Flexible First Year

Flexible First Year (Combined Degree)

Candidates wishing to proceed to the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or combined degrees with Science, Arts, Commerce, Law or Project Management, may choose to enrol in the Flexible First Year pathway. For details on eligibility for entry to this pathway consult the course resolutions pertaining to Flexible First Year.
Candidates decide on the stream of Engineering to pursue once they have completed the first semester of the Flexible First Year pathway.

Flexible First Year Core units of study

Semester 1

Foundation units
For Semester 1, maths, computing, and PEP units will count for any stream the candidate ultimately choose. The candidate can pick any engineering project unit to help them decide which direction to take. This unit will count as a core even if they ultimately decide on a different engineering stream.
MATH units of study offered by the Faculty of Science shown in the tables can be replaced by an equivalent advanced level unit, subject to prerequisite conditions (as required by the Faculty of Science) being met. Candidates considering doing advanced options should seek advice from their school before enrolling.
ENGP1001 Professional Engagement Program 1A

Session: Intensive April,Intensive March,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG4000 or ENGG5217 or ENGP1000 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline Mode of delivery: Professional practice
Note: Students must enrol in ENGP1002 in the semester immediately following completion of ENGP1001.
The BEHonours degree (and all associated combined degrees) requires all students to develop a deep understanding of the professional and social contexts in which their engineering knowledge can be applied, and how this context shapes the application of their knowledge. This involves a strong engagement with the practice of their profession and ensuring that they are responsive to the needs and context of industry and community. This engagement is met through the completion of the PEP - Professional Engagement Program - a degree-long integrated program of professional development activities that involves students in contextualising their learning, progressively taking greater responsibility for their own development, and building the foundations of a strong professional engineering career.
This is the first unit of three that comprises stage 1 of the program. It provides an orientation to the program for students, allowing them to set goals for stage 1 and begin building basic technical and personal capabilities.
ENGG1810 Introduction to Engineering Computing

Credit points: 6 Session: Intensive February,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1801 or INFO1110 or INFO1910 or INFO1103 or INFO1903 or INFO1105 or INFO1905 or COSC1003 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Intensive February
This unit is an essential starting point for engineers to learn the knowledge and skills of computer programming, using a procedural language.Crucial concepts include defining data types, control flow, iteration, and functions. Studentswill learn to translate a general engineering problem into a computer program. This unit trains students in the software development process, which includes programming, testing and debugging.
MATH1021 Calculus Of One Variable

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive January,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: MATH1901 or MATH1906 or ENVX1001 or MATH1001 or MATH1921 or MATH1931 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Calculus is a discipline of mathematics that finds profound applications in science, engineering, and economics. This unit investigates differential calculus and integral calculus of one variable and the diverse applications of this theory. Emphasis is given both to the theoretical and foundational aspects of the subject, as well as developing the valuable skill of applying the mathematical theory to solve practical problems. Topics covered in this unit of study include complex numbers, functions of a single variable, limits and continuity, differentiation, optimisation, Taylor polynomials, Taylor's Theorem, Taylor series, Riemann sums, and Riemann integrals.
Students are strongly recommended to complete MATH1021 or MATH1921 Calculus Of One Variable (Advanced) before commencing MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling or MATH1923 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling (Adv).
Textbooks
Calculus of One Variable (Course Notes for MATH1021)
MATH1002 Linear Algebra

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive January,Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: MATH1012 or MATH1014 or MATH1902 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics or MATH1111. Students who have not completed HSC Mathematics (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Mathematics Bridging Course (offered in February) Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
MATH1002 is designed to provide a thorough preparation for further study in mathematics and statistics. It is a core unit of study providing three of the twelve credit points required by the Faculty of Science as well as a foundation requirement in the Faculty of Engineering.
This unit of study introduces vectors and vector algebra, linear algebra including solutions of linear systems, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Textbooks
Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction, (4th edition), David Poole
Candidates enrolled in a combined degree should enrol in 6 credit points from their second degree. Refer to CUSP for details.
Project 1 units
Candidates must complete 6 credit points from the following units of study:
Candidates are required to select one of the engineering project units in their first semester. This choice will assist in the later selection of their engineering stream for Semester 2. This unit will count as a core even if they ultimately decide on a different engineering stream.
AERO1560 Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1800 or MECH1560 or MTRX1701 or CIVL1900 or CHNG1108 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study introduces students to the role of professional aerospace engineers, along with the development of fundamental engineering knowledge and skills for aerospace vehicle design, analysis performance and operation. Students will learn through experience, to develop professional skills in research, interpretation, communication, and presentation of information relating to aerospace engineering. Expected learning includes: introduction to lateral thinking concepts; glossary of aerospace vehicle components and terminology; an introduction to the multiple disciplines related to aerospace engineering, such as aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft performance, mechanics of flight, aerospace structures, materials and propulsion systems; how the various disciplines are integrated into the design and development of flight platform systems; the operating characteristics of modern flight vehicles, their uses and limitations; modern developments and future trends in aerospace; the limitations of the aerospace environment; teamwork; and resource management.
Significantly, professional enhancement is introduced through the development of basic hands-on workshop skills. These practical skills enable students to have a better appreciation of the tools that they are expected to apply their engineering knowledge to, during their aerospace engineering profession. Experiential learning is facilitated through developing skills with machine and hand tools; solid modelling; and microcontrollers in a supervised environment, to develop fundamentals of practical aerospace vehicle component design, manufacture, control, servicing, and repair.
Manufacturing Technology: An overview of a range of processes related to the design and manufacture of aerospace components is provided through hands-on experience. Manufacturing Technology practical work is undertaken in: (a) Hand tools, Machining, and Fibreglassing - an introduction to basic manufacturing processes used to fabricate aerospace engineering hardware. Safety requirements: All students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with the workshop safety rules provided in class. Students who fail to do this will not be permitted to enter the workshops. In particular, approved industrial footwear must be worn, and long hair must be protected by a hair net. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. (b) Solid Modelling - the use of computer aided design (CAD) tools to model geometry and create engineering drawings of engineering components. (c) Microcontrollers - ubiquitous in modern engineered products - will be introduced through experiential learning with development kits.
BMET1960 Biomedical Engineering 1A

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1960 OR ENGG1800 OR CIVL1900 OR CHNG1108 OR MECH1560 OR AERO1560 OR MTRX1701 OR AMME1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (3 Unit) Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Biomedical Engineering 1A introduces students to the exciting interdisciplinary field of Biomedical Engineering through a combination of expert lectures, deep-dive tutorials, creative research and design tasks with your peers, and practical hands-on training. Some of the areas you will learn about are: medical imaging; biomaterials and tissue engineering; nanomaterials and nanotechnology; medical devices and sensors; biomechanics and computational biomedical engineering; biomanufacturing; and bionics and neuromodulation. You’ll also be introduced to most of the Biomedical Engineering staff who you’ll encounter throughout the rest of your degree, discovering how they became interested and established in the field. We hope this introductory unit stirs your passion and interest in the exciting field of Biomedical Engineering!
CHNG1108 Introduction to Chemical Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1800 or CIVL1900 or MECH1560 or AERO1560 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics and Chemistry Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit will introduce students to the profession of chemical engineering. It will give students an appreciation of the variety of the chemical and process industries, their history, the economic importance and the scale of their operations both in Australia and globally.
The unit will make use of virtual process plants and industrial leaders as guest speakers.
CIVL1900 Introduction to Civil Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1800 or CHNG1108 or MECH1560 or AERO1560 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Extension 1 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
The objective of this unit of study is to introduce students to the field of civil engineering and its areas of specialisation: structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction management, transportation engineering, and humanitarian engineering. The unit will cover basic physics concepts relevant to civil engineering. The unit will equip students with knowledge of foundational civil engineering tools and techniques such as the identification and calculation of loads on structures, structural systems, and load paths in structures. The unit covers design and construction issues related to the use of standard materials such as steel, concrete, and timber. The unit includes several design tasks and a design project with an emphasis on issues associated with the impact of civil infrastructure on the natural environment, the economy, and social and humanitarian outcomes. The topics will provide a sound foundation for the further study of civil infrastructure design, analysis, construction, and maintenance.
ELEC1004 Practical Intro to Electrical Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1800 or CHNG1108 or MECH1560 or AERO1560 or BMET1960 or MTRX1701 or ELEC1005 Assumed knowledge: HSC Physics and Mathematics Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study aims to expose the students with fundamental (basic) concepts of different specializations within electrical engineering and give them hands on experience to develop the required engineering skills. The unit is based on extensive laboratory work covering Measuring skills using basic electrical instruments, Soldering skills to make electronic circuits and test them, Computer programming skills including real time programming and simulation programming, Use of internet technology, Wireless technology, Renewable energy technology.
ELEC1005 Introduction to Software Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: ENGG1800 or CHNG1108 or MECH1560 or AERO1560 or BMET1960 or MTRX1701 or ELEC1004 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study will introduce student to the field of software engineering. It will expose the students to fundamental (basic) concepts of key areas within software engineering including Requirement Engineering, Software Design (Architecture and Modeling), Software Quality Engineering, and Software Process Engineering. This unit also provides students with practical experience to start to develop the required engineering skills through case studies of authentic open-source software projects and hands-on development experience of software projects in a group, as well as communication, documentation, and presentation skills. The unit will provide students with a sound foundation for the further study of software engineering.
MECH1560 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: AERO1560 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1800 or CIVL1900 or CHNG1108 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Objectives:
a) To develop an understanding of the role of Mechanical Engineers and the core concepts within the discipline.
b) To understand the content of the degree structure and how the subjects are applied.
c) To develop an understanding of a range of machining and manufacturing processes required to make mechanical components.
Introductory Mechanical Engineering (60%): The subject introduces the core mechanical engineering concepts of design and mechanisms, intelligent systems, applied materials and fluid machinery. An overview is provided of the range of roles and the skills and knowledge required of a Mechanical Engineer. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between the subjects in the degree program and how they are applied by practicing engineers.
Manufacturing Technology (40%): An overview of a range of processes related to the design and manufacture of aerospace components is provided through hands-on experience. Manufacturing Technology practical work is undertaken in: (a) Hand tools, Machining, and Welding - an introduction to basic manufacturing processes used to fabricate mechanical engineering hardware. Safety requirements: All students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with the workshop safety rules provided in class. Students who fail to do this will not be permitted to enter the workshops. In particular, approved industrial footwear must be worn, and long hair must be protected by a hair net. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. (b) Solid Modelling - the use of computer aided design (CAD) tools to model geometry and create engineering drawings of engineering components. (c) Microcontrollers - ubiquitous in modern engineered products - will be introduced through experiential learning with development kits.
MTRX1701 Introduction to Mechatronic Engineering

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: MECH1560 or ENGG1800 or AERO1560 or CIVL1900 or CHNG1108 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This unit of study aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles that underlie the study of mechatronic engineering. It lays the foundation for later studies, including advanced mechatronic engineering, computing, control and system design courses. The subject also provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of a range of machining and manufacturing processes required to make mechanical components.
Introduction to Mechatronic Engineering (60%): (a) Introduction to mechatronics and to the structure of the BE in Mechatronic Engineering. (b) Systems Modelling and Control - Fundamental concepts which underlie the modelling and control of dynamic systems. (c) Design Process - The process of design synthesis as an important part of engineering. (d) Actuators - Components that exert effort to accomplish a given task. (e) Sensors - Components that take measurements of the environment. (f) Computers - Hardware and software components that, when combined, allow a system to be controlled. (g) Advanced Topics - Case studies relating to the application of mechatronic engineering principles.
Manufacturing Technology (40%): An overview of a range of processes related to the design and manufacture of aerospace components is provided through hands-on experience. Manufacturing Technology practical work is undertaken in: (a) Hand tools, Machining, and Soldering - an introduction to basic manufacturing processes used to fabricate mechatronic engineering hardware. Safety requirements: All students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with the workshop safety rules provided in class. Students who fail to do this will not be permitted to enter the workshops. In particular, approved industrial footwear must be worn, and long hair must be protected by a hair net. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. (b) Solid Modelling - the use of computer aided design (CAD) tools to model geometry and create engineering drawings of engineering components. (c) Microcontrollers - ubiquitous in modern engineered products - will be introduced through experiential learning with development kits.

Semester 2

The suggested Semester 2 enrolment is a temporary enrolment only. Candidates transfer to their chosen stream for Semester 2 and must change their unit of study selection to the units listed in the appropriate stream table.
ENGF1661 Flexible First Year Enrolment 1

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a shell unit to enable Flexible First Year students to complete their Semester 2 enrolment.
ENGF1662 Flexible First Year Enrolment 2

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Assessment: Refer to the assessment table in the unit outline. Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
This is a shell unit to enable Flexible First Year students to complete their Semester 2 enrolment.
MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive January,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: MATH1013 or MATH1903 or MATH1907 or MATH1003 or MATH1923 or MATH1933 Assumed knowledge: Knowledge of complex numbers and methods of differential and integral calculus including integration by partial fractions and integration by parts as for example in MATH1021 or MATH1921 or MATH1931 or HSC Mathematics Extension 2 Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
Calculus is a discipline of mathematics that finds profound applications in science, engineering, and economics. This unit investigates multivariable differential calculus and modelling. Emphasis is given both to the theoretical and foundational aspects of the subject, as well as developing the valuable skill of applying the mathematical theory to solve practical problems. Topics covered in this unit of study include mathematical modelling, first order differential equations, second order differential equations, systems of linear equations, visualisation in 2 and 3 dimensions, partial derivatives, directional derivatives, the gradient vector, and optimisation for functions of more than one variable.
Students are strongly recommended to complete MATH1021 or MATH1921 Calculus Of One Variable (Advanced) before commencing MATH1023 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling or MATH1923 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling (Adv).
Textbooks
Multivariable Calculus and Modelling (Course Notes for MATH1023)
MATH1005 Statistical Thinking with Data

Credit points: 3 Teacher/Coordinator: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Session: Intensive January,Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Prohibitions: MATH1015 or MATH1905 or STAT1021 or ECMT1010 or ENVX1001 or ENVX1002 or BUSS1020 or DATA1001 or DATA1901 Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent Assessment: Refer to the unit of study outline https://www.sydney.edu.au/units Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day
In a data-rich world, global citizens need to problem solve with data and evidence based decision-making is essential in every field of research and work. This unit equips you with the foundational statistical thinking to become a critical consumer of data. You will learn to think analytically about data and to evaluate the validity and accuracy of any conclusions drawn. Focusing on statistical literacy, the unit covers foundational statistical concepts, including the design of experiments, exploratory data analysis, sampling and tests of significance.
Textbooks
Statistics, (4th Edition), Freedman Pisani Purves (2007)
Most units of study offered by the Faculty of Science shown in the tables can be replaced by an equivalent advanced level unit, subject to prerequisite conditions (as required by the Faculty of Science) being met. Students considering doing advanced options should seek advice from their school before enrolling.