Inherent requirements for engineering programs

Our engineering program has inherent requirements you must meet to be able to graduate.

Inherent requirements are core activities, tasks or skills that are essential to a program or course. They apply to the following programs:

Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and associated dual programs*
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) / Master of Engineering*
Master of Bioengineering (Professional)*
Master of Chemical Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Civil Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Electrical Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Mechanical Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Mechatronic Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Software Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Urban Water Engineering (Professional)*
Master of Engineering Science and Master of Engineering Science (Management).

* These programs are also accredited by Engineers Australia and must comply with accreditation standards and requirements.

What you need to do

If you plan to apply for one of these programs, carefully read through the inherent requirements.

If you think you may experience any problems meeting them, contact a Student Adviser to discuss your needs and whether any reasonable adjustments can be made.

Learn more about inherent requirements at UQ

The inherent requirements must be read in conjunction with other information, including the program requirements, Engineers Australia and Board of Professional Engineers Queensland publications such as:

UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct
Code Ethics and Guidelines on Professional Conduct – Engineers Australia
Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers – Engineers Australia
Code of Practice – Board of Professional Engineers Queensland

Programs accredited by Engineers Australia require the continuous development and assessment of:

Technical skills
Professional skills
Communication skills
Teamwork skills

For this reason, these programs include multiple compulsory opportunities for students to demonstrate their developing mastery of these skills. It is critical that students engage with these activities throughout their program so that they have sufficient opportunities to practice and meet these accreditation requirements.

Professional and ethical behaviour

Context	Engineering is a profession governed by codes, guidelines and policies where engineers are both accountable and responsible for ensuring professional behaviour in all contexts.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will: demonstrate knowledge of and engage in behaviour consistent with all relevant standards be accountable and responsible for ensuring professional and ethical behaviour in all contexts of academic policies (UQ Student Integrity and Misconduct) and professional standards (Code Ethics and Guidelines on Professional Conduct and Stage 1 Competency Standards for Professional Engineers – Engineers Australia as well as Code of Practice – Board of Professional Engineers Queensland).
Why this is required	Compliance with relevant academic and professional standards, regulations, codes and guidelines facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people they engage with. This ensures the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the individual is not placed at risk Understanding and applying key ethical and conduct principles are requirements of the engineering profession broadly, Engineers Australia and the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must never compromise codes and standards or result in unethical behaviour.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Comply with academic and non-academic codes of conduct, codes of ethics, standards, guidelines, and policies relevant to the University and the engineering profession. Demonstrating respect for diverse community values and practices within academic, professional and field experience settings. Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic, professional and field experience conditions. Reflecting on ethical dilemmas and issues and taking responsibility for ensuring awareness of ethical and professional behaviour. Disclosing any existing conflict of interest or one that is likely to exist in the future, prior to the provision of professional or academic services.

Safe practice

Context	Compliance with the current scope of practice, University and workplace health and safety requirements and procedures are required for the safety of students, staff, and others.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will at all times demonstrate safe practice behaviours in academic, laboratory, fieldwork and professional settings.
Why this is required	Compliance with current standards of practice, workplace health and safety regulations are required to provide safe environments for students, staff, and the wider public.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must always support safe practice. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Comply with course safety requirements before undertaking any laboratory work, fieldwork or attending a placement. This includes but is not limited to, completing all required safety inductions and risk assessments as instructed. Comply with relevant Workplace Health and Safety policies. Be able to identify and respond to hazards to maintain personal safety. Be able to correctly use safety boots, safety glasses and other relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Behavioural stability

Professional and behavioural stability

Context	Behavioural stability and adaptability, and self-awareness, are necessary to effectively and sensitively function and adapt in educational and professional contexts of engineering practice.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will: demonstrate behavioural stability, adaptability and respect for others in diverse and challenging academic and professional environments. take care of themselves, including their mental health and overall wellbeing. reflect on their own behaviour and be able to adapt to challenging situations. behave in a courteous, respectful and professional manner.
Why this is required	Within engineering and professional practice, it is required to work constructively in culturally and socially diverse settings, and to deal with challenging issues, timelines, ambiguously defined problems, and diverse teamwork settings. Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in teams in changing and unpredictable environments. Engineering students will be exposed to demanding situations and community responsibilities and will be required to have behavioural stability to manage these events objectively and professionally.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in both academic and engineering practice settings. Reasonable adjustments must enable the ability to work in teams and adapt to unpredictable environments. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Managing multiple, complex demands with focus and composure. Being receptive and responding appropriately to instruction and constructive feedback. Working effectively and professionally in a team. Managing own emotions and behaviour effectively when dealing with individuals and/or teams in the academic environment and professional settings. Undertaking reflective practice and seeking personal and professional support and/or assistance when needed.

Interpersonal skills

Context	Positive interpersonal engagement is required to work effectively and thoughtfully, and to build relationships in community and educational settings. This requires respectful communication with others, including the ability to listen, display and respect empathy, build rapport and gain trust to ensure meaningful and effective interactions with people with whom you engage.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will: demonstrate effective and respectful expression and defence of ideas to other students and professional colleagues, the community, and experts demonstrate effective listening and reflective capacity to respond professionally to feedback on your work from other students and professional colleagues and others demonstrate effective listening and capacity to respond with empathy to other students and professional colleagues and others, using language in a form appropriate to and respectful of the audience and the context demonstrate respectful communication with people of different genders, sexuality and age, and from diverse cultural, religious, socio-economic and educational backgrounds demonstrate the ability to work effectively within teams or independently in a variety of circumstances and uncertainties, and against deadlines. show respect for personal and professional boundaries
Why this is required	Professional engineering practice requires effective, sensitive and confidential engagement with clients and work colleagues, and the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, in various contexts.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must enable appropriate levels of interpersonal engagement and behaviour. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Communicating respectfully with people of different gender, sexuality and age, and from diverse cultural, religious, socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Demonstrating cultural competence, sensitivity and willingness to work with individuals in a complex and diverse Australian educational setting. Creating and developing a rapport with peers, academic and professional staff conducive to effecting working relationships. Ensuring own motives, attitudes and behaviours do not adversely affect others, by interacting with mutual respect and equity.

Legal and professional compliance

Context	Engineering practice is regulated by legislative and professional standards to enable the safe delivery of services.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will: demonstrate knowledge and compliance with legislative, professional regulation requirements and standards relevant to the engineering profession.
Why this is required	Knowledge, understanding and compliance with legislative and professional regulatory requirements are necessary to facilitate effective, responsible and accountable engineering practice in order to reduce the risk of harm to self, the environment and the broader community. Compliance with these professional regulations and the Australian Law ensures that students are both responsible and accountable for their practice.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must always be consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Complying with relevant codes of practice for design, construction and maintenance of engineering systems. Comply with the requirements for professional registration and continued development as they relate to the relevant accrediting body.

Communication

Verbal communication

Context	Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement to develop and maintain trusting relationships, to perform effectively in both academic and complex professional engineering environment and is an essential requirement to enable the safe delivery of projects and services.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate: the ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner and in a variety of situations individual, small group, large group, industry settings etc). the ability to provide clear instructions and presentations of ideas in the context of the situation (individual, small group, large group, industry settings etc). the ability to provide and respond to timely and clear feedback and reporting in a variety of situations (individual, small group, large group, industry settings etc).
Why this is required	Adequate communication with engineers and team members is necessary for the safe execution of projects and the delivery of services. Effective communication is necessary for building successful teams and professional relationships. Timely, accurate and effective delivery of instructions is critical to professional service delivery.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy issues. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Constructing coherent verbal communications to an academic and professional standard as appropriate to the circumstances. Clearly communicating the core attributes of design projects or other scholarly work to a group of examiners and/or clients and/or peers. Actively participating, in a constructive and comprehensible manner, in tutorial, simulation, group assessment teams, and/or professional discussions. Participating in safety briefings in the laboratory and tutorial settings as well as site visits and fieldwork.

Non-verbal communication

Context	Effective non-verbal (social) communication is fundamental to interactions with colleagues and staff. It needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic, honest and non-judgmental. Non-verbal communication includes eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will: demonstrate the capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues and gestures display consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviour display sensitivity to individual differences.
Why this is required	The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport in academic and professional relationships. Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes the trust and respect necessary to develop effective professional relationships. Being sensitive to individual differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships. The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues is essential for safe and successful execution of various engineering tasks.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must enable the recognition of initiation of or appropriate response to, effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Recognising and responding appropriately in the classroom, laboratory and on-site visits and fieldwork. Recognising and responding appropriately to cues in an engineering practice environment. Display appropriate non-verbal gestures in academic and professional settings, (e.g., open body language, eye contact, and facial expressions) to convey understanding.

Written communication

Context	Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental responsibility with professional and legal ramifications.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will: demonstrate the capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances and the discipline.
Why this is required	Construction of written text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards of the discipline are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional engineering practice. Written assessment tasks reflect the required academic standards necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter for professional practice. Accurate written communication, including record keeping, is vital to provide consistent and professional projects and service delivery.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy, accessibility, transferability and portability to ensure effective recording and transmission of information in both academic and engineering practice settings. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Constructing coherent written communications, including assignments and engineering reports, in a timely manner that meets academic and professional standards appropriate to the discipline. Clearly communicating the core attributes of engineering projects or other scholarly work to fellow students and a group of examiners and/or clients.

Cognition

Knowledge acquisition and cognitive ability

Context	Consistent and effective knowledge and cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide safe and appropriate engineering services.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will be able to demonstrate the following: be able to locate and identify appropriate and relevant information demonstrate the ability to process information relevant to practice demonstrate the ability to integrate and implement knowledge into engineering practice across a range of settings.
Why this is required	Safe and effective delivery of engineering projects and services is based on comprehensive technical knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must ensure a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to a range of assessment tasks such as exams, written assignments, visual and verbal presentations and practical applications that demonstrate knowledge of the required content. Conceptualising and appropriately applying knowledge of policy and procedures in engineering practice settings.

Literacy (language)

Context	Competent English language and literacy skills are essential for learning processes and effective professional delivery of engineering services.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate: the ability to accurately acquire information and accurately convey appropriate, effective messages the ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information for learning purposes the capacity to understand and implement academic conventions to construct written text in a scholarly manner.
Why this is required	The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to ensure safe and effective delivery of engineering projects and services. The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental for safe and effective delivery of engineering projects and services.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments to address literacy issues must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Understanding and conveying a spoken message (in English) accurately and effectively in an engineering practice setting. Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing (in English) in accordance with appropriate academic conventions in written assignments. Synthesising conceptual or factual information and demonstrating its application to both the physical forms and the relationship between forms, in the engineering environment. Producing accurate, concise and clear documentation (in English) which meets technical requirements.

Numeracy

Context	Competent and accurate numeracy skills are essential for the safe and effective delivery of engineering projects and services.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate ability to perform engineering calculations, correctly interpret and apply data, measurements and numerical criteria in a range of contexts.
Why this is required	Competent application of numeracy skills is essential in engineering to facilitate the safe and effective delivery of projects and services
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to interpret and apply concepts and processes appropriately in a timely, accurate and effective manner. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Performing accurate calculations that represent an engineering system. Demonstrate accurate interpretation of engineering system response data. Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve problems in a range of engineering contexts.

Sensory ability

Visual

Context	Adequate visual acuity is typically required for safe engineering practice. Visual acuity refers to the extent to which a person can see or interpret visual information, which may also include colour vision.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate sufficient visual acuity to undertake the required range of tasks including, but not limited to, reading and comprehending information presented in a variety of standard formats such as reports, electronic documents, and drawings (hand sketches and computer generated).
Why this is required	Sufficient visual acuity is necessary to demonstrate the required range of skills, through the performance of relevant tasks and assessments whilst maintaining consistent, accurate and safe care to self and others. Visual observations, examination and assessment are fundamental to safe and effective engineering practice.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide safe engineering services. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to adaptive equipment, assistive technology, practical assistant personnel or modifications to the task which do not impact upon the academic knowledge and skills required to complete it. If students have been deemed legally blind or have a medical condition that may impact vision, it is recommended they discuss their condition with UQ Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Services (DDIS). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Accurately using instrumentation for measurements. Observing and detecting subtle changes in responses to engineering systems using instrumentation. Reading, comprehending and interpreting information presented in a variety of formats such as text, diagrams, maps, drawings, models, and numerical data, i.e. exploring and engaging with 2 or 3-dimensional material. Negotiating unfamiliar settings effectively, e.g. work sites during professional experience. Perceiving and comprehending detailed visual information and recording relevant details of observations in a variety of contexts, e.g. construction sites, laboratories, and other environmental contexts.

Aural (hearing)

Context	Competent aural communication is an essential requirement to develop and maintain trusting relationships and to perform effectively in an academic and complex professional environment, as well as to solve problems and communicate knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter effectively.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate: sufficient aural function to comprehend and perform the required range of tasks active listening in lectures and tutorials with tutors, lecturers, peers and during professional and field experiences understanding of verbal instructions to progress work in a collegial and constructive manner towards a project goal.
Why this is required	Aural communication skills are an essential requirement to develop and maintain trusting relationships and to perform effectively in both academic and complex professional environments.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments to address the effects of hearing impairment must be effective, consistent and not compromise effective and timely reception of, and response to auditory inputs. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Comprehension of spoken English delivered at conversational speed, including in noisy environments such as a construction site. Understanding and responding to verbal communications accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner. Responding effectively to colleagues and staff, demonstrating empathy towards and active listening to what is being communicated. Students with a vision or hearing impairment, may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Strength and mobility

Gross motor skills

Context	Utilisation of appropriate gross motor skills is required in engineering practice to complete various tasks. Adequate strength and mobility are typically required for professional practice.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate the ability to complete gross motor tasks to function within scope of practice.
Why this is required	Sufficient gross motor skills are necessary to complete various engineering tasks. Tasks that involve gross motor skills include carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, and bending. Students must be able to demonstrate these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide safe engineering services. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to adaptive equipment, assistive technology, practical assistant personnel or modifications to the task which do not impact upon the academic knowledge and skills required to complete it. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Carrying and moving laboratory equipment. Transporting field equipment during data collection phase of engineering projects.

Fine motor skills

Context	Engineering is a profession that requires manual dexterity and the ability to complete fine motor skills is fundamental in providing adequate engineering services.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate the ability to use fine motor skills to complete various engineering tasks.
Why this is required	Sufficient fine motor skills are necessary to complete various engineering tasks. Tasks that include fine motor skills include being able to grasp, press, push, turn, squeeze and manipulate various objects. Students must be able to demonstrate these tasks consistently and safely to reduce the risk of harm to self and others.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable Adjustments should facilitate functional effectiveness, safety of self and others and a capacity to provide safe engineering services. These adjustments may include, but are not limited to adaptive equipment, assistive technology, practical assistant personnel or modifications to the task which do not impact upon the academic knowledge and skills required to complete it. Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Manipulating instruments in tests and measurements Using knobs and dials in equipment used for field data collection

Sustainable performance

Context	Engineering practice requires both physical and mental performance at a consistent and sustained level to meet individual needs over time. Completion of tasks in a timely manner and within a designated period, where required, while maintaining consistency and quality of performance, is required. This could include cognitive (mental) performance such as concentrating for a particular length of time or could include physical performance such as standing for a period of time.
What you need to demonstrate	The student will demonstrate: a consistent and sustained level of physical and mental energy to complete a specific task in a timely manner, including time limited tasks the ability to perform repetitive activities with a level of concentration that ensures a capacity to focus on the activity until it is completed appropriately the capacity to maintain consistency and quality of performance throughout a designated engineering practice including but not limited to academic field, or professional experience.
Why this is required	Sufficient physical and mental endurance is an essential requirement needed to perform multiple tasks in an assigned period to provide safe and appropriate engineering services.
Scope for reasonable adjustments	Reasonable adjustments must enable consistent and sustained performance over a given period. Adjustments will be considered in relation to the student’s circumstances and capacities. Strategies such as rest breaks may be used to support performance for on-campus learning contexts. It is recommended the student discusses the potential use of these strategies during work off campus with UQ Diversity, Disability and Inclusion Services (DDIS). Adjustments specific to the individual can be discussed with a Student Adviser.
Example ways to meet the requirement	Preparing for and participating in tutorials, lectures and professional activities. Preparing and delivering engineering project work within restricted time frames as appropriate. Remaining focused and providing consistent responses over the course of learning activities. Demonstrating commitment to studies through regular and sustained engagement with learning content, peers and staff.

Need more information?

If you're not sure what an inherent requirement means, contact the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology.

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