​​Study PlanCourse Description

1.         General Education

 

Technical English Writing

 

The course examines the basic requirements of technical style and organizational patterns used in a variety of business and technical documents. Students learn and practice how to condense extensive information into the fewest words possible without sacrificing content. The course also covers how to identify the audiences and apply various styles to each. Students hone their skills by writing various types of proposals, informal and formal reports, procedures manuals and oral presentations. Finally, the course gives students a command of the design principals and production processes required for truly effective technical communications. Students will be required to complete a capstone project that incorporates every aspect of technical writing learned in the course

 

2.         Mathematics and Basic Science

 

General Chemistry

 

The course covers fundamental observations, laws, and theories of chemistry at the introductory level. Topics include Atoms/Molecules, Stoichiometry, Acids/Bases, Solutions, Equilibria, Gases, Solids, Liquids, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Quantum Theory, The periodic table, and Chemical bonding.

 

Calculus I

 

Differential calculus and basic integral calculus including the fundamental theorem of calculus and Taylor’s theorem with remainder. It includes most of the elementary topics in the theory of real-valued functions of a real variable: limits, continuity, derivatives, maxima and minima, integration, area under a curve, volumes of revolution, trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions and techniques of integration

 

Physics I

 

Vectors. Motion in one, two and three dimension. Acceleration and free fall, force and motion, and analysis of forces. Newton’s laws. Circular motion. Work: the transfer of mechanical energy. Conservation of momentum. Rotation. Conservation of angular momentum. Elasticity and Fluid mechanics


 

 

Physics I Lab

 

This lab course will contain experiments based on theory covered in PHYS 117.

 

Calculus II

 

All techniques of integration (substitution, by parts, trigonometric substitutions, partial fractions, miscellaneous substitutions etc.), conic sections, polar coordinates, and infinite series. Vector analysis: Euclidean space, partial differentiation, multiple integrals, the integral theorems of vector calculus.

 

Physics II

 

Oscillations. Sound waves. Heat and Thermodynamics. Electricity and Magnetism: Coulomb's law, electric fields, Gauss' Law, electric potential, potential energy, capacitance, currents and resistance. Electrical energy and power, direct current circuits, Kirchhoff's rules. Magnetic fields, motion of charged particle in a magnetic field, sources of the magnetic field and energy in a magnetic field. Ampere's law, Faraday's law of induction, self-inductance. Alternating current circuits, the RLC series circuit, power in an A.C. circuit, resonance in RLC services circuit.

 

Physics II Lab          

 

This lab course will contain experiments based on theory covered in PHYS 118.

 

Differential Equations

 

Techniques and applications of ordinary differential equations: First order equations, linear equations of higher order, systems of linear equations with constant coefficients, reduction of order, including Fourier series and boundary-value problems, and an introduction to partial differential equations

 

Probability and Statistics in Engineering

 

Emphasizes basic probability concepts, random variables and probability, expectations and moments, functions of random variables, some important discrete distributions, some important continuous distributions. This including descriptive statistics, observed data and graphical representation, parameter estimation, model verification, linear models and linear regression, and hypothesis testing in both nonparametric and normal models

 

Linear Algebra

 

Basic concepts and techniques of linear algebra; includes systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, vectors in n-space, and eigenvectors, together with selected applications, such as Markov processes, linear programming, economic models, least squares and population growth.

 

Numerical Methods 

 

This course covers the various numerical techniques to solve computational engineering problems.  Main topics of this course are: introduction to numerical methods, floating-point computation, systems of linear equations, approximation of functions and integrals, the single nonlinear equation, and the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, applications in engineering, and programming.

 

3.         General Engineering

 

Engineering Graphics and Design

 

Use of computer drafting software (AutoCAD) to model parts and assemblies. Use of parametric and non-parametric solids, surface and wire frame models. Part editing, two-dimensional documentation of models. Planar projection theory, including sketching of perspective, isometric, multi-view, auxiliary, and section views. Spatial visualization exercises. Dimensioning guidelines, tolerance techniques. Team or individual design project.

 

Computer Programming

 

Fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of computing, with emphasis on applications in engineering. Basic problem solving and programming techniques, fundamental algorithms and data structures. Use of computers in solving engineering and scientific problems.

 

Statics

 

Vector analysis, forces, moments, and couples, resultants of force systems, equilibrium analysis and free-body diagrams, analysis of forces acting on members of trusses and frames. Shear-force and bending-moment distributions, centroids, center of mass, hydrostatic pressure, moment of inertia, parallel axis theorem, polar moment of inertia, and product of inertia.

 

Dynamics

 

Kinematics and kinetics of particles including force and acceleration, Newton’s second law, energy-work principles, impulse-momentum methods. Planar kinematics and planar kinetics of rigid bodies: translation, rotation about a fixed axis, general plane motion. Introduction to three-dimensional dynamics of rigid bodies.

 

Professional Ethics for Engineers

 

The course examines ethical theories, moral norms and case studies to provide an overview of the ethical use of technology and associated responsibilities of engineers towards society, environment, clients, employers and coworkers. Ethical problem-solving techniques are elaborated with examples. Concepts of whistle blowing, intellectual copyrights, plagiarism, conflict of interests, safety, occupational hazards and cost-benefit risk are explored in the light of engineering codes of ethics and legal aspects of ethical and professional misconduct.

 

Engineering Economy

 

Time value of money formulas, application of time value of money formulas. Project selection using net present worth analysis using the common multiple and study period methods, one and two parameter sensitivity analysis. Bond cash flows and pricing, loan amortization and determining the remaining principle on a loan, project selection using annual equivalent worth, project selection using the incremental net present worth. Annual depreciation and book value using straight line, declining balance and MACRS methods. Annual cash flow and net present worth. Discounted benefit/cost ratio for a public project and determine if it meets the criterion. Inflation in estimating future cash flows, and defender/challenger replacement analysis using net present worth.

 

Engineering Training

 

Eight weeks training in a relevant industry under the supervision of an external supervisor from industry. Each student must submit a technical report about his learning experience during training in addition to fulfilling any other requirements as determined by the department.

 

4.         Civil Engineering Core Courses

 

Civil Engineering Materials

 

Introduction to materials engineering concepts and nature of materials, Structure and properties of civil engineering materials such as: steel, aluminium, aggregates, cement, masonry, wood, and composites. The properties range from elastic, plastic, fracture, porosity, thermal and environmental responses.

 

Solid Mechanics

 

Relationship between internal stresses and deformations produced by external forces acting on deformable bodies; design principles based on mechanics of solids; stresses and deformations produced by tensile, compressive, thermal, torsional, and flexural loading; stress concentration; stress transformation and Mohr’s circle, failure criteria for plane stress; pressure vessels; buckling of columns.

 

Civil Engineering Materials Lab

 

The concepts, procedures, tools and equipment used to measure and evaluate engineering properties of civil engineering materials, including reinforcing steel, metals, aggregate, cement, polymers and timber.

 

Engineering Surveying        

 

Introduction to surveying and photogrammetry. Horizontal and vertical distance measurement, angles and direction, traverses, errors and their adjustments, control and construction surveys; coordinate geometry; area computations; topographic maps; introduction to horizontal and vertical curves; Lab and field practice with modern surveying equipment.

 

Fundamental of Environmental Engineering

 

The sources, characteristics, transport, and effects of air and water contaminants; biological, chemical, and physical processes in water; atmospheric structure and composition; unit operations for air and water quality control; solid waste management; and environmental quality standards; Environmental chemistry.

 

Fluid Mechanics

 

Introduction to fluid mechanics; unit conversion and dimensions, introduction to fluid properties, basics of hydrostatics, hydrostatic pressure forces on plain and curved surfaces, buoyancy and stability.  Introduction to fluid kinematics and conservation of mass. Fluid dynamics and energy equation, venture effect and stagnation point. Types of head losses in pipes, application of flow in pipes. Introduction to momentum.

 

Concrete Properties

 

Concrete constituent materials, concrete mix design, concrete production, transportation and placing operations, fresh and hardened concrete properties and testing, hot weather concreting, durability, admixtures and special types of concrete. Fresh and hardened concrete testing. The non-destructive testing methods.

 

Structural Engineering

 

Introduction to structural systems and their design; structural design process; computation of loads on structures; analysis of statically determinate trusses, beams, frames, cables and arches under static loads; shear and moment diagrams for beams and frames; deflections of beams and trusses; influence lines for moving loads; virtual work and energy principles; analysis of statically indeterminate structures by slope deflection and moment distribution methods; introduction to computer applications in structural analysis and design.

 

Reinforced Concrete Design

 

Study of the strength, behaviour, and design of reinforced concrete members (beams, short columns, one-way slab, footings etc.) and structural systems subjected to moments, shear, and axial forces; knowledge of code provisions for ultimate strength design, detailing and serviceability requirements; introduction to the use of design aids and computer design packages.

 

Transportation Engineering

 

An overview of the profession of transportation, transportation systems and organizations. Introduction to vehicle, pedestrians, driver and road characteristics, fundamental principles of traffic flow, intersection design and control, capacity and level of service for highway and signalized intersections, and transportation planning.

 

Transportation Engineering Laboratory

 

Experimental investigation of penetration grade of bitumen, softening point of bitumen, flash and fire point of bitumen, ductility of bitumen, extraction of bitumen – ashing method, gradation of asphalt aggregate extracted, Max. Theoretical specific gravity of asphalt, Marshal stability and flow. Analysis of experimental data and preparation of testing reports.

 

Environmental Engineering Processes

 

Physical, Chemical and Biological water and wastewater quality parameters Unit Operation and Unit Process in water treatment design:  screening, grit removal, sedimentation, coagulation, flocculation, softening, filtration and disinfection Order of reaction (batch, plug, continuous) and substrate kinetics. Design of sewerage system. Brief description of wastewater treatment system.

 

Environmental Engineering Laboratory   

 

Water and Wastewater Analysis including: solids determination; spectrophotometry and Beers’ law; pH; alkalinity; acidity; acid-base titration; turbidity; conductivity; hardness; chloride content; Jar test; biological and chemical oxygen demands; bacterial counts in water; Heavy  metals determination and trace contaminants.

 

Water Resources Engineering

 

Quantitative introduction to water resources in the globe and in SA. Hydraulic design of transmission lines: gravity and pumping systems, pipeline economics, pipe networks. Introduction to open channel hydraulics: uniform flow, critical flow, specific energy, gradually varied flow, rapidly varied flow, flow measurements in open channels. Introduction to hydrology: rainfall data analysis, Time of concentration, Runoff analysis and Rational method. Hydraulic analysis of gravity sewer flow.

 

Water Resources Engineering Laboratory

 

Experiments on: properties of fluids; flow measurements; statics of fluids; principles of continuity, Bernoulli, energy, and momentum; viscous effects; free surface flow; and pumps.

 

Geotechnical Engineering   

 

Introduction to geotechnical engineering, Basics of engineering geology, Soil formation, Soil composition, Soil classification, Excavation, grading and compacted fills, Groundwater and permeability, Stress distribution in soils, Effective stress concept, Compressibility and settlement analysis, Oedometer test, Soil strength.

 

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory      

 

Soil description and identification, Specific gravity test, Moisture content test, Sieve analysis and hydrometer test, Atterberg limits tests, Standard and modified compaction tests, California bearing ratio test, Constant and falling head permeability tests, Consolidation test, Direct shear test, Unconfined compression test, Triaxial compression test.

 

Steel Structures        

 

Introduction to the design of steel structures; analysis and design of members and various types of bolted and welded connections; strength, serviceability and stability requirements in the current design codes; gravity and lateral load resisting systems; plastic analysis and design; introduction to computer based design of steel structures; overview of structural steel drawings and fabrication and erection practices for steel structures.

 

Transportation Facility Design      

 

Study of geometric elements of transportation facilities, with emphasis on analysis and design for safety. Pavement analysis, design, and rehabilitation.

 

Civil Engineering Systems  

 

Introduction to the formulation and solution of civil engineering problems. Mathematical modelling, and optimization. Techniques including classical optimization, linear and nonlinear programming, network theory, critical path methods, simulation, decision theory, and dynamic programming are applied to a variety of civil engineering problems.

 

Foundation Engineering      

 

Introduction to foundation engineering, General requirements of foundations, Selection of foundation types, Bearing capacity theories, Analysis and design of shallow foundations, Foundation settlement, Lateral earth pressure, Excavation and retaining walls, Slope stability analysis.

 

Construction Engineering and Management

 

Introduction to construction industry, project participants, legal structure of organizations, and managing construction resources including money, materials, labor force, and construction equipment. The emphasis is on construction processes: planning and scheduling, estimating and cost control, productivity models, quality control, construction safety, sustainable construction practices, and construction econometrics.

 

Construction Contracts and Specifications

 

Application of the construction contracts, drawings, and specifications to the construction process. Ethical issues in project administration. The methodology, procedures and organizational techniques involved in preparing and evaluating bids and contracts. Types of construction contracts, general and special conditions of contract, standard specifications and contract. Procedures for systematic handling of variations, claims and disputes and their clarification with their legal implications.

 

Graduation Project I

 

Select the graduation project from list of topics in one of the area of specialization in civil engineering, define objectives and scope of the work, review relevant literature, initiate the project and submit a draft report.

 

Graduation Project II

 

Continuation of CE 491 with comprehensive work   on the selected topic, report writing, and oral presentation.​