Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Civil & Infrastructure Engineering

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
CIVE1265	City Campus	Undergraduate	172H School of Engineering	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021, Sem 2 2022, Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024

Course Coordinator: Ricky Chan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 9975

Course Coordinator Email: ricky.chan@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 10.12.11

Course Coordinator Availability: Appointment by email

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course is an introductory course to the profession of civil engineering. The first half of the course introduces statics: vectors, forces, moments, equilibrium of plane bodies, analysis of planar pin-jointed trusses, axial stress and deformations. Learning activities allow you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the practical design of a model bridge structure for optimum strength which will be verified using experimentation, in which the materials will be tested to failure in laboratory class.

The course also introduces flexural elements subjected to transverse loads (i.e. beams). You will learn to evaluate internal shears, moments and corresponding stresses through problem solving sessions. This course provides foundation knowledge, skills and their application which are relevant to subsequent courses in Civil Engineering.

The second half of the course introduces the basic principles and construction practices for a range of constructions such as buildings, bridges, foundations and earth retaining structures. You will learn the basis of design criteria and construction technologies such as choice of structural systems, different types of foundations in relation to loads and ground conditions, construction materials and construction machineries.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Characterise the engineering properties of common construction materials
2. Describe the fundamental structural systems of low, medium, and high-rise buildings, bridges, and earth-retaining structures
3. Model systems of forces acting on a rigid body using mathematical operations of vectors
4. Analyse truss systems to determine internal forces using the methods of joints and sections
5. Communicate group investigation outcomes to specialist and non-specialist audiences appropriately
6. Collaborate and contribute as an effective team member or leader in a multi-disciplinary team

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for:
BH077P23 Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) (Honours)
BH088CIH23 Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Engineering) (Honours) / Bachelor of Business
BH126 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

PLO 1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals within the engineering discipline​
PLO 2. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced body of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities, bounds, design practice and research trends of contemporary engineering practice including sustainable practice
PLO 4. Apply knowledge of established engineering methods to the solution of complex problems in the engineering discipline
PLO 5. Utilise mathematics, software, tools and techniques, referencing appropriate engineering standards and codes of practice, in the design of complex engineering systems
PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods, in an individual or team environment, to diverse audiences.​​

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) for:
BH073P22 Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering) (Honours)
BH077 Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure)(Honours)
BH088CIHDD Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure)(Honours) / Bachelor of Business (Management)

1 Knowledge and Skill Base
1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.

2 Engineering Application Ability
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

3 Professional and Personal Attributes
3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanor.
3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.  

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of Learning activities such as viewing pre-recorded lecture videos, attending face-to-face lectorials, and attend an online laboratory class. Delivery may be face-to-face, online or a mix of both. Concepts underlying each topic are made clear through problem solving in lectorial classes. The construction project foster group discussion and communication skills relevant to professional engineering practices. Assessments are completed individually (assignments, tests and lab reports) and in teams (construction project).

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. Resources include a recommended text-book, pre-recorded lecture videos, lecture slides, worked examples and a laboratory manual.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment tasks

Assessment Task 1: Laboratory report, 20%, CLO1
Assessment Task 2: Test, 30%, CLO1 and CLO2
Assessment Task 3: Test, 30%, CLO3 and CLO4
Assessment Task 4: Project, 20%, CLO2, CLO5 and CLO6

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.