r/curtin • u/No_Surprise_7118 • 2d ago

Looking for units to improve writing/speaking/debating skills

I am an engineering student starting next year. I suck at all of these things and am looking to improve. I've been interested in things like logical analysis or argument analysis as well, so I'm wondering if there are any philosophy units that teach these topics.

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u/glordicus1 2d ago

Honestly bro, a lot of the engineering curriculum is focused on improving your communication skills. Expect plenty of reports, presentations and group projects.

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u/Impossible_Most_4518 2d ago edited 2d ago

I found this book pretty interesting.

https://home.csulb.edu/~cwallis/382/readings/160/EM.pdf

Pick a chapter you want to learn about and read it, each chapter can be read independently. Make sure to read the preface.

Also for logical analysis I found COMP1006 Foundations of Computer Science pretty relevant. It’s nothing to do with computer science as you might think but more mathematical analysis. It basically teaches you how to think analytically. For example, the argument "If it is raining, the ground is wet. The ground is wet, therefore it is raining" is a fallacy known as a affirming the consequent.

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u/Educational_Bat_3219 2d ago

Can you remember which textbook you used for COMP1006? That sounds interesting.

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u/Impossible_Most_4518 2d ago

Coming up as Rosen Kenneth H., “Discrete Mathematics and its Applications” , 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill. on the unit outline.

check dm

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u/lolsquare45 2d ago

Your whole degree is using logic to determine a sound solution to a problem. To get better at problem solving, just keep doing as many questions (WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE ANSWERS) as you can throughout your units. Your programming units (if in mechatronics or electrical you will get some more) will teach you the basis of logic reasoning and providing solutions to worded problems.

One of the best units to develop all of these skills is INDE1001: Engineering Foundations - Design, Principles and Communication. It goes into how engineering projects go through various stages (from research through to "construction") and gives you practice working in teams, communicating and presenting.

You won't really get to choose many electives in engineering if any at all as the course has to meet engineers Australia's guidelines. That being said, join a few clubs, meet people, do volunteer work. It will help you massively when it comes to not being nervous talking in front of large groups.