Civil and Environmental Engineering

Course Structure

1. Environmental Engineering: Environmental engineering is concerned with the application of scientific and engi\xadneering principles for protection of human populations from the effects of adverse environ\xadmental factors, the protection of environments from the potentially harmful effects of natural and human activities, and the improvement of environmental quality. Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues, including the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion.
2. Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Engineering: In this specialization, students focus on theoretical fluid mechanics and applied hydraulics, open channel hydraulics, closed conduit flow, transient and unsteady flow analysis, valve and pump engineering and testing, design and modeling of hydraulic structures, two phase flow, cavitation, sedimentation, flow resistance, flood plain management and control, and erosion control and protection.
3. Geotechnical Engineering: In this specialization, students study the properties and behavior of soil and rock. Using those properties and behavior, they design and analyze foundations, excavations, retaining walls, slopes, dikes, dams, levees, and more. Geotechnical engineers also predict behavior of soil and rock during earthquake shaking. The graduate curriculum covers the theoretical behavior of soil, laboratory and field experimental methods, and current design practices.
4. Structural Engineering and Mechanics: Structural Engineering is one of the oldest and largest sub-disciplines within civil engineering. The two most recognized structural categories are the design of bridges and the design of buildings. In addition to these, there are numerous other structure types, such as towers, tanks, dams, industrial facilities, etc. that structural engineers design.
5. Transportation Engineering: The primary goal of this specialization is to advance the understanding of transportation systems and to improve efficiency and effectiveness of transportation systems. Students learn to solve current and future problems in the transportation industry while recognizing social, economic, and environmental constraints.
6. Water Resources Engineering and Hydrology: In this specialization, research areas include climate analysis, hydrologic modeling, nonparametric statistical methods, dam safety, risk management, extreme flood hydrology, snow and snowmelt, risk-based decision analysis for water quantity and quality management, water institutions, water policies, water management, and water conservation.