CIVL5670: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

CIVL5670: Reservoir, Stream and Coastal Engineering

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The objectives of this unit of study are to develop an understanding of the processes occurring in lakes, reservoirs, streams and coastal seas, an introduction to transport and mixing in inland waters, and to the design the design of marine structures. The unit will cover the mass and heat budget in stored water bodies, mixing, and the implications for water quality. In streams, natural river systems will be discussed, and the principles of sediment transport and scour, monitoring and management will be introduced. The basic equations for linear and nonlinear wave theories in coastal seas will be introduced, and wave forces on structures and an introduction to design of offshore structures will be discussed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

(CIVL3612 or CIVL9612) and MATH2061

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Michael Heisel, michael.heisel@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Michael Heisel, michael.heisel@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Liam Duncan, liam.duncan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Stream engineering quiz
Take home quiz, online question download and solution upload to Canvas
30% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2025 at 15:00
120+ mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Small test Reservoir engineering quiz
Take home quiz, online question download and solution upload to Canvas
30% Week 09
Due date: 30 Apr 2025 at 15:00
120+ mins
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4
Small test Coastal engineering quiz
Take home quiz, online question download and solution upload to Canvas
30% Week 13
Due date: 28 May 2025 at 15:00
120+ mins
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6
Online task AI Allowed Weekly check-in
Top 10 (of 13) weekly tasks are marked. Each marked task has 1% weight.
10% Weekly 5 multiple choice questions
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

For the weekly online tasks, only the top 10 highest scorest tasks will be counted towards the final grade. Further details of the assessments will be provided on the Canvas site.

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

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.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submission and extended deadline of the online tasks is not allowed. Late submission of the main quizzes (i.e. those with 30% weight each) will be penalised 5% for every minute past the deadline.

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 [pre-recorded online lecture] Introduction to the unit and overview of topics Online class (2 hr)  
[in-person tutorial] Introductory session Tutorial (3 hr)  
Week 02 [pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: open channel flow hydraulics Online class (2 hr) LO1
[in-person tutorial] Practice on open channel flow hydraulics problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO1
Week 03 [pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: hydrological factors; sediment transport; river evolution Online class (2 hr) LO1
[in-person tutorial] Practice on hydrology, sediment transport, and river evolution problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO1
Week 04 [pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: river monitoring; river training Online class (2 hr) LO1 LO2
[in-person tutorial] Practice on river evolution and river training problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 [pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: river modelling Online class (2 hr) LO2
[in-person tutorial] Practice on river modelling problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO2
Week 06 [pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: thermal energy budget and temperature stratification Online class (2 hr) LO3
[in-person tutorial] Practice on energy budget and stratification problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO3
Week 07 [pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: fundamentals of mixing in a fluid Online class (2 hr) LO3
[in-person tutorial] Practice on fundamental mixing problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO3
Week 08 [pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: mixing processes in lakes; water quality Online class (2 hr) LO3
[in-person tutorial] Practice on applied mixing and water quality problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO3
Week 09 [pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: water balance and storage in dams; tailings dams Online class (2 hr) LO4
[in-person tutorial] Practice on water balance and tailings problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO4
Week 10 [pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: wave behaviour in the open ocean Online class (2 hr) LO5
[in-person tutorial] Practice on ocean wave problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO5
Week 11 [pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: coastal wave behaviour; ocean processes Online class (2 hr) LO5
[in-person tutorial] Practice on coastal wave and ocean process problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO5
Week 12 [pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: coastal sediment transport and dynamic equilibrium Online class (2 hr) LO5
[in-person tutorial] Practice on sediment transport and dynamic equilibrium problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO5
Week 13 [pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: coastal management; intervention options Online class (2 hr) LO6
[in-person tutorial] Practice on coastal design problems Tutorial (3 hr) LO6

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.

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. apply principles of hydraulics and sediment transport to develop simple models for flow in rivers.
  • LO2. demonstrate familiarity with practical methods for monitoring and simulating river flow and depth.
  • LO3. understand how stratification and mixing processes affect water quality in lakes and reservoirs.
  • LO4. understand the hydrological drivers for dam water storage operations.
  • LO5. apply wave theory to develop predictions for coastal processes that impact engineering design.
  • LO6. demonstrate familiarity with the design of coastal structures.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T P Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2 A T P Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1 A T P Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2 A T P Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3 T P Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
2.4 A T P Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
4.1 A T P Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
5.4 T P Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5 A T P Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.

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

The unit format is revised to provide online lecture delivery. Students are expected to review pre-recorded lecture material on Canvas prior to the in-person tutorial sessions. More detailed feedback will be provided on quizzes per student requests.

Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 06 Feb 2025.

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