Outline

Overview

The objective of this unit is to provide students with knowledge of fundamental numerical analysis concepts and of finite element analysis, and how to apply this knowledge to the solution of civil engineering problems at intermediate and advanced levels. At the end of this unit, students should acquire knowledge of methods of formulating finite element equations, basic element types, the use of finite element methods for solving problems in structural, geotechnical and continuum analysis and the use of finite element software packages. The syllabus comprises an introduction to fundamentals numerical analysis tools; introduction to discrete elements, finite difference, and finite element theory; analysis of bars, beams and columns, and assemblages of these structural elements; analysis of elastic continua; problems of plane strain and plane stress; use, testing and validation of finite element software packages; and extensions to apply this knowledge to problems encountered in engineering practice. On completion of this unit, students will have gained the following knowledge and skills: 1. Knowledge of fundamental techniques in numerical analysis that can be applied to a broad range of problems ,2. Knowledge of methods of formulating finite element equations. This will provide students with an insight into the principles at the basis of the FE elements available in commercial FE software. 3. Knowledge of basic element types. Students will be able to evaluate the adequacy of different elements in providing accurate and reliable results. 4. Knowledge of the use of finite element methods for solving problems in structural and geotechnical engineering applications. Students will be exposed to some applications to enable them to gain familiarity with FE analyses. 5. Knowledge of the use of finite element programming and modeling. 6. Extended knowledge of the application of FE to solve civil engineering problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Civil Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Francois Guillard, francois.guillard@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Quiz Demonstrate understanding of numerical analysis concepts	20%	Week 05 Due date: 25 Mar 2026 at 11:00	2h	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	One dimensional finite element analysis Coding of a one-dimensional finite element problem.	20%	Week 08 Due date: 20 Apr 2026 at 23:59	5 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Mid-project report Finite element analysis of a specific aspect of a particular civil project (ie. geotechnical, fluid, structural aspect).	30%	Week 10 Due date: 10 May 2026 at 23:59	Max 10p	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Project Presentation Presentation of the final project work.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2026 at 13:50	20 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Final Project Report Finite element analysis of an authentic structure.	15%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59	~5p	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

See above for assessment list.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties follow the University of Sydney policy of -5%/late day.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to numerical methods. Stress and strain in continua, plane elasticity, strength of materials	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to numerical methods. Stress and strain in continua, plane elasticity, strength of materials	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Fundamentals of linear algebra for mechanical problems. General numerical integration methods.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Fundamentals of linear algebra for mechanical problems. General numerical integration methods.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Solving mechanical problems with numerical methods.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Solving mechanical problems with numerical methods.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Finite Elements concepts and fundamentals.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Finite Elements concepts and fundamentals.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	One dimensional elements: bar.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	One dimensional elements: bar.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Beam element	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Beam element	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Beams and Frames.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Beams and Frames.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Two dimensional problems and Poisson's equation.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Two dimensional problems and Poisson's equation.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Plane stresses, thin plates	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Plane stresses, thin plates	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Three dimensional elements, isoparametric formulation.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Three dimensional elements, isoparametric formulation.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Meshing considerations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Meshing considerations.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Artificial intelligence for the future civil engineer	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Artificial intelligence for the future civil engineer	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion, project presentations and discussions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion, project presentations and discussions	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures and tutorials are 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.

Required readings

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. understand and code fundamental algorithms for numerical resolutions
LO2. solve simple engineering problems using the appropriate numerical algorithm
LO3. formulate equations based on the principles at the basis of the FE elements
LO4. model and solve civil engineering problems by using Finite Element software
LO5. evaluate the adequacy of different element types in providing accurate and reliable results
LO6. interpret Finite Element analysis results via oral presentations and question and answer sessions
LO7. write technical reports on Finite Element analysis

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Update to course material and assignment structure based on student feedback and formal unit review.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CIVL5458: Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links