Unit outline_

CIVL1900: Introduction to Civil Engineering

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The objective of this unit of study is to introduce students to the field of civil engineering and its areas of specialisation: structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction management, transportation engineering, and humanitarian engineering. The unit will cover basic physics concepts relevant to civil engineering. The unit will equip students with knowledge of foundational civil engineering tools and techniques such as the identification and calculation of loads on structures, structural systems, and load paths in structures. The unit covers design and construction issues related to the use of standard materials such as steel, concrete, and timber. The unit includes several design tasks and a design project with an emphasis on issues associated with the impact of civil infrastructure on the natural environment, the economy, and social and humanitarian outcomes. The topics will provide a sound foundation for the further study of civil infrastructure design, analysis, construction, and maintenance.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Civil Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG1800 or CHNG1108 or MECH1560 or AERO1560 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or MTRX1701 or ENGG1960 or ELEC1004 or ELEC1005 or ENVE1001
Assumed knowledge
? 

HSC Mathematics Extension 1

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator David Airey, david.airey@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam exam
Examination involving simple calculations using engineering concepts and written explanations.
40% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Contribution Discussion posting
Short report
0% Week 01
Due date: 01 Mar 2026 at 23:59
200 words maximum AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 02
Due date: 05 Mar 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photo of working/drawing
1% Week 03
Due date: 12 Mar 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Contribution Early Feedback Task Discussion posting
Short report #earlyfeedbacktask
3% Week 03
Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59
300 words max AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 04
Due date: 19 Mar 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 05
Due date: 26 Mar 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 07
Due date: 16 Apr 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Contribution Discussion posting
Short report
3% Week 07
Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:59
300 words max AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 08
Due date: 23 Apr 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Creative work group assignment Bridge design, test and report
Report describing design and performance of paddle pop stick bridge
20% Week 08
Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 03 May 2026
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 09
Due date: 30 Apr 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 10
Due date: 07 May 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 11
Due date: 14 May 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Contribution Discussion posting
Short report
3% Week 11
Due date: 17 May 2026 at 23:59
300 words max AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Practical skill Workshop submission
Photograph of working/drawing
1% Week 12
Due date: 21 May 2026 at 18:00
1 page AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Presentation group assignment Route Planning exercise
Presentation followed by Q&A
20% Week 13 20 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO7 LO1
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

As per University policy

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Transition activities Tutorial (2 hr)  
Introduction + gravity loads Workshop (2 hr) LO6
Week 02 Gravity Loads, sketching Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO3
Stress, Strain and Strength Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Material strength, sketching Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO3
Loads in structures Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO3
Week 04 Loads in structures and Structural Drawings Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO3
Bending Stresses and Buckling Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 05 Bending, buckling and Construction drawings Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6 LO3
Bridge Design and Construction management Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Sand building exercise Fieldwork (2 hr) LO2
Friction, Soils and Rocks Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 07 Friction, soils and rocks Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Geotechnical models and Foundations Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO3
Week 08 Paddle pop bridge testing Tutorial (2 hr) LO6
Project management and Pavements Workshop (2 hr) LO5 LO3
Week 09 Foundation and pavement design Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Transport planning and logistics Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Statistics in Transport Tutorial (2 hr) LO7
Water supply, Reservoirs and pipe networks Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Water experiments Practical (2 hr) LO4 LO5
Wind loads, Dynamics and Humanitarian Eng Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Loads from wind and water Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO6
Engineering Failures, Ethics Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Presentations, Route Planning Activity Assessment (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Course review Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO3 LO2

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at workshops and tutorials is compulsory.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Describe the roles and activities undertaken by Civil Engineers, and explain their importance in addressing societal and environmental needs.
  • LO2. Describe the characteristics of effective teamwork in engineering projects, and demonstrate collaborative skills in group-based activities
  • LO3. Interpret engineering drawings and create sketches to communicate technical ideas effectively
  • LO4. Give clear and concise written explanations of basic engineering principles and their applications to Civil Engineering.
  • LO5. Solve simple practical problems in Civil Engineering by applying entry-level problem-solving techniques
  • LO6. Apply basic science and engineering concepts, tools, and methodologies to address foundational Civil Engineering tasks
  • LO7. Utilise mathematical and statistical tools to solve straightforward problems in Civil Engineering

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The course content is essentially the same as in 2025, however, in response to student feedback and enhanced AI capabilities the number of assessments has been reduced, an exam introduced, and lectures have been replaced by workshops.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.