0309 Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is the study of planning, designing, testing and directing the construction of large scale buildings and structures, and transport, water supply, pollution control and sewerage systems. It includes economic, functional and environmental considerations in the design and construction.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the theory and technology of civil engineering and their application to the construction process, the effects of soils, water and stress on structures, and the environmental impact of civil engineering projects. It also involves developing an ability to design, organise and co-ordinate civil engineering projects.

Courses in Narrow Field 0309 Civil Engineering develop skills in:

• analysing sites and applying the principles of soil mechanics to determine construction methods
• analysing the composition and strength of various engineering materials
• applying the principles of fluid mechanics and hydraulics to the design and construction of watercourses and dams
• designing civil engineering projects

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

030901  Construction Engineering
030903  Structural Engineering
030905  Building Services Engineering
030907  Water and Sanitary Engineering
030909  Transport Engineering
030911  Geotechnical Engineering
030913  Ocean Engineering
030999  Civil Engineering, n.e.c.

Construction Engineering is the study of designing and developing infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, tunnels and quarries.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• airport engineering
• roads and bridges
• underground construction and tunnelling

Mine construction. This is included in Detailed Field 030303 Mining Engineering.

Structural Engineering is the study of the statical properties of structures and the behaviour and durability of materials used for erecting structures.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• structural systems strength, serviceability and durability
• material behaviour
• solid mechanics
• structural erection techniques
• structural loading

Building Services Engineering is the study of designing and developing infrastructure aimed at enhancing human comfort through controlling heat, light and sound in built environments.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include: 

• secure access systems
• building fire detection and suppression systems
• thermal, visual and acoustical environment in buildings
• building mechanical services
• building electrical services
• energy efficient buildings

Refrigeration and air-conditioning repair. This is included in Detailed Field 031315 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics.

Water and Sanitary Engineering is the study of designing and developing water storage and distribution systems, and sludge, effluent and waste water treatment systems.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• on-site waste water treatment
• pond and lagoon systems
• primary, secondary and tertiary municipal waste water treatments

Transport Engineering is the study of planning and developing efficient transport systems.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• transport network systems evaluation
• transport facilities planning, design and operation
• public transport systems
• traffic operations and control
• traffic studies

Air traffic control. This is included in Detailed Field 031507 Air Traffic Control.

Geotechnical Engineering is the study of analysing foundations, slopes and soil mechanics, and designing foundations.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• earth and rock slope analysis
• failure in soil
• geotechnical investigations and orientation
• geotechnical practical skills
• managing earth pressure in engineering projects

Ocean Engineering is the study of designing, constructing and maintaining coastal and ocean related projects and facilities, and designing floating, fixed and sub-sea offshore systems.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• buoy engineering
• coastal engineering
• floating and compliant platforms
• semi-submersibles

This detailed field includes all Civil Engineering not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• hydraulic engineering