48310 Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksDescription
Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) plays a major role in the provision of basic infrastructure necessary to support the development and maintenance of urban and rural settlements. Students completing this subject gain an understanding of the scope and fundamental practices of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Core skills of design, presenting solutions, report writing and technical drawing are the focus of the learning material. These skills are developed in the context of a variety of civil infrastructure projects where students also need to consider social, economic and environmental factors.
This subject provides students with
- a sound foundation for further education in the processes of design, construction, operation and maintenance of civil infrastructure.
- an understanding of the need to develop the necessary individual and collaborative skills in CEE project analysis, development and practice.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Identify and apply the fundamentals of civil and environmental engineering processes and terminologies. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Develop engineering drawings using drafting techniques and CAD software, and define project plans and management processes using Microsoft-Project software. (D.1) |
| 3. | Acknowledge and comprehend current standards in professional practice associated with the design and construction of civil engineering infrastructure. (B.1) |
| 4. | Apply appropriate numerical and analytical procedures in the design of civil and environmental structures and infrastructure. (C.1) |
| 5. | Work and communicate professionally in a group environment and to reflect upon their performance to improve teams and themselves. (E.1, F.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
- Reflective: FEIT graduates critically self-review their performance to improve themselves, their teams, and the broader community and society. (F.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
- 1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
- 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains
- 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
- 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.
Teaching and learning strategies
Students’ learning in the subject is facilitated through a combination of workshop and tutorial sessions each week. Workshops will present the theoretical underpinnings of the basics of Civil and Environmental Engineering, whilst also connecting with real-world civil engineering projects and infrastructure through case studies, which will also assist students in the understanding of later-stage subjects. Interactive question and answer sessions will supplement these active workshop sessions.
Practice-oriented tutorials offer an opportunity to develop the core skills of project planning and management (Microsoft Project), delivering presentations, report writing and technical drawing (hand and computer-aided design (CAD). Students will receive feedback on their skill development through a variety of both individual and group learning activities. Assessments will involve group projects, a case study report and a reflective presentation on practitioner experiences in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The active learning components of this subject simulate workplace-based problem solving at a level that an engineering student would typically experience during their first internship.
Students are provided online learning resources in Canvas including workshop notes and videos, linked web information and demonstrations. It is expected that students read relevant content prior to attending workshops or tutorials to effectively engage in an interactive learning environment in classes. Real-time feedback will be given to students in the workshop and tutorial sessions via participation in reviews and discussion.
NOTE: As an indication, a typical 6 CP subject would normally assume a total time commitment (including class time) of approximately 150 hours across the semester, for an average student aiming to pass the subject)
Content (topics)
Content includes the following:
- Fundamentals of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Different Types of Bridges
- Hydrological and Hydraulic Aspects of Waterway Bridges
- Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation, Environmental and Construction Aspects of Bridges
- Introduction to Buildings and Design of Building Components
- Introduction to Excavation Methods, and Design of Foundations and Retaining Walls
- Construction Planning and General Cost Estimation of Building Construction
- Engineering Drawings
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Civil Infrastructure Case Study
| Intent: | To formulate a report that documents the construction and design aspects of a civil infrastructure case study, in order to develop fundamental concepts of civil engineering design and construction. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | No longer than 25 pages. |
Assessment task 2: Waterway Bridge Design Report
| Intent: | To complete a waterway bridge design and prepare the corresponding report. In this task students develop fundamental skills in civil engineering design, problem-solving and technical communication in a collaborative group environment. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | No longer than 40 pages. |
Assessment task 3: Reflective Presentation
| Intent: | To reflect on the learning experiences in the subject in order to establish areas of specialised interest in civil and environmental engineering practices. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, D.1, E.1 and F.1 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | No longer than 6 minutes. |
Assessment task 4: Building Drawing Project
| Intent: | To generate a report of a building design that demonstrates the application of project planning and management techniques in a collaborative group environment. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | No longer than 10 pages. |
Assessment task 5: Building Construction Planning Project
| Intent: | To create a Gantt Chart to assist a project manager in developing a schedule, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress, managing the budget, and analysing workloads. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): B.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | No longer than 10 pages. |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Required texts
No compulsory text book is required. However, students should study all the materials provided in the subject website and regularly attend the scheduled lectures and tutorials, and submit all the assessment tasks before the due dates.
Recommended texts
Christopher Gorse, David Johnston and Martin Pritchard (2012) Dictionary of Construction, Surveying and Civil Engineering, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, ISBN 978-0-19-953446-3
Other resources
All students must access the Canvas site at least weekly for information on the following matters:
- Specific instructions relating to attendance at and/or requirements for classes;
- Amendments to the Subject program;
- Supplementary class material;
- Selected PowerPoint presentations; and
- Assignments/Tasks set by facilitators.