Civil Engineering Technology BS

Civil Engineering Technology, BS degree, typical course sequence

Course		Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
CVET-140	Materials of Construction A study of common construction materials in civil engineering with particular emphasis on Portland cement concrete and asphalt cement concrete. Aggregates, Portland cement, and asphalt cement (each an ingredient in the concretes) are studied extensively. Mass-volume relationships are explored in relation to these materials. An overview of laboratory testing procedures for evaluating these materials is provided. Important properties of masonry, steel, and wood products are also discussed. (Co-requisites: CVET-141 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall).	2
CVET-141	Materials of Construction Laboratory The Materials of Construction Laboratory will be taken concurrently with Materials of Construction (CVET-140). Standard laboratory tests will be performed for evaluating the properties of aggregate, Portland cement concrete, asphalt cement concrete, and mortar. Mix design procedures for Portland cement concrete and asphalt cement concrete will be learned and used. An introduction to green building materials will be provided. (Co-requisites: CVET-140 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall).	1
CVET-150	Computer Aided Design and Drafting Introduction to engineering graphics as a means of communication in the technical fields. The course is laboratory oriented and provides the student with basic skills to create and edit professional 2D and 3D drawings with this comprehensive first course in the use of computer aided design and drafting (CADD) software for (mechanical, architectural and civil drawings). The course assumes no prior knowledge of engineering drawing or CADD. Lec/Lab 4 (Spring).	2
CVET-180	Introduction to Civil Engineering The objective of this course is to develop in the student an understanding of plans and drawings in civil engineering projects such as site development, structures, hydraulic structures, water and wastewater transport and treatment facilities, and transportation facilities. Students will also understand how related disciplines—architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, and landscape architecture—are incorporated into construction drawings. Students develop an understanding of the technical and legal purpose of plans and how to assemble them. (Co-requisites: CVET-181 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Fall).	2
CVET-181	Introduction to Civil Engineering Lab The purpose of this course is to provide students with hands on learning of fundamental and innovative tools in the area of civil engineering graphics. Students will apply information from the co-requisite course to understand how construction drawing sets and drawing components are organized and generated. Spreadsheet methods will be used to solve design problems and building information modeling software will be introduced in the DDL computer lab. (Co-requisites: CVET-180 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall).	1
CVET-210	Statics An introduction to the analysis of static structures covering free-body diagrams, forces, moments, vectors, equilibrium, friction, and analysis of structures and truss members. Applications are drawn from civil engineering technology. (Prerequisites: PHYS-111 or 1017-211 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2, Recitation 2 (Spring).	3
MATH-171	Calculus A (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A) This is the first course in a three-course sequence (COS-MATH-171, -172, -173). This course includes a study of precalculus, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, continuity, and differentiability. Limits of functions are used to study continuity and differentiability. The study of the derivative includes the definition, basic rules, and implicit differentiation. Applications of the derivative include optimization and related-rates problems. (Prerequisites: Completion of the math placement exam or C- or better in MATH-111 or C- or better in ((NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275) and NMTH-220) or equivalent course.) Lecture 5 (Fall, Spring).	3
MATH-172	Calculus B (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B) This is the second course in three-course sequence (COS-MATH-171, -172, -173). The course includes Riemann sums, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, techniques of integration, and applications of the definite integral. The techniques of integration include substitution and integration by parts. The applications of the definite integral include areas between curves, and the calculation of volume. (Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH-171 or 1016-171T or 1016-281 or 1016-231 or equivalent course.) Lecture 5 (Fall, Spring).	3
PHYS-111	College Physics I (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective) This is an introductory course in algebra-based physics focusing on mechanics and waves. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton’s laws, gravitation; rotational kinematics and dynamics; work and energy; momentum and impulse; conservation laws; simple harmonic motion; waves; data presentation/analysis and error propagation. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings. Lab 4, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring, Summer).	4
PHYS-112	College Physics II (General Education) This course is an introduction to algebra-based physics focusing on thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and elementary topics in modern physics. Topics include heat and temperature, laws of thermodynamics, fluids, electric and magnetic forces and fields, DC electrical circuits, electromagnetic induction, opyics, the concept of the photon, and the Bohr model of the atom. The course is taught using both traditional lectures and a workshop format that integrates material traditionally found in separate lecture, recitation, and laboratory settings. (Prerequisites: PHYS-111 or 1017-211 or equivalent course.) Lab 4, Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring).	4
	General Education – First Year Writing (WI)	3
YOPS-10	RIT 365: RIT Connections RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).	0
	General Education – Artistic Perspective	3
Second Year
CHMG-141	General & Analytical Chemistry I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) This is a general chemistry course for students in the life and physical sciences. College chemistry is presented as a science based on empirical evidence that is placed into the context of conceptual, visual, and mathematical models. Students will learn the concepts, symbolism, and fundamental tools of chemistry necessary to carry on a discourse in the language of chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the transformation of these bonds through chemical reactions. The fundamentals of organic chemistry are introduced throughout the course to emphasize the connection between chemistry and the other sciences. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).	3
CHMG-145	General & Analytical Chemistry I Lab (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective) The course combines hands-on laboratory exercises with workshop-style problem sessions to complement the CHMG-141 lecture material. The course emphasizes laboratory techniques and data analysis skills. Topics include: gravimetric, volumetric, thermal, titration and spectrophotometric analyses, and the use of these techniques to analyze chemical reactions. (Corequisite: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).	1
CVET-160	Surveying Introduction to fundamentals of surveying. Topics include note taking; differential leveling; vertical and horizontal measurement; traversing; topographic mapping; horizontal, vertical, compound and reverse curves; and earthwork. (Co-requisites: CVET-161 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).	3
CVET-161	Surveying Laboratory Students apply the fundamentals of surveying to field exercises using modern surveying equipment. Field exercises include differential leveling, cross sections, traversing, topographic mapping, horizontal curve layout, vertical curve design, and earthwork estimation. (Co-requisites: CVET-160 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall).	1
CVET-220	Strength of Materials Study how forces and moments affect axial, shearing, and bending stresses and deflections of structural members. The relationships between stress and strain, for both axial and torsional loading, are explored. Beams, shafts, and columns are analyzed and designed based on stress and deformation. Combined stress states are analyzed, including using Mohr's circle. Statically indeterminate problems are evaluated. Euler's equations and column design principles are studied and applied. (Prerequisites: CVET-210 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4, Recitation 2 (Fall).	4
CVET-240	Elementary Soil Mechanics An introduction to soil mechanics and its application to problems encountered in civil engineering design and construction. Major topics include soil properties and classification, weight-volume relationships, compaction/ground improvement, groundwater flow, stresses in soils, settlement analysis, and shear strength. (Prerequisites: CVET-220 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: CVET-241 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
CVET-241	Elementary Soil Mechanics Lab The Elementary Soil Mechanics Laboratory will be taken concurrently with CVET-240. Standard laboratory tests will be performed for evaluating the properties of soils including gradation, plasticity, compaction, permeability, compressibility, and shear strength. (Co-requisites: CVET-240 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Spring).	1
MATH-211	Elements of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations (General Education) This course includes an introduction to differential equations, Laplace transforms, numerical methods in differential equations, and the calculus of functions of two variables. The emphasis is on the application of these topics to problems in engineering technology. (Prerequisites: C- or better MATH-172 or MATH-182 or MATH 182A or 1016-232 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
MECA-436	Engineering Economics This course provides coverage of the financial side of engineering decisions relating to product development and operations. Course topics provide a foundation for engineers to effectively analyze engineering systems and operations with respect to financial considerations of product development, analysis, and operations. This course prepares students for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination, Engineering Economics section. Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring).	2
	General Education – Ethical Perspective	3
	General Education – Global Perspective	3
	General Education - Elective	6
Third Year
COMM-142	Introduction to Technical Communication (General Education) This course introduces students to current best practices in written and visual technical communication including writing effective email, short and long technical reports and presentations, developing instructional material, and learning the principles and practices of ethical technical communication. Course activities focus on engineering and scientific technical documents. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
CHMG-142	General & Analytical Chemistry The course covers the thermodynamics and kinetics of chemical reactions. The relationship between energy and entropy change as the driving force of chemical processes is emphasized through the study of aqueous solutions. Specifically, the course takes a quantitative look at: 1) solubility equilibrium, 2) acid-base equilibrium, 3) oxidation-reduction reactions and 4) chemical kinetics. (Prerequisites: CHMG-141 or CHMG-131 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).	3
CVET-250	Hydraulics A study of the principle physical properties of liquids, hydrostatic pressure and forces, buoyancy and flotation, Bernoulli's Law, Conservation of Energy and Mass, and the concept of momentum. These fundamentals are applied in the analysis and design of closed conduit systems, open channel flow, pumps and pump selection and storage facilities. Rainfall runoff relationships and applications to stormwater management are also introduced. (Prerequisites: CVET-210 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: CVET-251 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).	3
CVET-251	Hydraulics Lab Experimental study of principle physical properties of liquids and major laws of fluid mechanics. Students will conduct several experiments that illustrate the theory and design principles taught in lecture. (Co-requisites: CVET-250 or equivalent course.) Lab 2 (Fall).	1
CVET-300	Land Development Computer Applications The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to civil 3D software and how to use the application and its tools to create standardized civil engineering and drafting projects. The course enables students to complete transportation, site, sewer, storm drain, and subdivision projects quickly, while using the tools to dynamically link and generate automatic design updates. (Prerequisites: CVET-150 and ((CVET-160 and CVET-161) or 0608-340) and ((CVET-180 and CVET-181) or 0608-220) or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 3 (Fall).	2
CVET-332	Structural Analysis and Modeling Introduction of classical and modern computational techniques to analyze statically determinate and indeterminate structures. Topics include beams, 2D trusses, 2D frames, cables and arches, moving loads and influence lines, approximate methods and moment distribution. Computer-aided structural analysis using commercial structural analysis software STAAD is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall).	4
CVET-499	Civil Engineering Technology Co-op (spring, summer) One semester or summer block of appropriate work experience in a related industry. Department permission is required. (This course is restricted to CVET-BS Major students.) CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).	0
ENGT-95	Career Seminar This course is an introduction to the cooperative educational program at RIT, the programs in the department, and RIT resources. Topics include engineering technology vs. engineering, review of resources available at RIT, the cooperative education placement process, and the ethical expectations of employers for co-op students and RIT during a job search. Seminar 1 (Fall, Spring).	0
Fourth Year
CVET-431	Structural Steel Design This course covers the design of structural members and frames and their connections in steel structures. Topics include principles of structural design and the code of ethics in engineering practices, structural loads and systems, steel grade and shapes, steel framing and deck design, tension members, compression members, non-composite beams, beam-columns, column base plates, bolted connections, and welded connections. The use of AISC Steel Construction Manual is emphasized and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work for structural modeling is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
CVET-432	Reinforced Concrete Design This course covers the design of structural members and frames of reinforced concrete. Topics include principles of structural design and loads; properties of concrete and reinforcement and the code of ethics in engineering practices; analysis and design of floor slabs, beams and girders including doubly reinforced and T-beams, columns, and footings, cantilever retaining walls, bearing walls, unreinforced concrete basement walls, shear walls, corbels and brackets. The use of the ACI code, is emphasized and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
CVET-350	Highway Design This course exposes students to the fields of highway and traffic engineering. The areas of planning, design, construction, and operation are covered. Emphasis is placed on specific skills needed in these fields, including highway standards; geometry and alignment; traffic signal timing and design, drainage; earthwork; safety standards; and structures. (Prerequisites: CVET-300 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: CVET-351 or equivalent course.) Lecture 2 (Spring).	2
CVET-351	Highway Design Lab This lab offering provides students with an introduction to MicroStation, which is a computer aided drafting and design course used primarily by federal and state departments of transportation (DOT). Open Roads, is a 3D software that uses MicroStation as an operating platform. Open roads is also commonly used by DOT agencies. MicroStation/Open Roads is analogous to AutoCAD/Civil3D. Students, after completing this course, will be able to successfully utilize the civil geometry tools to create geometry for roadway projects. (Prerequisites: CVET-300 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: CVET-350 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Spring).	2
CVET-437	Principles of Dynamics in Civil Engineering Technology Study of the basic principles of engineering dynamics. Topics include kinematics of particles, force, mass and acceleration, work and energy, force-impulse and momentum, and an introduction to vibrations and structural dynamics. Applications to practical civil engineering problems are emphasized. (Prerequisites: MATH-211 or equivalent course and at least 3rd year standing.) Lecture 2 (Fall).	2
CVET-440	Foundation Engineering This course will study the geotechnical engineering aspects of foundation design. Focus is on bearing capacity analysis and spread footing design, mat foundations, pile capacity and pile foundation design, drilled shafts, lateral earth pressures and retaining wall design, and an introduction to slope stability analysis. (Prerequisites: (CVET-240 and CVET-241) or 0608-360 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 .	3
CVET-450	Principles of Water and Wastewater Treatment An introduction to water and wastewater treatment, interpretation of analyzed physical, chemical, and biological aqueous characteristics associated with the design and operation of treatment processes. Fundamental principles and applications of physical, chemical, and biological processes employed in the treatment of drinking water and sanitary wastewater will be covered. Fundamental components and design procedures for gravity sewer systems will be introduced. (Prerequisites: CVET-250 and CVET-251 and (CHMG-122 or CHMG-142) or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).	3
CVET-499	Civil Engineering Technology Co-op (summer) One semester or summer block of appropriate work experience in a related industry. Department permission is required. (This course is restricted to CVET-BS Major students.) CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).	0
	Open Elective	6
	General Education – Immersion 1, 2	6
	General Education – Social Perspective	3
Fifth Year
CVET-499	Civil Engineering Technology Co-op (fall) One semester or summer block of appropriate work experience in a related industry. Department permission is required. (This course is restricted to CVET-BS Major students.) CO OP (Fall, Spring, Summer).	0
CVET-500	Civil Engineering Technology Capstone (WI-PR) A capstone course in civil engineering technology. This course builds on and integrates the engineering concepts developed in prior course work into the complete design of a major civil engineering project. The course will require a written and an oral presentation of the completed design to include, where appropriate, plans and specifications. (Prerequisites: At least 5th year standing with a minimum of 2 terms of CVET-499 completed.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).	3
	Technical Elective	3
	Open Elective	3
	General Education – Elective	3
	General Education – Immersion	3
Total Semester Credit Hours		128

Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

Professional Options

Students who elect to pursue a Professional Option may use any combination of Open and Technical Electives to complete one of the options listed below:

Construction Management

Choose two of the following:
CVET-462	Construction Project Management An introduction to construction management. Project administrative roles and relationships among the various project team participants are explored. Topics include specifics of construction project start-up including procurement, project buyout, and job site layout and control. Subcontracts and relationship with subcontractors are explored. Construction related documentation including contract documents, submittals, information requests, change orders, progress payments, bonds, insurances, and project closeout is discussed. Safety, quality, and project closeout are also covered. Lecture 3 (Spring).
CVET-464	Construction Planning, Scheduling and Control This course covers planning, organization, scheduling, and control of construction projects. The components of construction project planning are examined. Students are exposed to and gain practice in using the Critical Path Method (CPM) in scheduling, Monte Carlo risk analysis and monitoring the progress of construction projects. Cost control and resource allocation/resource management are explored. (This course is restricted to CVET-BS or CONMGT-MN students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall).
CVET-561	Construction Cost Analysis and Management An introduction to direct cost estimating for construction projects. The estimating techniques covered include quantity take-off, labor productivity, and pricing (labor, material, and equipment). Drawings, sketches, and specifications are used as a basis for developing quantities involving site work, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, and finishes. Students also use software tools to aid in developing takeoff quantities. Different estimate structures and various types of estimates are examined. Direct and indirect construction costs are explored along with approaches for estimating overhead costs and profit. A logistical study of Project Cost Management and Cost Control & Forecasting methods, including Earned Value Method. This course may be cross-listed with CONM-661; BSMS program students are advised to enroll in the graduate level course. Lecture 3 (Spring).
Choose one additional course from above or below:
CVET-424	Building Information Modeling with Revit The primary objective of the Revit course is to teach students the concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and introduce the tools for parametric building design and documentation using Revit Architecture. Students will be able to create full 3D architectural project models and generate working drawings. The course focuses on design development tools - building the 3D model with foundation, walls, windows, doors, floors, roofs, stairs, creating reflected ceiling plans and furniture plans. Students will add views and annotation to the sheets to create a set of construction documents. (Prerequisites: CVET-150 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring).
CVET-465	Contracts and Specifications This course includes a fundamental overview of contract law, followed by the application of this material in the contracts for construction. Subsequently, the student is exposed to construction specifications. Substantial use is made of actual documents such as those of the New York State Department of Transportation, The Construction Specification Institute, Engineers Joint Contract Committee (EJCDC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), Associated General Contractors (AGC) and trade standards such as ANSI, ASTM, and others. Students are required to develop and assemble a mock-up set of contract documents and develop agreements/contracts. Arbitration, design-build, and partnering are discussed. (This course is restricted to CVET-BS or CONMGT-MN students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
CVET-505	Sustainable Building Design & Construction Course material will focus on the design, engineering, and construction of sustainable buildings and how the construction manager guides the project team to meet the owner’s objectives of a sustainable facility. Students will explore the primary differences and similarities between the different green building rating systems, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. This course may be cross-listed with CONM-690; BSMS program students are advised to enroll in the graduate level course. Lecture 3 (Spring).
ESHS-225	Construction Safety This course is designed to cover construction health and safety hazards and will study OSHA regulations in depth. Students get to handle and investigate construction safety issues, the OSHA standards addressing trench excavation, scaffolding, temporary electric circuits, fall protection, HAZCOM, underground construction are studied. Lecture 3 (Spring).

Structural Design

Required Courses
Choose three of the following:
CVET-424	Building Information Modeling with Revit The primary objective of the Revit course is to teach students the concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and introduce the tools for parametric building design and documentation using Revit Architecture. Students will be able to create full 3D architectural project models and generate working drawings. The course focuses on design development tools - building the 3D model with foundation, walls, windows, doors, floors, roofs, stairs, creating reflected ceiling plans and furniture plans. Students will add views and annotation to the sheets to create a set of construction documents. (Prerequisites: CVET-150 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring).
CVET-433	Structural Timber Design Design wood structures. Topics include properties of structural lumber, design of wood structural members including beams, columns, beam-columns, trusses, studs, plywood diaphragms and shear walls, and design of structural member connections. Emphasis is on the use of NDC Wood Design Package. A comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
CVET-434	Design of Highway Bridges Design concrete and steel bridges. Topics include types of bridges, design loads on bridges, live load distribution, design of prestressed concrete girders, design of I-plate steel girders, design of reinforced concrete deck, design of bridge foundations, and introduction to multi-span bridges. Emphasis is on the use of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and bridge design software, and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 and CVET-431 or CVET-432 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
CVET-435	Prestressed Concrete This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of prestressed concrete design. Topics include prestressing systems, types of prestressing, materials used in prestressed concrete, analysis and design of pre- and post-tensioned systems, design of connections, losses in prestress. Emphasis is given on the use of the current industry standards and a design project. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
CVET-436	Masonry Structures This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of structural design with masonry elements. Topics include historical perspective of masonry technology, materials used in masonry construction, general design requirements for masonry, structural design of unreinforced and reinforced masonry elements, masonry construction practices, repairs and improvements to masonry walls. Emphasis is given on the use of the building codes for masonry structures and a comprehensive group design project. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).

Water Resources

Choose three of the following:
CVET-423	GIS for CETEMS This course examines the fundamentals of geographic information systems and their application in the fields of civil engineering and environmental management. It emphasizes the application of GIS technology to problems such as, but not limited to, water resource management, asset management, environmental impact assessments, urban planning, and transportation. (Enrollment in this course is restricted to students with at least 3rd year standing in CVET-BS or ESHS-BS.) Lec/Lab 4 (Spring).
CVET-451	Design of Water & Wastewater Treatment Facilities Hydraulic, biological, and chemical principles of water and wastewater treatment processes are applied to the design of municipal treatment works. Process, plant design, and construction elements are stressed. (Prerequisites: CVET-450 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
CVET-452	Groundwater Hydraulics Groundwater movement analysis and engineering design applications. Topics include construction dewatering, groundwater remediation, flow-net analysis, flow analysis to wells and trenches, design of groundwater collection systems, pump selection, and groundwater's interaction with engineered structures. Application of groundwater computer software. (Prerequisites: CVET-250 and CVET-251 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
CVET-453	Stormwater Management This course focuses on the fundamental design concepts of surface water hydrology and how these concepts are applied to the management of stormwater for municipal and development projects. Topics include rainfall/runoff relationships, groundwater hydrology, hydrographs, soil erosion and sediment control, storm sewer design, and green infrastructure. Practical engineering procedures, using desktop and state-of-the-practice hydraulic and hydrologic software, are introduced to analyze existing conditions and design new solutions. (Prerequisites: CVET-250 and CVET-251 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall).