Units / CIV3285
CIV3285 · Engineering hydrology
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
The unit introduces you to the basic concepts of hydrology and their application in the engineering practice. The key features of the main components of the hydrologic cycle (i.e., rainfall, streamflow, and evapotranspiration) are presented along with methods to measure and model them in natural and urban environments. Particular emphasis is on flooding and designed floods. The unit also provides an overview of the various water systems in an urban environment, their functions and modes of operation, and the influence of climate variability on urban requirements in terms of management and discharge of stormwater. A final aspect is the activation and transport of contaminants within the urban water cycle.
Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Civil engineering E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Environmental engineering E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Civil engineering
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Malaysia | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment 1 | Project | 20% | Threshold |
| 2 | Assignment 2 | Project | 20% | Threshold |
| 3 | Online quizzes | Quiz / Test | 10% | Threshold |
| 4 | Final assessment | Examination | 50% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
Learning outcomes
- Undertake hydrological investigations of natural and urban catchments.
- Estimate floods for engineering design and planning.
- Conceptually design and estimate flows of a minor drainage network.
- Design gutters, swales, and pits.
- Produce technical reports developed by teams at the standard required by the engineering profession.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
| Workshops | 24 hours |
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