Course Outline

CIV201 Geotechnical Engineering

Course Coordinator:Adrian McCallum (amccallu@usc.edu.au) School:School of Science, Technology and Engineering

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you will explore geoengineering fundamentals, including basic engineering geology, rock types, and geotechnical elements like soil and rock properties. Key concepts include void ratio, water content, and the two-phase model, assuming materials are granular and frictional. The course covers soil description, geological mapping, rock and soil classification, stress and strain in soils, shear soil failure, and shallow foundation design, with a focus on sustainable practices	

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus workshop 1hr Week 1 13 times
Laboratory 1 – On Campus Lab 2hrs Week 2 12 times
Fieldwork – Fieldwork. Date to be advised 2hrs Week 1 Once Only
Learning materials – Asynchronous Learning Material 1hr Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

Topics may include: 

  • Geological Processes and Geological Mapping.
  • Soil Classification for Engineering Purposes.
  • Soil as a Three-Phase System — Phase Relationships.
  • Ground Improvement and Soil Compaction.
  • Stresses and Strains in Soils.
  • Permeability of Soils.
  • Shear Strength of Soils.
  • Compressibility and Settlement of Soils.
  • Lateral Earth Pressures.

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Competencies from multiple Professional Bodies (see below) *
1 Evaluate information and concepts in the selection and characterisation of soil to synthesise solutions for various applications. Creative and critical thinker
2, 2, 2.1.a, 2.1.a, 2.1, 2.1
2 Apply advanced technical knowledge and skills, and expert judgement in research based problem solving exercises in geotechnical engineering. Creative and critical thinker
2, 2, 2.1.d, 2.1.d, 2.1, 2.1
3 Examine the technical aspects of alternative construction materials and techniques to justify optimal solutions for specified applications. Creative and critical thinker
2, 2, 2.1.f, 2.1.f, 2.1, 2.1
4 Undertake laboratory based testing to determine soil properties. Empowered
2, 2, 2.2.h, 2.2.h, 2.2, 2.2
5 Describe the various constituents of soil, their behaviour and effect on material properties. Knowledgeable
1, 1, 1.3.a, 1.3.a, 1.3, 1.3

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Engineering Technologist Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.3.a Knowledge and Skill Base - In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills to deliver engineering outcomes in specialist area(s) of the technology domain and associated industry, commercial and community sectors.
1.3 Knowledge and Skill Base: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain.
2 Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability
2.1.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.
2.1.d Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Recognises problems which have component elements and/or implications beyond the engineering technologist’s personal expertise and correctly identifies the need for supplementary professional input.
2.1.f Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain: Critically evaluates alternative implementation approaches using specialist engineering technologies and evaluates potential outcomes against appropriate criteria to justify an optimal solution choice.
2.2.h Engineering Application Ability - Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain: Safely applies laboratory, test and experimental procedures appropriate to the technology domain.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Engineer Competency Standards
1 Elements of competency: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.3.a Knowledge and Skill Base - In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline: Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.
1.3 Knowledge and Skill Base: In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
2 Elements of competency: Engineering Application Ability
2.1.a Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.
2.1.d Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Investigates complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods.
2.1.f Engineering Application Ability - Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving: Conceptualises alternative engineering approaches and evaluates potential outcomes against appropriate criteria to justify an optimal solution choice.
2.2.h Engineering Application Ability - Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources: Safely applies laboratory, test and experimental procedures appropriate to the engineering discipline.
2.1 Engineering Application Ability: Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability: Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

ENG105 or ENG102

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Feedback will be provided every week in seminars/discussions. Example assessment pieces will be presented and considered prior to assessment being assigned. 

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece Group 40%
4 report submissions, each up to 400 words (or equiv.)
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral Individual 20%
10-12 min
Week 12 In Class
All 3 Written Piece Individual 40%
2000 words
Exam Period Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Group Laboratory Reports
Goal:
Group laboratory reports submitted on selected laboratory tasks.
Product: Practical / Laboratory Skills, and Written Piece
Format:
Submitted via Canvas due weeks after the relevant labs held on week 6,8,10 and 12.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Examination of the technical aspects of alternative construction materials and techniques to justify optimal solutions for specified applications.
3
2
Evaluation of information and concepts in the selection and characterisation of soil to synthesise solutions for various applications.
1
3
Application of advanced technical knowledge and skills, and expert judgement in research based problem solving exercises in geotechnical engineering.
2
4
Performance of laboratory based testing to determine soil properties.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Oral Presentation
Goal:
Report on geotechnical engineering case study of interest.
Product: Oral
Format:
Individual oral presentation.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Evaluation of information and concepts in the selection and characterisation of soil to synthesise solutions for various applications.
1
2
Application of advanced technical knowledge and skills, and expert judgement in research based problem solving exercises in geotechnical engineering.
2
3
Examination of the technical aspects of alternative construction materials and techniques to justify optimal solutions for specified applications.
3
4
Description of the various constituents of soil, their function and effect on material properties.
5
Generic Skills:
Communication, Organisation
All - Assessment Task 3:Written Piece
Goal:
Report answering questions that examine any or all of the course material.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Written report answering prescribed questions.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Evaluation of information and concepts in the selection and characterisation of soil to synthesise solutions for various applications.
1
2
Application of advanced technical knowledge and skills, and expert judgement in research based problem solving exercises in geotechnical engineering.
2
3
Examination of the technical aspects of alternative construction materials and techniques to justify optimal solutions for specified applications.
3
4
Undertake laboratory based testing to determine soil properties.
4
5
Description of the various constituents of soil, their function and effect on material properties.
5
Generic Skills:
Problem solving, Organisation

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all studio and laboratory classes and a low level of health and safety risk exists. Some risk concerns may include equipment, instruments, and tools; as well as manual handling items within the laboratory. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au