Hydrology and Water Resources

Unit code: NEC3103 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEC2203 - Hydraulics
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

In this unit, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to understand and manage water systems in engineering practice. You will explore the hydrologic cycle, rainfall-runoff relationships, urban drainage design, floodplain management, and water resources development. Through the use of industry-standard tools such as Aquacycle and SOURCE, you will learn to model and evaluate hydrological systems to support sustainable and resilient infrastructure planning.



You will also strengthen your ability to think critically, interpret data, and solve complex problems while considering technical, environmental, and social factors. In addition, this unit provides opportunities to refine your professional communication skills through technical reporting and presentations, preparing you for multidisciplinary teamwork in real-world water engineering contexts.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Analyse and synthesise hydrological data to solve problems in rainfall-runoff routing, flood frequency analysis, urban drainage, floodplain behaviour, and water resources management;
  2. Construct urban drainage network designs and justify computations using hydrological modelling principles;
  3. Compute design flow volumes for urban subdivisions using Aquacycle and evaluate the suitability of design choices;
  4. Interpret results generated using SOURCE software to evaluate water supply systems and support sustainable planning; and
  5. Initiate and coordinate team-based water resource projects and present optimal solutions using professional engineering communication methods.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Report
|
Grade: 20%
River system modelling. (Group) (1200 words) (Group)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 55%
Tests (Individual)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 25%
Urban hydrology and water resources. (Group) (1500 words)

Report: Each student's individual contribution to the group assessment will be systematically evaluated and assessed, with consideration given to their specific tasks, responsibilities, and active engagement throughout the collaborative process.

Test: These invigilated in class secure assessments present unpredictable modelling scenarios and/or problem-solving scenarios that tests deep understanding, requires explanation of reasoning and process, and involve applying knowledge to new contexts

Project: This secure assessment ensures accountability through structured reflection, documented collaboration, and detailed explanation of techniques, with in-class progressive milestone checks linked to individual students also being used to enhance security. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further support the secure assessment and assurance of learning outcomes.

Required reading

Class notes can be accessed from VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

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

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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