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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering

Bachelors Honours Degree (C/w)

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BE(Hons)Coastal

  • Course code

    3507250

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

With strong population growth and significant changes in hydrology predicted for the coastal margin of Australia, there is an increasing demand for civil and environmental engineers with expertise in managing coastal and floodplain hydrology.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering is one of just a few specialist undergraduate professional engineering degrees in Australia to train industry-ready graduates for work in water engineering, coastal engineering and catchment management. The course addresses an increasing need for engineering expertise in these fields that is currently only available through on-the-job training and/or postgraduate qualifications.

Course Learning Outcome

Apply a multidisciplinary systems engineering approach to identify relevant factors and evaluate their importance in complex coastal engineering problems

Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise engineering knowledge to identify and develop solutions to complex coastal engineering problems with intellectual independence

Conduct research related to coastal engineering with some independence

Adapt and apply a broad contextual knowledge using highly developed technical, design and communication skills to devise innovative solutions to complex coastal engineering and management problems

Use highly developed professional judgement to apply contemporary ethical standards and exhibit appropriate professional conduct in the engineering environment

Demonstrate a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics and other basic sciences that underpin the coastal engineering discipline

Apply appropriate technical skills and demonstrate a detailed understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge related to coastal engineering and management

Apply critical reflection to assess professional development with respect to the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

Demonstrate the ability to acquire, use and adapt to changes in information and technology

Demonstrate an ability to develop new knowledge and apply it to solving coastal engineering problems

Demonstrate the ability to work in teams with engineers and other professionals to solve coastal engineering problems using a systems engineering approach in a project environment

Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with a variety of audiences including engineers, other professionals, and the wider community

Demonstrate an appreciation of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives in the context of a systems approach to coastal engineering

As part of this course, students are required to undertake a compulsory 60-day industry placement.

Industry experience enables students to apply their knowledge and skills to engineering problems within a real work environment, and to make valuable contacts within industry. Students typically undertake one or more work placements with an organisation conducting work related to engineering practice.

Majors: 

  • Coastal Geochemistry
  • Coastal Zone Management
  • Infrastructure Design and Management.

There is also a 'no major' option, with a wide range of elective units.

All students complete core units that cover coastal engineering and management, floodplain engineering and management, project management, hydraulic engineering, water and wastewater engineering, engineering geochemistry and hydrology. The course is strongly focused on project engineering from first year through to the final year. The course also addresses fundamental concepts that cross all disciplines including professional ethics, sustainability, conflict resolution and negotiation.

Students undertake a full-year subject in engineering research (thesis unit) in their final year, which enables them to explore the frontiers of engineering development and contribute to new knowledge.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering has provisional accreditation from Engineers Australia at the level of Professional Engineer and will be assessed for full accreditation at this level in 2022.  Courses accredited by Engineers Australia at this level are recognised in many different countries worldwide through the Washington Accord, an international agreement governing recognition of engineering qualifications and professional competence.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

A maximum of the equivalent of 16 single-weighted units (192 credit credit points) of Advanced Standing may be granted to meet the requirements for accreditation of the course by Engineers Australia.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Coastal Systems Engineering, students must complete the equivalent of 32 single-weighted units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • all core units (288 credit points),
  • one major or the No Major option (96 credit points), and
  • at least 60 days of industrial experience of a nature acceptable to the Course Coordinator.

Honours

All candidates successfully completing this course will be awarded Honours. Additionally, a candidate who has reached the required standard of academic performance may, on the recommendation of the Course Coordinator, be awarded Honours with one of the following merit descriptors:

  • First Class Honours
  • Second Class Honours — Division I
  • Second Class Honours — Division II

Honours merit descriptors will be determined based on a candidate’s academic record throughout the course of study, as described on the Engineering Student Centre website.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
SUR00201 -  Environmental Mapping Introductory
ENG10759 -  Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
PHY10760 -  Physics and Materials Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics this session Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10720 -  Linear Algebra this session Intermediate
Year 1, Session 2
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
ENG10758 -  Humanitarian Engineering Project Introductory
ENG10757 -  Applied Mechanics Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71215 -  Introductory Algebra and Calculus this session Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10719 -  Calculus this session Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
GLY62001 -  Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Intermediate Note 1
ENG72002 -  Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Intermediate Note 1
GLY00201 -  Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71003 -  Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists this session Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10721 -  Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations this session Advanced
ENG62002 -  Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals Intermediate Note 1
ENG72004 -  Fluid Dynamics Intermediate Note 1
ENG20007 -  Engineering Computations Intermediate
Year 2, Session 3
ENV10655 -  Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
ENO71001 -  Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I Introductory Note 1
ENG72005 -  Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II Intermediate Note 1
Year 3, Session 1
CHE00073 -  Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
ENG61004 -  Construction Materials - Soils Introductory Note 1
ENG63002 -  Soil Mechanics Fundamentals Advanced Note 1
GLY73001 -  Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics Advanced
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability)
The two half-weighted units ENG62003 -  Introduction to Solid Mechanics and ENG72003 -  Mechanics of Materials for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major Intermediate
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability)
Year 3, Session 2
ENG30012 -  Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced
AGR00215 -  Water and Catchment Management Advanced
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability)
The unit PLN10001 -  Rural and Regional Planning for the Coastal Zone Management Major Introductory
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability)
Year 3, Study Period 6
GLY82001 -  Hydrogeology Intermediate
ENG83001 -  Engineering for Resilient Catchments and Floodplains Advanced
Year 4, Study Period 1
ENG83002 -  Engineering in Dynamic Coastal Environments Advanced
Year 4, Session 1
ENG40007 -  Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics Advanced
ENG40001 -  Engineering Thesis I Advanced Note 4
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
The unit GLY00232 -  Coastal Biogeochemistry for the Coastal Geochemistry Major Intermediate
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability)
Year 4, Session 2
ENG40005 -  Engineering Capstone Project Advanced Note 2, Note 3
ENG40004 -  Engineering Thesis II Advanced Note 4
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability)
The unit BIO01230 -  Principles of Coastal Resource Management for the Coastal Zone Management Major Advanced
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major option (subject to availability)

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
CHE00201 -  Chemistry Introductory
ENG10758 -  Humanitarian Engineering Project Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take
MAT10719 -  Calculus this session 		Intermediate
Year 1, Session 3
ENV10655 -  Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
GLY00201 -  Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
PHY10760 -  Physics and Materials Introductory
ENG10759 -  Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT10001 -  Foundation Mathematics this session Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10720 -  Linear Algebra this session Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
ENG10757 -  Applied Mechanics Introductory
ENG62002 -  Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals Intermediate Note 1
ENG72004 -  Fluid Dynamics Intermediate Note 1
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71215 -  Introductory Algebra and Calculus this session Introductory
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 2 (Advanced Pathway), take MAT10721 -  Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations this session Advanced
Year 2, Session 3
ENO71001 -  Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I Introductory Note 1
ENG72005 -  Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II Intermediate Note 1
Year 3, Session 1
If you have chosen Mathematics Pathway Option 1 (Standard Pathway), take MAT71003 -  Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists this session Introductory
ENG61004 -  Construction Materials - Soils Introductory Note 1
ENG63002 -  Soil Mechanics Fundamentals Advanced Note 1
CHE00073 -  Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
SUR00201 -  Environmental Mapping Introductory
Year 3, Session 2
ENG20007 -  Engineering Computations Intermediate
ENG30012 -  Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced
AGR00215 -  Water and Catchment Management Advanced
Year 3, Session 3
GLY82001 -  Hydrogeology Intermediate
Year 4, Session 1
GLY62001 -  Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Intermediate Note 1
ENG72002 -  Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Intermediate Note 1
GLY73001 -  Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics Advanced
ENG40007 -  Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics Advanced
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
The unit GLY00232 -  Coastal Biogeochemistry for the Coastal Geochemistry Major Intermediate
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability)
The two half-weighted units ENG62003 -  Introduction to Solid Mechanics and ENG72003 -  Mechanics of Materials for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major Intermediate
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major (subject to availability)
Year 4, Session 2
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
Two single-weighted units or equivalent (24 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability))
The units PLN10001 -  Rural and Regional Planning AND BIO01230 -  Principles of Coastal Resource Management for the Coastal Zone Management Major Introductory
Two single-weighted units or equivalent (24 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability)
Two single-weighted units or equivalent (24 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major (subject to availability)
Year 4, Session 3
ENG83001 -  Engineering for Resilient Catchments and Floodplains Advanced
ENG83002 -  Engineering in Dynamic Coastal Environments Advanced
ENG40001 -  Engineering Thesis I Advanced Note 4
Year 5, Session 1
ENG40004 -  Engineering Thesis II Advanced Note 4
ENG40005 -  Engineering Capstone Project Advanced Note 2, Note 3
Depending on your major, take one of the following:
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Geochemistry Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Coastal Zone Management Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the Infrastructure Design and Management Major (subject to availability)
One single-weighted unit or equivalent (12 credit points in total) from the electives listed for the No Major (subject to availability)

Note 1:

Half-weighted unit.

Note 2:

Double-weighted unit.

Note 3:

Students undertaking a major will be required by the Unit Assessor to focus on an aspect of the project that is relevant to their major, and which demonstrates advanced learning in this field.

Note 4:

Students undertaking a major must complete a research project in Engineering Thesis I and Engineering Thesis II that is relevant to the major as approved by the Course Coordinator.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core Units
Choose one of the following Mathematics Pathway Options

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Students who have not completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent must choose Option 1
Take all of the following three (3) units:
MAT10001 Foundation Mathematics Introductory
MAT71215 Introductory Algebra and Calculus Introductory
MAT71003 Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists Introductory

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Option 2 is an alternative pathway for students who have completed NSW HSC Mathematics (2U) or QLD Maths B or equivalent and wish to undertake more advanced mathematics study
Take all of the following three (3) units:
MAT10719 Calculus Intermediate
MAT10720 Calculus and Linear Algebra II Intermediate
MAT10721 Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations Advanced
Take all of the following remaining core units:
ENG10759 Processes and Philosophy of Engineering Introductory
PHY10760 Physics and Materials Introductory
CHE00201 Chemistry Introductory
ENG10758 Humanitarian Projects Introductory
ENG10757 Applied Mechanics Introductory
SUR00201 Environmental Mapping Introductory
GLY00201 Earth Systems I: The Lithosphere Introductory
GLY62001 Principles of Stormwater and Drainage Management Intermediate Note 1
ENG72002 Rainfall-Runoff Modelling Note 1
ENG62002 Hydraulic Engineering Fundamentals Intermediate Note 1
ENG72004 Fluid Dynamics Note 1
ENG20007 Engineering Computations Intermediate
ENV10655 Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks Intermediate
ENO71001 Engineering Modelling and Experimentation I Note 1
ENG72005 Engineering Modelling and Experimentation II Note 1
CHE00073 Environmental Chemistry Intermediate
AGR00215 Water and Catchment Management Advanced
ENG61004 Construction Materials - Soils Introductory Note 1
ENG63002 Soil Mechanics Fundamentals Advanced Note 1
GLY73001 Coastal and Fluvial Hydrodynamics Advanced
ENG30012 Water and Wastewater Engineering Advanced
GLY82001 Hydrogeology Intermediate
ENG83001 Engineering for Resilient Catchments and Floodplains Advanced
ENG83002 Engineering in Dynamic Coastal Environments
ENG40007 Engineering Project Management and Professional Ethics Advanced

Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Take all of the following units:
GLY00232 Coastal Biogeochemistry Intermediate
ENG40005 Engineering Capstone Project Advanced Note 2, Note 3
ENG40001 Engineering Thesis I Advanced Note 4
ENG40004 Engineering Thesis II Advanced Note 4
Choose three (3) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 36 credit points) from the following:
GLY20002 Environmental Analysis: Aqueous Intermediate
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
GLY20001 Environmental Analysis: Solids Intermediate
AGR00214 Soil Processes Intermediate
GLY30001 Contamination Assessment and Remediation Advanced
GLY30002 Phase Equilibria, Thermodynamics and Kinetics Advanced
AGT00217 Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced
SUR73001 Drone Technology and Use Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Take all of the following units:
PLN10001 Rural and Regional Planning Introductory
BIO01230 Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced
ENG40005 Engineering Capstone Project Advanced Note 2, Note 3
ENG40001 Engineering Thesis I Advanced Note 4
ENG40004 Engineering Thesis II Advanced Note 4
Choose two (2) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 24 credit points) from the following:
ECO00202 Ecological Economics for Sustainable Development Intermediate
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
ISY01224 Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Intermediate
GLY00232 Coastal Biogeochemistry Intermediate
BIO10125 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Advanced
BIO10126 Marine Pollution Advanced
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced
SUR73001 Drone Technology and Use Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Take all of the following units:
ENG62003 Introduction to Solid Mechanics Intermediate Note 1
ENG72003 Mechanics of Materials Intermediate Note 1
ENG40005 Engineering Capstone Project Advanced Note 2, Note 3
ENG40001 Engineering Thesis I Advanced Note 4
ENG40004 Engineering Thesis II Advanced Note 4
Choose three (3) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 36 credit points) from the following:
ENG30007 Geotechnical Engineering Advanced
ENG30004 Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures Advanced
ENG30005 Design of Steel Structures Introductory
MNG92100 Strategic Asset Management Intermediate
SUR73001 Drone Technology and Use Advanced
ENG61006 Tendering for Civil Construction Projects Introductory Note 1
ENG61005 Cost Estimation, Monitoring and Control Introductory Note 1

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
If you choose not to select a major, no major name will appear on your academic transcript or your testamur.
Take all of the following units:
ENG40005 Engineering Capstone Project Advanced
ENG40001 Engineering Thesis I Advanced
ENG40004 Engineering Thesis II Advanced
Choose four (4) single-weighted units or equivalent (a total of 48 credit points) from the following:
PLN10001 Rural and Regional Planning Introductory
ENG62003 Introduction to Solid Mechanics Intermediate Note 1
ENG72003 Mechanics of Materials Intermediate Note 1
GLY20001 Environmental Analysis: Solids Intermediate
GLY20002 Environmental Analysis: Aqueous Intermediate
GLY00232 Coastal Biogeochemistry Intermediate
AGR00214 Soil Processes Intermediate
GLY00223 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Intermediate
ECO00202 Ecological Economics for Sustainable Development Intermediate
ISY01224 Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Intermediate
ENG61006 Tendering for Civil Construction Projects Introductory Note 1
ENG61005 Cost Estimation, Monitoring and Control Introductory Note 1
GLY30001 Contamination Assessment and Remediation Advanced
GLY30002 Phase Equilibria, Thermodynamics and Kinetics Advanced
AGT00217 Land Degradation and Rehabilitation Advanced
BIO10120 Marine Systems Science and Management Advanced
ENG30004 Analysis and Computer Modelling of Structures Advanced
ENG30007 Geotechnical Engineering Advanced
BIO00244 Protected Area Management Advanced
BIO01230 Principles of Coastal Resource Management Advanced
BIO10125 Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment Advanced
BIO10126 Marine Pollution Advanced
ENG30005 Design of Steel Structures Introductory
SUR73001 Drone Technology and Use Advanced
MNG92100 Strategic Asset Management Intermediate