Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:55 AM AWST
22/07/2026 12:55 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply scientific principles to engineering problems
Apply scientific principles to engineering problems
Unit of competency
National Code
NWP553
NWP553
State Code
WD474
WD474
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/11/2014
Field of Education
030907 - Water And Sanitary Engineering
Original Release Date
06/11/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency sets out the knowledge and skills required to apply scientific principles to solve problems common to all engineering fields. This includes quantities and units, vector and scalar quantities, kinematics dynamics, heat and temperature, constitution of matter and error and uncertainty.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify the scientific principles embedded in an engineering problem
- 1.1 Determine the engineering problem through requests, design briefs or equivalent, and clarify with the appropriate personnel.
- 1.2 Seek expert advice, when appropriate, regarding the statistical task and according to enterprise procedures.
- 1.3 Consult appropriate personnel to ensure the work is co-ordinated effectively with others involved at the work site.
2 Apply scientific principles in the analysis or design of an engineering solution
- 2.1 Interpret and understand industry codes, regulations and technical documentation relevant to the statistical task.
- 2.2 Identify and use sources of computational data.
- 2.3 Make and record appropriate underlying assumptions of the engineering problem.
- 2.4 Select the most appropriate analytical, computational or design methodology.
- 2.5 Identify, obtain and check resources as fit for purpose.
3 Verify, present and interpret outcomes
- 3.1 Record and document results of the analysis or design in accordance with requirements and enterprise procedures.
- 3.2 Discuss and verify the outcomes of analysis with appropriate personnel.
- 3.3 Present outcomes as required by initial request or brief and organisational requirements.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisor
colleague
foreman
team leader
supervising engineer
teacher
Enterprise procedures may include:
the use of tools and equipment
instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs
reporting and communication
manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures
Sources of computational data may include:
tables
graphs
Resources may include:
computer
scientific calculator
engineering tables and graphs
regulations and codes of practices
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisor
colleague
foreman
team leader
supervising engineer
teacher
Enterprise procedures may include:
the use of tools and equipment
instructions, including job sheets, cutting lists, plans, drawings and designs
reporting and communication
manufacturers' specifications and operational procedures
Sources of computational data may include:
tables
graphs
Resources may include:
computer
scientific calculator
engineering tables and graphs
regulations and codes of practices
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to:
apply principles of mechanics to standard engineering problems
apply scientific principles to solve engineering problems on at least two occasions, requiring application of different scientific principles
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
workplace specific equipment and technology
supervision and experienced team members to provide observations, feedback and third party reports
enterprise operating procedures and work allocation
relevant codes, standards, and government regulations
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence require that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person’s competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the candidate, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to:
apply principles of mechanics to standard engineering problems
apply scientific principles to solve engineering problems on at least two occasions, requiring application of different scientific principles
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
workplace specific equipment and technology
supervision and experienced team members to provide observations, feedback and third party reports
enterprise operating procedures and work allocation
relevant codes, standards, and government regulations
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence require that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person’s competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the candidate, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D247 | NWP50107 | Diploma of Water Operations | Qualification |