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CIVL3613: Ocean and Coastal Engineering (2010 - Semester 2)

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Unit: CIVL3613: Ocean and Coastal Engineering (6 CP)
Mode: Normal-Day
On Offer: Yes
Level: Senior
Faculty/School: Civil Engineering
Unit Coordinator/s: Professor Patterson, John
Session options: Semester 2
Versions for this Unit:
Campus: Camperdown/Darlington
Pre-Requisites: None.
Brief Handbook Description: The objectives of this unit of study are to develop an understanding of the physics of ocean waves at any water depth and its application to the analysis and design of marine structures. This unit of study introduces the governing equations for free surface flows, including linear and nonlinear wave theories, wave transformation physics and nearshore hydrodynamics modelling. Furthermore, this unit of study includes the calculation of wave forces based on deterministic and probabilistic wave theories, wave-induced coastal currents and sediments, wind-wave-structure interactions, tides, ocean engineering operational sea state, storm surges (due to cyclones and tsunamis) and various other environmental effects. Many marine structure design applications are introduced. The unit has an analytical focus, but design principles are introduced.
Assumed Knowledge: CIVL2611.
Lecturer/s: Professor Patterson, John
Tutor/s: Francois Flocard

Thomas Earl

Fahim Tomnoy
Timetable: CIVL3613 Timetable
Time Commitment:
# Activity Name Hours per Week Sessions per Week Weeks per Semester
1 Lecture 2.00 1 13
2 Tutorial 2.00 1 13
3 E-Learning
4 Independent Study 6.00 13
T&L Activities: Tutorial: Tutorials given following lectures to ensure understanding of the principles involved.

E-Learning: Teaching materials, tutorial questions and tutorial discussion are provided through WebCT. Supplementary materials relevant to the courses are also provided online.

Independent Study: Students are required to carry out independent study using library resources. This provides additional material to that given in lectures and develops self learning skills.

Attributes listed here represent the key course goals (see Course Map tab) designated for this unit. The list below describes how these attributes are developed through practice in the unit. See Learning Outcomes and Assessment tabs for details of how these attributes are assessed.

Attribute Development Method Attribute Developed
Using design methods and understanding their applicability to new problems. Design and Problem Solving Skills (Level 2)
Application of wave mechanics processes and principles to coastal engineering design. Fundamentals of Science and Engineering (Level 3)
Developing engineering judgement including understanding of the basis and limitations of theory, experience of the design process and careful consideration of wider context and potential risks. Professional Values, Judgement and Conduct (Level 2)

For explanation of attributes and levels see Engineering/IT Graduate Attribute Matrix 2009.

Learning outcomes are the key abilities and knowledge that will be assessed in this unit. They are listed according to the course goal supported by each. See Assessment Tab for details how each outcome is assessed.

Discipline Specific Expertise (Level 3)
1. Undestanding wave climate and wave spectra, how we represent complex real life conditions to create information we can use for design.
2. Ability to apply this to the design of marine structures and wave energy devices.
3. Ability to apply this to the understanding of coastal processes, beach design, scour, plus implications of climate change and sea level rise.
Fundamentals of Science and Engineering (Level 3)
4. Understanding of wave physics in deep and shallow water.
5. Understanding wave theories and their limitations.
Professional Values, Judgement and Conduct (Level 2)
6. Ability to exercise engineering judgement through understanding the basis and limitations of theory, experiencing the design process, thinking about dealing with uncertainty in design, thinking about what the results mean, thinking about the implications of failure and considering wider aspects of design such as ecology, safety, risk, ease of construction and the political/planning context.
Assessment Methods:
# Name Group Weight Due Week Outcomes
1 Quiz 1 No 10.00 Week 5 4, 5,
2 Quiz 2 No 10.00 Week 9 4, 5, 6,
3 Design assignment Yes 20.00 Week 13 6,
4 Final Exam No 60.00 Exam Period 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
Assessment Description: Final Exam: 2 hour exam

Quiz 1: In class short answer quiz

Quiz 2: In class short answer quiz

Assignment: Design assignment performed in small groups
Assessment Feedback: Quiz scripts returned
Assignments returned
Grading:
Grade Type Description
Standards Based Assessment Final grades in this unit are awarded at levels of HD (High Distinction), D (Distinction), CR (Credit), P (Pass) and F (Fail) as defined by Academic Board Resolutions: Assessment and Examination of Coursework. Details of Academic Board Resolutions are available on the University`s Policy website at http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/Assess_Exam_Coursework.pdf Standards for grades in individual assessment tasks and the summative method for obtaining a final mark in the unit will be set out in a marking guide supplied by the unit coordinator.
Faculty Policies & Procedures: The faculty attempts to maintain consistency and quality in its T&L operations by adhering to Academic Board policy. These policies can be found on the Central Policy Online site. A brief summary of the relevant T&L policies that should be referred to while filling in these forms can be found at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies Policy Page.

Note that the "Weeks" referred to in this Schedule are those of the official university semester calendar https://web.timetable.usyd.edu.au/calendar.jsp

Week Description
Week 1 Introduction to coastal engineering (types of projects, why it is Introduction to the course and basic ideas about waves and tides; Linear wave theory
Week 2 Wave energy, wave groups, standing waves, short-crested waves, non linear wave theories
Week 3 Shallow water processes
Week 4 Risk analysis, identifying your design wave, depth limited waves and recap on random wave theory
Week 5 Design of coastal structures – rubble mound breakwaters.
Assessment Due: Quiz 1
Week 6 Wave forces (breaking and non breaking) and design of walls
Week 7 Design of caisson breakwaters
Week 8 Wave forces and design of piles and objects on the bed
Week 9 Sediment transport.
Assessment Due: Quiz 2
Week 10 Design of beaches and coastal protection structures
Week 11 Scour around coastal structures
Week 12 Wave induced sea floor dynamics
Week 13 Overview of course; exam discussion.
Assessment Due: Design assignment
STUVAC (Week 14) Review of course.
Exam Period Assessment Due: Final Exam

Course Relations

The following is a list of courses which have added this Unit to their structure.

Course Year(s) Offered
Civil 2010
Project Engineering and Management (Civil) 2010

Course Goals

This unit contributes to the achievement of the following course goals:

Attribute Practiced Assessed
Design and Problem Solving Skills (Level 2) Yes 0%
Discipline Specific Expertise (Level 3) No 30.01%
Fundamentals of Science and Engineering (Level 3) Yes 35%
Professional Values, Judgement and Conduct (Level 2) Yes 35%

These goals are selected from Engineering/IT Graduate Attribute Matrix 2009 which defines overall goals for courses where this unit is primarily offered. See Engineering/IT Graduate Attribute Matrix 2009 for details of the attributes and levels to be developed in the course as a whole. Percentage figures alongside each course goal provide a rough indication of their relative weighting in assessment for this unit. Note that not all goals are necessarily part of assessment. Some may be more about practice activity. See Learning outcomes for details of what is assessed in relation to each goal and Assessment for details of how the outcome is assessed. See Attributes for details of practice provided for each goal.