Numerical Methods in Geotechnical Design

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ENGC X410
Course ID icon
Course ID
208442
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Mawson Lakes
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Civil Eng & Cons Mgt
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Khoi Nguyen
Course level icon
Course level
4
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

The aim of this course focus on the utilisation of cutting-edge engineering software packages to tackle sophisticated engineering challenges. Topics will encompass solving partial differential equations in solid mechanics and finite difference. The course will mainly emphasise employing numerical and computational methods, including discrete elements, finite difference and finite elements. Students will also explore commercial engineering packages, with a keen focus on establishing accuracy standards. Through this, participants will gain proficiency in applying advanced computational techniques to address complex engineering problems effectively.

  • Finite Element Modelling
  • Discrete Element Method

Course learning outcomes

  • Understand the principles of particle morphology, solid mechanics and continuum mechanics
  • Demonstrate proficiency in analytical methods and computational techniques for modelling particle morphology and simulating particle interactions
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills by applying analytical and computational approaches to address challenges related to solid mechanics in engineering practice
  • Develop proficiency in discretising complex geotechnical problems solving linear and nonlinear equations in both static and dynamic problems
  • Develop DEM and FEM simulations using specialised software tools tailored for geotechnical engineering applications and evaluate the simulation results, and gain hands-on experience through these exercises

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 56662
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
3 Aug - 21 Sep Monday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, LG29
12 Oct - 9 Nov Monday 10:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, LG29
Class number
Class number 60123
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Adelaide City Campus East ,
Class number
Class number 56663
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 Aug - 22 Sep Tuesday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus East Ingkarni Wardli, B.23
13 Oct - 10 Nov Tuesday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus East Ingkarni Wardli, B.23

Mawson Lakes

Class number
Class number 56664
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 50
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
5 Aug - 23 Sep Wednesday 10:10am - 12pm Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-24
14 Oct - 11 Nov Wednesday 10:10am - 12pm Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-24
Class number
Class number 60124
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 30
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
- Mawson Lakes ,
Class number
Class number 56666
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
7 Aug - 25 Sep Friday 8:10am - 10am Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-15
16 Oct - 13 Nov Friday 8:10am - 10am Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-15
Class number
Class number 56665
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
7 Aug - 25 Sep Friday 3:10pm - 5pm Mawson Lakes Building P, P1-12
16 Oct - 13 Nov Friday 3:10pm - 5pm Mawson Lakes Building P, P1-12
Class number
Class number 52718
Section
Section TU03
Size
Size 20
Available
Available 20
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
7 Aug - 25 Sep Friday 1:10pm - 3pm Mawson Lakes Building P, P1-12
16 Oct - 13 Nov Friday 1:10pm - 3pm Mawson Lakes Building P, P1-12

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.