Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)

2021 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2021 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year

2021 course information

Award granted Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2021.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2021.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Duration4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code079998G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeS460
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

* Only the first year of this Engineering program is available at the Melbourne Burwood Campus.  Students enrolled at the Melbourne Burwood Campus will be required to transfer to the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus or Cloud (online) mode for the second year of their program.

International students holding student visas – this course is registered for delivery to student visa holders at Geelong Waurn Ponds campus.

The final intake to this course version was in 2021.

Students should contact a Student Adviser in Student Central for course and enrolment information.

Further course structure information can be found in the Handbook archive.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Graduate as an industry-ready civil engineer by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours). You’ll combine contemporary theory with hands-on projects to develop the skills needed to confidently design, construct and maintain the built infrastructure systems that are vital in our day-to-day lives.

In this Engineers Australia-accredited course, you’ll learn how to apply scientific and engineering principles to address complex problems and develop innovative solutions that are beneficial to organisations and the community.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of the way infrastructure works, not just through textbooks, but by applying your skills in multi-million dollar engineering facilities. Work on industry-relevant projects and undertake work placements to gain valuable real-world experience and build your professional networks.

Want to turn your big ideas into the creative solutions that power our future cities?

Deakin graduates are sought-after both in Australia and abroad. That’s because we train students in practical scenarios and look to develop skills beyond the technical.

You’ll be highly valued for your skills in innovation, leadership, project management and communication, as well as your ability to anticipate and tackle the unknown challenges of tomorrow. Throughout the course you’ll explore a diverse range of civil engineering disciplines related to structural, water, geotechnical and transportation engineering and civil engineering materials, then put the theory you learn into practice in Deakin’s world-class, multi-million dollar engineering precinct.

Deakin gives you access to some of the best engineering facilities in Australia. You’ll be able to get hands-on experience in our civil and structural laboratories, and realise and validate your designs through combinations of computer simulation and testing.

Key facilities available to civil engineering students include the geotechnical (soil and rock) testing lab, hydraulics and hydrology lab and two structural testing laboratories. Students can also access a range of other facilities including 3D printers, a materials science corrosion and polymer lab, concrete and structural testing facilities and CNC machining centres.

Project-oriented design-based learning (PODBL) in collaboration with industry is a key feature of our engineering courses. In addition to traditional theory-based classes, you’ll spend 50 per cent of every trimester learning via team-based projects, in which you take real-world industry problems and research, design, test and evaluate solutions, with the support of an academic.

Take these skills even further during your Professional Engineering Practice unit, where you’ll have the opportunity to work in a real engineering team. Build your industry experience, create a professional network and get an insight into your future career options.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Professional recognition

Deakin’s Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) is accredited by Engineers Australia, which gives the degree international recognition, allowing graduates to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Career opportunities

Graduates can expect to gain employment in a wide range of organisations such as construction companies, councils, water authorities, government bodies, public works departments and as consulting engineers.

Participation requirements

In order to satisfy course accreditation requirements, as specified and administered by Engineers Australia, all Cloud Campus enrolled students are required to participate in Campus learning activities equivalent to a minimum duration of one full academic week for every trimester of effective full time study in order to ensure that graduates possess and have demonstrated the minimum necessary knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes at successful completion of the course to be sufficiently prepared to enter professional engineering practice.

Cloud Campus enrolled students are required to attend campus mode conducted activities during the corresponding Intensive Week in a trimester. Attendance at campus mode activities is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programmes, failure to attend will result in not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. Thus, a fail grade shall be awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.

International students: Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s Cloud Campus. To participate in the mandatory campus based scheduled sessions during the trimester intensive week, it is suggested that you apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. Please be advised that Deakin University cannot guarantee that you will be granted a tourist visa by the Australian Government.

International students studying through the Cloud Campus may not be granted a visitor visa to complete mandatory onsite components of the course.

Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.


Articulation and credit transfer

Flexible entry into the course allows students to upgrade their qualifications and to obtain credit for previous studies/experience. Applicants with appropriate TAFE qualifications or other approved post-secondary studies may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. Credit may be considered for skills obtained in the workforce or by informal means.


Equipment requirements

Students must have access to a suitable computer and a network connection.  Information about the hardware and software requirements may be obtained from the School of Engineering, telephone 03 9244 6699.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Integrate well-developed knowledge of physical sciences and engineering fundamentals, which underpins the engineering discipline to analyse complex engineering problems and to evaluate possible solutions.  Apply professional engineering knowledge, and knowledge of contextual factors in order to design, develop and maintain sustainable engineering infrastructure, systems or products.  Plan and execute research projects to show capacity for advanced knowledge and skills in an engineering discipline and thereby demonstrate the ability to continue professional development and / or scholarship.

Communication

Apply effective communication skills in a professional context to interpret, evaluate and present technical engineering information using oral, written, visual modes.  Demonstrate proficiency in comprehending viewpoints of others and present arguments and justifications for representing engineering position to technical and non-technical audience.

Digital literacy 

Identify, select and use digital technologies and tools relevant to the engineering discipline to generate, manage and share information.  Demonstrate the ability to independently and systematically locate information, evaluate its reliability, and use the information for engineering design, problem solving and research purposes.

Critical thinking

Demonstrate autonomy and judgement through balanced application of logic, intellectual and research criteria to review, analyse, and synthesise information for engineering problem solving.

Problem solving

Apply engineering knowledge, skills and techniques to identify and define complex problems in a variety of contexts.  Evaluate and use established engineering methods to identify potential solutions to independently and collaboratively resolve complex engineering problems and realise solutions.  Demonstrate innovative and creative approaches and/or solutions in planning, designing or executing engineering projects. 

Self-management

Evaluate own knowledge and skills using frameworks of reflection and take responsibility for learning and performance.  Work responsibly and safely in engineering environments to demonstrate professionalism.

Teamwork

Undertake various team roles, work effectively within a team, and utilise effective teamwork skills in order to achieve learning goals.  Apply interpersonal skills to interact and collaborate to enhance outcomes through shared individual and collective knowledge and creative capacity to optimise complex problem resolution.

Global citizenship

Formulate sustainable engineering practices by integrating aspects of design, development or research through concern for economic, environmental, social and cultural perspectives and values.  Engage with global traditions and current trends in engineering practice in order to appreciate diversity, seek equity in outcomes and adopt ethical and professional standards. 

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours), students must attain 32 credit points. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course comprises a total of 32 credit points, which must include the following:

  • 23 core units (31 credit points -including 12 weeks of Professional Engineering Practice in SEP499)
  • 1 elective unit (1 credit point)
  • Completion of SEJ010 Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • Cloud Campus enrolled students are required to attend campus mode conducted activities during the corresponding Intensive Week in a trimester. Attendance at campus mode activities is linked to assessment requirements within the Engineering programs, failure to attend will result in not meeting the hurdle requirement of the respective assessment. Thus, a fail grade shall be awarded for the respective affected unit(s) for that particular trimester.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Course structure

Core

Level 1 - Trimester 1

STP050Academic Integrity (0 credit points)

STP010Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)

SEJ010Introduction to Safety and Project Oriented Learning (0 credit points)

SEJ101Design Fundamentals (2 credit points)‡

SEB101Engineering Physics

SIT199Applied Algebra and Statistics

Level 1 - Trimester 2

SEJ103Materials Engineering Project (2 credit points)

SIT194Introduction to Mathematical Modelling

SIT172Programming for Engineers ‡


Level 2 - Trimester 1

SEV200Geotechnical Investigation and Design (2 credit points)‡

SEM218Fluid Mechanics

SEP291Engineering Modelling

Level 2 - Trimester 2

SEJ201Structural Design (2 credit points)^

SEM216Stress and Failure Analysis

SEV254Road and Pavement Engineering


Level 3 - Trimester 1

SEV301Water Engineering Design (2 credit points)

SEV322Hydrology and Hydraulics

SEV320Theory of Structures

Level 3 - Trimester 2

SEV300Reinforced Concrete Design (2 credit points)

SEV323Steel and Timber Structures ‡

SEV362Geotechnical Engineering


Level 4 - Trimester 1

SEJ441Engineering Project A (2 credit points)~

SEV402Traffic and Transport Engineering

Plus 1 elective (one credit point)

Level 4 - Trimester 2

SEJ446Engineering Project B (2 credit points)~

SEV415Infrastructure Engineering ‡

SEP499Professional Engineering Practice *

* SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice is available in trimester 1, trimester 2 and trimester 3.  Students are encouraged to complete this unit in Trimester 3 of the third year of study.

~ Note: Students are expected to undertake SEJ441 and SEJ446 in consecutive trimesters.  Students will be required to seek approval from the unit chair if they are unable to complete SEJ441 and SEJ446 consecutively.

^ Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)

‡ Not available from 2022, replacement units are as follows:

If student has not completed.....

.....then they will complete instead

SEJ101 Design Fundamentals (2credit points)

SET111 Sustainable Design (1 credit point)

SEJ104 Engineering in Society (1 credit point)

SIT172 Programming for Engineers

SEP105 Programming and Visualisation

SEV200 Geotechnical Investigation and Design (2credit points)

SEJ202 Field Investigation (2 credit points)

SEV323 Steel and Timber Structures

Continuing students may replace SEV323 with an elective unit.  Recommended elective: SEN769 Advanced Structural Design

SEV415 Infrastructure Engineering

SEN770 Advanced Structural Design (recoded)


Electives

Engineering recommended elective units:

SEN729Railway Infrastructure Design and Management

SEJ751Materials Performance and Durability

SEN725Urban Stormwater Asset Design

SEN700Research Methodology

SEN727Applied Rock Engineering *

SEN728Transportation Infrastructure Systems

SEN769Advanced Structural Design

SET404Engineering Design: International Study Tour

SEV401Integrated Catchment Systems

Work experience

Through SEP499 Professional Engineering Practice, you’ll gain industry experience by completing at least 30 to 60 days of practical work experience in an engineering workplace, developing and enhancing your understanding of the engineering profession, possible career outcomes, and the opportunity to establish valuable professional networks.


Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Other learning experiences

In your final year of the course, you may apply to undertake an international study tour to engage in a structured program of study, usually involving short project work overseas to gain discipline specific technical expertise and to enhance your global engineering awareness and experience.

Research and research-related study

The key assessment of research and research skills in the programme is through the two linked 2 credit point units in the final year of the course. The first of these units is for students to develop a detailed research proposal and undertake preliminary proof-of-concept or testing of their experimental methods. The second unit is designed to undertake the proposed research and critically evaluate the outcomes of the project. The project is predominantly student-led with direction from an academic supervisor that has expertise in the research field.