Construction Engineering
Administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
Study
For curriculum in construction engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. This curriculum is accredited under the General Criteria and Construction Engineering Program Criteria by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1040, Baltimore,MD 21202-4012 – telephone: (410) 347-7700, http://www.abet.org.
Construction engineering is a curriculum administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. For details of the curriculum in construction engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. General objectives, which are common to all departments in engineering, are stated in the College of Engineering, Objectives of Curricula in Engineering. The curriculum in construction engineering is designed to meet the following objectives:
- Graduates will grasp the full range of construction project engineering and management responsibilities.
- Graduates will demonstrate leadership qualities.
- Graduates will participate in business development, networking and continued learning functions as appropriate for their employer.
Students who successfully complete the curriculum will be prepared for entry into the field or for further study at the graduate level in construction engineering or related fields of study, such as law, business and other engineering disciplines.
Construction engineers need to possess strong fundamental knowledge of engineering design and management principles, including knowledge of business procedures, economics, and human behavior. Graduates of this curriculum may expect to engage in design of temporary structures, coordination of project design, systems design, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, company and project management, materials procurement, equipment selection, and cost control. With the emergence of integrated project delivery methods such as design-build construction, the role of the construction engineer is expanding the need for trained professionals that understand both aspects of the project delivery environment. The curriculum offers opportunities to study emphases concerned with building, heavy, mechanical or electrical construction. The process of construction involves the organization, administration, and coordination of labor resource requirements, temporary and permanent materials, equipment, supplies and utilities, money, technology and methods. These must be integrated in the most efficient manner possible to complete construction projects on schedule, within the budget, and according to the standards of quality and performance specified by the project owner or designer. The curriculum blends engineering, management and business sciences into a study of the processes of construction whereby designer’s plans and specifications are converted into physical structures and facilities.
The curriculum develops the ability of students to be team workers, creative thinkers, and effective communicators. This is achieved by providing students with opportunities to:
- interact with practicing professionals.
- gain work experience during summer jobs, internship, and cooperative education assignments that emphasize the knowledge required of construction engineers.
- develop leadership skills by participating in student organizations.
- develop, analyze, and interpret alternative solutions to open-ended problems.
- study abroad.
The construction industry is becoming increasingly global. Courses in humanities, social sciences, U.S. diversity, and international perspectives are included in the curriculum to broaden the student’s perspective of the work environment. In addition, the department has several exchange program opportunities for students to participate in study-abroad programs. Interested and qualified students have the opportunity to participate in the cooperative education program or internship program to supplement academic work with work experience.
Construction engineering students are encouraged to participate in life-long learning, continuous professional development, and to achieve professional engineer registration and/or registration as a certified professional constructor. Qualified construction engineering students within 30 credits of completing their degree may apply for concurrent enrollment in the Graduate College. See Civil Engineering Graduate Study for more information.
Graduate Study
An area of specialization in construction engineering and management is offered within the graduate program of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. See Civil Engineering, Courses and Programs.
A graduate certificate is also available which requires 12 credits:
| C E 501 | Preconstruction Project Engineering and Management | 3 |
| C E 502 | Construction Project Engineering and Management | 3 |
| C E 503 | Construction Management Functions and Processes | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Design of Construction Systems | ||
| Case Histories in Construction Documents | ||
| Information Technologies for Construction | ||
| Planning and Scheduling | ||
| Cost Estimating | ||
| Project Controls | ||
| Computer Applications for Project Controls | ||
| Advanced Building Construction Topics | ||
| Design Build Construction | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Courses are offered for minor work to students taking major work in other curricula or in interdepartmental programs.
Curriculum in Construction Engineering
Administered by the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering.
Leading to the degree bachelor of science.
Total credits required: Building Option –123.5, Heavy Option – 123.5, Electrical – 126.5, Mechanical – 125.5 cr.
See also Basic Program and Special Programs.
International Perspectives: 3 cr.1
U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.1
Communication Proficiency/Library requirements (minimum grade of C):
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Library Instruction | 0.5 |
Business Communication Elective: one course of the following with a minimum grade of C.
| ENGL 302 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 309 | Report and Proposal Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 314 | Technical Communication | 3 |
Social Sciences and Humanities: 12 cr.
| One of the follwing | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Psychology of the Workplace | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| ECON 101 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| or ECON 102 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| International Perspectives | 3 | |
| U.S. Diversity approved list | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Basic Program: 26.5 cr.4
Complete with 2.00 GPA including transfer courses (see above for grade requirements):
| CHEM 167 | General Chemistry for Engineering Students | 4 |
| or CHEM 177 | General Chemistry I | |
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| ENGR 101 | Engineering Orientation | R |
| C E 160 | Engineering Problems with Computational Laboratory | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Library Instruction | 0.5 |
| MATH 165 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 166 | Calculus II | 4 |
| PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I (See Basic Prgram rule) | 5 |
| Total Credits | 26.5 | |
Math and Physical Science: 11 cr. (B, H); 12 cr. (E, M).
| STAT 105 | Introduction to Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| MATH 266 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 267 | Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms | 4 |
| PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | 5 |
Construction Engineering Core: 27 cr. (B, H, E); 28 cr. (M)4.
| E M 274 | Statics of Engineering | 3 |
| E M 324 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| CON E 421 | Construction Estimating | 3 |
| CON E 441 | Construction Planning, Scheduling, and Control | 3 |
| E M 378 | Mechanics of Fluids | 3 |
| C E 332 | Structural Analysis I | 3 |
| See options for remaining option core courses | 9-10 | |
| Total Credits | 27-28 | |
Additional Required Courses: 32 cr. (B, H), 33 cr. (E, M)
| CON E 121 | Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Academic Life | 1 |
| CON E 122 | Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Professional Life | 1 |
| C E 170 | Graphics for Civil Engineering | 2 |
| C E 111 | Fundamentals of Surveying I | 3 |
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| CON E 222 | Contractor Organization and Management of Construction | 3 |
| CON E 241 | Construction Materials and Methods | 3 |
| CON E 251 | Mechanical/Electrical Materials and Methods | 1 |
| Law Elective | 3 | |
| CON E 487 | Construction Engineering Design I | 3 |
| CON E 488 | Construction Engineering Design II | 3 |
| Business Communication Elective | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Report and Proposal Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Complete one course from Math or Stat Elective, 3 cr. (B, H); 4 cr. (E, M)2 | 3-4 | |
| Total Credits | 32-33 | |
Select remaining courses from one of the following options:
Building Option: Remaining Core courses (9 cr.)
| C E 360 | Geotechnical Engineering | 3 |
| CON E 322 | Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods | 3 |
| CON E 340 | Concrete and Steel Construction | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Remaining option courses 15 cr.
| C E 333 | Structural Steel Design I | 3 |
| C E 334 | Reinforced Concrete Design I | 3 |
| C E 383 | Design of Portland Cement Concrete | 1 |
| CON E 352 | Mechanical Systems in Buildings | 3 |
| CON E 353 | Electrical Systems in Buildings | 2 |
| E M 327 | Mechanics of Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| Engineering Topics Elective | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Heavy Option: Remaining Core courses (9 cr.)
| C E 360 | Geotechnical Engineering | 3 |
| CON E 322 | Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods | 3 |
| CON E 340 | Concrete and Steel Construction | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Remaining option courses 15 cr.
| C E 333 | Structural Steel Design I | 3 |
| C E 334 | Reinforced Concrete Design I | 3 |
| C E 382 | Design of Concretes | 3 |
| E M 327 | Mechanics of Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| Engineering Topics Electives | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Electrical Option: Remaining Core courses (9 cr.)
| M E 231 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
| E E 303 | Energy Systems and Power Electronics | 3 |
| E E 456 | Power System Analysis I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Remaining option courses – 16 cr.
| CON E 352 | Mechanical Systems in Buildings | 3 |
| CON E 353 | Electrical Systems in Buildings | 2 |
| E E 201 | Electric Circuits | 4 |
| E E 230 | Electronic Circuits and Systems | 4 |
| E E 457 | Power System Analysis II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Mechanical Option: Remaining Core courses (10 cr.)
| M E 231 | Engineering Thermodynamics I | 3 |
| M E 436 | Heat Transfer | 4 |
| M E 441 | Fundamentals of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning | 3 |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
Remaining option courses – 14 cr.
| CON E 352 | Mechanical Systems in Buildings | 3 |
| CON E 353 | Electrical Systems in Buildings | 2 |
| E E 442 | Introduction to Circuits and Instruments | 2 |
| E E 448 | Introduction to AC Circuits and Motors | 2 |
| M E 442 | Heating and Air Conditioning Design | 3 |
| Engineering Topics Elective | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Co-op/Internships - Optional
- 1 These university requirements will add to the minimum credits of the program unless the university-approved courses are also approved by the department to meet other course requirements within the degree program.
U.S. diversity and international perspectives courses may not be taken Pass/Not Pass. - Choose from department approved list.
- See Basic Program for Professional Engineering Curricula for accepted substitutions for curriculum designated courses in the Basic Program.
- 2.00 required including transfer courses
Courses primarily for students
CON E 112. Orientation to Learning and Productive Team Membership.
(Cross-listed with AER E, FS HN, HORT, NREM, TSM). (2-0) Cr. 2.
F.
Introduction to developing intentional learners and worthy team members. Learning as the foundation of human enterprise; intellectual curiosity; ethics as a personal responsibility; everyday leadership; effective team and community interactions including team learning and the effects on individuals; and growth through understanding self, demonstrating ownership of own learning, and internalizing commitment to helping others. Intentional mental processing as a means of enhancing learning. Interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.
CON E 114. Developing Responsible Learners and Effective Leaders.
(Cross-listed with FS HN, HORT, NREM, TSM). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: NREM 112
Focus on team and community. Application of fundamentals of human learning; evidence of development as a responsible learner; intentional mental processing as a habit of mind; planning and facilitating learning opportunities for others; responsibility of the individual to the community and the world; leading from within; holding self and others accountable for growth and development as learners and leaders.
CON E 121. Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Academic Life.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
F.
Integration of first-year and transfer students into the engineering profession and the Construction Engineering program. Assignments and activities completed both individually and in learning teams involving teamwork, academic preparation, and study skills. Introduction to construction industry professionals. Teamwork topics include interdisciplinary teamwork, skills for academic success, diversity issues and leadership. Introduction to organization of program, department, college, and university. Overview of faculty, staff, policies, procedures and resources.
CON E 122. Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Professional Life.
(0-2) Cr. 1.
S.
Continuation of CON E 121. Integration of first-year and transfer students into the engineering profession. Career preparation, professional ethics, construction research, leadership. Introduction to construction industry professionals including how they interact with engineers in other disciplines. Continued introduction to program, department, college, and university organization. Overview of faculty, staff, policies, procedures and resources.
CON E 222. Contractor Organization and Management of Construction.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Completion of basic program
Entry level course for construction engineering: integration of significant engineering and management issues related to construction company operations. Company organization and operations; construction and project administration; construction contracts; delivery systems; insurance and bonding; construction safety; construction labor relations; contract documents.
CON E 241. Construction Materials and Methods.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 222
Introduction to materials and methods of building construction and to construction drawings. Foundation, structural framing, floor, roof, and wall systems. Blueprint reading and quantity takeoff techniques.
CON E 251. Mechanical/Electrical Materials and Methods.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 241
Introduction to the materials and methods for mechanical and electrical construction systems and drawings. HVAC, water and waste water, power distribution, lighting, and fire protection. Blueprint reading and quantity takeoff.
CON E 298. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
First professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
CON E 322. Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 241
Selection and acquisition of construction equipment. Application of engineering fundamentals and economics to performance characteristics and production of equipment. Heavy construction methods and economic applications.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 340. Concrete and Steel Construction.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: E M 324, credit or enrollment in CON E 322
Planning and field engineering for concrete and steel construction. Design and applications of concrete formwork to construction. Erection of structural steel. Emerging industry themes.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 352. Mechanical Systems in Buildings.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 251, PHYS 222
Comprehensive coverage of mechanical systems, plumbing, fire protection. Analysis techniques and design principles for each system. Required comprehensive design project for a major building project.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 353. Electrical Systems in Buildings.
(2-0) Cr. 2.
F.S.
Prereq: PHYS 222 and credit or enrollment in 352
Comprehensive coverage of building electrical systems including power, lighting, fire alarm, security and communications. Analysis techniques and design principles for each system. Required comprehensive design project for a major building project.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 380. Engineering Law.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Junior classification
Introduction to law and judicial procedure as they relate to the practicing engineer. Contracts, professional liability, professional ethics, licensing, bidding procedures, intellectual property, products liability, risk analysis. Emphasis on development of critical thinking process, abstract problem analysis and evaluation.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 381. Bidding Construction Projects I.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Permission from the instructor
Team development of construction process designs and cost estimates for transportation construction projects under closely simulated conditions. Examine project sites, consult with construction industry mentors, obtain subcontractor and supplier quotations, and submit bids. Offered in the following specialities:.
A. Heavy and Highway
B. Building
C. Mechanical
D. Electrical
E. Mechanical and Electrical
F. Miscellaneous
CON E 396. Summer Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. SS.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Summer professional work period. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
CON E 397. Engineering Internship.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. F.S.
Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Professional work period, one semester maximum per academic year. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
CON E 398. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: 298, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Second professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.
CON E 421. Construction Estimating.
(2-3) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: 241, Junior classification
Conceptual estimating. Bid preparation for buildings, highways, heavy, mechanical trades. Estimating costs for material, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit. Quantity surveys, unit costs, production rates, and pricing methods. Subcontract bid analysis and bid procedure. Cost analysis and cost control. Electronic quantity take off and pricing methods.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 441. Construction Planning, Scheduling, and Control.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 421
Integration of previous construction coursework into the planning, scheduling, and management of time, costs, and other resources. Emphasis on preparation and analysis of network schedules. Comprehensive planning and scheduling project. Computer project management applications.
Nonmajor graduate credit.
CON E 481. Bidding Construction Projects II.
(0-3) Cr. 1.
F.
Prereq: Permission from the instructor
Similar to CON E 381, except students with previous experience attempt projects with larger scope or lead students with less experience.
A. Heavy and Highway
B. Building
C. Mechanical
D. Electrical
E. Mechanical and Electrical
F. Miscellaneous
CON E 487. Construction Engineering Design I.
(2-2) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: CON E 340 (B, H), 352 (B, E, M), 353 (B, E, M), 421, 441. Student must be within two semesters of graduation
The integrated delivery of project services as a team, including preliminary engineering design process, constructability review, interaction with the client, identification of engineering problems, developments of a proposal, identification of design criteria, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, application of codes and standards, development of feasible alternatives, selection of best alternative, and delivery of oral presentations.
CON E 488. Construction Engineering Design II.
(1-5) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: CON E 380. Coreq: 487
Application of team design concepts to a construction engineering project. Project planning. Advanced construction and project management.
CON E 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Individual study in any phase of construction engineering. Pre-enrollment contract required.
CON E 498. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: 398, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Third and subsequent professional work periods in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.