Hydrology and Water Resources

Unit code: NEC3002 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Footscray Park
NEC3001 - Fluid Mechanics; or
NEF2101 - Fluid Mechanics 1
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this unit, Hydrology and Water Resources, you will explore the dynamic processes that govern the movement, distribution, and management of water. The unit provides an in-depth understanding of hydrological systems, equipping you with the skills to analyse and design sustainable water management solutions. You will examine the critical role of water resources in supporting communities, industries, and ecosystems while addressing water related challenges.



Topics covered include the hydrological cycle, hydrological modelling stormwater network design, river system dynamics, stormwater management and integrated water resource management (IWRM). Using advanced hydrological models and software tools, you will simulate rainfall-runoff processes and develop strategies for water resource allocation and conservation. These technical skills are reinforced through real-world applications and case studies, emphasising the importance of sustainable and adaptive management approaches.



By the end of the unit, you will have gained knowledge and tools to help evaluate the impacts of climate change on water resources and propose innovative adaptation strategies. This unit will prepare you to contribute meaningfully to sustainable water resource management practices, a crucial area of expertise for civil engineers addressing the environmental and societal demands of the modern world.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Integrate principles of hydrological processes to analyse precipitation, infiltration, evaporation, and runoff in water resource systems;
  2. Design stormwater systems for flood control, incorporating principles of hydrology and water resources engineering;
  3. Collaborate effectively within a team setting to construct and simulate hydrological models using software tools to inform water resource planning and decision-making; and
  4. Evaluate the impacts of climate change on water resources and formulate adaptive strategies for sustainable water management.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 25%
River system modelling. (Group) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 35%
Integrated urban water resources management project focusing on sustainable system design and analysis. (Group) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 40%
Scenarios involving modelling and/or problem-solving, applying fundamental engineering principles to real-world systems. (Part 1 - 20%, Part 2 - 20%) (Individual) (60mins each)

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Search for units, majors & minors