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2020-2021 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
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2020-2021 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering

 

Venky Shankar, Ph.D., Chairperson

Horn Professor: Mehta
Horn Professor and Donovan Maddox Distinguished Engineering Chair: Reible
Professors: Chen, Fedler, Jackson, Liang, Liu, Norville, Rainwater, Shankar, Song, Uddameri, Won
Associate Professors: Cleveland, Darwish, Hernandez-Uddameri, Jayawickrama, Lawson, Na, Nejat, Senadheera, Seo, Smith, Zuo
Assistant Professors: Bae, Deonarine, Ghebrab, Gray, Guelfo, Lin, Millerick
Research Assistant Professors: Bailoo, Li
Instructors: Betha, Bundock, Carter, Dannemiller, Guo, Gurley, Hermann, Phillips, Robinett, Shturman, Spears

CONTACT INFORMATION: 150 Civil Engineering Building | Box 41023 | Lubbock, TX 79409-1023 | T 806.742.3523 | F 806.742.3488 | www.depts.ttu.edu/ceweb

About the Department

This department supervises the following degree programs:

Dual Degree Program

  • Civil Engineering BS/Architecture, B.S. (see the College of Architecture  section in this catalog for a curriculum plan)

Vision. The vision of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering is to be nationally and internationally recognized for producing well-prepared graduates, developing visible research programs, and advancing knowledge through public outreach and professional service.

Mission. The mission of the department has four elements:

  • To provide excellent instruction and design experiences essential for graduates to enter the practice of civil, environmental and construction engineering and pursue lifelong professional development.
  • To provide research opportunities for students that generate, communicate, and apply new knowledge for the betterment of society.
  • To provides graduates who are well-educated in both the technical disciplines and the humanities and are prepared to contribute to society and excel in a diverse and highly competitive global workforce.
  • To foster a spirit of service and leadership among students and faculty and assist the public in addressing issues concerning the use of resources, protection of the environment, and development of infrastructure.

Program Educational Objectives. The undergraduate program educational objectives embody the expected accomplishments of graduates during their first few years following graduation. The program educational objectives of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering as adopted by the faculty and the Advisory Council are as follows:

  • Civil Engineering BS Program
    • Graduates will meet the expectations of employers of civil engineers.
    • Graduates will continue their professional development through graduate study if qualified and continuing education.
  • Construction Engineering BS Program
    • Most graduates will become successful practitioners in construction engineering and relevant careers.
    • Most graduates will be involved in professional development activities to improve their professional skills and enhance their professional credentials.
    • Most graduates will contribute to their communities.
  • Environmental Engineering MEV Program
    • Graduates will meet the expectations of employers of environmental engineers.
    • Graduates will continue their professional development through continuing education.

These objectives are published in the university’s catalog and on the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering website.

Student Outcomes. Student outcomes are statements of the expectations for the knowledge and skills that students should possess when they graduate with a Civil Engineering BS, Construction Engineering BS, or the Environmental Engineering MEV degree from Texas Tech University.

Graduates of the program must demonstrate the following:

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

By the time of graduation, civil engineering students should also demonstrate the following civil engineering program specific criteria:

  1. Apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics, chemistry and one additional area of science.
  2. Apply knowledge of four technical areas appropriate to civil engineering.
  3. Conduct civil engineering experiments and analyze and interpret data.
  4. Design a system, component, or process in more than one civil engineering context.
  5. Explain basic concepts in management, business, public policy, and leadership.
  6. Explain the importance of professional licensure.

By the time of graduation, construction engineering students should also demonstrate the following construction engineering program specific criteria:

  1. Apply knowledge of mathematics through differential and integral calculus, probability and statistics, general chemistry, and calculus-based physics.
  2. Analyze and design construction processes and systems in a construction engineering specialty field, applying knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, planning, scheduling, safety, and cost analysis.
  3. Explain basic legal and ethical concepts and the importance of professional engineering licensure in the construction industry.
  4. Explain basic concepts of management topics such as economics, business, accounting, communications, leadership, decision and optimization methods, engineering economics, engineering management, and cost control.

By the time of graduation, environmental engineering students should also demonstrate the following environmental engineering program specific criteria:

  1. Proficiency in mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics, calculus-based physics, general chemistry earth science, biological science and fluid mechanics.
  2. Knowledge of environmental issues associated with air, land, and water systems and associated environmental health impacts.
  3. An ability to conduct laboratory experiments and critically analyze and interpret data.
  4. Performed engineering design by means of design experiences integrated throughout the professional component of the curriculum.
  5. Proficiency in advanced principles and practice relevant to the program objectives.
  6. Understanding of professional practice concepts and the roles and responsibilities of public institutions and private organizations pertaining to environmental engineering.

As required for masters programs, the graduates of the Environmental Engineering MEV degree must demonstrate an ability to apply advanced knowledge of wastewater treatment analysis and design.

The Civil Engineering BS, the Construction Engineering BS, and the Environmental Engineering MEV are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

Undergraduate Program

General Standards and Requirements. Admission requirements and academic standards for the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering are consistent with the enrollment plan for the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. Refer to the introduction to the Whitacre College of Engineering  section of this catalog for a description of the criteria for initial admission to the Whitacre College of Engineering and the lower-division foundational curriculum. The recommended foundational curriculum for civil, environmental and construction engineering consists of ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 ; MATH 1451 , MATH 1452 ; CHEM 1307 /CHEM 1107 ; PHYS 1408 ; and ENGR 1315 .

A student may apply for admission to the upper division of a degree program upon completion of the foundational curriculum and a minimum of 12 credit hours of Texas Tech coursework. The acceptance criterion is based exclusively on a cumulative GPA for coursework completed at Texas Tech. The specific GPA standard varies among the degree programs and may change from one academic year to the next as necessary to align enrollments with the educational resources. For students who entered Texas Tech prior to June 1, 2012, a minimum 2.0 GPA is required for admission to the civil, environmental, or construction engineering upper-division degree programs. Students entering Texas Tech after June 1, 2012, must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

The academic standards required by the Whitacre College of Engineering and the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering are given in the introduction to the Whitacre College section of the catalog and summarized below. Exceptions to these academic standards are at the discretion of the Dean of the Whitacre College of Engineering.

  • A grade of C or better is required for all courses in an engineering degree plan.
  • A grade of C or better must be achieved in all prerequisites before the subsequent course may be attempted.
  • A minimum 2.5 GPA is required to maintain academic good standing and continued membership in the Whitacre College of Engineering.
  • A full-time student must achieve a C or better in 18 credit hours of coursework in the degree plan in each 12-month period.
  • An engineering course may be repeated only one time after a course drop, withdrawal, or failure to achieve a C or higher.
  • A maximum of three engineering courses may be repeated.

Students are required to plan their program in consultation with faculty and staff academic advisors. Emphasis on communication skills requires the inclusion of a core curriculum oral communications course. All students must have a personal computer, which should be a laptop at a minimum, and should check with the department to obtain recommended specifications.

The required undergraduate programs for civil, environmental and construction engineering are contained in the curriculum tables shown in this section.

The broad Civil Engineering BS curriculum includes structural, geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and transportation topics to prepare the graduate for multiple career options. The undergraduate courses in the integrated Environmental Engineering MEV curriculum provide strong preparation in environmental and water resources engineering, as well as  biology and chemistry. The curriculum in construction engineering consists of a basic core of about 63 semester hours of specified courses. These courses in basic science, humanities, social studies, mathematics, and applied science give a foundation in engineering, technology and general education. BSCE, BS ConE, and MEV graduates are prepared to move toward professional licensure in any state with the proper combination of examinations (FE, PE) and experience required by that state.

The department requires students to conduct a degree audit in their junior year. Following this audit, they must meet with their academic advisors and faculty to discuss all courses remaining for completion of their degree. To graduate, the student must complete the specified minimum number of hours in each of these subject areas, and have a C or better in all degree program courses. Changes in the degree plan or exceptions to the above conditions require written approval of the chairperson of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering. Forms and information pertaining to departmental regulations are available in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering office. Professors and instructors reserve the right to restrict the use and type of calculators used during class hours and tests.

Minors. Civil, environmental, and construction engineering majors may pursue a minor in any field of study at Texas Tech. A minor consists of 18 hours of coursework, with at least 6 hours at the junior or senior level. A minor in mathematics normally can be obtained with the completion of a few additional hours.

Students interested in obtaining both the Civil Engineering BS and the Master of Architecture degrees should refer to the dual degree curriculum listed in the College of Architecture  section of this catalog.

Internship. The department believes that its students benefit greatly from participation in an internship program. One of the major benefits is improved full-time employment opportunities after graduation. Accordingly, all construction engineering students are required to complete at least the equivalent of three months of full-time work of an appropriate nature in order to graduate. However, part-time work of an appropriate nature conducted during the regular semester also will be considered. Students must enroll in CONE 4100  to obtain internship credit.

Credit by Examination. The examination for credit for EGR 1206  and EGR 1207 , Engineering Graphics, is held only in the fall, the first Friday after classes begin. Students must register for the exam in Room 224 of the Mechanical Engineering Building by 5 pm the first Wednesday after classes begin for the fall term. Students should have a background in beginning drawing and descriptive geometry.

Graduate Program

For information on graduate programs offered by the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, visit the Graduate Programs  section of the catalog.

Undergraduate Program Offerings, Course Descriptions & Curricular Tables

(Click on program for curricular table.)

Programs

    Bachelor’sUndergraduate Minor

    Courses

      CE - Civil Engineering (Undergraduate Courses)CE - Civil Engineering (Graduate Courses)CONE - Construction Engineering (Undergraduate Courses)EGR - Engineering Graphics (Undergraduate Courses)ENVE - Environmental Engineering (Undergraduate Courses)