This guide provides a starting point for finding and using resources in the VU Library that will support the unit NEF1103 Engineering and the Community.
Use the tabs above to find out more about each topic.
This page provides information on getting started on your assignment and keyword searching strategies.
Advantages of using VU Library search tools over doing general Internet search to find academic sources of information for your assignments.
Key words are words in a question that tell you the approach you should take when answering an assignment question.
Keywords can include content (topic), limiting (restricting), and task (instruction) words.
Assignment example:
"Managing urban traffic congestion can be costly both financially and socially. Discuss and suggest solutions for sustainable transport in Australian cities."
Content Words
Source: University of New South Wales
Limiting Words
Task Words
When you are searching for information for an essay question, assignment or project, use the identified content and limiting keywords to search for information sources in our Library Search and online.
Assignment 1 - an individual reflection essay on one of the following study fields in Bachelor of Engineering or Building engineering fields: Civil, Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical Engineering, Building Construction, or Building Surveying.
See NEF1103 Engineering and the Community on VU Collaborate for information about assignment requirements.
Once you have analysed your topic and done some preliminary reading, you are ready to break down the chosen research topic into key concepts selected from both the topic and your readings. It is best to identify 2 to 4 key concepts, with each concept containing up to 2 words, which will serve as keywords or search terms you'll type in Library Search to find relevant resources. You might need to build separate search strategies for different aspects of your research as well as use a variety of keywords to ensure you cover all aspects of the topic.analysed your topic and done some preliminary reading, you are ready to break down the chosen research topic into key concepts selected from both the topic and your readings. It is best to identify 2 to 4 key concepts, with each concept containing up to 2 words, which will serve as keywords or search terms you'll type in Library Search to find relevant resources. You might need to build separate search strategies for different aspects of your research as well as use a variety of keywords to ensure you cover all aspects of the topic.
Source: University of Texas Libraries
If, for example, you want to focus on 'civil engineering' and 'design process', list your main concepts or keywords:
civil engineering
design (the word 'process' might be unnecessary)
Apply the following strategies to combine them:
View the videos in this guide to learn how to search for books, e-books and journal articles available at Victoria University Library.
Assignment 2 - a case study report based on an external site visit
Keyword searching examples:
"Melbourne Water" supply
"Melbourne Water" supply needs
"Melbourne Water" supply forecasting
sustainable buildings Melbourne
sustainable building design Melbourne
design for climate Melbourne
(eco-urban OR eco-design) AND Melbourne
Assignment 3 – Engineers without Borders Project - Team Project Report
Keyword searching example:
(Vanuatu OR Pacific OR Pacific Island*) AND (“problem solving” OR design OR sustainable development)
You could also use and combine any of the other suggested keywords:
Vanuatu AND water supply
Vanuatu AND (sanitation OR hygiene)
Vanuatu AND (energy OR energy development OR energy industries)
Vanuatu AND (food OR farming production OR agriculture)
Vanuatu AND (shelter* OR housing OR dwelling* OR homelessness)
Vanuatu AND (waste management OR disposal OR removal OR waste collection)
Vanuatu AND (information communication* technolog* OR ICT)
Vanuatu AND (transport OR transportation)
Vanuatu AND (environment OR conversation)
humanitarian engineering
sustainable engineering
community development
(underdeveloped OR developing) countries
energy OR sustainable energy OR heat OR light OR power OR fuel
food production AND climate
Assignment 4 – Engineers Ethics and Professional Responsibilities - Team Oral Presentation
Keyword searching example:
(Vanuatu OR Pacific* OR Pacific Island* OR developing countries) AND (ethics OR "social responsibility" OR "professional responsibility")
The assessment guideline for writing the reflective essay suggests that you will need to include at least 3 academic references (journal articles/books). References are not included in the word count. You are required to follow the IEEE style of referencing for this assignment.
Refer to the Academic Writing page to read about the writing process and its steps.