Examinations greatly influence course structures and student study strategies. A course for students in the civil and environmental engineering programme at Lulea University of Technology was reconstructed with the aim of increasing levels of understanding. A simple written test was designed to assess low levels of understanding (definitions, concepts, etc.). Laboratory work, fieldwork and extensive assignments (calculation tasks) were intended to assess medium levels of understanding (apply, use and combine algorithms, etc.). A final oral group exam that was used to assess high levels of understanding (compare/contrast, explain causes, analyse, relate) concluded the course. Peer assessment of laboratory work and assignments was also applied. The students ranked the entire course at 5 on a 6 grade scale and appreciated the extensive assignments and the assessment approach. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)