UAA Civil Engineering

CE 438 - Design of Engineering Systems

3.0 Semester Credit Hours - Offered every Spring Semester - Required Course

Catalog Description

Introduction to systems design methods for large-scale engineering systems; linear graph project modeling and design drawings of civil engineering projects

Course Objective

This course ties together the principles and procedures presented in the undergraduate civil engineering curriculum and to introduce the student to design office practice and issue.  The course should be taken in the last semester before graduation.

This course is designed to simulate design of an engineered project culminating in preparation of a complete bid package including construction plans, specifications, and contractual requirements. Students work as an engineering team, plan work execution, perform design, construction scheduling, economic/alternative analysis, life cycle costing, etc. Formal presentation of the project to peer review panel of practicing engineers is required.

Prerequisite(s)

Senior standing in an engineering program.

Textbook(s) and/or Required Material

No textbook required.

Expected Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, the students will have:

1. an understanding of the engineering design process, including an appreciation for:
   • the multidisciplinary nature of most projects
   • the need to work in teams
   • the iterative nature of process
   • the concept that there are more than one way to solve most engineering problems
   • the conflicting technical, social, economic, and asthetic objectives that are encountered in design
2. a basic understanding of what is required in a set of construction drawings.
3. a basic understanding of what is required in a set of construction specifications
4. a basic understanding of the legal issues involved in engineering design
5. a recognition of the need for continual learning as a professional
6. an understanding of the need for professional registration
7. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
8. the ability to:
   • identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
   • engage in life-long learning
   • produce a set of construction drawings.
   • produce a set of construction specifications
   • produce a design report
   • make public presentations of their work

Topics Covered

Introduction to; preliminary design review; site review and existing topography; final site layout and post construction drainage, prepare final plans, specifications and construction bidding documents; final design review; review of contractual documents; prepare construction schedule and sequencing; project review and preparation of final project presentation.

Class/Laboratory Schedule

1. Lecture hours per week:  3
2. Laboratory hours per week:  0
3. Hours expected outside the class:  90

Course Contribution

Course Relationship to Program Outcomes