STRUCTURA ACADEMIC · DRAFT CURRICULUM PLAN
Water & Hydraulic Design
A water-engineering pathway from fluid mechanics to pipe and open-channel systems, hydrology, urban drainage, hydraulic structures and resilient design.
Designed forCivil and environmental engineering learners developing practical hydraulic and water-system design capability.
Plan, then publish. This research-backed structure is in draft review. Linked lessons retain their existing review status; unlinked modules are curriculum scopes, not published engineering instruction.
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Recommended prior knowledge
- Engineering mathematics
- Basic physics
- Surveying fundamentals
- Spreadsheet literacy
STACKED LEARNING PATHWAY
Explore the curriculum
Select a level or search across module topics and outcomes.
8 modules shown
01Stack 0 · Prior knowledgeFluid mechanics fundamentalsEstablish pressure, energy, momentum and dimensional reasoning for civil-engineering flows.24 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Fluid properties and hydrostatics
- Continuity, energy and momentum
- Dimensional analysis
Learning outcomes
- Apply conservation equations
- Check units and physical plausibility
02Stack 1 · FoundationsPipe flow and pumping systemsAnalyse pressurised networks, losses, pumps and operating points.30 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Friction and minor losses
- Series and parallel pipes
- Pump curves and system curves
Learning outcomes
- Size simple pipe systems
- Select and assess pumps
03Stack 2 · Core analysisOpen-channel hydraulicsAnalyse uniform and varied flow in channels and identify controls and transitions.32 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Specific energy and critical flow
- Uniform-flow resistance
- Gradually and rapidly varied flow
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate channel capacity
- Recognise hydraulic controls
04Stack 2 · Core analysisEngineering hydrologyTurn rainfall and catchment data into design flows with an explicit uncertainty trail.32 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Catchment processes
- Frequency analysis
- Hydrographs and routing
Learning outcomes
- Estimate design runoff
- Select methods appropriate to data quality
05Stack 3 · Applied designStormwater and urban drainageDesign drainage systems using source control, conveyance, storage and exceedance planning.34 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Design storms
- Pipe and surface networks
- SuDS and detention
Learning outcomes
- Develop a drainage strategy
- Check minor and major systems
06Stack 3 · Applied designWater distribution and hydraulic structuresCoordinate distribution networks with reservoirs, spillways, culverts and energy dissipation.36 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Network analysis
- Storage and demand
- Hydraulic structures
Learning outcomes
- Assess network performance
- Design common hydraulic structures
07Stack 4 · Advanced practiceFlood, coastal and climate-resilient designIntegrate flood risk, climate allowances, nature-based solutions and operational resilience.28 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Flood pathways and consequence
- Climate sensitivity
- Resilient and adaptive options
Learning outcomes
- Compare adaptation pathways
- Communicate residual flood risk
08Stack 5 · IntegrationIntegrated catchment-to-outfall projectDevelop a traceable water-system solution from data and modelling through design and stakeholder communication.42 hoursPlan only
Core topics
- Catchment model
- Option development
- Design report and verification
Learning outcomes
- Deliver an integrated hydraulic design
- Defend assumptions and uncertainty
RESEARCH BASIS
Curriculum sources
Used to identify recurring themes and sequence the main modules. STRUCTURA’s pathway is a synthesis, not a reproduction of any institution’s programme.
NEXT STEP
Open learning library Move from plan to reviewed lessons
This area is now structured for lesson production. Each module remains plan-only until its teaching content passes review.