QCAA Engineering EA study plan

Define each stage of the engineering design process and map a real product failure to those stages

Construct free-body diagrams for five simple systems (beam, truss joint, inclined block, pulley, cantilever) from scratch without notes

Resolve forces into components and compute resultants for at least ten two-dimensional vector problems

Set up equilibrium equations (sum of forces and moments) and solve for unknown reactions on simply supported beams

Analyse method-of-joints and method-of-sections solutions for three trusses and verify each by checking a second joint

Calculate centroids and second moments of area for standard cross-sections (rectangle, I-section, T-section, circle)

Relate stress, strain and Young's modulus and compute axial stress in members under load

Match five material families (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, timber) to their characteristic properties and typical applications

Interpret stress-strain curves to identify yield strength, ultimate strength, ductility and toughness for three materials

Apply a factor of safety to allowable-stress design and justify the chosen factor for two scenarios

Evaluate bending stress using the flexure formula for at least four beam cross-sections

Compare material property trade-offs (strength-to-weight, corrosion resistance, cost) in a written justification of 150 words

Solve kinematics problems for constant and non-constant acceleration using equations of motion and graphs

Apply Newton's second law to systems with friction, inclines and connected masses

Compute work, kinetic energy, potential energy and power in mechanical systems and apply conservation of energy

Explain how engineering-process iteration would change a design based on measured motion data

Produce third-angle orthographic projections (plan, elevation, end view) of a simple machined part to AS 1100 conventions

Apply dimensioning rules correctly, including tolerances, limits and fits, on two drawings

Create a 3D CAD model of a bracket and generate an associated drawing with a section view

Calculate mechanical efficiency and energy losses in a simple machine or drive system

Select and justify a manufacturing process for three different part geometries, comparing cost, finish and volume

Build a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart for a 6-week design-and-build project

Identify critical-path tasks and describe two risk-mitigation actions in a project plan

Write a technical report section (250 words) that communicates a design decision to a non-specialist stakeholder

Conduct a life-cycle assessment comparison of two material choices for the same product and quantify the trade-offs

Apply an engineering code of ethics to three realistic dilemma scenarios and justify a course of action

Identify WHS hazards in a workshop scenario and specify controls using the hierarchy of control

Evaluate sustainability indicators (embodied energy, recyclability, durability) when selecting materials

Synthesise all domains by completing two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions

Diagnose weak areas from practice-exam errors and rework every incorrect item to full marks

Summarise each domain onto a single A4 reference sheet of formulas, conventions and key definitions

Rehearse written-response structure for extended-answer questions using a claim-evidence-justification pattern