The BSc Degree in Civil with Environmental Engineering contains a blend of hands-on and theoretical learning activities with strong focus on system design and problem solving. Emphasis is placed on the application of the most up-to-date technologies to meet the needs of industrial and commercial enterprises and private individuals. Students are exposed to the knowledge required to design and build basic civil and environmental engineering components, structures and systems, as well as maintain them, plan and execute projects, implement systematic methods and techniques and supervise technicians, technologists, craftsmen, technicians and others who are in their charge.
This 4-year programme is structured so that during the first year students are exposed to mathematics and relevant foundation physics at the CAPE level, computing, fundamentals of civil engineering as well as communication skills. Laboratory and workshop sessions are emphasized to demonstrate and reinforce theoretical concepts and most importantly to develop practical skills. The second year introduces other fundamentals and builds on the first year with relevant laboratory exercises and projects to further develop practical skills.
The core areas of civil and environmental engineering are further developed in Year 3 and include the core courses for the five focus areas, namely, structural analysis, soil mechanics, fluid dynamics, water and wastewater treatment and design. Core areas are reinforced in Year 4 along with energy and environmental systems and electives in areas in which students may wish to specialize. Because of the particular circumstances in Guyana and the abundance of very durable hardwoods, one of the courses in structural design deals with timber and is compulsory. Students who wish to specialize further in these areas may do so through electives. The programme coordinator will advise students of the compulsory courses for a selected focus area.
In Years 3 and 4, laboratory sessions and/or course projects would accompany all technical subjects. The practical application and testing of the concepts presented in the theoretical classes for these semesters will be explored. Engineering students learn through a combination of analysis, design and practical exercises. This mix of theory and practical applications allows students to think meaningfully about the content and their learning and then apply their ideas in a variety of real-life situations. Students also learn to diagnose problems and develop a variety of solutions.
Students are assigned a major capstone group design project during Year 4 where they are expected to apply and integrate the skills and competencies they have developed. They are also assigned an individual investigative project. Every effort will be made to align projects with the needs of the local environment.
Upon successful completion of the required minimum of 134 credits over the 4-year BSc Degree programme, students are placed in an industrial attachment for six months. Here they are expected to sharpen their skills as they work alongside experienced engineers. Academic and Industrial advisors are assigned to advise and track students performances.