Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering > Civil Engineering and Environmental Science

Civil Engineering and Environmental Science

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Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering

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Civil Engineering and Environmental Science Graduate Program

Sequence of Courses

Civil Engineering and Environmental Science Undergraduate Program

Faculty

Chairperson: Michael E. Manoogian*

Professors: Michael E. Manoogian*, Joseph C. Reichenberger*, William J. Trott*

Associate Professors: Rachel G. Adams, John H. Dorsey, Jeremy S. Pal, Jose A. Saez*

Adjunct Professor: Joseph Haworth*

Lecturers: Dennis Kasper*, Donald Kendall*, Ranajit Sahu

* Registered Professional Civil Engineer

Description

The civil engineer applies scientific and economic principles to plan, design, and oversee a wide variety of public and private projects which improve the quality of life, protect the environment, and facilitate economic growth. These projects include roads and highways, railroads, mass transit systems, airports, bridges, buildings, structures, harbors, flood control and drainage works, water supply, treatment and distribution systems, wastewater treatment and reuse systems, irrigation systems, pipelines, and power plants.

The civil engineering curriculum emphasizes practicality and design, supported by a strong background in scientific and mathematical concepts. The undergraduate program provides a broad background in all aspects of civil engineering, providing our graduates with the flexibility to practice in any of the specialties or to pursue an advanced degree. The program provides an opportunity to get hands-on experience with classes in surveying as well as laboratories in fluid mechanics, hydraulics, soil mechanics, mechanics of materials, structures, steel, and reinforced concrete design. Engineering design experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum beginning with the freshman engineering courses and extending through the last semester of the senior year. Design courses provide working experience with computer software used in the profession. Group and team projects prepare the student for real world engineering experiences.

The civil engineering student can select courses and electives that emphasize environmental engineering as described below.

Accreditation

The Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012; telephone: 410.347.7700.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science is to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become productive professionals through a rigorous, student-centered curriculum that balances theory and practice, serving the needs of society by emphasizing sustainability and environmental justice and meets the challenges of an ever-changing, complex world through a dynamic engineering program, combined with a comprehensive liberal arts core.

Objectives

The Civil Engineering program has established the following program educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the University and that describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first several years following graduation. Civil Engineering program graduates will:

Be productive in the civil engineering profession or other professional fields;
Uphold the code of ethics of the profession and be cognizant of social justice issues in the practice of civil engineering;
Further develop their professional and technical skills through graduate studies and continuing education;
Be involved with civil engineering professional organizations; and
Exhibit leadership in the practice of civil engineering.

To accomplish these program educational objectives, analysis and design courses in the fields of environmental, geotechnical, hydraulic, structural, and water resources engineering are offered in addition to preparatory courses in oral and written communications, mathematics, sciences, and basic mechanics. A broad base of theory and design is provided along with discussion of current issues and practices of the profession. Through class assignments, students will become proficient in the use of computers and pertinent software, spreadsheets, presentations, drawing, and geographical information system (GIS) programs. Integrated with these courses is the University core curriculum.

Design in Civil Engineering

The civil engineering student participates in design projects throughout the curriculum both as an individual and as a member of a design team. The design experience varies in complexity as the student progresses through the program ending with the senior capstone design experience. Engineering design is the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet a specified need in an optimal manner. While the resulting design must stay within the appropriate specifications and constraints, consideration must also be given to economic, social, and environmental impacts and constructability. Accomplishing these varied goals requires creativity and involves considerable decision making. Many design projects are performed while part of a project team.