The increasing need for engineers to address sustainability will add significant complexity to their tasks. They will therefore need the skills and knowledge to understand and predict the impact of their practice. This course will focus on the dynamics of complex systems in the context of the environmental and social impacts of technological innovation. Students will develop knowledge and skills that provide a basis for the design and sustainable operation of engineering-environment-social systems that are highly non-linear. Sustainability will be defined in engineering terms, and the basic dynamical principles will be explored in tutorial discussions. The course will be presented using a 'problem based learning' mode of delivery.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the critical sustainability challenges for the 21st century.
2. Identify the wider impacts of engineering and technological innovation on the environment and society.
3. Apply advanced concepts and techniques associated with the dynamics of complex  systems to engineering design and innovation.
4. Anticipate unintended outcomes of engineering decisions in the context of highly non-linear systems. 
5. Use Collaborative Conceptual Modelling (CCM) to negotiate engineering approaches that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
6. Reflect on and analyse examples of complex non-linear systems drawn from prior experience.

Research-Led Teaching

The course will include case studies and exams from current and recent research including involvement of active researchers.

Field Trips

n/a

Additional Course Costs

n/a

Required Resources

Vensim PLE modelling software, available at https://vensim.com/free-downloads/ for personal education use.

Recommended Resources

Understanding human ecology : a systems approach to sustainability by Dyball, Rob and Newell, Barry available online at https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/anu/detail.action?pq-origsite=primo&docID=7250710

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

The use of Generative AI Tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is permitted for assignments other than the mid semester exam, where GenAI or AI tools may not be used.W here used, tools should be used with caution and assessment submissions must include a description of how the tools were used (including the prompts provided) in completing the assessment and tools cited appropriately (see individual assignment specifications for any specific requirements). General guidelines regarding appropriate citation and use can be found on the ANU library website (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai).

The course will share some activities with the ANU McCusker Institute SoCIETIE initiative. This could include SoCIETIE students joining in workshop activities, course students taking part in SoCIETIE KNoTs, and joint deliver of workshops. This is providing exposure to more examples of system dynamic tools and approaches, and example of their use. As part of the workshop and portfolio assignments, ENGN6410 will need to take part in some SoCIETIE KNoTs, which can be selected on interest.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course Introductions and Overview Workshop
2	Introduction to System Dynamics Workshop
3	Modelling Approaches Workshop, Introduction to Vensim Modelling Tutorial	Workshop Task due 14/08/2026
4	Leverage Points Workshop, Stock and Flows Modelling Tutorial	Workshop Task due 21/08/2026
5	Circular Economy Case Study Workshop, CLD Modelling Tutorial	Workshop Task due 28/08/2026
6	Mental Models Workshop, Individual Modelling Workshop	Individual Modelling Assignment Due 04/09/2026
7	Mid semester exam (during workshop time)	Mid semester exam
8	Workshop Choice
9	Workshop Choice	Workshop Task due 9/9/2026
10	Group Modelling Workshop	Individual portfolio proposal due 16/9/2026
11	Group Modelling Workshop
12	No activities	Group Modelling Assignment Due 26/10/2026
13	Individual portfolio due	Individual portfolio due

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Individual Portfolio	45 %	06/11/2026	*	1,2,3,4,5
Workshops	20 %	21/09/2026	03/10/2026	1,2,3
Individual Modelling Assignment	10 %	04/09/2026	18/10/2026	3
Group Modelling Assignment	15 %	26/10/2026	09/11/2026	2,3,4
Workshop Tasks	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,45

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

A number of the workshops will have completion tasks associated with them based on activities completed in the workshop.

Examination(s)

mid-semester in-person exam completed during scheduled workshop time

Assessment Task 1

Individual Portfolio

A consolidated portfolio including workshops tasks, reflection and an individually selected systems characterisation. For the systems characterisation students select an area related to environmental sustainability or climate change, which could be one of the areas explored in the course or of interest. For this research is undertaken to understand and characterise from a systems dynamic perspective. Any archetypes present are identified, and potential leverage points proposed and assessed. Includes a 5% submission of a portfolio proposal at the end of week 10 that outlines the scope of the work to be done. Feedback will be provided once course marks are finalised.

Assessment Task 2

Workshops

Held in workshops times during week 7. An hour in-person written exam with allowable material of one A4 page of notes.

Assessment Task 3

Individual Modelling Assignment

Use VENSIM to construct and demonstrate understanding of system dynamic modelling approaches.

Assessment Task 4

Group Modelling Assignment

Use VENSIM to construct and demonstrate understanding of course concepts including feedback, delays, oscillation, overshoot and collapse. Completed in groups of 3.

Assessment Task 5

Workshop Tasks

Workshop tasks to demonstration completion of key workshops. This includes workshops in weeks 3, 4 and 5 and an optional workshop completed before the end of week 9. Feedback is provided on these to incorporate into the individual portfolio. Feedback is provided within a week of each submission.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned within 10 business days of submission, except for the individual portfolio which will only be returned once overall course grades have been finalised and approved, and the workshop tasks which will be returned within a week.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students