Knowledge and understanding
A graduate with the award of Bachelor of Engineering (Civil & Computing) will be expected to have a general knowledge and understanding of:
* science and scientific method;
* professional expectations relating to ethics and legal responsibilities;
* the principles of human, physical and resources management associated with the management of engineering projects.
Understanding and skills
The graduate should have understanding and skills relating to the following specific topics:
* materials behaviour and design requirements for a range of materials including soil, rock, timber, steel, concrete and bitumen-based end products;
* computer usage including analysis, design, data-based management and text processing based on a range of systems;
* fluid systems including channel flow of water in pipe networks and the control and prediction of flow in various topographical catchments;
* traffic and transport systems including methods of predicting and controlling traffic in urban and rural environments;
* establishment of load requirements for a range of structural systems and the determination of loading effects on those systems
* the resource and environmental impact of engineering decisions;
* human, project and financial management.
Professional attitudes
The graduate is expected to display the following general attributes:
* acceptable oral and written skills;
* the capacity to organise and to work as part of a team;
* an understanding of and commitment to total quality management;
* a critical approach to problem solving;
* an ability to seek, evaluate and utilise knowledge;
* self motivation and an ability to perform independent work;
* an ability to synthesise knowledge;
* a commitment to ongoing learning;
* an appreciation of the appropriate use of technology and a sensitivity to the impact of technology on society;
* a concern for the environment and an appreciation of the need for sustainable development;
* a creative and responsive approach to all challenges;
* skills in the mathematical and physical sciences and an appreciation of their limitations.
Intellectual and cultural attributes
Graduates will be expected to be aware of and responsive to issues such as:
* the quest for knowledge over a wide range of human endeavour and a critical evaluation of that knowledge;
* an understanding of political processes and an appreciation of, and a sensitivity to the consequences of political decision making;
* interpersonal relationships, work place safety, and non-discriminatory practices;
* the arts and related cultural diversity;
* the societal expectations of civil engineers and other professionals;
* the need to be aware of and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge based on current best practice;
* an acknowledgment of personal limitations, both technically and in professional relationships.
Course of studies
The scope of civil engineering is vast. Civil engineers work in branches such as structural engineering, soil engineering, rock engineering, dam engineering, hydraulic engineering, highway engineering, traffic engineering, sanitary engineering, water resources engineering, town planning and coastal engineering. In any of these branches a civil engineer may work in the functional areas of research, investigation, design, construction or operation and the undergraduate course in the Department of Civil Engineering prepares a student accordingly.
The civil engineering course includes basic science as a necessary foundation for engineering science, which in turn provides a foundation for the applied science and a background for the applied art of civil engineering. Thus at level one, a major section of the course consists of the basic sciences of mathematics, physics and electrical technology. Level-one studies also introduce studies in applied mechanics, engineering communications and computer studies.
Level-two subjects expand and extend the coverage of engineering science with studies in fluid mechanics, materials science and further mathematics and computing. The applications to engineering are elucidated by studies in structural engineering and surveying. Engineering management is also introduced.
Level-three subjects further extend the studies in engineering science but with an increasing emphasis on their integration with applied civil engineering. Studies in structural engineering, computer applications and engineering management are continued. Geology and soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, timber engineering, and hydrology, hydraulics and public health engineering are introduced; an industrial project is also undertaken.
Level-four further expands on earlier studies in computing, engineering management, structural engineering and the industrial project. Students are exposed to civil engineering design which draws together much of the material covered in earlier studies. Traffic engineering and planning and municipal and highway engineering are covered. Students also elect to study either project management, geotechnics or computer applications.
A feature of the course is an annual one-week camp at a location away from Melbourne, attended by third and fourth year students. At this camp, students learn to apply the results of their civil engineering studies to practical civil engineering problems. Students are also required to obtain work experience during the long vacations.
The overall aim of the course is to prepare a well-rounded professional poised for employment in any of a wide range of civil engineering occupations and eager for continuing education to remain abreast of latest developments in his or her discipline.