The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Course code CIVL 1100
Title of course Discovering Civil and Environmental Engineering
Instructors Anthony Kwan, LEUNG, Irene Man Chi, LO, Kit Ming, LAM
Teaching Assistants To be confirmed
Prerequisites None
Credit 3
Textbook(s) and/or None
Other materials
Course Objectives An overview of civil and environmental engineering, infrastructure development
and engineering ethics is provided. The course includes lectures and laboratory
sessions, where laboratory sessions are primarily directed to students who require
the development of feasible conceptual solutions for the analysis and design of
the basic problems in structural, environmental and geotechnical engineering.
Topics • Civil and Structural Engineering
1. Civil engineering and Society
2. Forces, moments and equilibrium
3. Loads on building structures
4. Trusses and three-hinged arches
5. Brief history of civil engineering and infrastructure development
6. Becoming a civil engineer
• Environmental Engineering
1. Environmental engineering and management
2. Land decontamination and solid waste management
3. Water pollution control: water and wastewater treatment
4. Noise and air pollution control
• Geotechnical Engineering
1. Engineering geology
2. Foundations for high-rise buildings
3. Landslide hazards and prevention
4. Underground constructions and land reclamation
Computer usage None
Lab Projects Yes, one lab from each discipline (Structural, Environmental, Geotechnical)
Class/lab schedule One 110-minute lectures per week
Contribution to the 33% understanding the role and major duties of a civil & structural engineer
professional 33% understanding the role and major duties of an environmental engineer
component 34% understanding the role and major duties of a geotechnical engineer
Intended learning • Gains general and breadth understanding of the role and professional
outcomes (ILO) responsibilities of civil engineers from different disciplines
• Recognizes the social responsibility, ethics and environmental sustainability
in civil engineering projects
• Acquires basic principles of engineering science in structural, environmental
and geotechnical engineering to analyze simple civil engineering systems
Relationship to the 1. Provide professional skills in design, construction and management of civil
program objective infrastructure, as well as awareness of environmental sustainability (PEO1)
The course conveys the general knowledge of the professional roles of civil &
structural, environmental and geotechnical engineers in the design and
construction of civil engineering systems. Students are made aware of the
importance of considering environmental sustainability in engineering design.
2. Expose students to real world engineering projects to improve their
understanding of the profession (PEO4)
The course introduces real world engineering projects to highlight the roles,
responsibilities and duties of civil & structural, environmental and geotechnical
engineers. Case studies in each discipline are also introduced to help the students
better understand the engineering practice and professions.
Relationship to 1. Understand fundamental principles of engineering science (PO2)
program outcome Students are taught with basic materials mechanics and engineering principles to
analyze the behavior of simple civil engineering systems.
2. Develop an appreciation of the breadth of civil engineering and acquire
basic knowledge in several disciplines (PO7)
Students acquire basic knowledge of the breath of civil engineering disciplines
and gain deeper understanding on three major civil engineering disciplines,
structural, environmental and geotechnical engineering.
3. Instill a sense of professional responsibilities and the importance of ethical
and societal considerations (PO11)
Case studies are given in the course to make students aware of the importance of
engineering ethics and social responsibilities when being a competent civil
engineer. Importance of public health, safety and environmental conservation in
engineering design is introduced.
Assessment of 1. Assignments are given to students to learn the subjects (18%)
Outcomes 2. Laboratory test report is designed to simulate (24%)
3. Final exam is held to assess students’ understanding in the subject during the
learning process (58%)
Prepared by Anthony Kwan, LEUNG, Irene Man Chi, LO, Kit Ming, LAM
Date 9 Aug 2023