154810 v.4 Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Construction Engineering)

Introduction

Civil Engineering involves the application of basic scientific and technological principles to the design and construction of facilities necessary for the welfare of the community. It is concerned with such projects as railways, harbours and docks, road systems, bridges, water supply and wastewater treatment, dams, tunnels and underground construction, power projects, off-shore structures, and commercial and industrial buildings. The effective practice of civil engineering necessitates a strong background in the mathematical and physical sciences, an understanding of the properties of construction materials such as steel, concrete and natural aggregates, and an ability to evaluate the performance of structures under variable forms of loading. Many engineering projects require a close working relationship with other groups - planners, architects, environmental scientists - and an appreciation of the impact of civil works on society in terms of both social obligations and finance. The civil engineer also needs training in management of resources, equipment, materials and finance.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

TEE Applicable Mathematics and two out of TEE Calculus/Physics/Chemistry. Well-performed candidates without one of the prerequisite subjects may be accepted and required to undertake an additional program of preparatory studies.

Specific Requirements

The STAT is not accepted for entry to this course. To satisfy professional requirements, students must complete at least 12 weeks of approved work experience associated with engineering in industry. Students may make their own arrangements for employment or seek the assistance of Careers and Prospective Students Service. As one objective of this work is to make theoretical studies in courses more meaningful, it must be done during the period that the student is undertaking those studies, ie it is to be done in vacations, or in employment as a part-time student, rather than after all course work has been completed. Students are strongly urged to consider the 12 weeks a minimum and to undertake as much additional work experience as they can. Students are required to submit a report covering the work carried out. Further details regarding the work/report required are available from the School of Engineering. A current certificate of successful completion of an approved course in first aid is required before a degree will be awarded.

Recognition of Prior Learning

TAFE applicants who have completed the Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering or equivalent with average 'B' grade scores will be granted several unit exemptions in the first year of the course. TAFE applicants must apply through TISC.

Duration and Availability

The course is four years full-time or equivalent part-time study.

Course Organisation

Students undertake the Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major in the first year and on successful completion, proceed to the second year of an engineering discipline. Please refer to the section at the front of the Department of First Year Engineering Studies to obtain details about the Bachelor of Engineering Pre-Major.

Professional Recognition

This course has been accorded full recognition by the Institution of Engineers, Australia (IEAust) and exempts graduates from all academic requirements for corporate membership of IEAust. To qualify for corporate membership of IEAust a graduate also requires a minimum of four years approved experience following the award of the Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Career Opportunities

Demand for civil and construction engineers remains strong. Employment for graduates is mainly with federal, state or municipal authorities, consulting engineers, large contractors and or specialist subcontractors. Many graduates find work interstate or overseas.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note

The curriculum was revised during 2003 and the revised program will be phased in from 2004 to 2007. Information on the original course structure and units for students who commenced this course prior to 2004 is available by consulting the 2003 Curtin Courses Handbook.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.