Bachelor of Science Degree Handbook

Effective Fall 2006
(Last Revision: 06/15/07)

CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

Table of Contents

Program Educational Objectives Special Services for Students with Disability Degree Requirements Senior Year Technical Electives Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements Plan of Study Tracking Progress Transfer Credits Program Outcomes Description of Courses Tables Code of Ethics of Engineers

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The Civil & Environmental Engineering Department of Howard University provides a high-quality educational program that:

1. Prepares graduates for employment in the Civil & Environmental Engineering and related disciplines in government agencies and the private sector
2. Provides graduates with the basic competencies required to pursue advanced study and research in Civil & Environmental Engineering and related disciplines
3. Prepares graduates for leadership opportunities

The program offers instruction and research opportunities in environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering and has adopted the outcomes established by ABET requirements of Criterion 3. Achieving these outcomes, establishes the foundation for achieving the program educational objectives. See Program Outcomes.

SPECIAL SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY

Howard University is committed to providing an educational environment that is accessible to all students. In accordance with this policy, students in need of accommodations due to a disability should contact the Office of the Dean for Special Student Services for verification and determination of reasonable accommodations as soon as possible after admission/registration to the University, or at the beginning of each semester. The Dean of the Office of Special Services can be contacted at (202) 238-2420.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

To meet the requirements for graduation, a student must successfully complete the required 126 credits of course work with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, a minimum overall grade of "C" for course outcomes, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in Civil & Environmental Engineering courses.

*  The social sciences selection must include Principle of Economics. One course from the humanities cluster must include African-American studies.
**  Free Elective is a three-credit, 300 level or higher, course that is intended for the student to explore a subject outside Civil & Environmental Engineering. Selection of this course requires advisor approval.

SENIOR YEAR TECHNICAL ELECTIVES

The technical electives are intended to expand the students’ basic knowledge of a single sub-discipline. Table 1 lists the courses from which three technical elective selections must be made. Students also have an opportunity to take courses through the Consortium and other University departments as technical electives (e.g. Geographic Information Systems), upon the approval of their advisor and the Department Chair. The selected technical electives from Table 1 must be approved by students’ advisors.

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES REQUIREMENTS

Each student must complete at least 12 credit hours in the social sciences and humanities area as follows:

1. A 3-credit course, as per University requirement, in African-American studies from Table 2.
2. A 3-credit course in Humanities from Table 3.
3. ECON-001: Principles of Economics.
4. A 3-credit course in Social Sciences from Table 4.

Any exception to the above guidelines regarding humanities and social sciences courses must be requested, in writing, to the Chair of the Department for consideration and approval, prior to enrollment in the course(s).

DEPARTMENT OF Civil & Environmental Engineering
UNDERGRADUATE PLAN OF STUDY

IMPORTANT – Each student must abide by the prerequisite and co-requisite stipulations. All required courses for the undergraduate Civil & Environmental Engineering program of the Department must not be taken out of sequence. To meet the requirements for graduation, a student must successfully complete the required 127 credit hours of course work with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in Civil & Environmental Engineering courses. Students are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) in their senior year in the District of Columbia.

B.S.C.E. CURRICULUM NOTES:

1. The entry level for Mathematics and English is determined for freshman by the student’s advisor, based on academic background, standardized test performance, and the recommendation of a School of Engineering and Computer Science counselor. Each student must complete the minimum requirement of six (6) credit hours in English by taking ENGL-002 and ENGL-003. It is essential that every student taking mathematics courses at Howard University take the Mathematics Placement Examination to guarantee efficient evaluation of your mathematic skills. Each student also must complete the minimum requirement of 16 credit hours by taking MATH-156, MATH-157, MATH-158, and MATH-159.
2. See the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering policy regarding Humanities and Social Sciences course requirements. Make course selections from Tables 2, 3, and 4.
3. See the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering policy regarding Senior Year Technical Electives. Make course selections from Table 1.

TRANSFER CREDIT

All courses that are taken at external institutions and which a student would like to have considered as part of the curriculum for the BS degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering must be approved by the Department. Continuing students must consult their advisors prior to taking courses from other institutions. Students desiring to transfer courses must provide transcripts and course descriptions from source institutions to the Chair. The Chair in consultation with faculty, decides the merits of a transfer request in the context of curriculum requirements. Upon approval, the Department will prepare the application for Advance Standing that will enable the approved transfer courses to appear on the student’s transcript.

TRACKING PROGRESS

Students are encouraged to use this document to plan and track their progress during their period of study. At the beginning of the academic year of graduation, each student must also complete a curriculum check sheet that shows all the courses he or she has taken or transferred. After review and signage by the student and the faculty advisor, the check sheet must be submitted to the Administrative Secretary.

Civil & Environmental Engineering PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Program outcomes define what students are expected to know or be able to do by the time of graduation. The Civil & Environmental Engineering program has adopted the program outcomes established by ABET, outcome requirements of Criterion 3. Achieving these outcomes is the foundation for the program objectives. The specific program outcomes are listed below.

Students completing the Civil & Environmental Engineering program will be able to demonstrate:

a)	an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
b)	an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
c)	an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
d)	an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
e)	an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
f)	an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
g)	an ability to communicate effectively;
h)	the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context;
i)	a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
j)	a knowledge of contemporary issues;
k)	an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineer;
l)	an understanding of issues related to minorities, gender diversity, society and culture, and an historical awareness of Africa and its Diaspora;
m)	a recognition of the role of management skills in engineering projects.

DESCRIPTION OF COURSES

CHEMISTRY

CHEM-003. General Chemistry & Recitation, 3credits. Deals with the fundamental principles of chemistry, the chemical and physical properties of the elements and their most common compounds, and methods of qualitative inorganic analysis. Prereq: Students required to take CAR math have to satisfy that requirement before they will be able to enroll in this course.

CHEM-004. General Chemistry, 4 credits. Lecture course that is a continuation of CHEM-003. Prereq.: CHEM-003.

CHEM-005. General Chemistry Laboratory, 1 credit. Designed to teach some of the techniques of chemical experimentation, illustrate some of the principles of chemical substances.

CHEM-141. Organic Chemistry, 3 credits. Lecture course analyzing the chemistry of the compounds of carbon. Prereq.: CHEM-004

CHEM-145. Organic Chemistry Laboratory and Laboratory Lecture, 3 credits. Experimental studies in the isolation, purification, and synthesis of organic compounds. Prereq.: Concurrent enrollment in CHEM-141 or CHEM-142.

CIVIL ENGINEERING

EGPP-101. Introduction to Engineering, 2 credits. Provides information on engineering education, the engineering profession, and basic concepts and tools. Introduces the engineering design process and provides the opportunity for students to complete engineering design projects. (FA)

CIEG-102. Introduction to Civil & Environmental Engineering, 1 credit. Introduces the student to the Civil & Environmental Engineering design process. Students are organized into teams to present a concluding design competition. (SP)

CIEG-103. Computer Essentials in Civil & Environmental Engineering, 3 credits. Provides a working knowledge of essential computer tools including an overview of PC operating systems, programming languages, the internet, productivity tools, etc., with emphasis on mathematical software, computer-aided drawing and computer programming. (SP)

CIEG-202. Statics, 3 credits. Introduction to vectors, pseudo-graphical and analytical micro-computer aided resolution and composition of forces; equilibrium of collinear, concurrent, and non-concurrent two and three dimensional force systems, as applied to particles and rigid bodies. Coulomb friction; Hooke’s law; introductory application of equilibrium, compatibility, and constitutive relations in the determination of forces moments, displacements and rotations of simple deformable bodies and biomechanical systems, using simple computer aids. Prereq.: MATH-157, Coreq.: PHYS-013.

CIEG-207. Introduction to Environmental Engineering, 3 credits. Introduces concepts in water supply, water and wastewater treatment, air quality, solid and hazardous waste management, and social and ethical considerations. Provides a brief history and background of environmental engineering. Prereq.: CHEM-003.

CIEG-301. Mechanics of Materials, 4 credits. Introductory analysis of tension, compression and shear; analysis of stress and strain; ties, shafts, beams and columns; related laboratory experiments and computer applications; introduction to structural analysis and design. Prereq.: MATH-157, CIEG-202, Coreq.: CIEG-302, CIEG-316, CIEG-349.

CIEG-302. Dynamics, 3 credits. Study of motions of particles; particle systems, rigid bodies and simple deformable mass system; rectilinear and curvilinear kinematics; Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation; work energy and impulse-momentum principles; conservation laws for energy and momentum; introduction to vibrations; computer-aided applications. Prereq.: CIEG-202; Coreq.: MATH-159.

CIEG-311. Fluid Mechanics, 4 credits. Theoretical and laboratory studies of fluid properties, hydrostatics, and kinematics of fluid motion; continuity; Bernoulli; impulse-momentum; drag and resistance to flow laboratory studies. Prereq.: MATH-158, PHYS-014; Coreq.: CIEG-302.

CIEG-314. Structures I, 3 credits. Includes forms and concepts; statically determinate structures; and reactions, shears, moments, and deflections in beams, trusses, and frames. Introduction to design of simple elements and connections. Prereq.: CIEG-301.

CIEG-316. Materials Engineering, 3 credits. Combines material science with engineering technology and investigates microstructure, mechanical properties, and physical properties of Civil & Environmental Engineering materials. Prereq.: CHEM 004; Coreq.: CIEG-301.

CIEG-328. Unit Operations in Environmental Engineering, 3 credits. Analysis and basic design of treatment facilities for the remediation of air, water and land pollution. Prereq.: CIEG-207.

CIEG-349. Analysis Methods in Civil & Environmental Engineering, 3 credits. Introduction to numerical methods, linear algebra, and statistics, including curve fitting, computer programming techniques and their applications in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Prereq.: MATH-159

CIEG-350. Engineering Systems Analysis, 3 credits. Introduces the systems approach to planning, design, and evaluation of large-scale physical systems; covers fundamentals of engineering economy. Prereq.: MATH-158.

CIEG-351. Probability and Statistics, 3 credits. Introductory probability and statistics, probability theory, distribution, random variables, statistical analysis, confidence intervals, and hypothesis testing. Prereq: MATH-158.

CIEG-352. Water Resources Engineering I, 3 credits. Includes hydrologic cycle, climatologic, meteorologic, and hydrologic data, and he effect of precipitation, water losses, and storage on surface and subsurface flow. Prereq.: CIEG-311.

CIEG-400. Special Topics in Civil & Environmental Engineering, 3 credits. Presentation of material not normally available in regular course offerings or offering of new courses on a trial basis. Content determined by faculty member in consultation with the Department Chair.

CIEG-416. Transportation Engineering, 3 credits. Involves planning and design of highways. Students work in teams during the preparation of the required design plans, cost estimates and project reports. Prereq.: CIEG-103, CIEG-207: CIEG-302.

CIEG-419. Structures II, 3 credits. Theory of structural principles; determinacy and stability, approximate analysis of statically indeterminate structures; influence lines and moving loads; calculation of deflections; analysis of statically indeterminate structures using flexibility method. Prereq.: CIEG-314.

CIEG-420. Structures III, 3 credits. Continuation of CIEG-419 covering analysis of statically indeterminate structures, moment distribution; matrix formulation of the direct stiffness and flexibility methods; finite element techniques; introduction to nonlinear (plastics) analysis; structural stability and dynamics. Prereq.: CIEG-419; Coreq.: CIEG-422.

CIEG-422. Steel Design, 3 credits. Principles of structural design, loads, types of steels, tension members, columns, non-composite and composite beams, beam-columns, column base plates, and simple bolted and welded connections. The use of the AISC LRFD specification is emphasized and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Prereq.: CIEG-314.

CIEG-433. Foundations, 3 credits. Based on the principles of soil mechanics, design of shallow. Using traditional and computer analysis methods. Prereq.: CIEG-434.

CIEG-434. Soil Mechanics, 4 credits. Provides for appreciation and understanding of the engineering properties of soils and how they relate to design and construction, includind soil identification and classification. Prereq.: CIEG-301, CIEG-311.

CIEG-435. Reinforced Concrete, 3 credits. Discusses structural properties of concrete and stell; current building (ACI) code; theory and design of structural elements, and structural systems. Prereq.: CIEG-314.

CIEG-439. Senior Design I, 3 credits. This course is concerned with the planning, management , teaming and project development phase for the culminating design to be covered in CIEG 441. Prereq: CIEG 314, CIEG 416, CIEG 350, CIEG 328.

CIEG-440. Water and Wastewater Treatment, 3 credits. Advanced design of facilities for water and wastewater treatment including design ranges, regulations, economics and ethics of environmental design. Prereq.: CIEG-328.

CIEG-441. Senior Design II, 3 credits. The capstone design project integrates the many sub-disciplines of Civil & Environmental Engineering into a single project. Beginning with a specification, the process passes through preliminary and detailed design culminating in a written report and verbal presentation. Prereq.: CIEG-314, CIEG-328, CIEG-350, CIEG-416, CIEG-433.

CIEG-442. Advanced Foundations, 3 credits. Case studies from the literature are discussed and presented. Focus is placed on behavior, which departs from traditional foundation design expectations. Prereq.: CIEG-433.

CIEG-445. Undergraduate Research, 3 credits. Requires a student to conduct research under the directives of an instructor. Students must seek and receive the approval of the instructor prior to enrollment in this ourse. The selected research topic must broaden the student's understanding of one of the five emphasis areas. (Senior Status)

CIEG-462. Seminar, 1 credit. Forum for presentation of current topics of interest in Civil & Environmental Engineering by individuals from industry, government and practice. (Senior Status)

CIEG-463. Water Resources Planning, 3 credits. Presents basic concepts in the planning of water resources development systems; analytical techniques, basic information required for planning; and examples for planning flood control, wastewater management, and water supply systems. (Senior Status)

CIEG-464. Engineering Project Management, 3 credits. Involves planning performing and controlling of engineering projects; introduces management roles, principles and procedures, as well as project proposal writing. Prereq.: CIEG-350 or equivalent.

CIEG-465. Traffic Engineering 1, 3 credits. Involves the collection and use of traffic engineering data and introduces students to traffic operations and safety. Students use software for capacity analysis and signal optimization. Students are required to prepare reports. Prereq.: CIEG 302, CIEG-416.

CIEG-466. Traffic Engineering II, 3 credits. Includes city and highway traffic surveys and analyses; highway capacity analysis; and traffic control devices. Prereq.: CIEG-465.

CIEG-556. Hydraulic Project Research, 3 credits. Independent graduate (or undergraduate senior) student research on hydraulic or hydrologic issues. Students conduct independent research in hydraulics or hydrologic modeling and remote sensing applications in hydrology and learn how to use hydrologic and GIS software.

CIEG-557. Advanced Hydrology, 3 credits. Students model the hydrologic cycle and hydrologic processes to learn about and apply hydrologic models such as those hosted by the WMS (Watershed Modeling System) software, including the US Army Corps HEC-1 model and the SCS TR-20 and TR-55 models. GIS software ArcView and one of its extensions WMSHydro.avx are also used to prepare data for use in the WMS models.

ECONOMICS

ECON-001. Principles of Economics, 3 credits. Introduction to macroeconomic analysis and its application to the American economic system. Includes such major topics as the economic role of government, the banking system, the determination and measurement of national income, economic growth, and elements of monetary and fiscal policies.

ENGLISH

Note - Each student must complete the minimum requirement of six (6) credit hours in English as follows:

ENGL-002. Freshmen Composition I, 3 credits. Designed to develop the student's ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in writing and to read with perception and accuracy; emphasizes the power and value of written communication by reading exemplary text.

ENGL-003. Freshmen Composition II, 3 credits. Intended to increase the student’s ability to write effectively, to read critically, and to present ideals logically. Prereq.: ENGL-002.

MATHEMATICS

Note – It is essential that every student taking mathematics courses at Howard University take the Mathematics Placement Examination to guarantee efficient evaluation of your mathematic skills. Each student also must complete the minimum requirement of 16 credit hours as follows:

MATH-156. Calculus I, 4 credits. Limits, continuity, and the derivative and integral of functions of one variable, with applications.

MATH-157. Calculus II, 4 credits. Continuation of MATH-156, including more integration, sequences, series, Taylor’s theorem, improper integrals, and L’Hospital’s rulle. Prereq.: MATH 156.

MATH-158. Calculus III, 4 credits. Continuation of MATH-157, including calculus of functions of several variables, with applications. Prereq.: MATH-157.

MATH-159. Differential Equations, 4 credits. Elementary techniques of solving ordinary differential equations, including slope fields, equilibrium, separation of variables, linear differential equations, homogeneous differential equations, undetermined coefficients, bifurcations, power series, Laplace transforms, systems, and numerical methods. Prereq.: MATH-158.

PHYSICS

PHYS-013. General Physics for Science and Engineering Students, 3 credits. This lecture/recitation calculus-based course deals with mechanics, heat and sound. Coreq.: MATH-156.

PHYS-014. General Physics for Science and Engineering Students II, 3 credits. This lecture and recitation calculus-based course covers electricity and magnetism, light and optics. Prereq.: MATH 157, Coreq.; PHYS-013, PHYS-023.

PHYS-023 General Physics Lab, 1 credit. Laboratory course to accompany General Physics course PHYS-013.

TABLES

CODE OF ETHICS OF ENGINEERS

The Fundamental Principles:

Engineers are expected to uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession by:

1. Using their knowledge and skills for the enhancement of human welfare;
2. Being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients;
3. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and
4. Supporting the professional technical societies of their disciplines.

The Fundamental Canons:

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Engineers shall act in professional manners for each employer or client as faithful agents or Trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
6. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity and dignity of the profession.
7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision