Overview

Students in the Civil Engineering Program will take a total of 15-18 credits. In addition to the two mandatory courses offered through AMIDEAST, students will enroll in three or four (depending on a student’s preference) Civil Engineering courses taught at Cairo University and two courses offered at AMIDEAST facilities nearby CU.

Arabic & Area Studies Courses 

Colloquial Egyptian Arabic I (Arabic 121; 3 credits)

Students are introduced to words, expressions, and structures used frequently in everyday life. Students practice them in class before they are given assignments to carry out with native speakers in real situations. Evaluation combines performance in class and successful interaction with Egyptians. By the end of the course, students are able to ask essential questions and understand the responses, express basic facts and opinions in simple sentences, and engage in basic conversations in Egyptian Arabic with native speakers.

Contemporary Issues in Egypt and the Arab World (Political Science 316; 3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the key concepts, themes, perspectives, and methodological approaches that provide students with tools to understand and critically reflect on social, cultural, political and economic complexities and dynamics that characterize the contemporary Arab world. Concepts such as identity, ethnicity, nationalism, gender and gender roles, exchange, the state and society, political organization, social stratification, kinship and family, religion and ritual, fundamentalism, development, democracy, political activism, minorities, and human rights will be reflected upon in the context of different Arab countries. The approach is interdisciplinary, drawing on a variety of contributions of both native and Western scholars from various social sciences and humanities (anthropology, sociology, political science, media studies, sociolinguistics, cultural studies, gender studies, postcolonial critique, literary studies) and discuss the interpretative strength of a number of theoretical positions and epistemic relevance of several methodological orientations in learning about the contemporary Arab world. Students in the course are encouraged to compare material covered in lectures and readings with their own social and cultural knowledge acquired through living in Egypt and on the two field trips included in the course.

Civil Engineering Courses

Pre-Approval:

Based on the information provided below, students seek pre-approval of the courses they wish to take at Cairo University.  This is mainly due to the fact that most courses at ABET accredited institutions* are 3 credit hours while some courses at Cairo University Faculty of Engineering are two credits.  Students should contact their study abroad and academic advisor in order to discuss pre-approval.

* ABET is a non-profit and non-governmental accrediting agency for academic programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering, and technology

Course Offerings and U.S. Equivalencies

 * ABET is a non-profit and non-governmental accrediting agency for academic programs in the disciplines of applied science, computing, engineering, and technology

Course Descriptions

KEY :
Course Number
Semester
Course Name
Credits: # (# of hours of lecture+ # of hours of tutorial/small group working with professor+# of hours of lab)
Prerequisites (if any)
Concepts covered

IHDN101
Spring 2013
Principles of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite(s): n/a
Definitions - Water resources - Irrigation water quality - Soil - water plant relationships - Estimation of water requirements - Introduction to various types of irrigation systems (Surface - Sprinkler - Drip). Subsurface drainage - Vertical drainage - Planning of irrigation and drainage networks.

IHDN104
Fall 2012
Civil Engineering Drawing
Credits: 2 (1+1+2)
Prerequisite: MDPN001, Engineering Graphics (or equivalent)
Introduction to civil engineering projects, General Concepts, Legend and symbols, Scales and drawing size, General layout and plans, Longitudinal and cross sections, Detailing, Earthworks and retaining walls, Applications on irrigation and land reclamation projects, Half-earth-removed views, Pitching and protection. Drawing of steel sections and connections, reinforced concrete sections. Projection of beams and columns.

IHDN202
Spring 2013
Open Channel Hydraulics
Credits: 2 (1+2+1)
Prerequisite: IHDN201, Fluid Mechanics (or equivalent)
Introduction, Types of cross sections, Stage and depth measurements, Types of flow, Velocity distribution, Velocity measurements, Kinetic energy and momentum, correction factors, Curvilinear pressure distribution, Steady uniform flow, Resistance to flow, Design of cross sections, Design of circular cross sections, Specific energy and , critical flow, Applications on specific energy, Specific force, Steady rapidly varied flow, Hydraulic Jump, Weirs, Discharge measurements, Steady gradually varied flow, Water surface profiles, Computation of water surface profiles, Flow control, Laboratory experiments,

IHDN203
Fall 2012
Water Chemistry and Microbiology
Credits: 2 (1+2+1)
Prerequisite: CHEM001 Chemistry (or equivalent)
Basic water quality concepts, Basic chemistry concepts, Good laboratory practice, Standard solutions, Water color, odor and temperature, Understanding and measuring pH, Understanding and measuring EC, Understanding and measuring DO, Understanding and measuring COD, Understanding and measuring BOD, Basic aquatic chemistry concepts, Oxygen balance in surface waters, Major ions in water, Trace compounds in the aquatic environment, Potentiometric analysis of water quality, Use of ion selective probes, Absorption spectroscopy, Emission spectroscopy, Measurement of selected ions in water, Introduction to microbiology, Microbiological laboratory techniques, Coliforms as indicators of faecal pollution, How to measure coliforms

IHDN204
Spring 2013
Computational Water and Wastewater Networks
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisites: IHDN201, Fluid Mechanics and  PBWN201, Water and Waste Water Engineering (or equivalents)
Water distribution systems, demands, demand variables, pipe flow, networks, pumps, appurtenances, materials, Design techniques, Modeling of distribution systems, Design problem considerations-distribution, Wastewater collection systems, pipe flow, inflows, inflow variables, appurtenances, installation, materials, and Modeling of collection systems

IHDN301
Spring 2013
Introduction to Water Resources Engineering
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite(s): n/a
Hydrologic cycle, precipitation, infiltration, evaporation and evapotranspiration, rainfall - runoff relationships (rational method, unit hydrograph, statistical and probability approaches), streamflow hydrographs, types of aquifers, groundwater flow equations, well hydraulics, monitoring of groundwater levels, hydraulic characteristics of aquifers, groundwater management and safe yields.

IHDN302
Fall 2012
Irrigation Design Works-1
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: IHDN101, Principles of Irrigation and Drainage (or equivalent)
Planning and design of irrigation and drainage networks, seepage losses, technical and economic feasibility of canal lining, irrigation structures and their functions, general requirements and design considerations (hydraulics, loads, stability, structural aspects), transitions and wing walls, design of typical conveyance and crossing structures (culverts, syphons, aqueducts, short span bridges), tail escapes, construction methods.

IHDN303
Spring 2013
River Engineering
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: IHDN202, Open Channel Hydraulics (or equivalent)
Introduction, River morphology, Hydraulics of flow in river channels, Local scour around piers, Local scour around embankments, Flow in curved river channels, Analytical river morphology, River meanders, Physical modeling, Mathematical modeling for erodible channels, River training works, Field visits, Case studies.

IHDN305
Fall 2012
Applied Hydrology
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: IHDN301, Introduction to Water Resources Engineering (or equivalent)
The course covers two parts: surface and subsurface hydrology. The first part covers the Sources of Streamflow, Streamflow Hydrograph, SCS Method for Abstraction, Stream Network, Unit Hydrograph, Synthetic Unit Hydrograph, Unit Hydrograph for Different Rainfall Duration, Lumped Flow Routing, Hydrologic River Routing, Linear Reservoir Model, Distributed Flow Routing: Saint-Venant Equations, Wave Motion. The second part covers classification of hydro geological strata and its properties, general equation of groundwater flow, saturated/unsaturated flow, pollution mechanics and equations, introduction, equations of solute transport, governing equation, solute concentration,

PBWN201
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Water and Waste Water Engineering
Credits: 2 (1+3+0)
Prerequisite(s): n/a
Introduction– Definitions– Fields of Environmental Engineering– Environmental system – waste cycles – Main Environmental problems – Global problems – water pollution – water supply Engineering – water purification works – water Distribution system and Storage tanks. Sanitary Drainage. Sewerage System – wastewater Treatment Works.

PBWN202
Fall 2012
Surveying for Engineers
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite: MTHN003 Calculus II (or equivalent)
Engineering principles and applications of surveying sciences (with emphasis on plane surveying) are presented in relation to engineering. Popular techniques and engineering uses of distance, angles and height difference measurements are studied and practiced. Applications in detail mapping, earthwork computations, and setting out engineering structures are covered in this course. Integrated digital surveying and mapping using total station are introduced.

PBWN302
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Soil Mechanics
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisites: STRN102, Structural Analysis-2 and STRN104 Mechanics of Materials (or equivalents)
Basic properties of soil – Soil classification – Compaction – Soil stresses – Consolidation – Shear strength.

PBWN303
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Foundations
Credits: 2 (1+3+0)
Prerequisite: PBWN302, Soil Mechanics (or equivalent)
Bearing capacity – Shallow foundations – Deep foundations.

PBWN446
Fall 2012
Deep Excavation and Side Support
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: PBWN302, Soil Mechanics (or equivalent)
Introduction to deep excavation – Slope stability – Construction of: sheet pile walls, -Selection of proper Retaining system – Insulation

STRN101
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Structural Analysis-1
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite(s): n/a
Types of structures, loads supports, reactions, internal forces, analysis of beams, frames, trusses. Influence lines of statically determined structures, Moving loads

STRN102
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Structural Analysis-2
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: STRN101, Structural Analysis-1 (or equivalent)
Deformations: deferential equations, virtual work. Indeterminate structures: consistent deformation, moment distribution. Buckling of columns.

STRN103
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Engineering Materials
Credits: 3 (2+1+2)
Prerequisite(s): PHYN001 + MECN001 Mechanics, Waves and Thermodynamics + Mechanics I (or equivalents)
Classification of types of materials- Concrete and asphalt concrete; constituent materials and their properties, mix design, manufacture, properties, and standard and quality control testing- Steel, Building stones- Bricks- Timber- Heat insulating and acoustic materials. Laboratory: Testing for QC.

STRN201
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Reinforced Concrete I
Credits: 2 (1+3+0)
Prerequisites: STRN102, Structural Analysis-2 and STRN104, Mechanics of Materials (or equivalents)
Methods of design; Codes; Structural systems and load distribution; Design using limit states method; Section subjected to bending moments; Section subjected to shear and torsion; Reinforcement details for beams; Limit state of deflection, Working stress design method.

STRN203
Spring 2013
Properties and Strength of Concrete I
Credits: 3 (2+1+2)
Prerequisite: STRN103, Engineering Materials (or equivalent)
Admixtures (mineral and non-mineral); Concrete manufacturing; Properties of fresh concrete; Properties of hardened concrete; Applied mix design; Code provisions for durable concrete; Creep.

STRN215
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Engineering Computations
Credits: 3 (2+1+2)
Prerequisite: MTHN102 Calculus & Linear Algebra, and STRN100, Introduction to Structural Engineering (or equivalents)
This course focuses on applications and problem-solving methods for civil and structural engineering problems using software packages such as MATLAB and Mathematica; Topics include roots of nonlinear equations, simultaneous linear equations, interpolation and curve fitting, data approximation, optimization, matrices and eigenvalues, ordinary differential equations, numerical integration/differentiation.

STRN224
Fall 2012
Construction Project Management
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: STRN122, Introduction to Construction Engineering (or equivalent)
Project management definition, project delivery methods, contracting strategies, basic management functions, construction scheduling, bar charts, AOA and AON networks, critical path method, construction resources, material management, labor productivity, construction equipment, design and analysis of construction operations, construction cost, cost estimating, direct and indirect costs, cash flow calculations, introduction to management information systems.

STRN302
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Steel Structures Design I
Credits: 2 (1 +3+0)
Prerequisites: STRN102, Structural Analysis-2 and STRN104, Mechanics of Materials (or equivalents)
Introduction to structural steel design – Design criteria (materials, loads, and systems) – General layout – Design of tension members – Design of compression members – Design of beams – Design of beam-columns.

STRN303
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Reinforced Concrete Design II
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisites: STRN201, Reinforced Concrete Design I (or equivalent)
Design and reinforcement details: solid slabs, ribbed slabs, paneled beams slab, flat slabs (beamless slabs), stairs; Design of sections under axial forces; Design of sections under eccentric forces; Design and reinforcement details of concrete columns.

STRN304
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Steel Structures Design II
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: STRN302, Steel Structures Design I (or equivalent)
Welded connections – Bolted connections (bearing and friction bolts) – Steel details for frames – Steel details for trusses – steel details for wind bracing.

STRN305
Fall 2012
Matrix Structural Analysis
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisites: STRN104, Mechanics of Materials and STRN215, Engineering Computations (or equivalents)
Structure idealization and degrees of freedom; Coordinate systems; Equilibrium, compatibility and constitutive requirements; Force-displacement relations for bars and beams; Stiffness versus flexibility; Stiffness matrix of bar, beam, and frame members; Global stiffness equations; Inclined members and special topics; Matrix analysis of trusses, beams, frames and grids; Self-strained problems; Approximate analysis of structures; Computer applications.

STRN306
Fall 2012
Properties and Strength of Concrete II
Credits: 3 (2+1+2)
Prerequisite: STRN203, Properties and Strength of Concrete I (or equivalent)
Introduction to composite materials: fiber reinforcement, types of fibers, physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics of different metallic and natural fibers, behavior of fiber reinforced composites; Non-destructive evaluation of concrete: strength evaluation using rebound hammer, ultrasonic, windsor probe, concrete core and load tests; Reinforcement corrosion; Hot and cold weather concreting.

STRN308
Fall 2012
Structural Systems and Optimization
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite: STRN215, Engineering Computations (or equivalent)
Overall structural response and design: structural form, structural layout and idealizations, global stability, beam and column systems, arches, cable systems, truss systems, braced frames, large span structures; Vertical and lateral load resisting systems; Introduction to mathematical optimization, engineering economic analysis, and other decision analysis tools to evaluate and design engineering systems. Applications of linear and dynamic programming to engineering systems design problems. Applications.

STRN325
Fall 2012
Construction Equipment
Credits: 2 (1+3+0)
Prerequisites: STRN221, Economic Strategies in Construction Industry and STRN224, Construction Project Management (or equivalents)
Introduction to types and sizes of equipment, equipment selection factors, economic principles, equipment acquisition, productivity, cost and time analysis, earthwork equipment, lifting and loading equipment, concrete equipment, pumping equipment, asphalt equipment, equipment fleet management, financing, safety and maintenance.

STRN341
Spring 2013
Masonry Structures
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: STRN201, Reinforced Concrete Design I (or equivalent)
Masonry Materials, Development of Building Structures, Elements, Systems. Types of Masonry Construction (Un-reinforced, Reinforced, Prestressed), Structural Design, Structural Requirements, Mortar – Grout – Reinforcement – Masonry Assemblages – Strength; Flexural, Axial compression, Combined axial comp. and Flexure, and Shear. Beams and Lintels. Axial and out of Plane loads, Columns and Pilasters, Shear Walls, Construction Considerations and Details

STRN344
Spring 2013
Construction Material and Quality Control
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisites: STRN102, Structural Analysis-2 and STRN103, Engineering Materials (or equivalents)
Specifications and codes- QA & QC- Inspection- Special types of concrete; self compacting concrete, high strength concrete, durable concrete-Fiber concrete-, QC of materials and manufacture of concrete testing- statistical evaluation of testing results- Nondestructive testing of concrete in structures. Bricks, mortar, and grout for masonry- QC procedures and testing. Structural steel, steel pipes, QC testing.

STRN408
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Structural Dynamics and Vibrations
Credits: 2 (1+2+1)
Prerequisite: STRN305, Matrix Structural Analysis (or equivalent)
Concept of dynamic equilibrium; Dynamic equations of motion for single-degree-of-freedom systems; Analysis of free and forced vibration; Response to impulsive loading; Numerical evaluation of dynamic response; Generalized single-degree-of-freedom systems; Dynamic equations of motion for multi-degree-of-freedom structures; Natural vibration properties of structures; Damping in structures; Introduction to response history analysis; Vibrations of bars and beams; Computer applications.

STRN417
Spring 2013
Computer-Aided Analysis and Design
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite: STRN308, Structural Systems and Optimization (or equivalent)
Introduction; Selection of suitable models for different structures; Selection of analysis type: static, dynamic, and buckling; Analysis and design of structures using commercial programs; Analysis and design of structures using spreadsheets; Applications.

STRN421
Spring 2013
Risk Management in Construction Industry
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: STRN420, Introduction to Construction Contracts (or equivalent)
Roots of uncertainty in construction projects, need for risk management, steps for managing project risks, risk identification, risk assessment and analysis, qualitative and quantitative approaches, risk mitigation and transfer strategies, risk sharing, risk control during project execution, organizing for risk management, role of risk manager, risk-based decision making, risk considerations for various project participants.

STRN422
Spring 2013
Cost Engineering
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite(s): STRN224 Construction Project Management (or equivalent)
Importance of cost engineering, cost estimating, types of estimates, feasibility estimate, budget estimate, detailed estimate, direct cost estimating, quantity take-off, construction resource pricing, indirect costs, general and administrative expenses, risk and contingency estimate, concept of cost monitoring and control, cost breakdown structure, earned value concept, performance indices, cost prediction at completion, value engineering.

STRN426
Fall 2012
Estimating and Quantity Surveying
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite: STRN422, Construction Project Management (or equivalent)
Bidding process and requirements, bid documents, construction quantities, take-off principles, methods of measurement, pricing for resources, unit pricing, overheads, writing the bill, measuring and valuation of works during project execution, updating and reporting, construction project exercises.

STRN433
Fall 2012
Structural Mechanics and Stability
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite: STRN305, Matrix Structural Analysis (or equivalent)
Stresses in cables, catenaries, circular and rectangular plates, thin-walled members; Membrane stresses in shell structures; Stress-strain relations and compatibility conditions; Principles of energy and virtual work; Theories and methods of structural stability; Derivation of governing differential equation for beam-columns; Buckling modes and lateral instability of beam members; Applications.

STRN437
Spring 2013
Seismic Design of Structures
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite: STRN308, Structural Systems and Optimization (or equivalent)
Earthquake-resistant design and ductility concepts; Structural forms and lateral load resisting systems; Methods of analysis and fundamental vibration period; Earthquake equivalent static forces; Practical strategies; Detailing of steel and RC members; Lessons learned from past earthquakes; Seismic design codes.

STRN441
Fall 2012
Reinforced Concrete Design III
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite: STRN303, Reinforced Concrete Design II (or equivalent)
Design and details of Frames, Cracking limit state; Design of water tanks; Design of footings, raft foundations and pile caps.

STRN447
Spring 2013
Strategic Planning
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisites: STRN221, Economic Strategies in Construction Industry and STRN322, Construction Planning and Scheduling (or equivalents)
Competitiveness and strategies, strategic management goals, strategic management process, mission and objectives, resources and capabilities, types and levels of strategies, strategy formulation, Porter’s generic strategies, portfolio planning, adaptive strategies, strategy implementation, management practices and systems, corporate governance, leadership.

STRN449
Spring 2013
Organization Management
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite(s): n/a
Effective design of organization structural – strategic organization design – job design – power and politics - organization culture – type of departmentalization - method of vertical coordination – method of horizontal coordination - rewards and motivation – managing change and innovation – impact of the global economy – controlling the organization – managerial control methods.

STRN452
Spring 2013
Information Technology in Construction
Credits: 3 (2+3+0)
Prerequisite:STRN224, Construction Project Management (or equivalent)
Software systems in construction management: scheduling, cost estimating, material management, documents management and, 4D CAD systems. Introduction to Building Information Modeling. Use and design of databases and programmable spreadsheets for construction applications.

STRN461
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Special Topics in Structural Engineering
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite(s): 130 Credits + Academic Advisor Approval
Students study one or more topics in Structural Engineering that are not covered by other program courses and/or that present recent or advanced development of interest to structural engineers in the areas of materials, mechanics, analysis and design of structures, such as underground and off-shore structures.

STRN462
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
Advanced Topics in Structural Engineering
Credits: 3 (2+2+1)
Prerequisite(s): 130 Credits + Academic Advisor Approval
Students study one or more topics in Structural Engineering that are not covered by other program courses and/or that present recent or advanced development of interest to structural engineers in the areas of materials, mechanics, analysis and design of structures.