already into February) as well as a happy Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger. This ‘Tiger’ year should be a happy and engaging one with bravery as a characteristic for everyone.
I trust that everyone had an enjoyable and restful break (although it might seem that it was such a long time ago).
I know that many of you have been working hard on your ARC grant applications.
We have some new staff with us – welcome to Peter Corke and Gordon Wyeth. We expect to have another ECARD person starting soon.
Congratulations to everyone for the outstanding LEX results for semester 2 2009 – we, as a School increased in all teaching and unit satisfaction scores.
The research income for the School increased again in 2009; this time by about 10%; again a great result and a credit to everyone.
The number of commencing students for 2010 is up a little and we have maintained an OP cut off of 11.
The coming year will be a challenging one as we forge ahead with many changes, for example our teaching laboratory spaces, increased pressure on producing increased quality/impact of our research output as well as continuing to deliver quality teaching.
I encourage everyone to try to maintain a life balance throughout the year and let’s remember our Great Values with Great People theme.
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Robotics has come to QUT
It’s true!!!. QUT now has robotics. After so much expectation, QUT finally welcomes two new professors involved in the area of intelligent robotics: Professor Gordon Wyeth and Professor Peter Corke.
Professor Corke is internationally known for his research in vision-based control, field robotics and wireless sensor networks. Before joining QUT, he was a senior principal research scientist at CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australian’s national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world), where he founded the Autonomous Systems laboratory, a 50-person team undertaking research in mining, ground, aerial and underwater robotics, as well as sensor networks.
He is also editor-in-chief of IEEE (Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers) Robotics & Automation magazine, an officer of the International Federation of Robotics Research, founding and associate editor of the Journal of Field Robotics, founding multi-media editor and editorial board member of the International Journal of Robotics Research and a member of the editorial advisory board of the book series Springer Tracts on Advanced Robotics (STAR).
Joining Peter is Professor Wyeth, who is bringing outstanding teaching and research experience to QUT after having developed UQ’s Mechatronics curriculum. “We are going to build some cool machines but not only that, we are also interested in the brain behind the machine… It’s about building a machine that is intelligent ....A robot is a machine that has human like properties,” said Professor Wyeth.
Together they are planning to build an internationally recognised high-quality robotics research and teaching area within the following year. Their research will focus on mobile robots, UAVs (Unmanned Air Vehicles), AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles).
“We will be building robots with different characteristics an understanding of the world and will then put them together to operate autonomously,” Professor Corke said.
“We are going to be looking to achieve in the following three areas in robotics: mobility, vision and communication”.
One motivation behind intelligent robotics is to “relieve people from doing jobs that are dirty, dull and dangerous,” said Professor Wyeth.
A good example is the mining industry, where dangerous, dirty and sometimes boring jobs can be done by machines instead of people. This is especially good for this industry since many of the jobs have traditionally been high risk.
“It is unfortunate that each year in the mining industry a number of workers are killed and many others are seriously injured. With the help of robots those accidents could be prevented,” said Professor Corke.
The new professors are keen to involve students, undergraduate and HDR, within the robotics area.
After competing several times in Robocup (a robot competition for high school students whose main purpose is to create robots capable of playing soccer against other competitors), Professor Wyeth is full of enthusiasm and ready to help QUT students to engage in robotic activities.
“Here at QUT I’m willing to help students who are interested in robotics, mentoring them to achieve creative and practical approaches within robotics,” he said.
Do you want more information about Peter and Gordon’s plans and research? Contact them by e-mail:
Professor Peter Corke:
peter.corke@qut.edu.au;
Professor Gordon Wyeth gordon.wyeth@qut.edu.au
Or go to their new robotics Wiki site:
https://wiki.qut.edu.au/display/cyphy
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"We are going to do Robotis in a Big Way"
Professor Gordon Wyeth and Professor Peter Corke
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QUT researchers are working to make the airport experience safer and easier for passengers
A national research project spearheaded by QUT is aiming to revolutionise airport security across the country. The university is leading a consortium of aviation industry stakeholders in the Airports of the Future project, which has also been backed by the Australian Research Council with a $2.4M linkage grant – one of the largest ARC linkage grants ever awarded – and another $1.9 M from industry partners.
The four-year project began in early 2009 and is one of the biggest industry studies ever undertaken by QUT.
Project director Professor Prasad Yarlagadda said the major aim was to lessen the cost of mandated security – an area estimated to grow to $152 M by 2010 for the five major Australian airports.
“Airports are complex environments and the security experiences faced by air travellers have changed a lot in recent years,” he said.
“Airports of the Future is investigating this changing, complex environment and identifying ways to balance conflicting security, economic and passenger-driven pressures.”
“Our research team will develop new tools to help Australian airport operators design and manage complex airport systems, including protecting critical infrastructure.”
“The research has implications beyond airports – it has the potential to also transform a range of critical infrastructure and transportation hubs, by improving the systems that move people around”.
The Airports of the Future project is being partly funded by and carried out with major industry partner Brisbane Airport Corporation.
The 27 partner organisations also include the Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services, and airports at Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Canberra, Perth, Newcastle, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay, Gold Coast, Townsville, Mt Isa, Darwin, Alice Springs and Kingaroy. International partners include Qantas and Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport.
The research team also has international input and includes aviation expert Professor John Hansman Jr from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Professor Gabriel Lodewijks from Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.
At QUT, the project involves researchers from the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Business. The Airports of the Future project has received a Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence for 2009. The Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence rewards and recognises outstanding and sustained performance in teaching, research and professional activity.
Research team
Prof Prasad Yarlagadda - QUT
Dr Clinton Fookes - QUT
Prof Sridha Sridharan - QUT
Prof Kerrie Mengersen - QUT
Prof Vesna Popovic - QUT
Dr Paul Barnes - QUT
Prof Robin Drogemuller - QUT
Prof Ashantha Goonetilleke - QUT
Prof Michael Roseman - QUT
Brisbane Airport Corporation
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, USA
Delft University of Technology, The
Netherlands
University of Technology,
Sydney
Edith Cowan University
Major partners
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane Airport Corporation
Disciplines
Built Environment and
Engineering
Science and Technology
Business
For More information contact:
Tristan Kleinschmidt (Project Officer)
Airports of the Future Project
t.kleinschmidt@qut.edu.au
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$162,000 in research support for Implant fixation in osteoporotic patients
Osteoporosis or poorer bone quality is known to impair the process of implant fixation.
This recent discovery led by Associate Professor Yin Xiao from School of Engineering Systems recently attracted the research support from ITI Foundation.
This research will investigate the influence of surface structure of implants, technique of implant placement and the application of Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors - a bone anabolic agent), on implant fixation.
This project will use engineering skills in surface fabrication, surface coating, implant placement force and medication to solve clinical relevant problems and will directly benefit osteoporosis patients.
For More information contact: Associate Professor Yin Xiao xiao4@exchange.qut.edu.au
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3D Models could help patients get better quality implants
QUT Senior Research Fellow in Medical Engineering Dr Beat Schmutz has been awarded a prestigious international prize for his contribution to research on anatomically contoured metal implants regularly used for the internal fixation of shaft fractures in long bones.
Together with Dr Kanchana Rathnayaka, Dr Martin Wullschleger, Mr John Meek and Professor Michael Schuetz, Dr Schmutz won the Wilhelm Roux Preis 2009 for their work entitled: Quantitative fit assessment of tibial nail designs using 3D computer modelling.
The highly coveted prize is awarded for the Best Paper in Fundamental Research at the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery’s annual conference in Berlin – the biggest conference in the field of Orthopaedics and Trauma in Europe.
This win means that Dr Beat Schmutz and his colleagues led by Prof Michael Schuetz, Chair of Trauma at QUT and IHBI, is the first group outside of Europe to have been awarded the prize.
Dr Schmutz’s paper addresses current limitations in validating the design of anatomically contoured metal implants (intramedullary nails), which are regularly used for the internal fixation of shaft fractures in long bones.
“One important aspect of designing a new or improved implant shape is validation of the anatomical fitting between the nail and the bones internal geometry.
Thus far, a quantitative fit assessment has been limited to overlying implant contours on full-length bone radiographs.
This approach is restricted to 2D and, in addition, planar radiographs contain an unknown amount of magnification and distortion, which impacts on subsequent nail fit quantifications,” Dr Schmutz said.
Dr Schmutz and co-authors developed a novel computer graphical method that uses virtual 3D models of bones and nails. The method has been successfully applied to quantifying the anatomical fitting of two different nail designs for a set of Japanese bone models.
The work is published in a peer-reviewed international journal: Schmutz, B., Rathnayaka, K., Wullschleger, M.E., Meek, J., Schuetz, M.A. 2010. Quantitative fit assessment of tibial nail designs using 3D computer modeling. Injury 41(2): 216-219.
This research project, conducted in collaboration with an international implant manufacturer in Europe with markets worldwide including the Asia Pacific, represents another example of the real world high-calibre research conducted at QUT.
For more information about Dr Schmutz’s research contact him at: b.schmutz@qut.edu.au
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V-C scholarship brothers share in twin uni success
It takes a lot to separate twins Tae-Seung and Tae-Woo Eom.
The 18-year-olds did the same subjects at school, both received OP1s, both chose engineering at QUT and have now both been awarded prestigious QUT Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships to help pursue their dream of a career in construction.
After spending summer relaxing at home on the Gold Coast, Tae-Seung and Tae-Woo are among 10,000 new QUT students starting university this week.
As Vice-Chancellor's Scholars, they are also among 71 young people who are starting at QUT on scholarships worth up to $24,000, after claiming an OP 1 or 2 and successfully applying for the program.
The Eom brothers, who are commuting to QUT in Brisbane from the coast, admit their school days at Kings Christian College saw them battle over grades.
"We're very competitive but we always study together," Tae-Seung said.
"We both like similar stuff and have the same favourite subjects. We like that we're doing the same course because we'll be able to help each other and share experiences."
Tae-Seung and Tae-Woo moved to Australia from South Korea with their parents nine years ago.
With their father now working back in Korea as a maths teacher, and their mother also moving back next month (March), their strong sibling bond will be a help getting them through their first year of uni.
"It's hard for our parents to pay for the two of us at uni so the scholarships are very important," Tae-Woo said.
"I know we'll also be getting support from the QUT College of Excellence (for high-achieving students) so that will help too.
"I'm looking forward to everything about university - the study and the social life and friends."
The brothers will have a headstart when it comes to uni mates - four of their classmates from school are also embarking on engineering degrees at QUT this year.
In addition to the 71 full scholarships, the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program this year awarded 61 part scholarships (worth $6000) and five elite athlete scholarships (worth $24,000 and open to OP 1 to 5 students).
The young scholars hail from across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Warwick, Cairns and even Canberra and Tasmania.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake will meet the scholars and their families at a special function at Gardens Point campus on March 8.
Article sourced from: QUT news
http://www.news.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/News.woa/wa/default
Media contact: Mechelle McMahon, QUT media officer, 07 3138 2130 or ml.mcmahon@qut.edu.au
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Twin brothers Tae-Seung Eom and Tae-Woo Eom relax by the pool at home |
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Sci-Fi Inspiration
Stargate SG-1 character - Colonel Samantha Carter – was the inspiration for new Queensland University of Technology student Rhianna Ferguson to study aerospace avionics engineering.
“I was first interested in avionics because of space programs like Stargate. One of the female characters - Sam Carter - is an astrophysicist and she inspired me when I was younger.
“It’s impossible for me to go into a career working on the Stargate project – it’s fictional – but I chose avionics as the next best thing for me.
Rhianna is one of only 17 OP1 students to be placed in the Dean’s Scholars Program for high achieving engineering students by the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering this year.
She was chosen in year 12 to attend the Australian Youth Aerospace Program (AYAF) – an aerospace avionics interest program run by university students – where she met Chris Walsh.
Chris - a second year Dean’s Scholar studying aerospace avionics engineering - attended the Space Station Design Workshop in Stuttgart - Germany through a QUT mobility initiative, and visited Boeing Research and Defence in Madrid while overseas.
"At the space program the fourth years at QUT also showed us their unmanned aerial vehicle for the Outback Challenge held every year in Kingaroy and I would love to do that, so I chose QUT.
“The QUT program was a lot more specialised in what I was looking forward to getting into - I’m interested in computer programming and the hands on electrical project work like the UAV projects in fourth year.
Rhianna said working for the European Space Agency on aircraft and aerospace projects would be a dream-come-true.
“I’d love to work for the European Space Station one day – I studied French at school and am quite fluent so would like to travel to Europe,” Rhianna said.
“I am not interested in going into space – but love solving problems and working on projects.
“I studied Maths B, Maths C and Physics and school and am mainly interested in circuiting and electronics,” she said.
Rhianna will commence her first year when classes start in February and said she is looking forward to gaining insights from industry experts and meeting people who share her interests – including other female engineering students.
“At first I didn’t think about being a female in an area with not that many women in it, but now I’m excited. I think there should be more women in these fields.
“I chose engineering as a career because it is a challenging, diverse and constantly evolving industry which will allow me to contribute to the world in which we live.
“As an engineer I hope to be continually learning, solving problems, and working together with others to create something worthwhile,” Rhianna said.
Faculty contact:
Miss Novella Martin
novella.martin@qut.edu.au
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QUT Storm FSAE Elite in 2009
Theory, concept and execution fused seamlessly for QUT Motorsport in 2009, with its best Formula SAE competition result ever – fourth placed overall among the 21 university teams that managed to make it to Melbourne. Astoundingly, QUT was pipped from first place in the flagship event, the Enduro, in a phoenix-like revival of the eventual winners (Monash University) in the closing stages of the competition.
QUT Motorsport’s achievement seems even more phenomenal now, reflecting from the distance and reative calm of the summer break, on those nail-biting December days.
The 2009 season started lethargically, infected by the gloom of the unfolding global financial crisis and a mediocre 2008 campaign, not to mention the added uncertainty of a new academic adviser. Consolidation became the catch-phrase for 2009 – not only financially, but also of ambitions and team spirit. The students’ mettle was put to the test, but in the end they emerged triumphantly.
The lead-up to competition was a flurry of activity, ironing out bugs and fine-tuning critical systems. Testing at Willowbank Raceway revealed hints of potential from the car design (the Ozanne II) and team drivers. It wasn’t until after the long road-trip to Melbourne, during pre-competition testing, that the brilliance of the Ozanne II package became apparent.
QUT Motorsport was ready to race. But not without first digesting the static events, designed to test students’ knowledge and soundness of judgment, from both business and technical perspectives. In the Design event the QUT entry placed 15th. A stellar sales presentation was rewarded with 6th while the cost event saw a respectable 10th. Overall a solid effort – now the team could set its sights on the most glorious part of the competition, the dynamic events.
Despite the unfortunate loss of traction control only moments before the first event, the Ozanne finished 7th in Acceleration. A respectable 5th followed in the Skidpan. The day just kept getting better with a 4th in the Autocross, keeping well up there with the pedigree ‘big boys’. In the Enduro, where the big boys lost their cool, QUT’s calm and collected approach saw them into first place right up to the closing minutes of the competition. The glory was dashed by a miraculous comeback by Monash, who managed to repair a fractured brake disc mounting and then take advantage of a clear track to steal the day.
QUT Motorsport is more than a racing team. It is a rich culture, responsible for financing, designing, building and racing a car, in a friendly but competitive environment, intended to challenge the ingenuity and tenacity of university teams. The challenges faced are enormous, and inevitably some teams fail. No room for the faint-hearted - this is as real as it gets. There are places for students from all disciplines, such as Engineering, Business and Design. Any student with a passion for motorsport is encouraged to join the team and play his or her part in orchestrating QUT Motorsport’s next triumph.
If you are interested in finding out more about QUT Motorsport, check out
www.motorsport.bee.qut.edu.au, or forward your e-mail address to bee.motorsport@qut.edu.au.
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Uni life is better with MESS
So 2010 is here and with it comes many opportunities for engineering students to have an enjoyable and productive life at QUT. MESS will be there to help them.
The Mechanical Engineering Student Society (MESS) was created last year and so far has been successful in delivering fun social and leadership activities.
“This is a mechanical engineering club; however, we have members from other disciplines and we are inviting every engineering student who is ready to have fun to join us,” said club co-president Joshua Boyle.
“Our club has 3 co-presidents, myself (Joshua Boyle), Jeremy Houghton and Minh Pham, mainly because we believe that decisions should be taken as team. We also help each other better with this leadership structure,” he said.
Last year, MESS was able to get more than 40 students to go to Skirmish, an activity sponsored by the School of Engineering Systems.
“The activity was really good for creating a sense of teamwork and it was a great stress relief after last semester finished.”
MESS has a busy agenda for the following two semesters. “From Dreamworld trips to another Skirmish battle in June, we are also planning to go with the Motorsport group to the go-karts and conduct a tour of the XXXX factory as an industry visit.
We’ll also be involved in some sport events such as soccer, touch and volleyball.”
“We are also planning to hold some trivia nights and organise some activities together with other clubs such as CESS” (Civil Engineering Student Society).
For more information about this club contact:
MESS Club: mess.club@guildonline.net
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Giving QUT Engineers the Edge
AIESEC QUT (International Association of Students in Economics and Business Management) is the world’s largest student-run organisation, which provides students with the opportunity to gain skills in leadership, management, teamwork and business to enhance their degrees.
Throughout the year, AIESEC runs a number of personal and professional development events, as well as providing international work experience opportunities, and connections to global networks.
Recent QUT engineering graduate, Aniel Bhaga, has been involved in AIESEC as a team member and a leader, and has travelled overseas to attend international leadership and development conferences.
“Being part of AIESEC QUT as a member and an executive member capacity I have gained valuable skills in strategy, leadership, team management and time management.
Travelling to Hong Kong and Taiwan for conferences has expanded my world view, and given me the opportunity to understand and experience different cultures first hand.
As an engineer, to see the different types of buildings, architecture, and layouts in different cities and countries has given me another chance to apply my knowledge from QUT to the real world,” said Aniel.
“AIESEC has given me that extra edge whilst studying at QUT to challenge myself and think outside the square. It has connected me with wide range of people from around the world, with different backgrounds and interests, from whom I have learnt and shared ideas with on a global scale.
AIESEC has given me the chance to learn and practice my business skills in a global environment, while studying engineering has given me the theory and knowledge to build my career.”
If you are interested in getting involved in AIESEC like Aniel, or would like more information, please contact us at qut.aiesec@gmail.com, or visit www.aiesecaustralia.org/QUT.
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Make a difference with Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Medical engineer students Naleesha Niranjan and Nicole Leochel worked in India last summer on a technology project, the main purpose being to solve problems with medical devices in the developing world.
"It's called the Dean's Scholarship for the Developing World and two students go every year. One gets chosen via a panel interview and written application and the recipient of the previous year goes as a mentor to the country/culture," Naleesha said.
Working closely with the bioengineering team at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Vallore in the state of Tamil Nadu, both students worked on developing an inflatable sock for amputees to control oedema or swelling of the remaining limb after amputation.
"We are hoping it will be much easier to reduce oedema in a shorter amount of time than a crepe bandage wrap does. Basically, we are trying to reduce the time between amputation and prosthesis fitting with a really cost effective device that is as accessible as bandages to people from all walks of life," Naleesha said.
In view of the high cost that could be incurred for patients needing a prosthetic limb, in addition to other issues such as a wrongly fitted prosthesis as a result of improper reduction of the limb, the team will try to perfect this user-friendly and cost-effective device.
The project, funded by QUT and supported by EWB, encourages leadership, resourcefulness, and adaptability and good international relations.
"EWB plans for 2010 are to reconnect with 1st and 2nd year students. There are existing opportunities for students to be involved with local projects that raise awareness of development and sustainability issues to high school students. We will be focussing on providing opportunities for students to build their leadership capacity through some workshops," said Shaun
Matthews, president of the QUT Chapter of EWB.
The best reasons to get involved with Engineers Without Borders are:
1.Connect with students with similar interests for social and study benefits.
2.Opportunitiesto get involved and make a difference.
3. Mould leadership potential.
4. Involvement is HIGHLY respected by employers.
For more information about this club, contact EWB QUT qut@ewb.org.au or visit the website www.ewb.org.au
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Study and play segue in QUT's biggest ever development
Wii consoles, games and streaming TV-equipped active learning zones are greeting students for 2010 at QUT's Gardens Point campus, where learning and leisure combine in seamless spaces.
The S Block refurbishment is just part of a wider campus redevelopment, which will culminate with the opening of the new $200+ million Science and Technology Precinct in 2012.
QUT learning environment manager Gordon Howell said the new space with flexible furniture and exciting collaborative technology had been created in S Block to enhance learning and relaxation for engineering and IT students.
"We have a games degree and those students will be able to use the Wiis to create games while students from other disciplines are welcome to use them when they want to chill out on campus," Dr Howell said.
"Creating places for students to relax and socialise between classes has been proven to enhance learning because they stay on campus."
The Gardens Point campus students will also watch QUT history in the making as the university's biggest ever development takes place with the construction of the Science and Technology Precinct, set to be an impressive addition to Brisbane's river skyline.
Three of the five buildings to be demolished have already been removed to make way for two multi-storey towers which will feature stimulating learning and research spaces, exciting food and retail outlets, and a new 50-metre swimming pool and gym.
A large public forecourt to the Old Government House Precinct and a pedestrian link from the Goodwill Bridge to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens will provide a seamless connection with the parklands on either side of the river.
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said when the precinct was completed in 2012, the buildings would house up to 500 scientists, postgraduate research students and teaching staff.
"Many thousands of people will use the various facilities every week," Professor Coaldrake said.
"The Science and Technology Precinct will transform our world at QUT by bringing together teaching and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a world-leading model and dynamic community hub.
"The precinct will enable us to play a more significant role internationally at a time when there is a clear emphasis on global solutions to global problems, such as climate change."
To ensure the precinct's learning and research spaces incorporate the best in design and technology to enhance active learning, QUT's revitalisation of existing buildings for 2010 on campus has focussed on installing active learning spaces with the latest collaborative technology.
Dr Howell said mobile collaborative workstations, or MoCoWs, and flexible furniture had been installed in S Block.
The MoCoWs are equipped with innovative collaborative software, such as TeamSpot, to enable all students to participate and contribute simultaneously.
"These new flexible zones are suited to problem-based and collaborative learning," Dr Howell said.
"Students and lecturers can use loan laptops and MoCoWs to form breakout spaces, such as mini boardrooms, to accommodate a range of learning activities."
He said the new zones' design was based on the technology-enabled active learning spaced developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"The revitalisation of Kelvin Grove's E Block level 3 which opened in September was the prototype for the S Block renovation.
"We surveyed users and were able to observe how people used that learning space and these findings informed the design of S Block's level 5.
"We will study the way S Block is being used to facilitate deeper, richer learning and refine the design and incorporate it into the new Science and Technology Precinct."
Engineering students will find some extensive changes too in O Block after a $20 million redesign and the installation of a series of new learning and research laboratories.
Article sourced from QUT NEWS
http://www.news.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/News.woa
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1841 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
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To the Himalayas for a good cause
Zoe Eather, a 3rd year Civil and Environmental student is getting ready for the trip that could change the way she sees the world.
As a volunteer for StepUp Foundation (a non-profit association wanting to educate and excite teenagers about the possibilities in business and life and deliver outcomes in creating empowerment, self worth, inspiration renewed strength, tools strategies and fun), she has been receiving money from various sponsors and activities so as to fund her Himalayan trip, where she will help teenagers in that area to achieve their own dreams.
“I’m very excited about the idea of helping others. I’ve always been interested in improving the quality of life of other people. That’s one of the reasons I decided to study civil environmental engineering in the first place,” Zoe said.
Although this adventure is not related to her studies at QUT, it is a step forward to help Zoe decide what to do with her future career as an engineer.
“I’m planning to get involved with engineering projects in the future. I’m aware that QUT offers opportunities to help other communities and I’m willing to get involved once I’m back from my trip to the Himalayas.
I know that Engineers Without Borders provides plenty opportunities to do that”.
At the moment, Zoe has a scholarship from the Department of Main Roads.
“I’ve had the scholarship since I started studying at QUT three years ago.
The scholarship pays for my fees and books. There are a lot of scholarships available around the place, but the problem is that not many students are aware of them,” she said.
For information about scholarships, contact BEE scholarships bee.qut.edu.au/study/scholarships
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High school aerospace student flies into uni place
Colombian-born engineering student Juan Granados flew into a place at Queensland University of Technology this year after studying aerospace at high school.
Juan, 17, of Logan, south of Brisbane, was given direct entry to the four-year Bachelor of Engineering course with a view to specialising in aerospace avionics.
"I applied for guaranteed entry and found out last year that I had it,'' Juan said.
From next week, Juan becomes one of more than 600 first-year QUT engineering students. Specialities are chosen in second year.
Juan said he developed a love for aeroplanes after emigrating from Colombia seven years ago. He has flown to and from his home country with mother, father and sister to visit relatives and friends, and to other parts of the world.
"I would like to produce better engineering for planes, making them more eco-friendly with less emissions,'' Juan said.
Juan attended Springwood State High School, one of 17 Queensland high schools identified by the State Government as aerospace "gateway schools" with the aim of directing interested students to the state's growing aerospace industry.
Principals of the gateway schools are able to nominate a limited number of students for direct entry to university.
Juan gained direct entry to QUT after completing a Year 11 and 12 aerospace skills subject. A strong maths student, he also studied Maths B and Maths C.
QUT's aerospace avionics engineering course deals with the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of electronics systems in military and civilian planes, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites and uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAVs).
QUT is also home to the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation.
Aerospace avionics graduates may be employed by government defence and aviation bodies or by private aerospace companies.
Article sourced from QUT NEWS
http://www.news.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/News.woa
Media contact: Elizabeth Allen, media officer, 3138 4494 or e1.allen@qut.edu.au
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Build the foundations of your dream job now!
While the job market is expected to improve slightly this year, students studying in the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering still need to prepare early in their degree to successfully enter their dream job.
It is important to research companies and gain knowledge about your chosen industry from first year. The more aware and confident you are about the industry you are going in to, the more you will make sense of your degree. While the University and Faculty will support you throughout your course, it is up to you to build the foundations of your future.
QUT Careers and Employment has a range of FREE services and resources to help you get to where you want to be:
Research companies, work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities and job vacancies by registering on QUT CareerHub
Complete the online Career Development Programs such as University Preparation and Work Placement Preparation
Receive feedback on resume, WIL and job applications
Make use of free interview resources
Research course planning alternatives
Book in for career counselling if you are unsure about your course or career direction
Participate in the QUT Career Mentor Scheme in the final years of your degree
Apply for Work Experience Insurance (special conditions apply)
Find out more:www.careers.qut.edu.au
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/qutcareers.
Find QUT Careers and Employment on Facebook
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Library Subject Guides
Pathfinders in a New Web 2.0 Format for 2010
The library has just released our new, web 2.0 style subject guides. These are discovery pathfinders to reliable information sources for all the major disciplines taught here at QUT.
The library’s subject guides are of particular value to commencing students needing to become conversant with the key information resources in their chosen field of study. These key resources are typically books; handbooks; bibliographic databases; reference works; high-content journal titles; specialized conference proceedings and authoritative, trustworthy websites.
To access those subject guides designed to introduce QUT students to resources for the engineering discipline topics, point your browser to QUT Library’s LibGuides page at…http://libguides.library.qut.edu.au/cat.php?cid=9028
or choose the (Bachelor of Engineering) EN40 subject tag.
http://libguides.library.qut.edu.au/searchtags.php?iid=558&tag=en40
QUT Library’s subject guides are built using the industry leading LibGuides web content creation software (from the Springshare company). LibGuides are used by over 1,000 libraries (in 22 countries).
These subject guides have all the modern, web 2.0 functionality, including…
Reader feedback / rating / input and comment;
Blog-friendly, social network bookmark sharing (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, etc.);
Print friendly formatting, and;
RSS feed update.
Students are encouraged to use the web 2.0 functionality of these subject guides to…
Comment on, and rate the information resources highlighted / showcased;
Suggest alternative resources, and;
Generally give feedback that will be used to improve and refine the guide.
Come assignment research time, engineering students will find time invested investigating suggested resources has returned a substantial reward.
Your librarians commit a substantial amount of time, effort and resources to educate students to become proficient and self-sufficient in research skills, information literacy and academic skills.
My best wishes to commencing (and returning) students on your paths to lifelong learning!
Graham Dawson
Engineering Systems Librarian
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The Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering offers scholarships and bursaries to support and encourage study. Some scholarships and bursaries provide assistance from first year while others are available as students progress through their studies. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are offered to meet a range of student needs. Some are awarded to high-achieving students, others to students with economic needs, and some to solid, all round students.
QUT enjoys a reputation as a university for the real world, providing career-focused courses and invaluable links to industry. The Faculty is fortunate to offer a number of industry-sponsored scholarships and bursaries which support students while they study and connect them to industry early in their degree. This engagement with industry provides students with a wealth of opportunity and experience.
Business seeks to invest in supporting deserving students who aim to pursue a career in their industry. Academic performance is not the only consideration. Companies seek well-rounded students with good communication skills and leadership potential who would possibly make good future employees. Successful recipients often have the opportunity of paid vacation work with the sponsoring company, which provides extra financial support and invaluable real-life experience.
The Faculty is continually developing its scholarship and bursaries. To find out about scholarship and bursary opportunities that are currently available visit bee.qut.edu.au/study/scholarships.
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Calling for Nominations - 2010 Student Leadership Awards
.The Student Leadership Awards, an initiative of QUT Alumni, aims to recognise students of QUT for their contributions to the University and the wider community.
All currently enrolled undergraduate QUT students are eligible to be nominated. The guidelines and eligibility. A Nomination form is also available for download.
For more information www.alumni.qut.edu.au/awards/slawards/
Nominations close on Monday, 12 April 2010.
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2009 winner Miss Katrina Bukauskas
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Calendar for students
February
20 (Feb) –19 (Mar) Applications for Advanced Standing accepted if accompanied by a $50 late application fee (non-refundable). There is no guarantee of an outcome finalised by the last date for changes to enrolment for the current teaching period.
March
5 The last date students can add units to their enrolment program without incurring any penalty. Students are permitted to add units to their enrolment program up until 20 March with payment of the $50 penalty. No further changes accepted after this date.
9 Due date for payment of student contribution amounts, domestic tuition fees and international tuition fees for new international students.
19 The last date students in a Commonwealth supported place can withdraw units from their enrolment program without incurring any financial penalty.
Students who withdraw after this date will be liable for 100% of the student contribution amount.
The last date domestic students in a tuition fee place can withdraw units from their enrolment program without incurring any financial penalty.
Withdrawal after this date will result in a late cancellation fee equivalent to 100% of the tuition fee.
Final date for cancellation of units without incurring any financial penalty.
Cancellation of course from this date will result in a partial refund (50%) of International Student Tuition fees. Withdrawal after this date will incur full fees.
Census date for SEM1 teaching period.
Final date for lodging Commonwealth Assistance forms.
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Calendar for Lecturers & Staff
February
20 (Feb) –19 (Mar) Applications for Advanced Standing accepted if accompanied by a $50 late application fee (non-refundable). There is no guarantee of an outcome finalised by the last date for changes to enrolment for the current teaching period.
26 Faculty Wide Meeting Room S303 9:00—10:30
March
4 School of Engineering Systems meeting Room S405AT 12:00-1:00
4 School of Urban Development Monthly meeting Room S405AT 1:00-4:00
5 The last date students can add units to their enrolment program without incurring any penalty. Students are permitted to add units to their enrolment program up until 20 March with payment of the $50 penalty. No further changes accepted after this date.
5 Faculty Wide Meeting 10:00-11:00
9 Due date for payment of student contribution amounts, domestic tuition fees and international tuition fees for new international students.
18 School of Engineering Systems meeting Room 405AT (12:00-1:00)
19 The last date students in a Commonwealth supported place can withdraw units from their enrolment program without incurring any financial penalty.
Students who withdraw after this date will be liable for 100% of the student contribution amount.
The last date domestic students in a tuition fee place can withdraw units from their enrolment program without incurring any financial penalty.
Withdrawal after this date will result in a late cancellation fee equivalent to 100% of the tuition fee.
Final date for cancellation of units without incurring any financial penalty.
Cancellation of course from this date will result in a partial refund (50%) of International Student Tuition fees. Withdrawal after this date will incur full fees.
Census date for SEM1 teaching period.
Final date for lodging Commonwealth Assistance forms.
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Attention to all researchers
ATTENTION ALL RESEARCHERS!!!
Deadline reminder and Helpful Hints for submitting your ARC Discovery grant applications.
Deadline reminder
Next deadline is 26 February: Researchers need to submit their final proposal via RMS to the Office of Research .
Bob Breakspere is also on campus at the moment, so if applicants have not yet scheduled an appointment to see Bob they are strongly encouraged to contact Loren Smith (l16.smith@qut.edu.au) in the Office of Research.
Installation of Adobe Flash Player (v.10) for RMS budget
The ARC have advised that the budget form on RMS will only work if you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player installed on your computer. If you have an earlier version of Flash Player, you may not be able to see all of the budget table. Unless you have administrator rights on your computer, you will need to log a job with IT helpdesk to have the software installed.
Personnel - Section F
You will have noticed that GAMS ‘section B’ has become ‘section F’ on RMS. There have been significant changes to this section – the Office of Research have highlighted the main changes as below:
PART F – F.13 Details on your career and opportunities for research over the last 5 years.
Important: Subsection ordering has changed. This section requires a lot more from you than in previous years.
PART F – F.13.2 - Recent significant publications (2005 onwards)
Important: Changes to publications that can be listed.
Template now required to provide details of ARC grants awarded in the last ten years on which you have been a CI.
PART F – F.13.3
Important: There is a requirement now to give statements of 30 words explaining and justifying the impact of significance of each publication. This was recommended by the Office of Research but not a directive of the ARC in previous years.
PART F – F13.4 - Further evidence in relation to research impact and contributions to the field over the last 10 years.
Important: This is an expanded version of what was required last year – the ARC are asking for more information here.
Budget
The budget section (section D) has changed on RMS. The Office of Research have revised their budget tool to assist with these changes as is available for download from their website http://www.research.qut.edu.au/development/find/external/arc/resources.jsp
Formatting changes
Additional pages of text are now required to have 0.5cm margins on each side/top and bottom rather than 2cm as previously required.
For assistance
If you have any questions, please contact Rosie Meaton of the Research Portfolio Office at r.meaton@qut.edu.au
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New web developments to support first year staff and students
All first year students will also share a common Blackboard ‘home page’ on their unit sites. Developed off-site and copied across to all first year sites, this first year “portal” will provide a shared look and feel as well as access point to a range of information and resources important to first year students about their study, academic and personal support and engineering as a career.
We plan to further develop this site and additional web tools in future to encourage greater interaction and connection between and across students, staff and the whole study/course experience in engineering at QUT.
First Year Engineering Community Site
Contact:
bee.enquiries@qut.edu.au
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New web developments to support first year staff and students
A ‘First Year Management’ community Blackboard site has been set up to support a collaborative ‘whole of course’ approach to learning and teaching in the new common first year in engineering 2010.
The cross disciplinary site is developed and used by the First Year Management team of academics and L&T support staff and will be extended to all first year tutors on appointment. It includes relevant unit materials, and shared development documents (e.g. lesson plans, maths – engineering applications, assessment map) including Tutor Support materials.
The site is a shared resource for the extended Management team as well as the fortnightly tutor support meetings.
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The Funny Bone:
A) Engineers and Light Bulbs
How many first year engineering students does it take to change a light bulb?
None. That's a second year subject.
How many second year engineering students does it take to change a light bulb?
One, but the rest of the class copies the report.
How many third year engineering students does it take to change a light bulb?
"Will this question be on the final exam?"
How many civil engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
Two. One to do it and one to steady the chandelier.
How many electrical engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
None. They simply redefine darkness as the industry standard.
How many computer engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
"Why bother? The socket will be obsolete in six months anyway."
How many mechanical engineers does it take to change a light bulb?
Five. One to decide which way the bulb ought to turn, one to calculate the force required, one to design a tool with which to turn the bulb, one to design a comfortable-but functional- hand grip, and one to use all this equipment .
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B) Problem solving chart
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Book from Teaching and Learning
Portfolio
The Stress-Free Guide to Studying at University
by Rugg, Gordon; Gerrard, Sue; Hooper, Susie
This guide for university students uses real life examples and practical tips for dealing with stress, the academic world and student life. Rugg, Gerrard and Hooper (no affiliations listed) provide an overview to the effects of stress on well-being before discussing stress management techniques for dealing with homesickness, academic pressures, finances, social interactions and life planning. Appendices include instructions for emergencies, resources, breathing and relaxation exercises and exercises for inducing sleep. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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