Students

CIVL2201 – Soil Mechanics

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Steven Hansen
steven.hansen@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
CIVL1001 or MECH1001
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides students with an introduction to engineering geology and soil mechanics. The unit presents and discusses specialised knowledge of soil mechanics that helps students undertake a variety of soil mechanics analyses through lectures and laboratory testing.

The first section on engineering geology will include an introduction to geology (minerals, rock types, rock structures), geological maps, rock evaluation and geophysical methods, and geohazards and adverse geological conditions case studies relevant to engineering applications. The second section on soil mechanics includes composition and particle sizes of the soil, physical soil states and soil classification, flow of water through soils, stresses, strains, and elastic deformation of soils, soil compaction, and soil settlement.

The main aim of this unit is to prepare students to develop fundamental knowledge required for more advanced units such as Geotechnical Engineering and Transport Engineering.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Sustainable Cities and Communities; Life on Land

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of solid Earth materials and their formation
  • ULO2: Identify different geohazards and describe their potential effect on construction projects
  • ULO3: Describe and classify various soils using standard laboratory techniques and relate these physical characteristics to their engineering behaviour
  • ULO4: Describe the behaviour and effects of both static and flowing water in soil masses
  • ULO5: Assess the role of effective stress in soil mechanics and describe the strength of soils based on basic failure theory

General Assessment Information

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit you must:

  • Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments

Attendance

We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone. Additionally, practical classes are used to conduct various soil tests throughout the session and the results are compiled into the final report. These tests cannot be done outside of class and so attendance is required to receive marks for these entries. 

Late Submission Policy

  • 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.

    • Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

    • Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

  • After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

  • Extensions:

    • Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.

Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Final Exam 35% No Exam Period Individual No Observed
Fundamentals of Earth science and soils 20% No Week 7 Individual No Open
Soil Testing Report 45% No Week 13 Individual and Group No Open

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will demonstrate your command of the core concepts and analytical techniques of soil mechanics in the final examination. The exam will be held during the University Final Examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of solid Earth materials and their formation
  • Identify different geohazards and describe their potential effect on construction projects
  • Describe and classify various soils using standard laboratory techniques and relate these physical characteristics to their engineering behaviour
  • Describe the behaviour and effects of both static and flowing water in soil masses
  • Assess the role of effective stress in soil mechanics and describe the strength of soils based on basic failure theory

Fundamentals of Earth science and soils

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open

You will demonstrate your understanding of the fundamentals of earth science and soils.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of solid Earth materials and their formation
  • Identify different geohazards and describe their potential effect on construction projects
  • Describe and classify various soils using standard laboratory techniques and relate these physical characteristics to their engineering behaviour

Soil Testing Report

Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open

Measuring the engineering properties of soils using the standardized testing methods is an essential skill of civil engineers. You will produce a summary report containing all the lab data, necessary calculations, and final results from the weekly practical experiments conducted in the soil lab.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe and classify various soils using standard laboratory techniques and relate these physical characteristics to their engineering behaviour
  • Describe the behaviour and effects of both static and flowing water in soil masses
  • Assess the role of effective stress in soil mechanics and describe the strength of soils based on basic failure theory

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Classes meet weekly starting in week one (unless stated otherwise), including lecture, STGA and practical classes. Make sure you have enrolled in one of the scheduled practical classes and one of the STGAs. Students must attend the STGA and practical class that they are enrolled in (no swapping) unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed to by the convenor in advance.

We recommend students have a scientific calculator and a lab notebook. You will also need closed toed shoes and appropriate clothing for practical classes in the soil mechanics lab. You will also need access to a computer with excel to perform some data reduction tasks. A laptop or tablet is useful but not required.

Communication

Outside of class, we will communicate with students primarily through iLearn announcements and occasioanlly via your university email account. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to CIVL2201@mq.edu.au from your university email address. Regular office hours are also scheduled. Students are encouraged to raise questions in class or on ilearn, rather than emailing staff directly.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

The the assessment structure has been revised in accordance with the university's new mandatory asessment policy. There are now only a total of three assessments: a problem set, a final report and final exam. Former components that have now been removed from this class include, weekly marked quizzes, weekly marked lab reports, and the lab participation hurdle.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

EA Competency Standard

Unit Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Skill Base

1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

1-5

1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing.

4,5

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

3-5

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

2

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

1,2,5

1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice.

1,2,5

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

4,5

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

3-5

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

5

2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

 

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

 

3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

3-5

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

1,2

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

1-5

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

 

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

3-5

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook