Civil Engineering Foundations unit (ENG106)

Hobart

Introduction

The unit introduces the field of civil engineering. Students will learn methods for solving problems in civil engineering as applied to structural, geotechnical, and water resources projects.  The translation of theoretical concepts into designs will be demonstrated through examples involving buildings, tunnels, dams, roads, water supply, stormwater and wastewater systems, coastal protection, and energy infrastructure. With the imperative to reduce carbon emission and adapt to increasing natural hazards, this unit will also introduce Climate Safe principles for design, including analysis of embedded carbon, circular use of materials, forecasting for future impacts, and use of natural materials. Through practical laboratory work, students will observe systems of forces in structural elements, ground materials, and fluid-structure interactions. The skills developed in this unit establish the foundations for further studies in civil engineering.

Summary

Unit name	Civil Engineering Foundations
Unit code	ENG106
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Professor Tim Finnigan
Available as an elective?	No
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the concepts of forces, moments, and equilibrium to solve problems related to static structures.
• Characterise granular materials and clay substrates to determine geotechnical properties for civil construction and excavation works.
• Calculate flow rates and related forces on civil hydraulic structures as related to transportation, energy and environmental systems.
• Outline the essential 'life-cycle' elements of a major civil infrastructure project including the impact on climate, community and environment.
• Discuss the role of a civil engineer in establishing a climate safe future.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
030900	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3 hours workshops per week, 1 hour tutorial per week, 3x 3-hour labs per semester.
Assessment	Class Test 1 (15%)|Class Test 2 (15%)|Laboratory / Practical Report (30%)|Project (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Any Required Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator
Recommended	Recommended Readings will be provided by your Unit Coordinator

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.