Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil)

Civil engineers design, build and maintain the infrastructure that underpins modern life.

They make sure bridges, roads, tunnels, railways, dams, airports and water channels meet the needs of our society in a sustainable way.The University of Adelaide is ranked 17 in the world for Civil Engineering*.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) focuses on engineering problem-solving, and design and analysis, using modern, computer-based methods. The first and second years of the program develop mathematics and science skills, 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. A major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. All graduates—irrespective of major—qualify as civil engineers and can pursue a career in any specialist fields within the profession. Majors are available in Construction Management, Defence Systems, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Smart Technologies, Structural Engineering or Water Systems Engineering. Completion of a minor introduces students to an aligned field where there technical knowledge can be applied. This allows students to explore career opportunities in these areas. Minors are available in Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian engineering. Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) focuses on engineering problem-solving, and design and analysis, using modern, computer-based methods. The first and second years of the program develop mathematics and science skills, 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. Students are required to complete eight weeks of approved practical experience.

Areas of Specialisation

MajorsA major is a great way to specialise and pursue topics of interest without narrowing future options. All graduates—irrespective of major—qualify as civil engineers and can pursue a career in any specialist fields within the profession. Majors are available across the following areas:Renewable EnergyThe feild of renewable energy is rapidly changing as the industry works to secure the world's energy future in a sustainable way. In this major, students are exposed to a broad range of topics and develop skills and knowledge to work with current and future energy infrastructure. Environmental EngineeringA major in Environmental Engineering allows students to hone in on the connections engineering has with environment, society and economy and learning how to create more sustainable and environmentally-friendly infrastructure for the future. Students are exposed to real-world environmental projects based on industry needs in areas of urban water, integrated river management, environmental protection and more.Defence SystemsSouth Australia is Australia's defence state and home to many important defence investments and industries. Students learn and apply the integrated systems approach at the core of civil engineering- invaluable when dealing with defence systems - and study courses across environment impact assessment, circular economies and strategic planning. Smart TechnologiesThis major focuses on smart technologies used in the planning, design, management and monitoring of integrated social, environmental, urban and technological systems. It covers computer modelling of infrastructure systems, smart water systems, and integrated/ strategic planning.Construction ManagementConstruction management engineers are involved in managing construction infrastructure, operations, and sites. Students study construction processes and practices including optimisation of scheduling, labour and plant, and sustainable construction practices.Geotechnical EngineeringGeotechnical engineers design foundations, dams, embankments, retaining walls, tunnels, and roads, and they undertake work relating to landslides, earthquakes and contaminated land remediation. The Geotechnical Engineering major explores the composition and nature of the ground and how it behaves when loaded or when water flows through it.Structural EngineeringStructural engineers understand the forces structures carry and how they deform under load. The Structural Engineering major offers the most courses devoted to structural engineering and mechanics design in South Australia. Students study traditional methods and materials such as steel, timber, concrete, aluminium, glass and masonry, and modern technologies and materials including composites and polymers.Water Systems EngineeringWater systems engineers are involved in the design, operation and optimisation of water and wastewater treatment facilities, reservoirs, dams, pipe networks, open channels and stormwater drainage. The Water Systems Engineering major covers the physical principles of water when it is stationary and when it is flowing, hydrology, and factors that cause floods. MinorsCompletion of a minor introduces students to an aligned field where there technical knowledge can be applied. This allows students to explore career opportunities in these areas.Minors are available in the following:EntrepreneurshipTake the technical knowledge from the degree and create ventures in areas from large corporations, to small businesses, the not-for-profit sector, and community organisations through an Entrepreneurship minor. All technology advances in the past decade were once an idea that is now a reality through entrepreneurs. Students learn the processes, risks, rewards, motivations and societal impacts of innovation and entrepreneurship within regional, national and global perspectives.HumanitarianLearn how to work in emergency and humanitarian fields while having a positive global impact on developing populations through the Humanitarian Engineering minor. Students conduct design work with a focus on culture, economic background, and political climate, while developing a strong awareness of communities and the people who reside in them. Graduates are equipped to solve problems in complex environments, allowing them to make real-world change.

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.

Assessment

Assessment can vary from course to course and can include a combination of class work, tutorials, assignments, laboratory work, quizzes, project work and exams.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

Professional Accreditation

Engineers Australia

Potential careers

Civil Engineer, Defence Engineer, Railway Engineer, Engineer, Entrepreneur, Architectural Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Structural Engineer, Natural Resource Manager, Natural Resource Planner, Network Engineer, Networking Specialist, Civil Estimator, Construction Engineer, Construction Manager, Consultant, Consultant Engineer, Quality Control Engineer, Research Associates, Research Manager, Resource Management, Resource Manager, ...