AF-HE · Engineering
Engineering Design and Practice
University & tertiary Ages 18–99 72 hours en
Design solutions to real problems with safety and social responsibility.
Engineering mathematics, materials, systems thinking, prototyping and community-centred design projects.
Curriculum family: African Higher Education Common Programmes
Course overview
This Engineering course connects core university concepts to African contexts, practical inquiry and community-based application. Learners work through guided readings, a weekly studio and an applied final task.
Learning outcomes
Explain key Engineering concepts; analyse evidence and assumptions; apply methods to an African case; communicate findings clearly; reflect on ethics, power and community impact.
Weekly outline
Week 1: Orientation and local context; Week 2: Core concepts; Week 3: Methods and evidence; Week 4: African case study; Week 5: Applied project; Week 6: Assessment and reflection.
Assessment
Weekly activities 30%; participation and peer response 20%; applied final project 50%.
Prerequisites: No formal prerequisite. Learners need curiosity, regular study time and access to weekly course materials.
Course media
Exams and assessment papers
No exam papers are available for download yet. Exam papers and results will appear here when a teacher publishes them.
Weekly lessons
| Week | Lesson | Studio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 - Orientation and local context: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 2 | Week 2 - Key concepts and vocabulary: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 3 | Week 3 - Methods, evidence and practice: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 4 | Week 4 - African case study and application: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 5 | Week 5 - Community project or problem studio: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 6 | Week 6 - Reflection, assessment and next steps: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 7 | Unit 7 - a local case study: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 8 | Unit 8 - comparison across places: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 9 | Unit 9 - voice and representation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 10 | Unit 10 - ethics and responsibility: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 11 | Unit 11 - systems and relationships: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 12 | Unit 12 - patterns and interpretation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 13 | Unit 13 - measurement and proportion: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 14 | Unit 14 - change over time: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 15 | Unit 15 - power and access: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 16 | Unit 16 - community strengths: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 17 | Unit 17 - primary sources and lived experience: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 18 | Unit 18 - research questions: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 19 | Unit 19 - organising evidence: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 20 | Unit 20 - mid-course synthesis: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 21 | Unit 21 - language and meaning: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 22 | Unit 22 - identity and community memory: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 23 | Unit 23 - land, environment and place: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 24 | Unit 24 - technology and access: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 25 | Unit 25 - designing a fair process: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 26 | Unit 26 - creative practice: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 27 | Unit 27 - problem definition: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 28 | Unit 28 - hypotheses and explanations: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 29 | Unit 29 - testing and revision: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 30 | Unit 30 - collaboration: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 31 | Unit 31 - communicating to an audience: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 32 | Unit 32 - visuals, numbers and media: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 33 | Unit 33 - resources and sustainability: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 34 | Unit 34 - rights and dignity: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 35 | Unit 35 - regional connections: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 36 | Unit 36 - project proposal: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 37 | Unit 37 - project purpose: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 38 | Unit 38 - project consultation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 39 | Unit 39 - project preparation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 40 | Unit 40 - project milestone one: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 41 | Unit 41 - constructive feedback: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 42 | Unit 42 - improving after feedback: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 43 | Unit 43 - quality and standards: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 44 | Unit 44 - risk and safety: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 45 | Unit 45 - leadership and responsibility: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 46 | Unit 46 - African innovation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 47 | Unit 47 - professional application: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 48 | Unit 48 - project milestone two: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 49 | Unit 49 - accessible knowledge: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 50 | Unit 50 - self-assessment: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 51 | Unit 51 - debate and evidence: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 52 | Unit 52 - policy and collective action: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 53 | Unit 53 - livelihoods and value: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 54 | Unit 54 - health and wellbeing: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 55 | Unit 55 - climate resilience: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 56 | Unit 56 - heritage and future generations: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 57 | Unit 57 - digital literacy: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 58 | Unit 58 - community review: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 59 | Unit 59 - project milestone three: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 60 | Unit 60 - independent inquiry: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 61 | Unit 61 - theory and practice: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 62 | Unit 62 - uncertainty and limitations: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 63 | Unit 63 - future pathways: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 64 | Unit 64 - justice and reciprocity: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 65 | Unit 65 - clear presentation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 66 | Unit 66 - project rehearsal: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 67 | Unit 67 - final evidence: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 68 | Unit 68 - applied project completion: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 69 | Unit 69 - public storytelling: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 70 | Unit 70 - teacher conference: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 71 | Unit 71 - exam preparation: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 72 | Unit 72 - practice assessment: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 73 | Unit 73 - correcting misconceptions: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 74 | Unit 74 - peer teaching: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 75 | Unit 75 - course synthesis: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 76 | Unit 76 - learning portfolio: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 77 | Unit 77 - community action: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 78 | Unit 78 - learner voice: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 79 | Unit 79 - assessment submission: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
| 80 | Unit 80 - mentorship and lifelong learning: Engineering Design and Practice Open full lesson | Learner activity: make a one-page response for Engineering Design and Practice. Start with what you already know, investigate one local example, compare two viewpoints, create a small artefact or worked solution, and share your reasoning with a peer or family member. |
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