Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Systems Engineering for Civil Engineers
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Dr Ngoc San Ha
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8350
Course Coordinator Email: ngoc.san.ha@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 251.2.63
Course Coordinator Availability: Email for Appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
Assumed Knowledge
Completion of structural design and analysis courses at undergraduate level program or demonstrated equivalent capability.
Course Description
In this course you will be introduced to systems thinking in the context of whole of infrastructure life cycle, with a special emphasis on structural safety and resilience. The course covers systems approach in innovative design, construction, operation, and management of structures. You will learn to recognise and assess the performance of systems which are dependent on the performance of their components. A combination of technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects for robust and resilient structural systems will be considered through case studies covering the life cycle of structural systems. You will explore and engage with contemporary and emerging concepts and trends such as design for deconstruction and design for safe construction from the perspective of systems-thinking. The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing students to both learn from and contribute to the research base in this evolving field.
Please note that if you take this course for a bachelor honours program, your overall mark in this course will be one of the course marks that will be used to calculate the weighted average mark (WAM) that will determine your award level. (This applies to students who commence enrolment in a bachelor honours program from 1 January 2016 onward. See the WAM information web page for more information.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):
BH077P23 Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)
PLO 1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals 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 6. Use a systems engineering approach to synthesize and apply procedures for design, prototyping and testing to manage complex engineering projects.
PLO 7. Apply research principles and methods, taking into account risk and environmental and global context, to plan and execute complex projects.
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.
PLO 10. Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information, while exercising professional judgement, in an engineering context.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.BH077P23 Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Strengthen decision-making around risk and uncertainty through system analysis and design evaluation.
- Transmit new and emerging systems engineering concepts and trends for improvements in professional practice and ethos in others.
- Optimise structural system design through holistic analysis such as lifecycle analysis, sustainability, reliability and maintainability.
- Develop a system engineering management plan for successful execution and resilience of each stage of a system’s lifecycle.
Overview of Learning Activities
A modular, blended learning model comprising lecture/workshop sessions, on-line forums and team-based activities will be employed in the course.
You will be working on selected case studies applying a systems perspective to ascertain the wellbeing of structural systems.
On-line forums will be established to share information, promote active participation of all students in case study discussion and facilitate peer-learning to enhance skill development.
Total study hours: Lectures and tutorial sessions involve 3 hours/week over 12 weeks. In addition, you are expected to spend around 6 hours/week on revision, additional research and assignments.
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 Site.
Overview of Learning Resources
Lecture notes, references and further reading material will be posted on the course website (Canvas).
RMIT Library Subject Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/civileng
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
This course has no hurdle requirements.
Assessment Task 1: Written Assignment, 40% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 and CLO4
Assessment Task 2: Online Quiz, 20% CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3
Assessment Task 3: Final Assessment 40% CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 and CLO4.
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.