Postgraduate Courses
- CIEM 5130Building Planning and Construction[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 513DescriptionBuildings ordinance, buildings regulations, codes of practice, duties of authorized person and registered structural engineer, town planning ordinance, land matters, environmental impact assessment, traffic impact assessment, drainage impact assessment, sewerage impact assessment, structural plan submission, quality supervision, occupation permit, property development, case studies.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the building control and management system in Hong Kong.
- 2.Define the principles of building planning and design, and the requirements of site supervision.
- 3.Identify various problems of building projects and recommend solutions to these problems.
- 4.Develop strategies for successful delivery of building projects and successful maintenance of existing buildings.
- CIEM 5140Construction Project Delivery[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000DDescriptionThe course would cover Principle of Project Management, Contractor Management, Public Works Development, Consultant Management & Engineering proposal, Design & Build, BOT & PPP, Project Finance, Project Risk Management, Project Partnering, Value Management, Safety Management, Environment Management, Case Studies.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the construction industry and different stages in a construction project.
- 2.Illustrate current HKSAR Work Bureau Guidelines, Circulars and Construction Industry Code of Practices by means of real-life industry Case Studies.
- 3.Specify the responsibilities of Consultants and Contractors in Construction Safety Management, Environmental Management and Project Management.
- 4.Perform Risk Management, Value Engineering and Partnering Approach in a construction project.
- 5.Formulate and resolve the latest Construction Procurement Strategy.
- 6.Identify the funding source in Public and Private infrastructure project.
- CIEM 5160Construction Financial Management[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 516DescriptionEstimate, tendering strategy, budgetary control, contract account, cash flow management, depreciation, taxation effects, annual reports, strategic management, benefit cost analysis, life cycle costing, value engineering.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the characteristics of the construction industry.
- 2.Identify fundamental knowledge in construction project planning.
- 3.Estimate construction costs.
- 4.Control construction costs.
- 5.Conduct cash flow analysis of construction projects.
- 6.Analyze the financial and operational performance of a construction company.
- CIEM 5170Building Information Modeling and Smart Construction[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000KDescriptionThis course will cover the fundamental and technical aspects of building information modeling (BIM) and smart construction. Topics include BIM model creation and sharing, model-based analyses, clash detection, BIM standards and interoperability, BIM project execution plan, BIM for infrastructure, visualization technologies, data mining and knowledge management, decision support system, construction informatics, sensing technologies, and construction robotics.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the principles of building information modeling (BIM) and the current technologies for BIM.
- 2.Leverage software for building information modeling and construction management.
- 3.Model and represent various kinds of information in the construction industry.
- 4.Perform data processing and mining for knowledge discovery.
- 5.Design and leverage database systems for managing information and supporting construction management.
- CIEM 5240Advanced Concrete Technology[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)CIVL 5840DescriptionGreen concrete, concrete rheology and its tuning, concrete failure and fracture mechanics, durability of concrete under various environments, steel corrosion in concrete, non-destructive evaluation of concrete, concrete repair, special concretes (high strength, high stiffness, fiber reinforced, lightweight).Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the proper selection of concrete raw materials to enhance greenness.
- 2.Identify factors affecting concrete rheology, failure and durability.
- 3.Explain steel corrosion in concrete, including its control and inspection.
- 4.Define non-destructive methods for concrete members.
- 5.Explain repair methods and repair materials for concrete members.
- 6.Analyze the design and application of various special concretes.
- CIEM 5310Structural Analysis and Design of Tall Buildings[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 531Exclusion(s)CIVL 5310 (prior to 2022-23)DescriptionIntegrated treatment of analytical methods and technical aspects in design of tall building structures, including structural modeling, frames, shear walls, outrigger-braced systems, core-walls, tubular structures, and special topics.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the engineering mechanics and structural modelling techniques on which the analysis and design of tall building structures are based.
- 2.Identify the structural behaviour and performance of different forms of tall buildings and the analysis and design principles of tall building structures.
- 3.Conduct analysis and preliminary design of different types of tall building structures.
- 4.Apply the modern engineering software ETABS for the analysis and design of tall building structures.
- CIEM 5311Building Aerodynamics and Wind-Resistant Design of High-Rise Structures[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000LDescriptionGlobal wind climate, extreme wind analysis, wind structures near ground, bluff body aerodynamics, wind loads on building structures, wind-induced vibrations and mitigations, wind tunnel test techniques, and wind loading codes.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the characteristics of wind, wind structure near ground and topographical effects on wind.
- 2.Identify typhoon structures and perform simple typhoon simulation.
- 3.Determine the alongwind and crosswind forces of a structure and the wind-induced structural responses.
- 4.Analyze dynamic problem of buildings subject to different dynamic loads.
- 5.Identify the attributes of an effective wind-resistant design.
- 6.Perform a tall building design following Hong Kong and Australian wind codes.
- 7.Recognize and appreciate various types of wind tunnel testing techniques.
- CIEM 5320Computer Aided Design Optimization of Tall Buildings[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 532Exclusion(s)CIVL 5380 (prior to 2019-20)BackgroundCIVL 3310DescriptionThis course provides consolidated theoretical background and practical knowledge on the analysis, computer aided modeling and design optimization of modern tall building structures. Topics include behavior of different forms of tall building structures; finite element modeling and analysis; principles and practice of structural optimization for tall building design.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the challenges of building taller structures and the development of modern structural systems for tall buildings.
- 2.Define computer modelling principles and applications of finite element analysis for tall building structures.
- 3.Describe advanced knowledge of numerical optimization methodology for structural design of tall buildings.
- 4.Apply the state-of-the-art computer based techniques for engineering analysis and design optimization of real-life typical high-rise building projects.
- CIEM 5330Advanced Mechanics of Materials[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 533Exclusion(s)CIVL 5830DescriptionAnalysis of stress and strain, elastic and inelastic behavior of materials, formulation of BVP, beam on elastic foundations, torsion of noncircular thinwalled members, deformation of cylinders and spheres, inelastic analysis.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define fundamental concepts in continuum mechanics.
- 2.Recognize the formulation of various problems in structural mechanics and corresponding solution techniques.
- 3.Identify the fundamentals behind design equations commonly used in practice.
- 4.Describe stress and deflection analysis which serves as the basis of structural design.
- CIEM 5340Earthquake Engineering[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 534BackgroundCIVL 4330DescriptionAn introduction and overview of earthquake engineering, basic seismology and earthquake characteristics, seismic responses of SDOF and MDOF structures, philosophy and principles of earthquake resistant designs, and earthquake hazard mitigation including retrofit, smart structure and health monitoring technologies.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify basic seismology and earthquake characteristics.
- 2.Define the principles of earthquake resistant design.
- 3.Analyze the seismic effects on structures using design codes.
- 4.Recognize the contemporary seismic mitigation technology.
- CIEM 5360Design and Construction of Tall Buildings[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000HDescriptionThere are various types of tall building structural forms in Hong Kong, including frame, coupled shear wall, wall frame, tube-in-tube and outriggers. These structural forms are designed to resist the high wind loads, all in compliance with the local Hong Kong wind code. Computer modeling and analysis is now widely adopted. Submissions of structural design to the Buildings Department in respect of procedures and technical requirements will be covered to give a holistic picture of the design process. Moreover, the construction of tall buildings in Hong Kong is also taking the lead in the Asian region and prefabrication and deep foundation construction are typical examples. The course will cover these construction approaches all to enhance construction quality.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the designs of tall building structures and foundations in Hong Kong.
- 2.Describe the construction of tall building structures in Hong Kong using mechanized construction methods and prefabrication.
- 3.Distinguish the various types of foundation systems adopted in Hong Kong and their respective construction methods.
- 4.Explain the associated quality assurance measures, testing methods on site and in laboratory.
- 5.Recognize the statutory requirements on site supervision of construction sites.
- CIEM 5380Bridge Engineering[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 538, CIEM 600HDescriptionThis course is focused on the bridge superstructure analysis and design using limit states design method. The main objectives of this course include the introduction of limit states design method; discussion of design philosophy and code requirements; as well as analysis and design examples using limit states design method.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define different bridge construction methods.
- 2.Define different bridge structural forms.
- 3.Describe how bridge construction/erection methodology affects bridge design.
- 4.Select appropriate bridge form with a given site constraint.
- 5.Estimate preliminary material quantity required for a bridge project.
- CIEM 5390Coastal Structures Design[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 539, CIEM 600JDescriptionThe course will cover basic wave characteristics, linear wave theory, wave transformation processes, wind-wave generation, coastal processes, wave-structure interaction, design procedures and requirements for coastal structures such as seawalls, breakwaters and beaches.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the challenges that confront costal engineers.
- 2.Integrate various approaches and tools to analyze and design costal structures.
- 3.Describe and apply the principles that underpin the estimation of wave loads on structures.
- CIEM 5410Risk Assessment and Contaminated Land Cleanup[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 541Co-list withJEVE 5410Exclusion(s)CIVL 5450, JEVE 5410BackgroundCIVL 2410 or equivalentDescriptionInnovative technologies for land and groundwater remediation, site investigation, risk assessment, and local case studies on land decontamination such as Kai Tak Airport, Penny's Bay, North Tsing Yi will be included.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the regulations for contaminated land management in Hong Kong.
- 2.Assess the potential risks associated with land contamination.
- 3.Evaluate and compare the applications of various remediation technologies.
- 4.Design cost-effective remediation technology to decontaminate a site.
- 5.Identify real applications from case studies.
- CIEM 5420Biological Waste Treatment and Management[3-0-0:3]Co-list withJEVE 5420Exclusion(s)CIVL 5420, JEVE 5420BackgroundCIVL 3420 Water and Wastewater EngineeringDescriptionPrinciples of secondary, biological treatment processes, including sewage sand filters, trickling filters, activated sludge plants, lagoons, ponds, rotating biological contactors, aerobic and anaerobic digesters, and biological nutrient removal. Management of waste treatment systems and works.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the fundamental and advanced knowledge of current solid wastes and wastewater treatment and disposal systems and their problems in Hong Kong and beyond.
- 2.Identify key problems of water and wastewater treatment processes, and propose fundamental engineering and management solution.
- 3.Professionally judge and assess the advantages and disadvantages of various sewage treatment technologies such as MEL, AGS, BABY, Anammox, etc.
- 4.Select the treatment processes/technologies for meeting a more stringent discharge requirement for water pollution control with focus of tertiary treatment.
- 5.Design basic treatment units and systems for municipal wastewater treatment.
- CIEM 5460Design and Management of Physico/Chemical Processes of Environmental Engineering[3-0-0:3]Co-list withJEVE 5460Exclusion(s)CIVL 5410, JEVE 5460DescriptionPrinciples, design and management practices of physico/chemical treatment processes for removing contaminants from drinking water and municipal wastewaters; includes coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, air flotation, centrifugation, filtration, membrane, air stripping, carbon adsorption, disinfection, chemical oxidation processes, operation management and residual management.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the fundamental and advanced knowledge of physical-chemical processes in the environmental engineering field.
- 2.Identify problems and propose feasible engineering or management solutions during the operation of water and wastewater treatment processes.
- 3.Design the physical-chemical unit processes and integrate them to systems for water and wastewater treatment.
- 4.Analyze major factors impacting physical-chemical treatment systems and provide management strategies.
- CIEM 5480Wastewater Treatment and Reuse[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 548Co-list withJEVE 5480Exclusion(s)JEVE 5480BackgroundCIVL 3420DescriptionTheory and conceptual design of key unit processes and unit operations in domestic wastewater treatment and reuse with emphasis on applications of compact and advanced treatment technologies.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify and evaluate the environmental problems through reviewing the key water pollution parameters of water and wastewater.
- 2.Select the sewage treatment levels and processes required to meet the discharge requirements and to protect the receiving water bodies.
- 3.Carry out the process design for municipal sewage treatment plant including primary, chemically enhanced primary, secondary and sludge treatment.
- 4.Evaluate the operational problems and identify practical solutions during the operation of the municipal sewage treatment plants.
- 5.Select the tertiary treatment processes required for meeting a more stringent discharge requirement for water pollution control.
- 6.Select the treatment processes and identify the key design parameters and monitoring requirements for wastewater reuse.
- CIEM 5520Municipal Hydraulic System Design and Management[3-0-0:3]Co-list withJEVE 5510Exclusion(s)JEVE 5510DescriptionThis course covers the design and management of municipal hydraulic systems involved in the conveyance of water supply and sewage, as well as in the disposal of storm water. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical and engineering aspects in the analysis, design, operation, and management of water distribution system, sewer system, pumping system, and storm drainage system.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the engineering challenges in municipal hydraulic systems.
- 2.Apply the principles that underpin analysis, design and management of municipal hydraulic systems.
- 3.Integrate various approaches and tools to analyze, design and manage municipal hydraulic systems.
- CIEM 5620Travel Demand Analysis[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 562Exclusion(s)CIVL 5620BackgroundCIVL 3610DescriptionOverview of transportation planning process, population/employment forecasting techniques, discrete choice models, simplified transportation demand models.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Evaluate the advanced theories and methods of traffic and transportation engineering and transportation systems planning.
- 2.Utilize mathematical or quantitative methods to model components of transportation system.
- 3.Identify transportation system planning and management problems and propose feasible solutions.
- 4.Apply key transportation planning principles to the analysis, modeling and operation of transportation system, including traffic impact analysis and transportation demand forecasting.
- CIEM 5630Traffic Control Fundamentals and Practice[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 563Exclusion(s)CIVL 5630DescriptionTraffic flow fundamentals; microscopic and macroscopic traffic flow characteristics; principle and theory of traffic signal; essential modeling techniques; various traffic signal control models.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Analyze principles involved in the design of traffic control.
- 2.Apply traffic control principles to model signalized junctions.
- 3.Design signalized junctions based on the Hong Kong practices.
- 4.Develop advanced control methods based on dynamic traffic flow fundamentals.
- CIEM 5720Advanced Foundation Design[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 572Exclusion(s)CIVL 5720BackgroundCIVL 3740DescriptionCurrent practice of foundation design and analysis, including design and analysis of bulkheads, deep excavation, tieback systems, tunneling in soft ground, buried conduits, lateral pile loading, pier foundations.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify basic performance requirements for foundations.
- 2.Define fundamental soil mechanics principles for foundation engineering design and construction.
- 3.Recognize the uncertainties throughout the site investigation, design and construction process, and how the uncertainties are handled in limit state design.
- 4.Design common types of foundations (shallow foundations, piles, returning walls, soil nails, offshore foundations etc.).
- 5.Conduct construction quality assurance.
- 6.Design new types of foundations (wind turbine foundations, energy piles etc.) based on first principles.
- CIEM 5740Computer Methods for Slope Engineering[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000NDescriptionThis course aims to teach students to apply knowledge of soil mechanics and numerical methods for analysis and design of slope stability. The course covers mechanisms of slope failures, shear strength of soils, transient seepage analysis, major methodologies on slope stability analysis, and use of popular computer software programs for slope stability analysis, including SLOPE/W & SEEP/W and PLAXIS 2D.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain shear strength of soils and methods for slope stability analysis.
- 2.Evaluate soil and rock properties from laboratory tests and field data.
- 3.Apply different methods for evaluating the stability of soil slopes.
- 4.Use basic geotechnical software packages for stability analysis of soil slopes.
- 5.Analyze the stability of engineering soil slopes for safe design.
- CIEM 5760Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000MDescriptionThe course provides fundamental knowledge in engineering geology and rock mechanics as applied to rock engineering design and practice. Topics include: major rock types, weathering process and local geological setting; mapping geologic structures and stereonet analysis; rock mass classification, stress-strain-strength properties of rock mass and joints; analysis and design methods for rock slopes, rock foundations and underground tunnels. A field trip will be arranged to visit Hong Kong GeoPark.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify local geological setting and geological process.
- 2.Identify major rock types including weathered rock profiles.
- 3.Map geologic structures and analyze discontinuities using stereonet.
- 4.Classify rock mass.
- 5.Describe stress-strain-strength behaviours of rock and joint.
- 6.Analyze slope stability, underground opening and foundation in rocks.
- CIEM 5770Unsaturated Soil Mechanics and Engineering[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 577Exclusion(s)CIVL 5770BackgroundCIVL 3740 or equivalentDescriptionFundamental principles, stress state variables, steady-state and transient flows, theory of shear strength and its measurements, soil stiffness, plastic and limit equilibrium analyses of earth pressures, slope stability and bearing capacity, critical state framework, instrumentation, engineering applications on slopes including static liquefaction of loose fill slopes, foundations, forensic studies such as slope failures.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the fundamental principles and advanced concepts of unsaturated soil mechanics.
- 2.Design and carry out laboratory and field tests for determining unsaturated soil properties.
- 3.Apply key principles of unsaturated soil mechanics to analyze and design geotechnical and geo-environmental structures such as landfill, pavement, foundation and slope.
- 4.Effectively communicate unsaturated soil mechanics and engineering to a range of audiences in a professional manner.
- CIEM 5790Slope Engineering and Management[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 6000BDescriptionThis course will introduce in detail the slope safety management system in Hong Kong, including its background, past development, as well as its key components, e.g. geotechnical control and landslide prevention and mitigation programme. The course will also cover basic knowledge on engineering geology, Hong Kong landslides, fundamentals and methods of slope stability assessment, slope stabilisation and landslide mitigation measures as well as the advanced subjects of quantitative risk assessments and use of novel technologies in landslide assessment.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the background and past development of the slope safety management system in Hong Kong and describe the two key components of slope safety management system in Hong Kong, viz. (a) geotechnical control, and (b) landslide prevention and mitigation programme.
- 2.Describe the geology of Hong Kong, common types of landslides in Hong Kong and their key causal factors.
- 3.Analyze stability condition of slopes.
- 4.Analyze mobility of landslide debris.
- 5.Undertake design of common slope stabilisation works.
- 6.Undertake design of common landslide mitigation works.
- 7.Conduct quantitative risk assessment for use in slope safety management.
- CIEM 5810Engineering Risk, Reliability and Decision[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 581Exclusion(s)CIVL 5110BackgroundCIVL 2160 or equivalentDescriptionBayesian methods, reliability evaluation, system reliability, reliability-based design, probabilistic risk analysis, probabilistic observational methods, Monte Carlo Simulation, Fault and Event Tree models, elementary utility theory, decision with multiple objectives. Emphasis will be placed on applications. Practical examples will be used extensively to demonstrate application of these methods.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the fundamental knowledge in probability and statistics.
- 2.Develop basic skill sets to perform probabilistic calculations with commercial toolboxes.
- 3.Define the concepts of engineering risk assessment and decision making.
- 4.Conduct useful analyses related to the subject, such as Monte Carlo Simulation.
- CIEM 6000Topics in Civil Infrastructural Engineering and Management[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 600DescriptionSelected topics of current interest. May be repeated for credit if different topics are covered.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the fundamental knowledge in different areas related to the course topic.
- 2.Describe advanced theories and methods related to the course topic.
- 3.Formulate and solve problems in the various areas of the course topic.
- 4.Apply theories and methods to practical implementations.
- CIEM 6980MSc Project[6 credits]Previous Course Code(s)CIEM 698DescriptionAn independent project carried out under the supervision of a faculty member.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop and apply self-learning and task management skills to effectively manage an independent project.
- 2.Critically analyze a selected topic to identify, formulate and solve problems and apply solutions to practical implementations.
- 3.Communicate effectively in writing, using accurate technical and scientific terminology, and demonstrating logical organization of relevant content and information.
- 4.Communicate effectively in oral presentation, demonstrating logical organization of relevant content and information, using appropriate style, pacing and body language, proper handling of questions, and effective time management.