Skip to main content
Unit outline_

CIVL1900: Introduction to Civil Engineering

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The objective of this unit of study is to introduce students to the field of civil engineering and its areas of specialisation: structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction management, transportation engineering, and humanitarian engineering. The unit will cover basic physics concepts relevant to civil engineering. The unit will equip students with knowledge of foundational civil engineering tools and techniques such as the identification and calculation of loads on structures, structural systems, and load paths in structures. The unit covers design and construction issues related to the use of standard materials such as steel, concrete, and timber. The unit includes several design tasks and a design project with an emphasis on issues associated with the impact of civil infrastructure on the natural environment, the economy, and social and humanitarian outcomes. The topics will provide a sound foundation for the further study of civil infrastructure design, analysis, construction, and maintenance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG1800 or CHNG1108 or MECH1560 or AERO1560 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004
Assumed knowledge
? 

HSC Mathematics Extension 1

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Mike Bambach, mike.bambach@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home short release) Type D final exam Final exam
Final exam
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Optional small test Quiz 1
Formative quiz
0% Week 02 na
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO7 LO6 LO5
Optional small test Quiz 2
Formative quiz
0% Week 03 na
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO7 LO6 LO5
Optional small test Quiz 3
Formative quiz
0% Week 04 na
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO7 LO6 LO5
Optional small test Quiz 4
Formative quiz
0% Week 05 na
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO7 LO6 LO5
Assignment Quiz Assessment
Online quiz completed in Canvas during week 6
10% Week 06 30min
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Project 1
As indicated on Canvas
5% Week 07 One pdf file, one excel file
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Assignment group assignment Project 2
As indicated on Canvas
5% Week 08 One pdf file
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Project 3
As indicated on Canvas
5% Week 09 One pdf file
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO5
Assignment Project 4
As indicated on Canvas
5% Week 10 One pdf file
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Assignment Project 5
As indicated on Canvas
10% Week 11 One pdf file
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Assignment group assignment Project 6
As indicated on Canvas
10% Week 12 One pdf file
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type D final exam = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

See assessment table, and further detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Transition activities Tutorial (2 hr) LO3
Week 02 Gravity Loads Lecture (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Gravity Loads Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 Fluids Loads Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Fluids Loads Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Materials and foundations Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
Materials and foundations Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 Construction management Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Construction management Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Data analytics in Transport 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Data analytics in Transport 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Data analytics in Transport 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Data analytics in Transport 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Engineering failures Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Engineering failures Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 09 Loads in buildings Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Loads in buildings Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 10 Load paths in buildings Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Load paths in buildings Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 11 Design in buildings Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Design in buildings Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 12 Construction in buildings Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Construction in buildings Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Exam revision Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Exam revision Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at tutorial sessions is compulsory and will be recorded.  If you are not at the correct tutorial (as per your University generated timetable) you will be marked absent.  If you miss more than 20% of the tutorials you will not have met the attendance requirements and may fail the unit of study with a maximum mark of 45% (alternately, at the discretion of the unit-coordinator, additional assessment items may be set if you miss more than 20% of tutorials).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Technical Drawing with Engineering Graphics, 15th Edition
Frederick E. Giesecke et al, Pearson.
All required content will be provided on Canvas. The library has electronic access to the full text should you wish to read further.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. produce clear, concise written explanations of basic engineering principles
  • LO2. produce engineering drawings to communicate technical ideas
  • LO3. appreciate teamwork aspects of engineering work
  • LO4. appreciate practical problem-solving aspects of civil engineering
  • LO5. undertake elementary applications of basic science and engineering concepts in civil engineering
  • LO6. undertake and report on calculation tasks.
  • LO7. apply mathematical and statistical approaches to solving engineering problems

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Centroids topic has been expanded

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.