Structural Engineering 1

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2026/05
Institute / School :Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability
Unit Title: Structural Engineering 1
Unit ID: ENGPG9103
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): (ENGIN2203)
ASCED: 030900
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces civil engineering students to the estimation of design loads, such as permanent, imposed and wind loads that are needed for the design of structures. The unit also develops skills in structural analysis, both determinate and indeterminate structures, with application to real structural engineering situations. Through the introduction of an industry-standard computer program, students will gain hands-on experience in modelling, analysing, and interpreting the behaviour of structures under various loading conditions.

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:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                        
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
K1.

Identify and evaluate the nature of loadings to which structures are subjected.

K2.

Develop a comprehensive understanding of structural analysis and internal forces.

K3.

Differentiate between the complexities and methods by which determinate and indeterminate structural systems are analysed.

Skills:
S1.

Model, analyse and interpret the response of structures.

S2.

Analyse structural systems using computer software.

S3.

Produce a professional document including details of computer modelling, along with outcomes and conclusions.

Application of knowledge and skills:
A1.

Analyse structures (according to AS1170 standards) for the purpose of obtaining results necessary for structural design.

A2.

Model and analyse real structures using an existing industry-standard computer program, interpret and validate the results.

Unit Content:

Topics may include:

  • Introduction to Strength Design Concepts, Loading Factors and Combinations
  • Estimation of Loads for Structural Design: Permanent (Dead), Imposed (Live), Wind and other Loads
  • Basic Concepts of Structural Analysis 
  • Manual Analysis of Indeterminate Structures
  • Computer Analysis of Simple Structures
  • Analysis by Simplified Code Coefficients
  • Analysis of concrete beams
Graduate Attributes:
Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptorDevelopment and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
Level
FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal

Students will demonstrate high-level skills to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups Students will be required to display (in person and/or online) high-level skills in-person and/or online in:

• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication via a range of synchronous and asynchronous methods

• Active listening for meaning and influencing 

• High-level empathy for others

• Negotiating and demonstrating extended conflict resolution skills

• Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams 

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 2
Leadership

Students will demonstrate the ability to apply leadership skills and behaviours Students will be required to display skills in: 

• Creating, contributing to, and enabling collegial environments

• Showing self-awareness and the ability to self-reflect for personal growth

• Inspiring and enabling others

• Making informed and evidence-based decisions through consultation with others

• Displaying initiative and ability to solve problems 

2 - No
FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity

Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complex and ambiguous environments, using their imagination to create new ideas Students will be required to display skills in:

• Reflecting critically on complex problems

• Synthesising, evaluating ideas, concepts and information

• Proposing alternative perspectives to refine ideas

• Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts through deep inquiry

• Proposing creative solutions in problem solving  

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy

Students will demonstrate the ability to work proficiently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks Students will be required to display high-level skills in: 

• Finding, accessing, collating, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and appropriately and securely sharing complex digital information at a high-level

• Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media 

• Using digital tools appropriately to conduct research

• Contributing proficiently to digital teams and working groups

• Participating in and utilising digital learning opportunities 

1 - Yes
FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset

Students will demonstrate the ability to think ethically and sustainably. Students will be required to display skills in:

• The responsible conduct of research

• Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in multiple global economic environmental and societal contexts

• Demonstrating commitment to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen

• Generating research solutions which are sustainable,ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable 

• Extending lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Demonstrate extended actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life.  

1 - Yes
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeighting
1.K1, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2

An assignment based around a laboratory or design task in structural analysis

Report

30 - 40%

2.K1, K2, K3, S1, A1

Mid-semester class test/Tutorial assessments

Open book or close book test

10 - 20%

3.K1, K2, K3, S1, A1

An examination on any or all of the material covered in the unit.

Exam/Final Test

30 - 50%

Adopted Reference Style:
IEEE  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency