> Okanagan College 2009/10 Calendar > Programs > Engineering Technologies > Civil Engineering Technology

Civil Engineering Technology

The civil engineering technologist is involved in the design and construction of buildings, bridges, highways, streets, parks, subdivisions, dams, drainage and irrigation systems, water supply and sewer systems, and plants. Aspects of civil engineering and urbanization in Canada are studied throughout this program. A diverse and stimulating program, Civil Engineering Technology incorporates field trips to reinforce theoretical background, and to develop appropriate methods of approach and solution. Graduates will possess the following knowledge and skills:

  • a knowledge of mathematics, applied science, surveying principles, graphical language and oral and written communication techniques;

  • a grounding in applied civil engineering technology as related to highway surveying, road design and construction, municipal construction, bridge construction, municipal water and sewage works, irrigation and drainage, and heavy construction;

  • skills in drafting, detailing, computing, surveying, laboratory testing (soil mechanics, concrete and asphalt paving), construction inspection, writing technical reports and correspondence, preparation of specifications and costs, basic structural design in steel, reinforced concrete, design of water distribution and sewage collection systems, heating and air conditioning and other building services, and engineering law.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program can seek employment in the following types of positions:

  • engineering assistants in highway construction, communications and power development projects; draftsperson; estimators, detailers and assistant designers;

  • technologists in concrete, asphalt and soil testing labs; construction inspectors in municipal water development and structural projects; technologists in hydrographic surveys, waste resources studies, irrigation and hydraulic laboratories;

  • town works superintendents and building inspectors; concrete plant supervisors; technical sales involving building and construction materials and equipment; and

  • project chiefs and instrument persons in field surveys related to pipelines, construction, mining drainage, irrigation, highways and roads, etc.

National Accreditation: The Civil Engineering Technology program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB). While attending Okanagan College, students may register with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC). Graduates are eligible for registration as an applied science technologist after two years of related work experience.

Faculty

T. Guenther

BEng(Lakehead), PEng, Chair

J. Kenny

BE, MEngSc, MEng(Calgary), PEng

K. Langedyk

BEng, MEng(UBC), PEng

D. Meier

DipCivilEngTech OC), AScT

R. Scherer

BSF, MSc, PhD (UBC), PEng, RPF

T. Stewart

CTech, ID

Admission Requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation (or equivalent).

  • A minimum grade of 60% in one of: English 12, Technical and Professional Communications 12, an equivalent Adult Basic Education English course; or a score of 24/40 (level 4) or better on the LPI

  • A 67% grade or better in Principles of Mathematics 11, or a 60% grade or better in Principles of Mathematics 12 or Applications of Mathematics 12, or an equivalent Advanced Level Adult Basic Education Mathematics course, or a minimum 60% grade in Okanagan College's MATH 120. Principles of Mathematics 12 or Applications of Mathematics 12 are recommended. Students without this requirement may write a Math 11 challenge exam administered by Okanagan College and must receive 64% grade or better. The mathematics requirement must be successfully completed no more than seven years prior to enrolment in the program.

  • The Civil Engineering Technology program stresses the use of computers in solving engineering problems. It is recommended that students entering the program have some familiarity with computers. Computer Science 11 or 12, an introductory course in computers, key boarding skills of 20 wpm, or computer experience is strongly recommended.

  • Physics 11 or 12 or Applied Physics 12 is recommended.

Mature Students: Applicants who do not have secondary school graduation may apply as a mature student provided they are at least 19 years of age and have not attended secondary school on a full-time basis for a year or more. Mature students must complete specific entrance requirements that apply to regular applicants.

The mathematics requirement will not be waived for mature students.

Program Outline

First Year

Semester One

CIEN 131 Drafting I
CIEN 132 Construction Surveying I
CIEN 133 Concrete Technology
CIEN 134 Statics and Strength of Materials I
CIEN 136 Application of Engineering Principles
COSC 115 Microcomputer Orientation
CMNS 133 Technical Writing and Communication I
MATH 113 Mathematics for Civil Engineering
Co-op Education/Employment Seminar

Semester Two

CIEN 141 Drafting II
CIEN 142 Construction Surveying II
CIEN 143 Highway Material Testing I
CIEN 144 Statics and Strength of Materials II
CIEN 145 Elementary Hydraulics
CIEN 147 Software Applications for Engineering Technology
CIEN 148 Structural Design
MATH 123 Calculus for Civil Engineering
CIEN 152 Construction Surveying III (Weeks 3 and 4 in April)
CIEN 101 Co-op Work Term I (May - August) 4 months
CIEN 102 Co-op Work Term II (September - December) 4 months

Second Year

Semester Three

CIEN 231 Watershed Management
CIEN 232 Construction Estimating
CIEN 233 Engineering Soils
1CIEN 234 Structural Design in Wood
1CIEN 235 Municipal Design
1CIEN 236 Highway Materials Testing II
CIEN 237 Design of Urban Road Systems
CMNS 143 Technical Writing and Communication II
CIEN 103 Co-op Work Term III (May - August) 4 months

Semester Four

CIEN 240 Project
CIEN 241 Project Management
CIEN 242 Steel Detailing and Estimating
1CIEN 244 Structural Design in Concrete
1CIEN 245 Municipal Engineering
1CIEN 246 Pavements
CIEN 248 Construction Law
CIEN 249 Computer Applications for Civil Engineering

1Students may replace, with approval from the Civil Engineering Technology department, two of the following Civil courses with the Okanagan College courses listed below or equivalents of equal credit (six credits maximum). Students may replace one structural course (CIEN 234 or CIEN 244), and/or one materials course (CIEN 236 or CIEN 246) and/or one municipal course (CIEN 235 or CIEN 245).

Suggested Okanagan College Electives:

Chemistry (CHEM 111, CHEM 112)
Geology (EESC 111)
Math (MATH 112)
Physics (PHYS 111)