Unit Outline

The unit introduces the field of civil engineering. Students will learn methods for solving problems in civil engineering as applied to structural, geotechnical, and water resources projects. The translation of theoretical concepts into designs will be demonstrated through examples involving buildings, tunnels, dams, roads, water supply, stormwater and wastewater systems, coastal protection, and energy infrastructure. With the imperative to reduce carbon emission and adapt to increasing natural hazards, this unit will also introduce Climate Safe principles for design, including analysis of embedded carbon, circular use of materials, forecasting for future impacts, and use of natural materials. Through practical laboratory work, students will observe systems of forces in structural elements, ground materials, and fluid-structure interactions. The skills developed in this unit establish the foundations for further studies in civil engineering.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Apply the concepts of forces, moments, and equilibrium to solve problems related to static structures.
2	Characterise granular materials and clay substrates to determine geotechnical properties for civil construction and excavation works.
3	Calculate flow rates and related forces on civil hydraulic structures as related to transportation, energy and environmental systems.
4	Outline the essential 'life-cycle' elements of a major civil infrastructure project including the impact on climate, community and environment.
5	Discuss the role of a civil engineer in establishing a climate safe future.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Class Test 1	Week 7	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Class Test 2	Week 12	15 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Project	Week 14	40 %	LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Laboratory / Practical Report	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Class Test 1

Task Description:

Closed book test with calculation and written questions on all topics covered during the first six weeks of study. This assessment consolidates the knowledge on structural and basic geotechnical systems, supporting entry into the civil engineering degree specialisation, as well as providing grounding for studies in other engineering disciplines. Generative AI is not permitted.

Task Length:

50 minutes

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and apply Newton’s first and third laws to 1D and 2D engineering statics problems	LO1
2	Utilise the concept of equilibrium to determine forces and moments in engineering structures	LO1
3	Calculate reactions at supports and forces in members of truss structures	LO1
4	Identify soil types and physical characteristics	LO2
5	Calculate effective stress and shear strength various different soils subjected to design loads	LO2
6	List specific material and design choices that support climate safe outcomes for civil engineering projects	LO5

Assessment Task 2: Class Test 2

Task Description:

Closed book test with calculation and written questions on all topics covered during weeks seven to 11. This assessment consolidates the knowledge of geotechnical systems and water resources engineering, supporting entry into the civil engineering degree specialisation, as well as providing grounding for studies in other engineering disciplines. Generative AI is not permitted.

Task Length:

50 minutes

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Determine appropriate foundation design parameters based on soil material properties	LO2
2	Predict forces and responses for civil structures, such as culverts, irrigation channels, bridge piers, and seawalls	LO3
3	Describe critical aspects of water supply, stormwater management, and discharge	LO3
4	Provide examples of engineering functions that contribute to the building and maintenance of large infrastructure projects	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Project

Task Description:

A set of pre-prepared example project briefs that spans a wide range of civil engineering applications will be provided. Each student will select one project brief. Students will perform basic calculations, data analysis, and written descriptions, entering their results into an on-line report template to demonstrate their overall understanding of the civil engineering discipline. This assessment consolidates learning from the unit and from prior education and life experience. It leads directly into second year units, where elements of the assessment provide the basis for more advanced study in specific civil engineering sub-disciplines. Generative AI is permitted for the compilation of information and for research on the selected topic.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 10 pages of diagrams, calculations and written descriptions.

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify the criteria for assessment of the viability of a large civil infrastructure project	LO4
2	Outline the steps in development of infrastructure projects	LO4
3	Identify the components of a project and describe how engineers contribute to the building and maintainence of large projects	LO4
4	Describe the basic economic, social and financial considerations that large projects require	LO4
5	Describe climate safe issues facing civil engineering	LO5
6	Discuss how civil engineering can establish a climate safe environment	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Laboratory / Practical Report

Task Description:

Laboratory 1: Structural (10%)
Laboratory 2: Geotechnical (10%)
Laboratory 3: Water Resources (10%)

This set of three laboratories requires students to demonstrate practical skills in measuring, observing, and documenting civil engineering parameters. It provides a foundation for further empirical investigation in civil engineering. Generative AI is permitted for formatting and structuring of lab reports, but is not permitted for calculations and interpretations. Use of Generative AI must be acknowledged.
Weeks of distribution are weeks 3, 7 and 9, respectively.
Weeks due are weeks 5, 9 and 11, respectively.

Task Length:

30 pages of calculations and written descriptions, in total, for all three labs

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Utilise the concept of equilibrium to detemine forces and moments in engineering structures	LO1
2	Describe potential risks and failure modes for large civil infrastructure projects that rely on stability of geotechnical materials	LO2
3	Determine flow rates and volumes for civil engineering structures that convey water or interact with water bodies	LO3
4	Predict forces and responses for civil structures, such as culverts, irrigation channels, bridge piers, river training works, and seawalls	LO3
5	Describe critical aspects of water supply, stormwater management, and discharge	LO3
6	Describe climate safe issues facing civil engineering	LO5

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.