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Bachelor of Engineering (Civil & Structural) B.E(CivSt)
2009

Program Outline | Related Programs | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Professional Accreditation | Useful Links | Program Rules

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 4 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

Civil and structural engineers create and maintain much of the physical infrastructure of society while managing and conserving natural resources. The goal is to do this in a sustainable manner. This ensures that we can provide adequate infrastructure and natural resources for current generations, without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Civil engineers are responsible for the planning, design and construction of bridges, buildings, structures, roads, water supply, dams, pipelines, sewerage treatment facilities, drainage, pollution control equipment, and coastal management facilities.

The program has an emphasis on engineering problem solving and design and analysis using modern, computer-based methods. The first and second years of the program develop a knowledge of maths and science courses, with fundamental engineering and design courses. Third and fourth years include professional engineering courses, specialisations, communication and management courses and project work within the main areas of structural, geotechnical and water engineering.

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Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic ? and international ? students.

Domestic

Selection criteria: ?
  • Year 12 applicants
    2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 80.45
    You must not have completed more than 4 years full time equivalent university study (96 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
  • Higher Education applicants
    You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
  • VET applicants
    You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Prerequisites: ? SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics

IB: Mathematics (HL grade 4), Physics (SL grade 5/HL grade 4)

Assumed knowledge: ? SACE Stage 2 Chemistry
How to apply: ?
SATAC Code: 314171
Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees: ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $7,412
General enquiries: Student Centre

International

Selection criteria: ?
IELTS Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6
International TER 80
Prerequisites: ? Mathematics and Physics
Assumed knowledge: Chemistry is desirable
How to apply:
Mid-year entry? Yes
Annual tuition fees: ? International student place: $23,000
General enquiries: Student Centre
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Areas of Specialisation

Civil and Structural Engineering

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Level I

Semester 1

Semester 2

Level II

Semester 1

  • MATHS 2201 Engineering Mathematics I (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG 2068 Environmental Engineering & Sustainability II (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG 2025 Strength of Materials IIA (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG 2071 Water Engineering IIA (3 units)

Semester 2

Level III

Semester 1

  • C&ENVENG 3007 Structural Design III (Steel) (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG 3001 Structural Mechanics IIIA (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG xxxx Environmental Engineering & Sustainability III (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG 3xxx Engineering Hydrology (3 units)

Semester 2

Level IV

Semester 1

  • C&ENVENG 4034 Engineering Management IV (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG 4003 A/B Civil & Structural Engineering Research Project Part 1 (3 units)
  • Specialisations (6 units)

Semester 2

  • C&ENVENG 4003 A/B Civil & Structural Engineering Research Project Part 2 (3 units)
  • C&ENVENG xxxx Civil & Structural Core Course (3 units)
  • Specialisations (6 units)

* Students who are not selected for Honours will be required to complete 2 additional final year specialisation courses instead of the Research Project.

Specialisations

Students should take at least two courses from the one group. The remaining may be chosen from any group. Alternatively, students may take up to 3 units of Level II or III courses offered by the School of Mathematical Sciences. In special circumstances other combinations of specialisation courses may be acceptable but must be approved by the Head of School.

Group I: Structural Engineering

Group II: Geotechnical Engineering

Group III: Water Engineering

Group IV: Management Engineering

Group V: Environmental Engineering

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Career Opportunities

Some of the more common careers in civil engineering are described below:

Structural Engineers

Structural Engineers design the framework of buildings, towers, bridges, tunnels and other structures to ensure strength and rigidity. Factors which must be considered include tolerable stresses within given safety margins, vibration allowances, size, shape, appearance and economy. They study developments of new materials and methods and their impact on design and construction.

Materials and Testing Engineers

Materials and Testing Engineers conduct research, development tests and evaluation of the quality or suitability or materials and products related to projects such as bridges, dams, roads, airports, railways, waste disposal, flood control and industrial and other large buildings; co-ordinate and direct the research, development and testing of materials such as asphalt, concrete, steel, cement, timber and plastics, considering factors such as stresses and strains, estimated load, water pressures, wind resistance and temperature fluctuations; and advise contractors and others on materials most suited to meet individual construction problems.

Highways Engineers

Highway Engineers specialise in analysing population and growth statistics and traffic patterns and volume to project future requirements; consult with government officials and other specialists to design efficient and safe traffic systems; and study roadway and embankment design, the geometry of highway interchanges and the maintenance of facilities such as culverts and overpasses.

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Graduate Attributes

Technical Knowledge and Application of Knowledge Skills

  • Competence in engineering fundamentals.
  • Competence in Structural Engineering plus at least one other of the following areas of Civil Engineering:
    • Water engineering or
    • Geotechnical engineering.
  • Competence in using computers and information technology effectively.
  • Ability to apply an integrative or systems approach to solving engineering problems.
  • Ability to prepare and interpret engineering sketches and drawings.
  • Awareness of uncertainty and recognising limitations of engineering approaches and systems.
  • Awareness for the need for sustainable systems and principles of sustainable design.
  • Awareness of the assessment and the management of risk.

Thinking Skills

  • Competence in problem identification, formulation and solution.
  • Competence in critical and independent thinking.
  • Competence in creative and innovative thinking.
  • Ability to effectively synthesise information and ideas.
  • Ability to conduct investigations and research into Civil and Structural Engineering problems.

Technical Professional Skills

  • Familiarity with project management skills.
  • Awareness of business and financial management.
  • Awareness of human resources management issues.
  • Awareness of legal issues in relation to Civil and Structural Engineering.

Personal Skills and Attitudes

  • Competence to adapt to a changing society (lifelong learning skills).
  • Ability to act in a professional manner.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others in the engineering profession and the community - written, oral and listening skills.
  • Ability to take on a leadership role.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
  • Ability to manage effectively the allocation of time in performing tasks.
  • Ability to work comfortably with other disciplines.
  • Awareness of engineering ethics.
  • Awareness of the social, cultural, political, international and environmental context of professional engineering practice.

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Professional Accreditation

This program is accredited by The Institute of Engineers Australia.

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The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Monday, 22 Dec 2008

Program Talks

Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering:
Who Put the Civil In Civilisation?

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How did engineers and engineering technology affect the development of human civilisation? Where are we now, and what will future civilisations look like?