Curriculum Philosophy
Design is intentionally and explicitly integrated into the Civil & Environmental Engineering curriculum commencing with the freshman introductory course, EGR 1303 Exploring the Engineering Profession, and culminating in the capstone senior design sequence, CE 4803 Engineering Practice and CE 4813 Civil Engineering Design.The development of the skills required to design and analyze components and elements is incorporated throughout the curriculum. Design components are contained in most required topics courses including CE 3213 Reinforced Concrete Design, CE 3413 Geotechnical Engineering and Applications, and CE 4603 Water Resources Engineering. Design is also included in many of the elective courses including CE 3233 Steel Design, CE 3723 Applied Hydrology, CE 4233 Transportation Systems, CE 4413 Foundation Analysis and Design, and CE 4653 Design of Pollution Control Systems.
Ultimately, in CE 4813 Civil Engineering Design, the execution of an integrated, real-life system project provides an opportunity for in-depth application of acquired design and analysis skills. The capstone design project in this course is multi-disciplinary, involving three or more areas of civil engineering, and draws upon prior coursework. Teamwork, oral and written presentations, a final design report, and a formal presentation are required.
The educational objectives of the Bachelor of Science degree program in Civil and Environmental Engineering are to prepare students to enter the profession of civil engineering, to prepare students for graduate study, and to prepare students to engage in life-long learning. The curriculum is designed to provide a foundation for work in most areas of the profession including environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, hydrology, water resources, structural engineering, and transportation/traffic engineering.
Graduates of the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department will have the opportunity to develop:
- an ability to apply their knowledge of mathematics and science
- an ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data
- an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
- an ability to function on a team
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve civil engineering problems using techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for civil engineering practice
- an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility, particularly the ASCE Code of Ethics
- an ability to communicate effectively
- breadth in their general education as well as depth in their technical education.