Welcome back! In this post, I’m breaking down what to expect (course-wise) when heading into semester 1 civil, along with some tips I wish I had known before starting. To preface: everyone has different experiences with each course. While I found some courses more challenging, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the same for you!
This was my typical day in the life for Semester 1. At first glance, it looks great with no 9 am starts- but depending on the week, those free mornings end up filled with labs.
Also, just to note, I won’t be covering ENGSCI 211 here. Everyone in Part II does it, and there are already plenty of great blogs with tips for that course!
General overview: The courses for Semester 1 are all very understanding-heavy, so practice problems will be your best friend!
CIVIL 202 – Fluid Mechanics and Pipe Flow
Going into semester 1, I had heard a lot of mixed reviews about this course since fluid mechanics can feel quite different from the statics learnt in first year. However, as I am now a sem 1 veteran, this is hands down my favourite course!
What to expect
- Weekly Tutorials:
Every tutorial wraps up with a short quiz. At first, this might sound super stressful, but trust- it’s the best way to keep you on track. So if you’re doing well in your quizzes, it’s a great indication that you’re on the right track!
- Study material:
202 has really great study resources, and for each topic, you’ll get a set of practice questions. Tip: The tutorial quizzes are really similar to the practice questions, so make sure to try/understand them beforehand.
- Labs: The lab consists of a fun challenge where you try to distribute water equally between three containers on a grid. To the left is an image of the template used this year to create a water distribution system.
STRCTENG 200- Introductory to Structural Mechanics
*cue war flashbacks* (haha just kidding). Before I scare you all away, the main reason this course can be really challenging is if you fall behind.
Therefore, my number one tip: stay on top of the content. I know it sounds like the most generic advice ever, but for this paper, it’s essential. Everything you learn, and I mean everything, builds on what came before. So make sure you understand the concepts taught each week by attending office hours, watching YouTube videos, or visiting the Part II Assistance Centre.
What to expect:
- Lots and Lots of BMD and SFD.
- Expansion of ENGGEN 121 (Tip: make sure you brush up on your 121 knowledge, as this course builds on it)
- Study Material:
YouTube channels like Jeff Hanson, Engineer4Free and The Efficent Engineer are really great free online resources that I used to help explain many of the concepts that are covered in this course. Sometimes hearing a topic explained in a different way is all it takes for it to click.
⚠️ Just a heads up: different resources often use different sign conventions, so make sure you stick with the one taught in the course!
Another study resource I wish I used more of is utilising the practice problems in textbooks. There are many structural mechanics textbooks out there, but a popular one is Mechanics of Materials.
- Labs: The labs are actually a really cool part of this course. In one of them, you’ll be in a group and get to build and test a beam under load. To the right is an image of a lab where we learned about restraining multiple degrees of freedom and how to ensure a stable structure.
CIVIL 203- Transport Design and Geomatics
This course is split into geomatics for the first half of the semester and transport design for the second half of the semester. Meaning that the exam would only cover the transport design section, and there is only a mid sem test for the geomatics section.
What to Expect:
- Content: Unlike some of the other courses, this isn’t really a continuation from any Part I course. The material is new, but most past students find it more manageable compared to the heavier, more content-dense courses.
- Study Resources: The practice problem sheets are super handy at prepping you for the tests/exams! Office hours for this course are great as well.
- Labs: The lab for this course is gaining hands-on experience surveying land at the Auckland Domain! To the right is an image of a theodolite used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles.
General Tips & Final Review:
Semester 1 Civil is undoubtedly challenging, and there will be weeks when you feel completely overwhelmed by the workload and deadlines. But it’s important to remember to take time for yourself!
General tips for surviving the semester:
- Use all available resources: Office hours, Part II Assistance Centre, textbooks, and YouTube channels can all be really helpful.
- Study in a Group: Discussing concepts with friends can help make a tricky topic much easier to understand.
- Take breaks: Even a short walk to Munchy Mart or doing something unrelated to academics can help to clear your mind.
- Prioritise your health: Build a sustainable study routine- maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and make time for social activities, which will help you to stay focused and motivated throughout the semester.
You’ve got this!
Jolie.