updated 8:11 PM on Fri, 16 April
View course information for 2020
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
With strong population growth and significant changes in hydrology predicted for the coastal margin of Australia, there is an increasing demand for civil and environmental engineers with expertise in managing coastal and floodplain hydrology.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering is one of just a few specialist undergraduate professional engineering degrees in Australia to train industry-ready graduates for work in water engineering, coastal engineering and catchment management. The course addresses an increasing need for engineering expertise in these fields that is currently only available through on-the-job training and/or postgraduate qualifications.
With strong population growth and significant changes in hydrology predicted for the coastal margin of Australia, there is an increasing demand for civil and environmental engineers with expertise in managing coastal and floodplain hydrology.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering is one of just a few specialist undergraduate professional engineering degrees in Australia to train industry-ready graduates for work in water engineering, coastal engineering and catchment management. The course addresses an increasing need for engineering expertise in these fields that is currently only available through on-the-job training and/or postgraduate qualifications.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
A maximum of the equivalent of 16 single-weighted units (192 credit credit points) of Advanced Standing may be granted to meet the requirements for accreditation of the course by Engineers Australia.
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Majors:
There is also a 'no major' option, with a wide range of elective units.
All students complete core units that cover coastal engineering and management, floodplain engineering and management, project management, hydraulic engineering, water and wastewater engineering, engineering geochemistry and hydrology. 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.
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.
Domestic students
| Location | Session |
|---|---|
| Lismore | 1, 2 |
| Online | 1, 2 |
International students
| Location | Session | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lismore | 1, 2 | $32,000 ($4,000 per unit) | 098590G |
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
Applications are not available for 2020. Please select a different year above or see Course Options for courses currently offered.
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
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.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Apply a multidisciplinary systems engineering approach to identify relevant factors and evaluate their importance in complex coastal engineering problems Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise engineering knowledge to identify and develop solutions to complex coastal engineering problems with intellectual independence Conduct research related to coastal engineering with some independence |
Adapt and apply a broad contextual knowledge using highly developed technical, design and communication skills to devise innovative solutions to complex coastal engineering and management problems |
Use highly developed professional judgement to apply contemporary ethical standards and exhibit appropriate professional conduct in the engineering environment |
Demonstrate a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics and other basic sciences that underpin the coastal engineering discipline Apply appropriate technical skills and demonstrate a detailed understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge related to coastal engineering and management |
Apply critical reflection to assess professional development with respect to the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies Demonstrate the ability to acquire, use and adapt to changes in information and technology Demonstrate an ability to develop new knowledge and apply it to solving coastal engineering problems |
Demonstrate the ability to work in teams with engineers and other professionals to solve coastal engineering problems using a systems engineering approach in a project environment Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with a variety of audiences including engineers, other professionals, and the wider community |
Demonstrate an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives in the context of a systems approach to coastal engineering |
Assessment items vary for each unit. They include numerical calculations, written assessment, oral presentations, exams and project based scenarios within groups and as individuals.
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.
As a civil or environmental engineer in a range of settings involving systems and infrastructure in the coastal zone, including municipal and government authorities, water supply and management agencies, construction companies, natural resource management organisations, consulting engineering companies, airport authorities, mining companies, irrigation authorities, research organisations, and education organisations.
As part of this course, students are required to undertake a compulsory 60-day industry placement.
Industry experience enables students to apply their knowledge and skills to engineering problems within a real work environment, and to make valuable contacts within industry. Students typically undertake one or more work placements with an organisation conducting work related to engineering practice.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering has provisional accreditation from Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer and will be assessed for full accreditation at this level in 2022. Courses accredited by Engineers Australia at this level are recognised in many different countries worldwide through the Washington Accord, an international agreement governing recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering, students must complete the equivalent of 32 single-weighted units (384 credit points), comprising:
Honours
All candidates successfully completing this course will be awarded Honours. Additionally, a candidate who has reached the required standard of academic performance may, on the recommendation of the Course Coordinator, be awarded Honours with one of the following merit descriptors:
Honours merit descriptors will be determined based on a candidate’s academic record throughout the course of study, as described on the Engineering Student Centre website.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 1 | |||
| SUR00201 - Environmental Mapping | Introductory | ||
| ENG10759 - Processes and Philosophy of Engineering | Introductory | ||
| PHY10760 - Physics and Materials | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics this session | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10720 - Linear Algebra this session | Intermediate | ||
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| CHE00201 - Chemistry | Introductory | ||
| ENG10758 - Humanitarian Engineering Project | Introductory | ||
| ENG10757 - Applied Mechanics | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71215 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus this session | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10719 - Calculus this session | Intermediate | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| GLY62001 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG72002 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| GLY00201 - Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists this session | Introductory | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10721 - Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations this session | Advanced | ||
| ENG62002 - Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG72004 - Fluid Dynamics | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG20007 - Engineering Computations | Intermediate | ||
| Year 2, Session 3 | |||
| ENV10655 - Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks | Intermediate | ||
| ENO71001 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| ENG72005 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| CHE00073 - Environmental Chemistry | Intermediate | ||
| ENG61004 - Construction Materials - Soils | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| ENG63002 - Soil Mechanics Fundamentals | Advanced | Note 1 | |
| GLY73001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics | Advanced | ||
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability)
| |||
| The two half-weighted units ENG62003 - Introduction to Solid Mechanics and ENG72003 - Mechanics of Materials for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major | Intermediate | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability) | |||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| ENG30012 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | Advanced | ||
| AGR00215 - Water and Catchment Management | Advanced | ||
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability) | |||
| The unit PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning for the Coastal Zone Management Major | Introductory | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability) | |||
| Year 3, Study Period 6 | |||
| GLY82001 - Hydrogeology | Intermediate | ||
| ENG83001 - Engineering for Resilient Catchments and Floodplains | Advanced | ||
| Year 4, Study Period 1 | |||
| ENG83002 - Engineering in Dynamic Coastal Environments | Advanced | ||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| ENG40007 - Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics | Advanced | ||
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| The unit GLY00232 - Coastal Biogeochemistry for the Coastal Geochemistry Major | Intermediate | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability) | |||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 2, Note 3 | |
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability) | |||
| The unit BIO01230 - Principles of Coastal Resource Management for the Coastal Zone Management Major | Advanced | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability) | |||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| CHE00201 - Chemistry | Introductory | ||
| ENG10758 - Humanitarian Engineering Project | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take
MAT10719 - Calculus this session | Intermediate | ||
| Year 1, Session 3 | |||
| ENV10655 - Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks | Intermediate | ||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| GLY00201 - Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere | Introductory | ||
| PHY10760 - Physics and Materials | Introductory | ||
| ENG10759 - Processes and Philosophy of Engineering | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics this session | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10720 - Linear Algebra this session | Intermediate | ||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| ENG10757 - Applied Mechanics | Introductory | ||
| ENG62002 - Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG72004 - Fluid Dynamics | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71215 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus this session | Introductory | ||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10721 - Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations this session | Advanced | ||
| Year 2, Session 3 | |||
| ENO71001 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| ENG72005 - Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists this session | Introductory | ||
| ENG61004 - Construction Materials - Soils | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| ENG63002 - Soil Mechanics Fundamentals | Advanced | Note 1 | |
| CHE00073 - Environmental Chemistry | Intermediate | ||
| SUR00201 - Environmental Mapping | Introductory | ||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| ENG20007 - Engineering Computations | Intermediate | ||
| ENG30012 - Water and Wastewater Engineering | Advanced | ||
| AGR00215 - Water and Catchment Management | Advanced | ||
| Year 3, Session 3 | |||
| GLY82001 - Hydrogeology | Intermediate | ||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| GLY62001 - Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG72002 - Rainfall-Runoff Modelling | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| GLY73001 - Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics | Advanced | ||
| ENG40007 - Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics | Advanced | ||
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| The unit GLY00232 - Coastal Biogeochemistry for the Coastal Geochemistry Major | Intermediate | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| The two half-weighted units ENG62003 - Introduction to Solid Mechanics and ENG72003 - Mechanics of Materials for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major | Intermediate | ||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major (subject to availability) | |||
| Year 4, Session 2 | |||
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| Two single-weighted units or equivalent (24 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability)) | |||
| The units PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning AND BIO01230 - Principles of Coastal Resource Management for the Coastal Zone Management Major | Introductory | ||
| Two single-weighted units or equivalent (24 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| Two single-weighted units or equivalent (24 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major (subject to availability) | |||
| Year 4, Session 3 | |||
| ENG83001 - Engineering for Resilient Catchments and Floodplains | Advanced | ||
| ENG83002 - Engineering in Dynamic Coastal Environments | Advanced | ||
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| Year 5, Session 1 | |||
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 2, Note 3 | |
| Depending on your major, take one of the following: | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability) | |||
| One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major (subject to availability) | |||
| Note 1: | Half-weighted unit. |
| Note 2: | Double-weighted unit. |
| Note 3: | Students undertaking a major will be required by the Unit Assessor to focus on an aspect of the project that is relevant to their major, and which demonstrates advanced learning in this field. |
| Note 4: | Students undertaking a major must complete a research project in Engineering Thesis I and Engineering Thesis II that is relevant to the major as approved by the Course Coordinator. |
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| If you choose not to select a major, no major name will appear on your academic transcript or your testamur. | |||
| Take all of the following units: | |||
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | ||
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | ||
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | ||
| Choose four (4) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 48 credit points) from the following: | |||
| PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning | Introductory | ||
| ENG62003 - Introduction to Solid Mechanics | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG72003 - Mechanics of Materials | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| GLY20001 - Environmental Analysis: Solids | Intermediate | ||
| GLY20002 - Environmental Analysis: Aqueous | Intermediate | ||
| GLY00232 - Coastal Biogeochemistry | Intermediate | ||
| AGR00214 - Soil Processes | Intermediate | ||
| GLY00223 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | Intermediate | ||
| ECO00202 - Ecological Economics for Sustainable Development | Intermediate | ||
| ISY01224 - Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis | Intermediate | ||
| ENG61006 - Tendering for Civil Construction Projects | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| ENG61005 - Cost Estimation, Monitoring and Control | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| GLY30001 - Contamination Assessment and Remediation | Advanced | ||
| GLY30002 - Phase Equilibria, Thermodynamics and Kinetics | Advanced | ||
| AGT00217 - Land Degradation and Rehabilitation | Advanced | ||
| BIO10120 - Marine Systems Science and Management | Advanced | ||
| ENG30004 - Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures | Advanced | ||
| ENG30007 - Geotechnical Engineering | Advanced | ||
| BIO00244 - Protected Area Management | Advanced | ||
| BIO01230 - Principles of Coastal Resource Management | Advanced | ||
| BIO10125 - Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment | Advanced | ||
| BIO10126 - Marine Pollution | Advanced | ||
| ENG30005 - Design of Steel Structures | Introductory | ||
| SUR73001 - Drone Technology and Use | Advanced | ||
| MNG92100 - Strategic Asset Management | Intermediate | ||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take all of the following units: | |||
| ENG62003 - Introduction to Solid Mechanics | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG72003 - Mechanics of Materials | Intermediate | Note 1 | |
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 2, Note 3 | |
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| Choose three (3) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 36 credit points) from the following: | |||
| ENG30007 - Geotechnical Engineering | Advanced | ||
| ENG30004 - Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures | Advanced | ||
| ENG30005 - Design of Steel Structures | Introductory | ||
| MNG92100 - Strategic Asset Management | Intermediate | ||
| SUR73001 - Drone Technology and Use | Advanced | ||
| ENG61006 - Tendering for Civil Construction Projects | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| ENG61005 - Cost Estimation, Monitoring and Control | Introductory | Note 1 | |
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take all of the following units: | |||
| GLY00232 - Coastal Biogeochemistry | Intermediate | ||
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 2, Note 3 | |
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| Choose three (3) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 36 credit points) from the following: | |||
| GLY20002 - Environmental Analysis: Aqueous | Intermediate | ||
| GLY00223 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | Intermediate | ||
| GLY20001 - Environmental Analysis: Solids | Intermediate | ||
| AGR00214 - Soil Processes | Intermediate | ||
| GLY30001 - Contamination Assessment and Remediation | Advanced | ||
| GLY30002 - Phase Equilibria, Thermodynamics and Kinetics | Advanced | ||
| AGT00217 - Land Degradation and Rehabilitation | Advanced | ||
| SUR73001 - Drone Technology and Use | Advanced | ||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take all of the following units: | |||
| PLN10001 - Rural and Regional Planning | Introductory | ||
| BIO01230 - Principles of Coastal Resource Management | Advanced | ||
| ENG40005 - Engineering Capstone Project | Advanced | Note 2, Note 3 | |
| ENG40001 - Engineering Thesis I | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| ENG40004 - Engineering Thesis II | Advanced | Note 4 | |
| Choose two (2) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 24 credit points) from the following: | |||
| ECO00202 - Ecological Economics for Sustainable Development | Intermediate | ||
| GLY00223 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | Intermediate | ||
| ISY01224 - Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis | Intermediate | ||
| GLY00232 - Coastal Biogeochemistry | Intermediate | ||
| BIO10125 - Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment | Advanced | ||
| BIO10126 - Marine Pollution | Advanced | ||
| BIO00244 - Protected Area Management | Advanced | ||
| SUR73001 - Drone Technology and Use | Advanced | ||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students who have not completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent must choose Option 1 | |||
| Take all of the following three (3) units: | |||
| MAT10001 - Foundation Mathematics | Introductory | ||
| MAT71215 - Introductory Algebra and Calculus | Introductory | ||
| MAT71003 - Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists | Introductory | ||
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 2 is an alternative pathway for students who have completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent and wish to undertake more advanced mathematics study | |||
| Take all of the following three (3) units: | |||
| MAT10719 - Calculus | Intermediate | ||
| MAT10720 - Calculus and Linear Algebra II | Intermediate | ||
| MAT10721 - Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations | Advanced | ||