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CIVL3101 – Hydraulics and Hydrology

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 Unit Convener
Bandita Mainali
bandita.mainali@mq.edu.au
Room 309, 9 Wally's Walk
Appointment via email or Mondays from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above including MECH2002
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
CIVL6104
Unit description Unit description

The objective of this unit is to provide students with the scientific foundations and basic principles of hydraulic and hydrological methods in engineering applications. This unit requires the fundamental knowledge gained through successful completion of Fluid Mechanics in the second year. Specific topics in open channel hydraulics include uniform flow, gradually varied flow, changes in channel cross section, hydraulic structures, and rapidly varied flow. Specific topics in hydrology include fundamentals of hydrology and water resources, Hydrologic cycle, hyetograph and hydrograph analysis, rainfall-runoff relationships and flood routing, hydrologic statistics, and flood frequency analysis.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Clean Water and Sanitation; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Climate Action

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 an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of hydraulics and hydrology used in civil engineering.
  • ULO2: Analyse and design open channels including estimating water surface profiles, and hydraulic structures such as weirs and culverts.
  • ULO3: Carry out hydrological investigations of natural and urban catchments.
  • ULO4: Analyse and estimate floods for engineering design and forecasting.

General Assessment Information

Grading and passing requirement for unit

In order to pass this unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD).

For further details about grading, please refer below in the policies and procedures section.

 

Student Responsibilities

Be familiar with University policy and procedures and act in accordance with those policies and procedures.

It is the responsibility of the student to retain a copy of any work submitted. Students must provide these documents upon request. Copies should be retained until the end of the grade appeal period each term.

The student is to perform the required due diligence for their assessment grade and rectify as soon as possible upon finding any errors.

 

Late Submission 

 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:

    • Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

    • 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

 

 

Practical Component

Attendance at practical classes is mandatory prior to submitting the lab report. Any lab report submitted without attending the corresponding practical session will receive a grade of 0, even if it is submitted by the due date.

Students who are unable to attend a practical session must submit a special consideration request and have it approved in order for alternative arrangements to be organised.

 

Resubmission option

Resubmission of any assessment task is not allowed under any circumstances. 

 

Notifications

Formal notification of assessment tasks, grading rubrics, and due dates will be posted on iLearn. Although all reasonable measures to ensure the information is accurate, The University reserves the right to make changes without notice. Each student is responsible for checking iLearn for changes and updates.

 

Assignment submissions and plagiarism policies

All assignments and reports must be submitted electronically through iLearn (in pdf format). Submissions will undergo plagiarism checkers using the Turnitin software (where applicable) and any work deemed to have a 30% or higher similarity score may incur an academic penalty. For more details on the policies of academic penalties relating to academic honesty, please refer to the policies and procedures section below.

Submissions are expected to be typed set in a logical layout and sequence. Markers WILL NOT grade poorly organized or illegible scans or drafts. The expected workload includes the preparation of final copies and clear diagrams.

 

Grading and passing requirements for unit

For further details about grading, please refer below to the policies and procedures section.

In order to pass this unit, a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD).

The unit will be graded according to the Macquarie University Grading policy. The following grades will be used according to the listed numerical range:

ASSESSMENT GRADES AND STATUS

GRADE

RANGE

STATUS ( ‘Standard Grade’ in AMIS)

DESCRIPTION

HD

85-100

Pass

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality, insight, or creativity in identifying, generating, and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem-solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions, and their implications; creativity in the application as appropriate to the program.

D

75-84

Pass

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles, and theories, distinctive insight, and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of frequent originality or creativity in defining and analyzing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the program and the audience.

CR

65-74

Pass

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the program.

P

50-64

Pass

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is a demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the program; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the program. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.

F

0-49

Fail

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing, or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the program.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Midterm Exam 25% No Week 8 Individual No Open AI
Lab Report 25% No Week 11 Individual No
Project Assessment 50% No Week 13 Individual and Group No

Midterm Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

Quiz from the hydraulic and hydrology content of the subject.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of hydraulics and hydrology used in civil engineering.
  • Analyse and design open channels including estimating water surface profiles, and hydraulic structures such as weirs and culverts.
  • Analyse and estimate floods for engineering design and forecasting.

Lab Report

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 25%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

Hydraulics and Hydrology Lab Report.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of hydraulics and hydrology used in civil engineering.
  • Analyse and design open channels including estimating water surface profiles, and hydraulic structures such as weirs and culverts.
  • Carry out hydrological investigations of natural and urban catchments.

Project Assessment

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:

Software-based hydraulics and hydrology design project culminating in a technical report and presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of hydraulics and hydrology used in civil engineering.
  • Analyse and design open channels including estimating water surface profiles, and hydraulic structures such as weirs and culverts.
  • Carry out hydrological investigations of natural and urban catchments.
  • Analyse and estimate floods for engineering design and forecasting.

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
  • the Writing Centre 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

Textbook(s):

  • Cengel and Cimbala, Fluid Mechanics, Fundamentals and Applications, 4th Ed (SI Units) 
  • Chaudhry, Open Channel Flow, 2nd Ed, Springer
  • Singh, Handbook of Applied Hydrology, 2nd Ed
  • Ball J, Babister M, Nathan R, Weeks W, Weinmann E, Retallick M, Testoni I, (Editors) Australian Rainfall and Runoff: A Guide to Flood Estimation, © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2016.(available from http://arr.ga.gov.au/arrguideline)

 

Online Platform:

The iLearn Page will provide all necessary information related to the subject.

Equipment Required:

  1. Scientific Calculator: A high-quality scientific calculator is essential for this course. You are also expected to familiarise yourself with its various functions and operations.
  2. Personal Device (Laptop/Tablet/Mobile Phone): A personal device, such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, is necessary for accessing the iLearn resources.

Ensure you procure these resources and familiarise yourself with the online platform before our first class for an optimal learning experience.

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.

Engineers Australia Competency Mapping

All key learning outcomes of this unit (see learning outcomes section; ULO1 – ULO4) are designed to meet the requirements of the Engineers Australia competency standard. The table below shows how the learning outcomes are mapped to the requirements.

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.

ULO1, ULO3

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

ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

ULO1, ULO3

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

 

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

ULO1, ULO3

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

 ULO1, ULO3

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

ULO2, ULO4

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO2, ULO4

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

 

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

ULO2, ULO4

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

 

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

ULO2, ULO4

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

 

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO2, ULO4

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

ULO2, ULO4

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

 

Unit information based on version 2026.03 of the Handbook