Civil and structural engineers create and maintain much of the physical infrastructure of society while managing and conserving natural resources. The goal is to do this in an environmentally sustainable manner to ensure that we can provide adequate infrastructure and natural resources for current and future generations. Civil and Structural engineers are responsible for the planning, design and construction of bridges, buildings, tunnels, structures, roads, airports, harbours, water supply, dams, pipelines, sewerage treatment facilities, drainage, pollution control equipment, and coastal/port facilities.

The Civil and Structural program has an emphasis on engineering problem solving and design and analysis using modern, computer-based methods. The first and second years of the program develop a knowledge of maths and science, with fundamental engineering and design courses. Third and fourth years consist mostly of professional engineering courses, specialisations, communication, management courses and project work within the main areas of structural, geotechnical and water engineering. Students are also required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

Civil and Structural Engineering

Some of the more common careers in civil engineering are described below:

Structural Engineers design the framework of buildings, towers, bridges, tunnels and other structures to ensure strength and safety. Factors which must be considered include tolerable stresses within given safety margins, vibration allowances, size, shape, appearance and economy. They study developments of new materials and methods and their use for design and construction of new structures and the repair of existing structures.

Materials and Testing Engineers conduct research, development tests and evaluation of the quality or suitability or materials and products related to projects such as bridges, dams, roads, airports, railways, waste disposal, flood control and industrial and other large buildings; co-ordinate and direct the research, development and testing of materials such as asphalt, concrete, steel, cement, timber and plastics, considering factors such as stresses and strains, estimated load, water pressures, wind resistance and temperature fluctuations; and advise contractors and others on materials most suited to meet individual construction problems.

Water Resources Engineers work with the natural hydrological cycle to supply water and to collect wastewater from cities and towns for treatment before returning to the environment.  Water resources engineering also looks at flow in natural river channels.

Coastal Engineers design and implement solutions on the coast that provide for society's needs and desire to live and work by the ocean. They design, for example, harbours, jetties, wharves, and sea-walls. They also design schemes to protect and maintain beaches, both for recreation and as a way of protecting population centres against some of nature's most energetic forces. With the world-wide trend to living on the coastal fringe, the work of coastal engineers is becoming increasingly important.

Geotechnical Engineers are involved in the design and construction of foundations, dams, earth retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, pavements and landfills.  They are also involved in the engineering assessment of the ground, landslides and remediation of contaminated ground.

Transportation and Highways Engineers specialise in analysing population and growth statistics and traffic patterns and volume to project future requirements; consult with government officials and other specialists to design efficient and safe traffic systems including public transport; and study roadway and embankment design, the geometry of highway interchanges and the maintenance of facilities such as culverts and overpasses.

Technical Knowledge and Application of Knowledge Skills

• Competence in engineering fundamentals.
• Competence in Structural Engineering plus at least one other of the following areas of Civil Engineering:
  • Water engineering or
  • Geotechnical engineering.
• Competence in using computers and information technology effectively.
• Ability to apply an integrative or systems approach to solving engineering problems.
• Ability to prepare and interpret engineering sketches and drawings.
• Awareness of uncertainty and recognising limitations of engineering approaches and systems.
• Awareness for the need for sustainable systems and principles of sustainable design.
• Awareness of the assessment and the management of risk.

Thinking Skills

• Competence in problem identification, formulation and solution.
• Competence in critical and independent thinking.
• Competence in creative and innovative thinking.
• Ability to effectively synthesise information and ideas.
• Ability to conduct investigations and research into Civil and Structural Engineering problems.

Technical Professional Skills

• Familiarity with project management skills.
• Awareness of business and financial management.
• Awareness of human resources management issues.
• Awareness of legal issues in relation to Civil and Structural Engineering.

Personal Skills and Attitudes

• Competence to adapt to a changing society (lifelong learning skills).
• Ability to act in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in the engineering profession and the community - written, oral and listening skills.
• Ability to take on a leadership role.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to manage effectively the allocation of time in performing tasks.
• Ability to work comfortably with other disciplines.
• Awareness of engineering ethics.
• Awareness of the social, cultural, political, international and environmental context of professional engineering practice.

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.