Units / CIV5888
CIV5888 · Advanced computational methods
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit provides you with knowledge and skills in advanced numerical analysis and computational techniques for solving complex problems in infrastructure systems. The unit will begin with an introduction to the finite element method and then progress to more advanced topics in numerical modelling, focusing on geotechnical engineering. In addition to the essential theoretical concepts, the unit will include practical examples to provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts to engineering practice. Finally, the management, visualisation and analysis of large quantities of data will complete the necessary skillset for you to manage 21st-century infrastructure systems.
Areas of study: E6006 Master of Civil Engineering (Monash-SEU Double Masters) E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Civil engineering E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Civil engineering
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Suzhou (SEU) | Term 3 | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment 1 | Written | 20% | Threshold |
| 2 | Assignment 2 | Written | 20% | Threshold |
| 3 | Assignment 3 | Written | 20% | Threshold |
| 4 | Quizzes | Quiz / Test | 10% | Threshold |
| 5 | Final assessment | Examination | 30% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 70% Final assessment: 30% 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
prohibitions
- CIV6888 — Advanced computational methods
Learning outcomes
- Analyse stresses in soils and solids using computational methods.
- Understand and apply suitable constitutive models for different material types.
- Explain the theoretical basis behind the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method.
- Apply FEM and SPH methods to practical problems in soil and solid mechanics.
- Present, explain and interpret the computational analysis results to a technical audience.
- Explain the suitable techniques for managing and visualising large quantities of data typical of infrastructure systems.
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 |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
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