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Earth Processes for Engineering (ENEN20002)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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As part of the University’s response to COVID-19 and the associated Government restrictions and guidelines, most subjects will continue to be delivered online in Winter and Semester 2.
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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
Semester 2
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AIMS

In this subject students will be introduced to physical earth processes and their engineering applications and implications. In particular, the subject concentrates on engineering aspects of climate, water and soils and their interactions. Simplified modelling and relevant analytical techniques are introduced throughout the subject. The students will learn about fundamental material required for later year subjects such as CVEN30010 System Modelling and Design, CVEN90044 Engineering Site Characterisation and CVEN90050 Geotechnical Engineering.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Climate and seasonality; carbon cycle, global water cycle and catchment water cycle; rainfall, infiltration, runoff and evapotranspiration; catchment processes and stochastic rainfall modelling; soil identification; landscape forming processes; basic soil mechanics; earth engineering stability; revision.

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:




  • Identify key aspects of the climate, soil and water environment that their course is directed towards
  • Describe and quantify aspects of the climate system, climate variability and climate change
  • Describe and analyse hydrological systems and the cycling and transformation of water and energy in those systems, including aspects of their variability, dependence on climate and land use and implications for soil water and runoff behaviour
  • Describe the key soil and landscape forming processes and their geomechanical implications
  • Describe the concept of sustainability and, given a project description, identify and justify analyses required to assess aspects of environmental sustainability in the context of climate, water and soils
  • Quantify various constituents of soil and classify them with hydrological and engineering implications
  • Understand how water and soil interact in natural hydrological systems and in engineering designs and quantify soil behaviour and stability caused by interaction of soil and water
  • Assess soil stability in both natural and engineering systems with the ability to predict stresses and strengths within a soil mass

Generic skills

  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • Critical thinking and judgement
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Understanding environmental responsibilities and the need for sustainable development
  • Ability to function effectively as an individual with the capacity to be an effective team member

Last updated: 2 December 2023

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Admission to the MC-ENG Master of Engineering

OR

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
ENGR10005 Statics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ENVS10001 Natural Environments
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

ENGR10003 Engineering Systems Design 2

ENVS10002 Reshaping Environments

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

421-209 Geomechanics 1

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 2 December 2023

Assessment

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

One examination. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 8 are addressed in the examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		End of semester50%

Four written team-based assignments (10% each) each with 3 team members and each a minimum of 1000 words (maximum of 2000 words). Due between week 5 and week 12. ILOs 2, 3, 7 and 8 are addressed in these assignments

  • 10-12 hours (of work required)
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		From Week 5 to Week 1240%

Attendance and participation in one laboratory class with a written assignment of a minimum of 1000 words (maximum of 2000 words). Due between week 8 to week 11. ILOs 5 and 6 are addressed in this assessment

  • 10-12 hours (of work required)
Hurdle requirement: Please see below		From Week 8 to Week 1110%

Additional details

Hurdle Requirement: Students must pass both assignment and examination components to pass the subject

Note: Students are required to participate in a peer assessment process to allow the coordinator to allocate individual marks for the group assignments.

Last updated: 2 December 2023

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorMurray Peel
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours50 hours (Lectures: 36 hours per semester; Workshops: 12 hours per semester; Laboratory Session: 2 hours per semester).
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020
    Last self-enrol date13 March 2020
    Census date30 April 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020
    Assessment period ends 3 July 2020

    Semester 1 contact information

    Ryan Hoult

    ryan.hoult@unimelb.edu.au

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorSamintha Perera
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours50 hours (Lectures: 36 hours per semester; Workshops: 12 hours per semester; Laboratory Session: 2 hours per semester)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020
    Last self-enrol date14 August 2020
    Census date21 September 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail16 October 2020
    Assessment period ends27 November 2020

    Semester 2 contact information

    Dr Samintha Perera

    samintha.perera@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 2 December 2023

Further information

Last updated: 2 December 2023