Students

CIVL4201 – Geotechnical and Transportation Project

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
Golnaz Alipour Esgandani
golnaz.alipour@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
CIVL2205 and CIVL3201
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides a practical introduction to investigation and design techniques in geotechnical and transport engineering. The projects are defined in consultation with engineers from practice, and students are expected to carry out the project emulating equivalent industry project-based professional practice. During the project, students will engage in teamwork, and will be required to investigate several options in a multi-objective context. The project work will draw upon knowledge and skills primarily gained in CIVL2205 Geotechnical Engineering, and CIVL3201 Transport Engineering, as well as other foundational knowledge.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Sustainable Cities and Communities

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: Apply fundamental knowledge about geotechnical design and transport systems to a specific project.
  • ULO2: Apply relevant Australian Standards procedures to a geotechnical or transportation engineering design project.
  • ULO3: Exhibit an in-depth understanding of how to analyse and design geotechnical structures and transport systems.
  • ULO4: Communicate project outcomes and associated solutions professionally, both orally and in writing.
  • ULO5: Employ strategies to collaborate effectively within a team.

General Assessment Information

Students are required to present their work in Week 6, outlining the progress of their project. This presentation will take place during the scheduled workshop time. Students will receive verbal feedback, which they can use to enhance and further develop their projects.

The final submission of the project is due in Week 13. Rubrics for both the project presentations and the project report will be made available to students via iLearn.

There will also be an in‑class quiz in Week 12 covering the concepts and topics taught in this unit.

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.

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.

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled by the faculty during a supplementary exam period, typically about 3 to 4 weeks after the normal exam period. By making a special consideration application for the final exam, you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.

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.

Late submissions

Assessments must be undertaken at the time indicated in the unit guide. Should these activities be missed due to illness or misadventure, students may apply for Special Consideration.

Assessments not submitted by the due date will receive a mark in accordance with the late submission policy as follows: 

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

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Presentation 20% No 30/03/2026 Individual and Group No Observed
Quiz 40% No 25/05/2026 Individual No Observed
final project 40% No 01/06/2026 Individual and Group No Open

Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 30/03/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

You will demonstrate your modeling skills and your design plan for the project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental knowledge about geotechnical design and transport systems to a specific project.
  • Apply relevant Australian Standards procedures to a geotechnical or transportation engineering design project.
  • Exhibit an in-depth understanding of how to analyse and design geotechnical structures and transport systems.
  • Communicate project outcomes and associated solutions professionally, both orally and in writing.
  • Employ strategies to collaborate effectively within a team.

Quiz

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 25/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

This task will assess your understanding about the fundamental knowledge required for the project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental knowledge about geotechnical design and transport systems to a specific project.
  • Apply relevant Australian Standards procedures to a geotechnical or transportation engineering design project.
  • Exhibit an in-depth understanding of how to analyse and design geotechnical structures and transport systems.

final project

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 01/06/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open

You will present the outcomes of your project as well as submitting any relevant document at the same time.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply fundamental knowledge about geotechnical design and transport systems to a specific project.
  • Apply relevant Australian Standards procedures to a geotechnical or transportation engineering design project.
  • Exhibit an in-depth understanding of how to analyse and design geotechnical structures and transport systems.
  • Communicate project outcomes and associated solutions professionally, both orally and in writing.
  • Employ strategies to collaborate effectively within a team.

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

Workshops are face to face and start in Week 1.

Unit Schedule

Refer to iLearn for the unit schedule.

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

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.

 

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

 

1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge

 

1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions

 

1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice

 

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

 

Engineering Application Ability

2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving

ULO1

2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

ULO2

2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.

ULO3

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

ULO5

Professional and Personal Attributes

3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.

 

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

ULO4

3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.

 

3.4 Professional use and management of information.

ULO2

3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.

 

3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership

ULO5

Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook