451-203 Land Law

This subject gives students a basic understanding of the history and operation of urban planning in Victoria; the origin and background of the land laws affecting our community; and the statute laws that affect surveying practice in Victoria.

Topics include the economic and social significance of land and buildings; urban planning and its role in the process of urban development; the concept, substance and practice of development regulation, land use zoning and comprehensive planned development; planning schemes and the Planning and Environment Act; law of property in land; reception of English law into Australia; real and personal property; land tenure and its history; estates in land; interests of other persons; qualifications of the rights of ownership; land as a security; mortgages; transfer of land; the common law and the Transfer of Land Act; the extinction of interests in land; adverse possession; legal persons, corporations and partnerships; law relating to surveying; history of Victorian surveying law; introduction to current survey law; Surveying Act 2004 and regulations; Survey Coordination Act 1958 and regulations; and introduction to relevant provisions of the Land Act 1958, Property Law Act 1958 and the Fences Act 1968.

• ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers but also with the community at large

• in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline

• ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution

• ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member

• understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

• understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

• international awareness and openness to the world, based on understanding and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect for individual human rights and dignity

One 3-hour written examination at the end of semester (70%), three written assignments 500 words each in length (10% each) due at monthly intervals during the semester.