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 roads, bridges, railways, harbours and docks, 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, timber and soils. Also needed is the skill to apply this knowledge to produce designs for projects and an understanding of construction methods. 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 and the environment in terms of both social obligations and costs in addition the civil engineer also needs to be able to manage personnel resources, equipment, materials and finance.