Surface Water Hydrology

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Surface Water Hydrology

Unit ID:

ENGIN5201

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

(ENGIN2201)

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

039999

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit provides students with an advanced body of knowledge in the area of surface water hydrology. Topics important to civil and environmental engineering will be covered and will include the hydrological cycle, water quality in engineered and natural systems, stream flow measurement and floodplain hydraulics, hydrology in water supply and drainage, advanced analysis methods (statistics, probability and time-series analysis), flood hydrology and concepts of integrated water cycle management. The unit also equips participants with skills for research and enquiry in the hydrological sciences and engineering.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Explain all fundamental elements of the hydrological cycle.

K2.	Describe the hydrological processes which control the occurrence, movement and distribution of surface water in the environment.

K3.	Explain the methods for collection and analysis of rainfall and stream flow information.

K4.	Infer the implications of different runoff quality and identify the methods of characterising and improving runoff quality.

K5.	Evaluate methods in statistics and probability to select appropriate hydrological data analysis and associated design tasks.

K6.	Recommend methods for the assessment of river and reservoir yield.

K7.	Reflect on the methods of flood routing and concepts of flood risks, in the context of flood mitigation methods.

K8.	Identify and categorise contemporary issues in hydrology spanning subjects such as water resource sharing, eco-hydrology and interdisciplinary matters.

Skills:

S1.	Critically analyse water quality data and interpret water quality conditions of water systems.

S2.	Apply advanced methods in statistics, probability and time series analysis for the understanding of complex hydrological problems.

S3.	Critically examine and apply expert judgement when assessing and establishing the design philosophy to be adopted for stormwater drainage systems, flood mitigation problems and water resources systems generally.

S4.	A basic level of proficiency with specialised hydrological modelling software.

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Outline all fundamental elements of the hydrological cycle and apply these to practical situations.

A2.	Utilise rainfall and streamflow data to model and estimate floods.

A3.	Select appropriate engineering solutions to maintain or restore water quality and hydrological regimes and carry out appropriate design calculations.

A4.	Apply a critical understanding of water quality to determine water resource system condition and shortlist possible solutions.

A5.	Apply advanced methods in statistics, probability and time series analysis to complex problems in surface water hydrology.

A6.	Calculate design storms and partial storms, and use flood frequency analysis to estimate the magnitude of floods at given probabilities of occurrence.

A7.	Analyse and design major components of stormwater systems, focussing on traditional detention basin design, but with alternative contemporary solutions stemming from integrated water cycle management (such as grass swales and wetlands) understood.

A8.	Apply advanced methods of hydraulics and hydrology for the solution of complex water resources problems including reservoir yield analysis and flood routing.

A9.	Use computer-based models, together with hydrological principles, to solve complex problems related to surface water hydrology.

Unit Content:

•The hydrological cycle (surface water and groundwater) and key hydrological concepts (rainfall, evaporation, etc.)
•Water quality in engineered and natural systems (including water quality testing and analyses).
•Streamflow measurement and floodplain hydraulics
•Water supply (reservoir analysis, yield and system operation).
•Hydrological data and time-series analysis (data collection, rainfall and streamflow data, statistics and probability in hydrology).
•Flood hydrology (design estimations, flood frequency analysis).
•Flood routing and detention basin design
•Concepts of integrated water resource management.
• Water resource sharing, including entitlement and allocation frameworks.
• Advanced time-series analysis for hydrology (flow duration curves, recession curves, residual mass curves, peak counts, spells analysis)
• Concepts of eco-hydrology and interdisciplinary issues (natural flow paradigms, environmental flow regimes and habitat engineering)

Graduate Attributes:

The Federation University graduate attributes (GA) are entrenched in the Higher Education Graduate Attributes Policy (LT1228).Federation University Australia graduates develop these graduate attributes through their engagement in explicit learning and teaching and assessment tasks that are embedded in all Federation Courses. Graduate attribute attainment typically follows an incremental development process mapped through Course progression. One or more graduate attributes must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each Federation University Australia Unit, and all attributes must be directly assessed in each Course.

Graduate attribute and descriptor		Development and acquisition of GAs in the Unit
Graduate attribute and descriptor		Learning outcomes (KSA)	Assessment task (AT#)
GA 1 Thinkers	Our graduates are curious, reflective and critical. Able to analyse the world in a way that generates valued insights, they are change makers seeking and creating new solutions.	K1-K8, S1-S4, A1-A9	1-3
GA 2 Innovators	Our graduates have ideas and are able to realise their dreams. They think and act creatively to achieve and inspire positive change.	K1-K8, S1-S4, A1-A9	1-2
GA 3 Citizens	Our graduates engage in socially and culturally appropriate ways to advance individual, community and global well-being. They are socially and environmentally aware, acting ethically, equitably and compassionately.	K1-K8, S1-S4, A1-A9	1-2
GA 4 Communicators	Our graduates create, exchange, impart and convey information, ideas, and concepts effectively. They are respectful, inclusive and empathetic towards their audience, and express thoughts, feelings and information in ways that help others to understand.	K1-K8, S1-S4, A1-A9	1, 2
GA 5 Leaders	Our graduates display and promote positive behaviours, and aspire to make a difference. They act with integrity, are receptive to alternatives and foster sustainable and resilient practices.	Not applicable	Not applicable

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1-8, S1-4, A1-9	Problem based questions and design tasks pertinent to civil engineering hydrology.	Assignments	20 - 40%
2.	K1-8, S1-4, A1-9	Using hydrology software to estimate any combination of catchment runoff, flood flows, streamflow depths, reservoir system operations and water quality.	Computer simulation project	10 - 30%
3.	K1-8, S1-4, A1-9	A combination of quantitative and qualitative problem solving, design calculations and crtical analysis of hydrological issues and subject matter.	End of semester online test	40 - 60%

Adopted Reference Style:

Other (IEEE-Refer to the library website for more information)

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency

Engineers Australia - Stage 1 (Professional): 2017 accreditation & AQF

Attribute			Assessed	Level
1 Knowledge and Skill Base
	1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
		1.1.1 Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice.	Yes	Advanced
	1.2 Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
		1.2.1 Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
		1.3.1 Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
		1.4.1 Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
		1.4.2 Interprets and applies selected research literature to inform engineering application in at least one specialist domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
	1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
		1.5.1 Identifies and understands the interactions between engineering systems and people in the social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal and political contexts in which they operate, including both the positive role of engineering in sustainable development and the potentially adverse impacts of engineering activity in the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
	1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
		1.6.1 Applies systematic principles of engineering design relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		1.6.4 Appreciates the social, environmental and economic principles of sustainable engineering practice.	Yes	Advanced
2 Engineering Application Ability
	2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
		2.1.1 Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.2 Ensures that all aspects of an engineering activity are soundly based on fundamental principles - by diagnosing, and taking appropriate action with data, calculations, results, proposals, processes, practices, and documented information that may be ill-founded, illogical, erroneous, unreliable or unrealistic.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.3 Competently addresses engineering problems involving uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.	Yes	Intermediate
		2.1.4 Partitions problems, processes or systems into manageable elements for the purposes of analysis, modelling or design and then re-combines to form a whole, with the integrity and performance of the overall system as the paramount consideration.	Yes	Intermediate
		2.1.9 Investigates complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods.	Yes	Introductory
	2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
		2.2.1 Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
		2.2.2 Constructs or selects and applies from a qualitative description of a phenomenon, process, system, component or device a mathematical, physical or computational model based on fundamental scientific principles and justifiable simplifying assumptions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.2.4 Applies a wide range of engineering tools for analysis, simulation, visualisation, synthesis and design, including assessing the accuracy and limitations of such tools, and validation of their results.	Yes	Advanced
	2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
		2.3.1 Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open ended problem solving skills as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plant, facilities and/or processes to satisfy user requirements.	Yes	Advanced
3 Professional and Personal Attributes
	3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
		3.2.1 Is proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing English, including: a) comprehending critically and fairly the viewpoints of others; b) expressing information effectively and succinctly, issuing instruction, engaging in discussion, presenting arguments and justification, debating and negotiating to technical and non-technical audiences and using textual, diagrammatic, pictorial and graphical media best suited to the context; c) representing an engineering position, or the engineering profession at large to the broader community; d) appreciating the impact of body language, personal behaviour and other non-verbal communication processes, as well as the fundamentals of human social behaviour and their cross-cultural differences.	Yes	Advanced
		3.2.2 Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced