313583 v.1 Civil and Construction Engineering Major

Introduction

Civil Engineering involves the application of basic scientific and technological principles to the design and construction of facilities necessary for the welfare of the community. It is concerned with such projects as railways, harbours and docks, road systems, bridges, water supply and wastewater treatment, dams, tunnels and underground construction, power projects, offshore structures, and commercial and industrial buildings. The effective practice of civil engineering necessitates a strong background in the mathematical and physical sciences, an understanding of the properties of construction materials such as steel, concrete and natural aggregates and an ability to evaluate the performance of structures under variable forms of loading. Many engineering projects require a close working relationship with other groups - planners, architects, environmental scientists - and an appreciation of the impact of civil works on society in terms of both social obligations and finance. The civil engineer also needs training in management of resources, equipment, materials and finance.