Course summary
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering equips students with the relevant skills and knowledge to provide a range of professional civil engineering services in regional, national and international environments. The course prepares graduates for work involving the planning, design, construction and maintenance of critical civil engineering infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, transport systems, and water supply and waste water treatment facilities.
The course is structured around the 16 competencies identified by Engineers Australia as being essential to the graduating engineer. These competencies are broadly grouped into: knowledge and skills, application, personal and professional skills.
Throughout the course, students develop core theoretical knowledge and skills vital to the engineering profession and the ability to apply these in the most relevant software applications.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
4F/8P | Lismore | 1 |
International snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
4F/8P | Lismore | 1 |
Major areas of study
Students have the option to select either an eight-unit major in Environmental Engineering or undertake a general course of study.
Students who follow the general course of study will focus on core areas such as: structural engineering, construction, project management, hydraulic engineering, water and wastewater engineering, geotechnical engineering, traffic and transport engineering, and environmental engineering. The course is strongly focused on project engineering from first year through to the final year. The course also addresses fundamental concepts that cross all disciplines including professional ethics, sustainability, conflict resolution and negotiation.
The Environmental Engineering major prepares students with the scientific knowledge and engineering skills needed to understand and assess the impact of an engineering project on the environment. This will enable graduates to develop sustainable and ethical systems that optimise the relationship between human activities and the natural and built environments.
All students undertake a full-year subject in engineering research (thesis unit) in their final year, which enables them to explore the frontiers of engineering development and contribute to new knowledge in their chosen field.
Learning outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Develop Research skills in order to be able to design plan and execute a research project with some independence. Identify all influencing factors in complex engineering problems and to think about the macro and micro ramifications. Develop cognitive and technical skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise engineering knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence |
| Creativity | Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts to form alternative solutions to complex problems |
| Ethical practice | Apply ethics and judgement to complex engineering problems |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Develop technical skills and an in-depth understanding of specialist bodies of engineering knowledge Develop conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline |
| Lifelong learning | Self manage and be resourceful and effective at developing new knowledge and applying it to engineering problems Demonstrate computer literacy skills in both standard applications and discipline specific applications Develop appropriate professional practice, reflection skills and engineering competencies through study and professional practice |
| Communication and social skills | Effectively communicate engineering ideas, concepts and arguments using written mediums to a variety of audiences Verbally communicate and influence a variety of audiences including the engineering team, community and people of diverse cultural backgrounds |
| Cultural competence | Engage with diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives with the engineering environment |
Assessment methods
Assessment items vary for each unit. They include numerical calculations, written assessment, oral presentations, exams and project based scenarios within groups and as individuals.
Teaching methods
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Career opportunities
As a civil engineer in a range of settings, including municipal and government road authorities, water supply and management agencies, construction companies, railway departments and companies, natural resource management organisations, consulting engineering companies, airport authorities, mining companies, irrigation authorities, research organisations and in tertiary education.
Professional placement
Students further develop their skills and knowledge and prepare for their careers as professional civil engineers, during a 60-day industry placement.
Students engage with industry representatives from the early stages of the course, creating valuable professional networks.
Professional recognition
Engineers Australia is the professional body representing engineering in Australia. Southern Cross University has provisional accreditation for the degree from Engineers Australia.
Accreditation of the course by Engineers Australia enables a student’s qualification to be formally recognised in many different countries throughout the world in accordance with the Washington Accord, an international agreement governing recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence.
Related courses
- Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (Honours)
- Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering
| Type | Detail | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course code | 3507285 | ||||||||
| Course abbreviation | BE(Hons)Civil | ||||||||
| Credit points | 384 | ||||||||
| Equivalent units | 32 | ||||||||
| Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | ||||||||
| Availability details |
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| Indicative ATAR/OP | 72 / 12 | ||||||||
| Fees | Commonwealth supported |
| Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Course code | 3507285 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course abbreviation | BE(Hons)Civil | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit points | 384 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equivalent units | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Resources
MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.
The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.
The Studiosity service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the 'Connect Now' button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The Studiosity service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.
Equipment and facilities
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well-equipped teaching spaces including, lecture theatres, classrooms, studios and laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific disciplines. Contemporary audio-visual equipment is standard in most teaching rooms, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
There are new engineering laboratories and teaching spaces in the expanding science and engineering precinct at the Lismore campus. Civil engineering students have access to computer laboratories with specialist civil engineering software. These laboratories also include state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories equipped for a study of a range of sub-disciplines including materials conditioning and testing, concrete and structures testing, fluids and hydraulics testing, soils and geotechnical testing, and mechanics and physics. The laboratories are fully equipped with advanced analytical equipment to enable effective practical teaching and high-level experimental research.
Course structure
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Table of contents
Course requirements
To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of thirty-two (32) units (384 credit points) comprising:
- all units listed in Part A; and
- the eight (8) unit single major listed in Part B; or
- all units in Part C and two (2) units from Part D
and additionally complete at least 60 days of industrial experience of a nature acceptable to the Course Coordinator.
Class of Honours
A candidate may on the recommendation of the Course Coordinator be awarded Honours with one of the following merit descriptors:
- First Class Honours
- Second Class Honours – Division I
- Second Class Honours – Division II
Merit Descriptors
The following criteria shall be satisfied to obtain a particular merit descriptor:
- First Class Honours: a Weighted Grade Point Average (WGPA) of at least 6.0 and a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 6.0 in both units Engineering Thesis I and Engineering Thesis II
- Second Class Honours – Division I: a Weighted Grade Point Average (WGPA) of at least 5.5 and a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.5 in both units Engineering Thesis I and Engineering Thesis II
- Second Class Honours – Division II: a Weighted Grade Point Average (WGPA) of at least 5.0 and a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.0 in both units Engineering Thesis I and Engineering Thesis II
A student with a Weighted Grade Point Average (WGPA) of less than 5.0 shall not be eligible for a merit descriptor.
Weighted Grade Point Average Calculation
The Weighted Grade Point Average (WGPA) shall be calculated according to the formula:
WGPA = {Summation of (Grade Point x Credit Value x Weighting)}/{Summation of (Credit Value x Weighting)}
where:
Grade Point = achievement value assigned to a unit grade (non-graded units, interim notations and advanced standing shall not be included in the WGPA calculation);
Credit Value = number of credit points awarded for the completion of a unit of study;
Weighting = 1 for a unit listed in Year 1 of the Course Progression, 2 for a unit listed in Year 2 of the Course Progression, 3 for a unit listed in Year 3 of the Course Progression, and 4 for a unit listed in Year 4 of the Course Progression; and
WGPA calculations shall be based on results for the first attempt at each unit in the course.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
No Specific Major
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 1 | |||
| ENG10759 - Processes and Philosophy of Engineering | Introductory | ||
| PHY10760 - Physics and Materials | Introductory | ||
| MAT10251 - Statistical Analysis | Intermediate | ||
| Choose either: MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics OR MAT10720 - Linear Algebra | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| ENG10758 - Humanitarian Engineering Project | Introductory | ||
| ENG10757 - Applied Mechanics | Introductory | ||
| Choose either: MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists OR MAT10719 - Calculus | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| CHE00201 - Chemistry | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| ENG20001 - Mechanics of Materials | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20005 - Hydrology | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20007 - Engineering Computations | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20002 - Engineering Construction and Tendering | Intermediate | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| ENG20003 - Concrete Structures | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20006 - Fluid Mechanics | Intermediate | ||
| ENG72001 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation | Intermediate | ||
| AGR00215 - Water and Catchment Management | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| ENG30004 - Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures | Advanced | ||
| ENG30002 - Soil Mechanics and Geology | Advanced | ||
| ENG30010 - Traffic and Road Safety Engineering | Introductory | ||
| ENG30009 - Hydraulic Engineering | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| ENG30005 - Design of Structures | Introductory | ||
| ENG30007 - Geotechnical Engineering | Advanced | ||
| ENG30011 - Regional and Urban Transport Planning | Introductory | ||
| ENG30012 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | Advanced | ||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| ENG40007 - Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics | Advanced | ||
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 2 | |
| ENG40006 - Municipal Infrastructure Design and Surveying | Advanced | ||
| Choose one unit (subject to availability) from Part D Elective Units | |||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 2 | |
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 3 | |
| Choose one unit (subject to availability) from Part D Elective Units | |||
Environmental Engineering Major
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 1 | |||
| ENG10759 - Processes and Philosophy of Engineering | Introductory | ||
| PHY10760 - Physics and Materials | Introductory | ||
| MAT10251 - Statistical Analysis | Intermediate | ||
| Choose either: MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics OR MAT10720 - Linear Algebra | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| ENG10758 - Humanitarian Engineering Project | Introductory | ||
| ENG10757 - Applied Mechanics | Introductory | ||
| Choose either: MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists OR MAT10719 - Calculus | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| CHE00201 - Chemistry | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| ENG20001 - Mechanics of Materials | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20005 - Hydrology | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20007 - Engineering Computations | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20002 - Engineering Construction and Tendering | Intermediate | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| ENG20003 - Concrete Structures | Intermediate | ||
| ENG20006 - Fluid Mechanics | Intermediate | ||
| ENG72001 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation | Intermediate | ||
| AGR00215 - Water and Catchment Management | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| ENG30004 - Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures | Advanced | ||
| ENG30002 - Soil Mechanics and Geology | Advanced | ||
| ENG30010 - Traffic and Road Safety Engineering | Introductory | ||
| ENG30009 - Hydraulic Engineering | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| ENG30005 - Design of Structures | Introductory | ||
| ENG30007 - Geotechnical Engineering | Advanced | ||
| ENG30011 - Regional and Urban Transport Planning | Introductory | ||
| ENG30012 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | Advanced | ||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 2 | |
| ENG40007 - Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics | Advanced | ||
| ENG40006 - Municipal Infrastructure Design and Surveying | Advanced | ||
| Choose one unit (subject to availability) from: BIO00244 - Protected Area Management OR ECO00202 - Ecological and Environmental Economics for Sustainable Development OR ENS00218 - Waste Technology OR PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning | Advanced | ||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 2 | |
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 3 | |
| Choose one unit (subject to availability) from: BIO00244 - Protected Area Management OR ECO00202 - Ecological and Environmental Economics for Sustainable Development OR ENS00218 - Waste Technology OR PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning | Advanced | ||
Notes
| Note 1: | Choose either: (a) MAT10001 Foundation Mathematics and MAT71003 Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists, or (b) MAT10720 Linear Algebra and MAT10719 Calculus. Students who have not completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent must choose option (a). |
| Note 2: | Students undertaking a Major must complete Thesis I and II in an area relevant to the Major as approved by the Course Coordinator. |
| Note 3: | Double-weighted unit |
Unit groups
Elective Units
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLY00223 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | Intermediate | ||
| FOR00106 - Wood Science and Utilisation | Intermediate | ||
| FOR00104 - Forest Operations | Intermediate | ||
| FOR00112 - Product Development and Marketing | Intermediate | ||
| FOR00100 - Fire Ecology and Management | Intermediate | ||
| MNG10247 - Managing Organisations | Introductory | ||
| PLN10002 - Sustainability and Professional Ethics for Planners | Introductory | ||
| PLN20001 - Land and Development Economics | Intermediate | ||
| PLN20002 - Settlements and Urban Design | Intermediate | ||
| PLN20005 - Community Engagement | Intermediate | ||
| MNG10253 - Sustainable Business Management | Advanced | ||
| BIO00244 - Protected Area Management | Advanced | ||
| ENS00218 - Waste Technology | Intermediate | ||
| ECO00202 - Ecological and Environmental Economics for Sustainable Development | Intermediate | ||
| PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning | Introductory | ||
| ENI72001 - Dynamics | Intermediate | ||
| ENI72005 - Introduction to Mechanical Design and Manufacturing | Intermediate | ||
| ENI73025 - Thermodynamics | Advanced | ||
| ENI73005 - Machine Element Design | Advanced | ||
| ENI73020 - Fluids Engineering | Advanced |
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