The Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics focuses on two broad areas of instruction and research. The first, the classical field of civil engineering, deals with the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of structures and the infrastructure. These include buildings, foundations, bridges, transportation facilities, nuclear and conventional power plants, hydraulic structures, and other facilities essential to society. The second is the science of mechanics and its applications to various engineering disciplines. Frequently referred to as applied mechanics, it includes the study of the mechanical properties of materials, stress analysis of stationary and movable structures, the dynamics and vibrations of complex structures, aero- and hydrodynamics, micro- and nanomechanics, and the mechanics of biological and energy systems.
MISSION
The Department aims to provide students with a technical foundation anchored in theory together with the breadth needed to follow diverse career paths, whether in the profession via advanced study or apprenticeship, or as a base for other pursuits.
OBJECTIVES
- To provide a firm foundation in the basic math, science and engineering
sciences which underlie all technological development so that our
graduates will be well equipped to adapt to changing technology in the
profession.
- To provide the broad and fundamental technical base needed by graduates
who will enter the profession through the increasingly common path of a
specialized MS, but also provide the suitable preparation to those who
choose to enter the professional work force with a BS to develop
specialized expertise by way of apprenticeship.
- To provide the breadth and choices in our programs that can accommodate
and foster not only students with differing technical objectives, but
those who will use their technical background to follow other career
paths.
- To provide a basis for effective writing and communication as well as a background to foster awareness of societal issues.