Civil and Environmental Engr
- CEE 102A/EGR 102A/MAE 102A: Engineering in the Modern WorldLectures and readings focus on bridges, railroads, power plants, steamboats, telegraph, highways, automobiles, aircraft, computers, and the microchip. Historical analysis provides a basis for studying societal impact by focusing on scientific, political, ethical, and aesthetic aspects in the evolution of engineering over the past two and a half centuries. The precepts and the papers will focus historically on engineering ideas including the social and political issues raised by these innovations and how they were shaped by society as well as how they helped shape culture.
- CEE 102B/EGR 102B/MAE 102B: Engineering in the Modern WorldLectures and readings focus on bridges, railroads, power plants, steamboats, telegraph, highways, automobiles, aircraft, computers, and the microchip. We study some of the most important engineering innovations since the Industrial Revolution. The laboratory centers on technical analysis that is the foundation for design of these major innovations. The experiments are modeled after those carried out by the innovators themselves, whose ideas are explored in the light of the social environment within which they worked.
- CEE 205: Mechanics of SolidsThis course teaches fundamental principles of solid mechanics. Equilibrium equations, reactions, internal forces, stress, strain, Mohr's circle, and Hooke's law. Analysis of the stress and deformation in simple structural members for safe and stable engineering design. Axial force in bars, torsion in shafts, bending and shearing in beams, stability of elastic columns, strain transformation, stress transformation, combined loadings.
- CEE 207/ENV 207: Introduction to Environmental EngineeringThe course introduces the basic chemical and physical processes of relevance in environmental engineering. Mass and energy balance and transport concepts are introduced and the chemical principles governing reaction kinetics and phase partitioning are presented. We then turn our focus to the applications in environmental engineering problems related to water and air pollution and the global carbon cycle.
- CEE 305/GEO 375/ENE 305: Environmental Fluid MechanicsThe course starts by introducing the conservation principles and related concepts used to describe fluids and their behavior. Mass conservation is addressed first, with a focus on its application to pollutant transport problems in environmental media. Momentum conservation, including the effects of buoyancy and earth's rotation, is then presented. Fundamentals of heat transfer are then combined with the first law of thermodynamics to understand the coupling between heat and momentum transport. We then proceed to apply these laws to study air and water flows in various environmental systems, with a focus on the atmospheric boundary layer.
- CEE 323: Applied Statistical Methods in the Natural and Built EnvironmentStudents will learn different methods required for data analysis and interpretation of processes related to the natural and built environment. The emphasis will be on formulating questions, choosing appropriate statistical tools for a given problem, and drawing appropriate conclusion. The course will cover concepts related to statistical inference and common probabilistic models, linear regression, and expose the students to non-parametric statistics; the students will also learn how to perform these analyses using the R programming language. Statistical methods will be introduced through the use of hands-on analyses with real data.
- CEE 345/STC 345/MSE 345/MAE 327: Origami EngineeringThis class acquaints the student with the state-of-art concepts and algorithms to design and analyze origami systems (assemblies, structures, tessellations, etc). Students will learn how to understand, create and transform geometries by folding and unfolding concepts, and thus apply origami concepts to solve engineering and societal problems. In addition, using origami as a tool, we will outreach to some fundamental concepts in differential geometry.
- CEE 361/MAE 325/MSE 331: Matrix Structural Analysis and Introduction to Finite-Element MethodsThis course presents the Matrix Structural Analysis (MSA) and Finite Element Methods (FEM) in a cohesive framework. The first half of the semester is devoted to MSA topics: derivation of truss, beam, and frame elements; assembly and partitioning of the global stiffness matrix; and equivalent nodal loads. The second half covers the following FEM topics: strong and weak forms of boundary value problems including steady-state heat conduction, and linear elasticity, Galerkin approximations, constant strain triangles, and isoparametric quads. Other topics such as dynamic analysis will also be discussed. MATLAB is used for computer assignments.
- CEE 366: Design of Reinforced Concrete StructuresMaterials in reinforced concrete. Flexural analysis and design of beams. Shear and diagonal tension in beams. Short columns. Frames. Serviceability. Bond, anchorage and development length. Slabs. Special topics. Introduction to design of prestressed concrete.
- CEE 374/STC 374/ROB 374: Autonomous Fabrication and RoboticsAn introductory course with several demonstration and hands-on components of fabrication with autonomous and robotic systems. Covers formal methods of fabrication and programming of moderately complex elements, including related fabrication platforms, extrusion platforms, various designs of material, structure, and programming of toolpath. The course is centered around lectures with laboratory/virtual studio individual and team-based assignments involving computer-controlled additive manufacturing and robotic systems, student reading, and peer-reviewed presentation and reporting assignments.
- CEE 398: Independent StudyIndependent Study in the student's area of interest. The work must be conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and must result in a final paper. Permission of advisor and instructor are required. Open to sophomores and juniors. Must fill out Independent Study form.
- CEE 401/ENV 401: Zero Carbon, Resilient, Equitable Cities: Infrastructure Innovations and Systems AnalysisGoal: introduce undergraduate engineering students to: (a) infrastructure and food system innovations that can advance the triple outcomes of decarbonization, climate resilience and social equity (b) city scale decarbonization pathways and linkage to larger scale national zero carbon pathways (c) fundamentals of inequality and equity (d) hazard risk resilience framework (e) data analysis and systems models for tracking urban zero carbon emissions including material flow analysis sand life-cycle assessment, measuring inequality to inform equity and introductory analysis of resilience pathways.
- CEE 420: Networked Infrastructure SystemsIn an era where civil infrastructure systems are integral to societal functionality and quality of life, CEE 420 addresses the complexities of these systems, challenged by rapid urbanization and climate change. This course uniquely integrates engineering principles, mathematical concepts, and computer science, empowering you with the skills necessary for designing and maintaining advanced infrastructure systems. Beyond technical expertise, CEE 420 emphasizes the development of essential soft skills through innovative educational game development, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios.
- CEE 460: Risk AnalysisFundamentals of probabilistic risk analysis. Stochastic modeling of hazards. Estimation of extremes. Vulnerability modeling of natural and built environment. Evaluation of failure chances and consequences. Reliability analysis. Decision analysis and risk management. Case studies involving natural hazards, including earthquakes, extreme winds, rainfall flooding, storm surges, hurricanes, and climate change, and their induced damage and economic losses.
- CEE 471/GEO 471/URB 471: Introduction to Water Pollution TechnologyAn introduction to the science of water quality management and pollution control in natural systems; fundamentals of biological and chemical transformations in natural waters; indentification of sources of pollution; water and wastewater treatment methods; fundamentals of water quality modeling.
- CEE 498: Senior Thesis I (Year-Long)A formal research need to involve analysis, synthesis, and design, directed toward improved understanding and resolution of a significant problem in civil and environmental engineering. The research is conducted under the supervision of at least one faculty member, and the thesis is defended by the student at a public examination before a faculty committee. The senior thesis is taken in two separate courses over two semesters (CEE 498 in fall and CEE 499 in spring).
- CEE 509: Directed ResearchUnder the direction of a faculty member, each student carries out research and presents the results. Directed research is normally taken during the first year of study. The total grading of the course is 25% poster presentation and 75% submitted work.
- CEE 510: Research SeminarThis is a continuation of CEE 509. Each student carries out research, writes a report and presents the research results. Doctoral candidates must complete this course one semester prior to taking the general examination. The total grading of the course is based 10% on oral presentation and written "poster" communication skills and 90% based on advisors evaluation of the semester's work.
- CEE 523: Applied Statistical Methods in the Natural and Built EnvironmentStudents learn different methods required for data analysis and interpretation of processes related to the natural and built environment. The emphasis is on formulating questions, choosing appropriate statistical tools for a given problem, and drawing appropriate conclusion. The course covers concepts related to statistical inference and common probabilistic models, linear regression, and exposes the students to non-parametric statistics; the students also learn how to perform these analyses using the R programming language. Statistical methods are introduced through the use of hands-on analyses with real data.
- CEE 545/MAE 556/MSE 535: Origami EngineeringThis class acquaints the student with the state-of-art concepts and algorithms to design and analyze origami systems (assemblies, structures, tessellations, etc). Students learn how to understand, create and transform geometries by folding and unfolding concepts, and thus apply origami concepts to solve engineering and societal problems. In addition, using origami as a tool, we outreach to some fundamental concepts in differential geometry.
- CEE 571/ENV 571: Environmental ChemistryThis course covers pollutant chemicals in the environment with a focus on water and soil. The focus is on hazardous and toxic chemicals such as benzene, trichloroethane, pesticides and PCBs. In this course, environmental chemistry serves as a vehicle for study of chemical thermodynamics. Students gain an understanding of Gibbs free energy, chemical potential, and fugacity, and the universal applicability of thermodynamics to describe equilibrium and kinetic processes such as phase partitioning.
- CEE 587/ENV 587: EcohydrologyThe course provides the theoretical bases for a quantitative description of complex interactions between hydrologic cycle, vegetation and soil biogeochemistry. The first part of the course focuses on modeling the water, carbon and energy dynamics within the soil-plant-atmosphere system at timescales ranging from minute to daily; the second part incorporates rainfall unpredictability and provides a probabilistic description of the soilplant system valid at seasonal to interannual timescales. These concepts are important for a proper management of water resources and terrestrial ecosystems.
- CEE 599A/ENV 599: Special Topics in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources: Drinking Water DecarbonizationThe course explores the latest advancements in decarbonizing water treatment and revolutionizing the approach to this critical sector. Focused on addressing challenges posed by climate change, the course provides an overview of cutting-edge techniques and policies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance water treatment processes' sustainability. Students gain practical experience building an interactive database to organize and analyze research findings, and have the opportunity to present their research at a real conference. Industry leader guest lecturers will share valuable insights and real-world examples of decarbonization in action.
- ENE 267/MSE 287/CEE 267: Materials for Energy Technologies and EfficiencyAn introductory course focused on the new and existing materials that are crucial for mitigating worldwide anthropogenic CO2 emissions and associated greenhouse gases. Emphasis will be placed on how materials science is used in energy technologies and energy efficiency; including solar power, cements and natural materials, sustainable buildings, batteries, water filtration, and wind and ocean energy. Topics include: atomic structure and bonding; semiconductors; inorganic oxides; nanomaterials; porous materials; conductive materials; membranes; composites; energy conversion processes; life-cycle analysis; material degradation.
- ENE 321/CEE 321/ENV 371: Resource Recovery for a Circular EconomyThe course will focus on emerging science and technologies that enable the transition from our traditional linear economy (take, make, waste) to a new circular economy (reduce, reuse, recycle). It will discuss the fundamental theories and applied technologies that are capable of converting traditional waste materials or environmental pollutants such as wastewater, food waste, plastics, e-waste, and CO2, etc. into valued-added products including energy, fuels, chemicals, and food products.
- ENE 504/CEE 504: Membrane Separations for Energy and the EnvironmentThis course explores the fundamentals and applications of selective membrane technology to water purification, waste treatment, and clean energy processes. The course comprises three sections covering 1) low-pressure (ultrafiltration or microfiltration), 2) high-pressure (nanofiltration and reverse osmosis) and 3) ion exchange membranes. In each section, we review one or more specific applications of that type of membrane to water, wastewater, or energy, and discuss the primary mechanisms by which the membranes accomplish filtration, connections between membrane chemistry, morphology, and performance, and basic process design principles.
- GEO 361/ENV 361/CEE 360: Earth's AtmosphereThis course discusses the processes that control Earth's climate - and as such the habitability of Earth - with a focus on the atmosphere and the global hydrological cycle. The course balances overview lectures (also covering topics that have high media coverage like the 'Ozone hole' and 'Global warming', and the impact of volcanoes on climate) with selected in-depth analyses. The lectures are complemented with homework based on real data, demonstrating basic data analysis techniques employed in climate sciences.
- GEO 417/CEE 417/EEB 419: Environmental MicrobiologyThe study of microbial biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. Beginning with the physical/chemical characteristics and constraints of microbial metabolism, we will investigate the role of bacteria in elemental cycles, in soil, sediment and marine and freshwater communities, in bioremediation and chemical transformations.
- MAE 223/CEE 223: Modern Solid MechanicsFundamental principles of solid mechanics: equilibrium equations, reactions, internal forces, stress, strain, Hooke's law, torsion, beam bending and deflection, and analysis of stress and deformation in simple structures. Integrates aspects of solid mechanics that have applications to mechanical and aerospace structures (engines and wings), as well as to microelectronic and biomedical devices. Topics include stress concentration, fracture, plasticity, and thermal expansion. The course synthesizes descriptive observations, mathematical theories, and engineering consequences.
- MSE 501/MAE 561/CEE 561/CBE 514: Introduction to MaterialsEmphasizes the connection between microstructure and properties in solid-state materials. Topics include crystallinity and defects, electronic and mechanical properties of materials, phase diagrams and transformations, and materials characterization techniques. Ties fundamental concepts in materials science to practical use cases with the goal of solving complex challenges in sustainability and healthcare, among others.