Academic Catalog 2017–2018

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Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

Overview

ABET-logo.jpgThe Bachelor of Engineering degree program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org). ABET is the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.  ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating, the welfare and safety needs of the public.

The Department of Civil Engineering is committed to providing students with a solid theoretical background, training in the latest design methods and proficiency in technological applications allowing graduates to pursue varied careers in design, construction, management and research.

The Department of Civil Engineering currently offers courses in the fields of:

  • Construction Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Surveying
  • Structural Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering

Mission

The mission of the B.E. in Civil Engineering at LAU is to provide students with a quality and challenging education, through innovative teaching, professional practice and community service, enabling the students to enrich their lives and make valuable contributions to their communities.

The program aims to prepare graduates to be technically competent, talented, creative, and ethically responsible engineers who are effective professionals in today’s work environment and are kept abreast of the latest technical software. 

Program Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the B.E. in Civil Engineering will:

  1. achieve success in their chosen career path, be it professional practice or graduate studies,
  2. adapt to meet the changing requirements of the job market, and
  3. be responsible citizen engineers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B. E. in Civil Engineering,  students will acquire the following skills, knowledge and behaviors:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering,
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability,
  4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams,
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
  6. an understanding of one’s professional and ethical responsibility,
  7. an ability to communicate effectively,
  8. a broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and social context,
  9. a recognition of the need for and the ability to engage in lifelong learning,
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues, and
  11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and the modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for admission may apply to either of the two campuses (Beirut or Byblos) by sending an application to the campus they choose to join. Applicants may apply to LAU as regular or special, sophomore or transfer students. Applications are accepted within the set deadlines and students may join at the start of any semester (fall, spring or summer).

Application forms are available at the Admissions Offices or on the LAU website (www.lau.edu.lb under the “Admissions Office” link), or can be mailed to applicants upon request. Applicants will be evaluated by the School of Engineering Admissions Council and final acceptance will be based on each applicant’s qualifications and the availability of places.

Curriculum

The total number of 150 credits are required for graduation, including the following:

  • Fourteen courses with a separate industry standard software laboratory or physical laboratory sessions
  • Six Techincal Elective Track courses for emphasis depending on student’s interests and current market needs
  • An eight-week professional employment internship
  • A minimum residency of four years, including three summer terms.

These courses are grouped into:

  • Mathematics and Science Core Courses (18 credits)
  • Civil Engineering Required Courses (80 credits)
  • Other Engineering Required Courses (13 credits)
  • Engineering Elective Signature Courses (3 credits)
  • CIE Technical Elective Courses (18 credits)
  • LAC Requirements (18 credits)

Mathematics and Science Core Courses (18 credits)

  • CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
  • MTH201 Calculus III (3 cr.)
  • MTH206 Calculus IV (3 cr.)
  • MTH304 Differential Equations (3 cr.)
  • GNE331 Probability and Statistics (3 cr.)
  • BIO200 Basic Biology (3 cr.)1

1 or BIO203 Introduction to Ecology (3 cr.)

Civil Engineering Required Courses (80 credits)

  • CIE200 Statics (3 cr.)
  • CIE202 Mechanics of Materials (3 cr.)
  • CIE302 Structural Analysis I (3 cr.)
  • CIE303 Structural Analysis I-SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE304 Stress Analysis (3 cr.)
  • CIE305 Stress Analysis - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE306 Concrete Structures I (3 cr.)
  • CIE307 Concrete Structures I - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE308 Construction Materials (3 cr.)
  • CIE309 Construction Materials - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE320 Fluid Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • CIE321 Fluid Mechanics - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE322 Hydraulics 3 (3 cr.)
  • CIE323 Hydraulics - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE361 Surveying (2 cr.)
  • CIE362 Surveying Lab (1 cr.)
  • CIE400 Steel Structures (3 cr.)
  • CIE424 Water Distribution & Treatment (3 cr.)
  • CIE425 Environmental Engineering - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE426 Wastewater Collection & Treatment (3 cr.)
  • CIE427 Environmental Engineering - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE434 The Civil Engineering Profession (2 cr.)
  • CIE436 Detailing for Civil Engineers (2 cr.)
  • CIE444 Soil Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • CIE445 Soil Mechanics - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE446 Foundation Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE447 Geotechnical Engineering - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE460 Highway Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE461 Transportation Engineering - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE465 Transportation Systems Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE466 Traffic Simulation - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE480 Civil Engagement Management Fundamental (3 cr.)
  • CIE485 Construction Planning & Scheduling (3 cr.)
  • CIE486 Construction Management - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE498 Professional Experience - Civil (6 cr.)
  • CIE499 Capstone Design Project (3 cr.)

Other Engineering Required Courses (13 credits)

  • CIE212   Civil Engineering programming (3 cr.)
  • COE201 Computer Proficiency (1 cr.)
  • GNE301 Professional Communication (2 cr.)
  • GNE303 Professional Ethics (2 cr.)
  • INE320   Engineering Economy (3 cr.)
  • MEE211 Engineering Graphics (1 cr.)
  • MEE392 Machine Shop (1 cr.)

Engineering Elective Signature Courses (3 credits)

  • GNE335 Introduction to Sustainable Engineering (3 cr.)
  • GNE340 Engineering Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)
  • GNE3xx Civic Engagement (3 cr.)

CIE Technical Elective Courses (18 credits)

  • CIE501 Prestressed Concrete Design (3 cr.)
  • CIE502 Design of Hydraulics Structures (3 cr.)
  • CIE504 Case Histories in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE506 Structural Dynamics (3 cr.)
  • CIE507 Earthquake Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE508 Applied Elasticity (3 cr.)
  • CIE509 Advanced Concrete Design (3 cr.)
  • CIE510 Finite Element Method (3 cr.)
  • CIE511 Pavement Design (3 cr.)
  • CIE512 Concrete Structures II (3 cr.)
  • CIE513 Reinforced Masonry Design (3 cr.)
  • CIE516 Advanced Steel: Design & Behavior (3 cr.)
  • CIE517 Earthquake Analysis of Structures (3 cr.)
  • CIE518 Advanced Structural Analysis for Gravity & Lateral Loads (3 cr.)
  • CIE520 Solid Waste Management (3 cr.)
  • CIE521 Hydrology (3 cr.)
  • CIE522 Environmental Impact Assessment (3 cr.)
  • CIE523 Water Resources Planning and Management (3 cr.)
  • CIE524 Air Quality Management (3 cr.)
  • CIE525 Environmental Policy & Management (3 cr.)
  • CIE526 Environmental Remediation (3 cr.)
  • CIE529 Hydrogeology (3 cr.)
  • CIE530 Irrigation and Drainage (3 cr.)
  • CIE533 Groundwater Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE534 Computational Hydraulics (3 cr.)
  • CIE540 Advanced Geotechnical Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE544 Geotechnical Aspects of Earthquake Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE561 Traffic Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE562 Airport Planning and Design (3 cr.)
  • CIE563 Transportation Planning & Land Use (3 cr.)
  • CIE564 Mass Transit Systems (3 cr.)
  • CIE582 Infrastructure Management (3 cr.)
  • CIE584 Quality Management Systems (3 cr.)
  • CIE585 Risk and Natural Hazard Management (3 cr.)
  • CIE586 Construction Decision Under Uncertainty (3 cr.)
  • CIE587 Construction Cost Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE588 Construction Estimating I (3 cr.)
  • CIE589 Construction Methods & Equipment (3cr.)
  • CIE590 GIS and Remote Sensing (3 cr.)
  • CIE593 Construction Safety (3 cr.)
  • CIE596 Topics in Civil Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE598 Research Methods (3 cr.)
  • CIE599 Undergraduate Research (3 cr.)1

1  or any other Technical Elective course approved by the Department

Note that all technical electives require at least senior standing in addition to their relevant prerequisites, and all CIE and MTH courses require a passing grade of C.

LAC Requirements (18 credits)

Core Courses (6 credits)

  • ENG202 Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
  • COM203 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3 cr.)

Elective Courses (12 credits)

  • One course in social sciences (3 cr.)
  • One course in cultural studies, philosophy, religion, or history (3 cr.)
  • One course in literature and languages (English and Arabic language & literature) (3 cr.)
  • One course in arts (fine arts, communication arts, music appreciation, and theater) (3 cr.)

Sample Study Plan

Year One

Fall (16 credits)

  • CHM201 Chemical Principles (3 cr.)
  • CIE200 Statics (3 cr.)
  • COE201 Computer Proficiency (1 cr.)
  • MTH201 Calculus III (3 cr.)
  • ENG202 Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
  • LAC Elective (3 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

  • MEE211 Engineering Graphics (1 cr.)
  • CIE212   Computer Programming for Civil Engineers (3 cr.)
  • CIE202 Mechanics of Materials (3 cr.)
  • MTH206 Calculus IV (3 cr.)
  • BIO200 Basic Biology (3 cr.)1
  • COM203 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3 cr.)

1 or  BIO203 Introduction to Ecology (3 cr.)

Summer (7 credits)

  • MTH304 Differential Equations (3 cr.)
  • LAC Elective (3 cr.)
  • MEE392 Machine Shop (1 cr.)

Year Two

Fall (15 credits)

  • CIE308 Construction Materials (3 cr.)
  • CIE309 Construction Materials - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE302 Structural Analysis I (3 cr.)
  • CIE303 Structural Analysis - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE320 Fluid Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • CIE321 Fluid Mechanics - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE361 Surveying (2 cr.)
  • CIE362 Surveying Lab (1 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

  • CIE306 Concrete Structures I (3 cr.)
  • CIE307 Concrete Structures I - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE322 Hydraulics (3 cr.)
  • CIE323 Hydraulics - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE304 Stress Analysis (3 cr.)
  • CIE305 Stress Analysis - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE460 Highway Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE461 Transportation Engineering - SOFT (1 cr.)

Summer (11 credits)

  • GNE331 Probability & Statistics (3 cr.)
  • GNE301 Professional Communication (2 cr.)
  • INE320 Engineering Economy I (3 cr.)
  • LAC Elective (3 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (17 credits)

  • CIE424 Water Distribution & Treatment (3 cr.)
  • CIE425 Environmental Engineering - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE444 Soil Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • CIE445 Soil Mechanics - LAB (1 cr.)
  • CIE465 Transportation Systems Engineering (3 cr.)
  • ​CIE466 Traffic Simulation – SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE480 Civil Engineering Management Fundamentals (3 cr.)
  • GNE303 Engineering Ethics (2 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

  • CIE400 Steel Structures (3 cr.)
  • CIE426 Wastewater Collection & Treatment (3 cr.)
  • CIE427 Environmental Engineering - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE446 Foundation Engineering (3 cr.)
  • CIE447 Geotechnical Engineering - SOFT (1 cr.)
  • CIE485 Construction Planning & Scheduling (3 cr.)
  • CIE486 Construction Management - SOFT (1 cr.)

Summer (6 credits)

  • CIE498 Professional Experience - Civil (6 cr.)

Year Four

Fall (16 credits)

  • CIE434 The Civil Engineering Profession (2 cr.)
  • CIE436 Detailing for Civil Engineers (2 cr.)
  • CIExxx Technical Elective (3 cr.)
  • CIExxx Technical Elective (3 cr.)
  • CIExxx Technical Elective (3 cr.)
  • GNE3xx Engineering Signature Elective (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

  • CIE499 Capstone Design Project (3 cr.)
  • CIExxx Technical Elective (3 cr.)
  • CIExxx Technical Elective (3 cr.)
  • CIExxx Technical Elective (3 cr.)
  • LAC Elective (3 cr.)

Extracurricular Activities

  • Civil Engineering students are regularly offered corporate sponsorship and internships abroad. A minimum number of students are sponsored yearly by the Dubai Contracting Company to participate in an intensive internship program in Dubai.
  • The department also offers opportunities for excelling students to receive merit scholarships dedicated from generous donors. Under partnership agreements, some students are offered training experience, as well as best Achievement Awards, best Final Year Project Awards, and the best Term Paper Award. Students also regularly participate in sponsored field trips.
  • The American Society of Civil Engineers Club at LAU stays abreast of the issues facing civil engineers and the civil engineering profession. The club also organizes trips to experience real life projects as well as seminars with professional speakers to discuss future opportunities for civil engineers in Lebanon, the Gulf region, and worldwide.