Webinar features new courses and trends in infrastructure engineering

Recent trends in infrastructure engineering, industry engagement in research and teaching, and new postgraduate engineering courses were all topics of discussion during a webinar hosted by Deakin University’s School of Engineering and Engineers Australia in July.

Part of the Infrastructure Thought Leaders Series, the webinar delved into recent trends and developments in civil infrastructure design and management, with a special focus on sustainable construction and environmental design.

Associate Professor Mahmud Ashraf from Deakin’s School of Engineering was MC for the event, which had more than 1800 participant registrations.

‘Guest speakers Paul Kremer from prefabAUS and Ross Brookshaw from Downer shared their vast industry experience on modern construction methods and how sustainability aspects are considered in infrastructure projects,’ Associate Professor Ashraf says.

‘Both spoke highly of Deakin’s design-based teaching pedagogy in engineering – Project-Oriented Design-Based Learning or PODBL – as well as our industry focussed research initiatives, and our support towards industry for professional development.’

The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A, run by Associate Professor Ashraf and with both guest speakers and Dr Ashim Debnath from Deakin’s School of Engineering participating.

Dr Debnath is the course director for two of Deakin’s new postgraduate engineering courses: the Master of Infrastructure Engineering and Management, and the Master of Infrastructure Engineering and Management (Professional).

‘These new postgraduate offerings provide one year and two-year options for domestic and international students,’ Associate Professor Ashraf explains.

‘The courses have two key features. The first being the opportunity for civil engineers to upskill their technical knowledge as well as gaining essential management skills required for major infrastructure projects, and the second is the inclusion of railway engineering, a skill set not covered in most Australian university degrees.’

A recording of the ‘Infrastructure Thought Leaders Series: Innovations and Challenges in Modern Civil Infrastructure’ webinar is available on YouTube.

Find out more about Deakin’s new Master of Infrastructure Engineering and Management and Master of Infrastructure Engineering and Management (Professional).