Outline

Overview

The objectives of this unit of study are to develop an understanding of the processes occurring in lakes, reservoirs, streams and coastal seas, an introduction to transport and mixing in inland waters, and to the design the design of marine structures. The unit will cover the mass and heat budget in stored water bodies, mixing, and the implications for water quality. In streams, natural river systems will be discussed, and the principles of sediment transport and scour, monitoring and management will be introduced. The basic equations for linear and nonlinear wave theories in coastal seas will be introduced, and wave forces on structures and an introduction to design of offshore structures will be discussed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Civil Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	(CIVL3612 or CIVL9612) and MATH2061. Undergraduate students should have completed at least 3 years of study/
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Heisel, michael.heisel@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
Out-of-class quiz	Stream engineering quiz Take home quiz, online question download and solution upload to Canvas	30%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 12:00	120+ mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Reservoir engineering quiz Take home quiz, online question download and solution upload to Canvas	30%	Week 09 Due date: 01 May 2026 at 12:00	120+ mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Coastal engineering quiz Take home quiz, online question download and solution upload to Canvas	30%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 12:00	120+ mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Weekly check-in Marked on viewing lecture recordings and quiz answers	10%	Weekly	5 multiple choice questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

For the weekly online tasks, only the top 10 highest scorest tasks will be counted towards the final grade. Further details of the assessments will be provided on the Canvas site.

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 submission and extended deadline of the online tasks is not allowed. Late submission of the main quizzes (i.e. those with 30% weight each) will be penalised 5% for every minute past the deadline.

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	[pre-recorded online lecture] Introduction to the unit and overview of topics	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 01	[in-person tutorial] Introductory session	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	[pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: open channel flow hydraulics	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 02	[in-person tutorial] Practice on open channel flow hydraulics problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	[pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: hydrological factors; sediment transport; river evolution	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 03	[in-person tutorial] Practice on hydrology, sediment transport, and river evolution problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	[pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: river monitoring; river training	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 04	[in-person tutorial] Practice on river evolution and river training problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	[pre-recorded online lecture] Stream engineering: river modelling	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 05	[in-person tutorial] Practice on river modelling problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	[pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: thermal energy budget and temperature stratification	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 06	[in-person tutorial] Practice on energy budget and stratification problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	[pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: fundamentals of mixing in a fluid	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 07	[in-person tutorial] Practice on fundamental mixing problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	[pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: mixing processes in lakes; water quality	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 08	[in-person tutorial] Practice on applied mixing and water quality problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	[pre-recorded online lecture] Reservoir engineering: water balance and storage in dams; tailings dams	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 09	[in-person tutorial] Practice on water balance and tailings problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	[pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: wave behaviour in the open ocean	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 10	[in-person tutorial] Practice on ocean wave problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	[pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: coastal wave behaviour; ocean processes	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 11	[in-person tutorial] Practice on coastal wave and ocean process problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	[pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: coastal sediment transport and dynamic equilibrium	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 12	[in-person tutorial] Practice on sediment transport and dynamic equilibrium problems	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	[pre-recorded online lecture] Coastal engineering: coastal management; intervention options	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 13	[in-person tutorial] Practice on coastal design problems	Tutorial (3 hr)

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

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. apply principles of hydraulics and sediment transport to develop simple models for flow in rivers.
LO2. demonstrate familiarity with practical methods for monitoring and simulating river flow and depth.
LO3. understand how stratification and mixing processes affect water quality in lakes and reservoirs.
LO4. understand the hydrological drivers for dam water storage operations.
LO5. apply wave theory to develop predictions for coastal processes that impact engineering design.
LO6. demonstrate familiarity with the design of coastal structures.

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

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks. 2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 4.1. Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
	Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - 2.4. Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity. 5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.

Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2		Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1		Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2		Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.4		Advanced knowledge and capability development in one or more specialist areas through engagement with: (a) specific body of knowledge and emerging developments and (b) problems and situations of significant technical complexity.
4.1		Advanced level skills in the structured solution of complex and often ill defined problems.
5.5		Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.

Responding to student feedback

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

There is now more time between the tutorial sessions and the quizzes to help students with study preparation.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CIVL5670: Reservoir, Stream and Coastal 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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links