Undergraduate Courses 2022-23

a) Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [SPO] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or self-paced online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

b) Undergraduate courses marked with [EXP] may adopt the approach of experiential learning subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

• CIVL 1010

  Academic and Professional Development I

  0 Credit(s)
  Description

  A compulsory, one year course for CIVL/CIEV/CIGBM students only. This course is designed to provide academic advising to students and/or to develop students' interpersonal skills in handling technical and non-technical issues in their professional careers. Graded P, PP or F.
• CIVL 1100

  Discovering Civil and Environmental Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  A general overview of civil and environmental engineering, infrastructure development and engineering ethics is provided. The course includes both lectures and laboratory sessions, where the laboratory sessions are primarily directed to students who require the development of feasible conceptual solutions for the analysis and design of the basic problems in structural, geotechnical and environmental engineering. For first year engineering students under the four‐year degree curriculum only.
• CIVL 1120

  Exploring Earthquake Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x or 1x Physics OR a passing grade in HKCEE Physics

  Mode of Delivery

  [EXP] Experiential learning

  Description

  This course intends to facilitate student’s exploration in earthquake engineering through hands-on experiments. Students are grouped to design and build scaled building models using wood, glue, strings and rubber bands, which are loaded and tested on a shake table under simulated earthquake ground motion. Through the design, build and test process, students can observe the effect of different design variables and details on the test result. Students are then guided to interpret the observations, identify possible issues, explore relevant knowledge, and propose viable options for improvement. Students need to reflect what they have learned on a revised building model and contest other groups in a final competition.
• CIVL 1140

  Environmental Quality Control and Improvement

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Introduction to up-to-date environmental issues in both local and global scales; providing essential physical, chemical, biological and societal concepts required to understand the nature of pollution and environmental problems; applying science, engineering, management and social science approaches to solutions to environmental issues that affect our water, air, land, eco-systems, living environment, and sustainable development. The objective of this course is to equip our next generation leaders in different disciplines with enhanced environmental awareness and knowledge of tools and solutions to environmental issues. They will therefore be able to make responsible decisions and actions, with due consideration of the environment and sustainability. Each lesson is divided into two parts. The first part is the introduction and discussion of essential concepts and environmental issues and debates of these issues and will be delivered and guided by the instructor. The second part involves presentations of projects, focus studies, or service learning activities of new, emerging environmental issues selected by student groups, with emphases on solutions to the issues.
• CIVL 1160

  Civil Engineering and Modern Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CIVL 1100

  Description

  An introduction to civil engineering practice and infrastructure development, with an emphasis on Hong Kong projects. The basic principles, materials and technology used in typical civil engineering works such as foundations, buildings, bridges, slopes and water supply systems, etc. Infrastructure management and maintenance issues; social-economic aspects of large-scale civil engineering projects such as environmental protection, urban planning and development, etc.
• CIVL 2010

  Academic and Professional Development II

  0 Credit(s)
  Description

  Continuation of CIVL 1010. Graded P, PP or F.
• CIVL 2020

  Industrial and BIM Training

  0 Credit(s)
  Description

  A practical training course in an industrial simulated environment. For students of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department only. Graded P, PP or F.
• CIVL 2110

  Statics

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312

  Corequisite(s)

  MATH 1014 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1024

  Description

  Application of Newton’s laws to engineering problems; statics of particles; rigid bodies; equivalent systems of forces; equilibrium of rigid bodies; distributed forces; centroids; moments of inertia; analysis of truss & frame structures; axial, shear and bending moment diagrams; friction.
• CIVL 2120

  Mechanics of Materials

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2110

  Exclusion(s)

  MECH 2040

  Description

  Analysis of stress, strain and deformation; linear and non-linear material behavior; strain energy; bending of beams, deflection; stability and buckling of compression members; shear and torsional stresses.
• CIVL 2160

  Modeling Systems with Uncertainties

  3 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  MATH 1014 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1024

  Exclusion(s)

  MATH 2411

  Description

  Identification and modeling of non-deterministic problems in civil engineering, and the treatment thereof relative to engineering design and decision making. Development of stochastic concepts and simulation models, and their relevance to real design and decision problems in various areas of civil engineering.
• CIVL 2170

  Infrastructure Systems Engineering and Management

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 2350

  Exclusion(s)

  IEDA 3010

  Description

  This course will cover basic principles and techniques for analyzing engineering systems. It will entail an introduction to linear programs, network analysis, critical path method, benefit-cost and present value analyses of engineering projects.
• CIVL 2410

  Environmental Assessment and Management

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (CHEM 1010 OR CHEM 1020) AND CIVL 1100

  Description

  Present current environmental issues and management concepts; apply essential chemical and physical principles required to understand pollution problems; integrate knowledge from science and engineering to solve and assess environmental problems affecting water, air, noise and waste; cover concepts, ordinances and case studies of environmental impact assessment of civil infrastructure projects.
• CIVL 2510

  Fluid Mechanics

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 2011

  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 2110

  Exclusion(s)

  MECH 2210

  Description

  An introduction to the mechanics of fluids, including fluid statics, kinematics and fundamental equations of fluid flow, laminar and turbulent flow, boundary layers and applications in the design of hydraulic structures.
• CIVL 2810

  Construction Materials

  3 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 2120

  Description

  Properties of engineering materials and their relation to the internal structure of materials; includes physical properties of construction materials like portland cement concrete, asphalt, polymers, ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals.
• CIVL 2910

  Fundamental of Green Buildings

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course contains two parts. The first part is about indoor environment of green building. It covers the four aspects of indoor environment quality (thermal, indoor air quality, lighting, and acoustic), building energy load calculation and energy efficient design. The second part covers the interaction between building and outdoor environment. Principles of radiation exchange, heat transfer and surface energy balance in the context of urban environment are included.
• CIVL 3010

  Academic and Professional Development III

  0 Credit(s)
  Description

  Continuation of CIVL 2010. Graded P, PP or F.
• CIVL 3020

  Internship Training

  0 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2020

  Description

  For students of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department only. Internship training provides students the opportunity to gain professional experience and to apply theories to real-life situations. Students are required to complete a minimum of six weeks on-the-job training in civil engineering consulting firms, contractors, developers or relevant government departments, or an equivalent of 5-week mock construction training under the supervision of professional practitioners. Graded P or F.
• CIVL 3210

  Introduction to Construction Management

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course covers the basic knowledge, skills and techniques in construction management. It entails an introduction to the construction industry, initial and feasibility studies, impact assessment, tendering process, local statutory ordinances, contract strategy and management, cost estimation and control, project finance, resource allocation, and site safety. For CIVL and CIEV students only.
• CIVL 3310

  Structural Analysis

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2110 AND CIVL 2120

  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  Structural forms and modeling, statically determinate structures, statically indeterminate structures, force and displacement methods, deflections of structures, influence lines, approximate analysis, energy methods.
• CIVL 3320

  Reinforced Concrete Design

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2810 AND CIVL 3310

  Description

  Ultimate limit state design of reinforced concrete beams, slabs, columns, and beam-column joints; serviceability limit states of deflection and cracking.
• CIVL 3420

  Water and Wastewater Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 1140 OR CIVL 2410

  Description

  Introduction to basic concepts of water quality, fundamentals of water and wastewater treatment processes, analysis of treatment process flowsheets, analysis of water quality management alternatives.
• CIVL 3510

  Hydrosystems Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2510

  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 2160

  Description

  This course introduces basic and fundamental knowledge essential to the design and analysis of hydrosystems engineering problems (e,g., water supply, flood control, stormwater drainage, etc.). The course consists of two interrelated parts: hydrology and hydraulics. Hydrology covers various processes of water cycle (including precipitation, infiltration, rainfall-runoff modeling, and flow routings) that produce loads on hydrosystems. Hydraulics, on the other hand, applies fluid mechanics principles to the design and analysis the capacity of hydrosystems infrastructures such as pipe networks and channel networks as well as hydraulic machinery.
• CIVL 3610

  Traffic and Transportation Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 2170

  Description

  For students of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department only. Introduction to transportation systems; characteristics of transportation models; traffic flow fundamentals; geometric design of highways; travel demand analysis including trip generation, modal split and trip assignment.
• CIVL 3730

  Fundamentals of Geotechnics

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2120

  Description

  This course will focus on the geotechnical mechanics and associated soil behavior, including basic engineering geology, characteristics of soils, soil compaction, the principle of effective stress, shear strength of soils, the concept of critical state modeling, permeability, seepage problems, ground settlement and consolidation. The laboratory section consists of five different experiments. For CIVL and CIEV students under the four-year degree only.
• CIVL 3740

  Geotechnical Analysis and Design

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3730

  Description

  Introduction to geotechnical analysis and design including slope stability analysis, bearing capacity of soils, lateral earth pressures, design of retaining wall, shallow and piled foundations, geotechnical centrifuge modeling and field monitoring.
• CIVL 3910

  Smart Infrastructure Sensing and Data Analytics

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  COMP 1021 OR COMP 1022P OR COMP 2011 OR COMP 2012H

  Description

  This course contains two parts. The first part covers basic sensing technologies in structural engineering aiming to provide students the knowledge on traditional (e.g., accelerometers) as well as state-of-art sensing technologies (e.g., fiber optic sensing) and their practical applications in civil engineering. It also covers vibration-based structural health monitoring which introduces the fundamentals of structural behavior, and analysis in the time and frequency domain. The second part introduces fundamental knowledge and practical applications of data science and machine learning in the structural engineering context, primarily from understanding and extracting informative patterns from structural sensing data. It aims to provide students the ability to use relevant software & toolboxes (MATLAB, Python) to apply the discussed data science concepts on structural sensing datasets.
• CIVL 4100

  Special Topics

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Selected topics in Civil Engineering of current interest to the Department and not covered by existing courses.
• CIVL 4250

  Project Management and Finance

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces the basic methods, tools and techniques in managing and financing a project. Management subjects cover project planning, cost management, time management, materials management, change management, construction labor, safety management, and communication management. Financial subjects cover debt and equity finance, project risk analysis, cost and benefits of political risk insurance, project funding and cash flow, option pricing, and credit scoring of project finance debt. Programming issues and Monte Carlo simulation for project management and finance models will also be discussed.
• CIVL 4270

  Construction Law and Contract Administration

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  The course covers legal and contractual issues that may affect practicing engineers in their planning, design, construction and management of engineering projects. Topics include general principles of common and civil legal systems, the Hong Kong legal environment, contract laws, tort laws, company laws, laws on evidence and the building laws. The course also covers topics such as conflict of laws and international commercial arbitrations, engineers acting as expert witness in court and arbitral tribunals.
• CIVL 4320

  Structural Steel Design

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3310

  Description

  Limit state design of steel structures, stability analysis of thin-walled members, design of tension members, columns, beams, plate girders, beam-columns, structural connections, plastic analysis and design.
• CIVL 4330

  Introduction to Structural Dynamics

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2120 AND MATH 2011 AND MATH 2350

  Exclusion(s)

  MECH 4750

  Description

  Single degree of freedom systems, multi-degree of freedom systems, continuous systems, random vibrations, dynamic behavior under wind loads and earthquakes.
• CIVL 4340

  Prestressed Concrete Design

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3320

  Description

  Historical development; methods of prestressing, elastic analysis and design; flexural and shear capacity; losses of prestress; anchorage zones; composite members; design procedures and applications.
• CIVL 4350

  Design of Structural Systems

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3320 and CIVL 4320

  Description

  Structural systems for buildings, loads on structures, selection of structure schemes, preliminary analysis and design, computer-aided proportioning, special consideration in high-rise structures, composite design.
• CIVL 4370

  Computer Methods of Structural Analysis

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3310

  Description

  Matrix formulation of structural analysis using stiffness method, solution of linear equations, applications to civil engineering structures, modeling of large and complex structural systems.
• CIVL 4380

  Introduction to Wind Effects on Buildings and Structures

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CIVL 5370

  Description

  Basic meteorology, structure of wind near the ground, wind induced vibrations, wind loading codes, wind tunnel test techniques.
• CIVL 4430

  Environmental Impact Assessment

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 1140 or CIVL 2410

  Exclusion(s)

  CENG 4720

  Description

  This course describes relationship of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental policy act; methods and procedures for environmental impact identification, prediction, evaluation and mitigation; contents in an EIA report.
• CIVL 4450

  Carbon Footprint Analysis and Reduction

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2410 OR ENVR 3210

  Description

  This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the sources and impacts of climate change, national and international policies, Kyoto Protocol, carbon credits and offset concepts. As engineers to be, students will also be able to calculate organization's carbon footprint, identify suitable mitigation strategies and provide carbon reduction solutions.
• CIVL 4460

  Process Design of Environmental Engineering Facilities

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3420

  Description

  Basic principles in the process design of environmental engineering facilities, such as water and wastewater treatment systems, pump station, as well as sanitary landfill disposal.
• CIVL 4470

  Air Quality Control and Management

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  ENVR 4470

  Description

  Historical and health impact studies related to air pollution. Atmospheric stability and its impact on the transport and dispersion of pollutants. Sources of major air pollutants. Comparison of urban, industrial and transport related air pollution issues, using Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta as examples. Control of stationary and mobile emission sources. Air quality management - framework, policy tools and comparison of different approaches.
• CIVL 4480

  Climate Modeling and Risk Assessment

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CIVL 4100E

  Alternate code(s)

  ENVR 4480

  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 1003 OR MATH 1012 OR MATH 1013 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1023

  Description

  Climate models are the complex mathematical representation of the major climate system components (e.g. atmosphere, ocean, land surface, etc) and their interactions. Climate models have proved to be the most valuable tools in understanding climate processes that determine the response of the climate system to anthropogenic forcings, such as increases in greenhouse gases concentrations and land use changes. This course provides an introduction to the physical principles of climate model as well as all procedures related to climate modeling. Some classes will be taught in the computer laboratory, where students will perform their own simulations using web-based climate model and analyze the results. In addition, this course explores the challenge of understanding and managing the risks of climate extremes.
• CIVL 4520

  Municipal Hydrosystems Engineering and Management

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2160

  Description

  The course integrates the knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, statistics, economics, and optimization in the dealing with municipal hydrosystems engineering and management. In particular, focuses will be given to quantity aspect of water supplies and water excesses. The hydrosystems to be covered include water distribution, urban sewage and stormwater drainage, reservoirs/detention facilities, pumps, etc.
• CIVL 4560

  Urban Hydroclimate and the Built Environment

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CIVL 4100H

  Description

  This course is a mixture of lecture, reading, and group project focused on urban hydroclimate and the built environment, particularly their interactions through the energy-water-climate nexus. Lectures will cover mathematical laws and physical concepts of heat, moisture and mass transport in the built environment, as well as implications of urban hydroclimate on smart city development in the 21st century. Through hands-on tutorials, students will learn a numerical model and use it to explore the impact of neighborhood design on urban thermal environment, including the usage of novel engineering materials, urban landscape and building technology.
• CIVL 4610

  Introduction to Data Analytics for Smart Transportation Systems

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CIVL 4100I

  Prerequisite(s)

  COMP 1021 OR COMP 1022P OR COMP 2011 OR COMP 2012H

  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 3610

  Description

  This course covers the role of stochasticity in transport systems and the methods used to account for this within transport infrastructure assessment, with a particular focus on the application of data analysis methods. The course introduces how to analyze the performance of public transport systems and road network using classic queuing theory and travel time reliability concepts. The course will complement skills learnt in the other transport courses to provide a well-rounded knowledge of smart transport planning and management. The focus is on the application of transport models in real world settings using real data. Students have the opportunity to work with large open source data in two experiential-learning projects. The course also develops skills for working with data and managing collaborative projects.
• CIVL 4620

  Transportation System Operations

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 3610

  Description

  Transportation economics, land use and transportation system, queuing theory and traffic flow analysis, intersection control and design, urban transit operations and management.
• CIVL 4630

  Public Transport Planning and Operation

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CIVL 4100L

  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2170

  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 3610

  Description

  Public transport systems are recognized as a critical component in addressing urban mobility challenges, including congestion, air quality, and accessibility. This course focuses on approaches of planning, designing and operating public transport systems. It introduces traditional and innovative public transport modes, services and systems. It covers the demand modeling of public transport modes, the network planning of public transport routes and services, the operation optimization of public transport timetable setting and vehicle and crew scheduling, and the performance evaluation of public transport systems.
• CIVL 4640

  Introduction to Smart City Economics

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CIVL 4100J

  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 1012 OR MATH 1013 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1023

  Description

  This course focuses on emerging challenging problems in the development of Smart Cities, with a special focus on intelligent transportation systems and smart energy systems. The course discusses various economic problems arising in modern transportation market and power market through the lens of electric vehicles, renewable energy, smart buildings, mobility-on-demand services, etc. It complements existing courses by focusing on engineering applications and offering extensive examples in the context of transport and power markets. Through lectures and exercises, students will learn state-of-the-art models and tools to identify, formulate, and address challenging problems in smart city development.
• CIVL 4650

  Multi-agent Decision Making in Smart Cities

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CIVL 4100K

  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 2111 OR MATH 2121 OR MATH 2131 OR MATH 2350

  Exclusion(s)

  ECON 4124, MATH 4321

  Description

  This course focuses on emerging challenging problems in the development of Smart Cities, with a special focus on interactive multi-agent decision making. It presents a rigorous mathematical framework that characterizes the incentives of a broad class of decision makers and their interactions in modern power and transport systems, including but not limited to energy consumers (buildings, electric vehicles), energy producers, mobility-on-demand customers, mobility service providers, etc. It complements existing courses by focusing on engineering applications and offering extensive examples in the context of smart energy systems and intelligent transportation systems. Through lectures, assignments and reading, students will learn state-of-the-art models and tools to identify, formulate, and address emerging challenges in the smart city development.
• CIVL 4700

  Engineering Geology

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces fundamental knowledge in engineering geology and related engineering topics, including the earth system and tectonics, rock-forming minerals and clay minerals, igneous / sedimentary / metamorphic rocks, structural geology, earthquakes, surface processes and soil formation. It also includes field trips to Hong Kong GeoParks.
• CIVL 4710

  Soil Slope Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 3740

  Description

  This course aims to teach students to apply the fundamental principles of saturated and unsaturated soil mechanics to the analysis and design of slope stability. The course covers slope failure mechanisms, transient seepage analysis, measurement and selection of shear strength parameters, historical and recent methods of slope stability analysis, designs of slope stabilization measures and instrumentation.
• CIVL 4750

  Numerical Solutions to Geotechnical Problems

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Use of specific and general-purpose computer software to solve common geotechnical problems associated with empirical relationships, seepage, consolidation, pile applications, excavations, and general soil behavior. Brief introductions to and applications of finite difference, finite element and other numerical solution techniques are included.
• CIVL 4760

  Introduction to Rock Mechanics

  3 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  CIVL 3740

  Description

  This course introduces basic concepts of rock mechanics applied to geotechnical engineering; topics includes: index properties and classification of rocks, rock strength and failure criteria, initial stresses in rocks, rock mass properties, underground openings in rocks, rock slopes, rock foundations and stabilization of rock mass.
• CIVL 4810

  Construction Materials Technology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CIVL 2810

  Exclusion(s)

  CIVL 5840

  Description

  Constituents of concrete; failure mechanisms and mechanical properties; advanced cementitious composites: high strength, fiber, polymer, high performance; fibrous composite materials: composition, anisotrophic behavior, engineering constant, failure criteria; non-destructive evaluation: wave, scan, ultrasonic, acoustic emission, infrared thermography.
• CIVL 4900

  Directed Studies

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Specialist courses where instruction is generally given on a one-to-one basis. Graded by letter or P/F subject to different offerings. May be graded PP.
• CIVL 4910

  Civil and Environmental Engineering Final Year Project

  6 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CIVL 4920

  Description

  The two-term Final Year Project involves applications of civil and environmental engineering principles to the design, planning, experimental or analytical investigation of current engineering design and research problems. The credit load will be spread over two terms. For CIVL and CIEV students in their final year of study only. May be graded PP.
• CIVL 4920

  Civil and Environmental Engineering Final Year Thesis

  6 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CIVL 4910

  Description

  The two-term Final Year Thesis is for the students of CIVL and CIEV Research Option who are interested in experiencing research at the undergraduate level. The Final Year Thesis involves applications of civil engineering principles to the design, planning, experimental or analytical investigation of current engineering design and research problems. The credit load will be spread over two terms. For CVL and CIEV students in their final year of study only. May be graded PP.
• CIVL 4950

  Civil Engineering Capstone Design Project

  3 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  LANG 4033

  Description

  This course transforms engineering students into student engineers through execution of a full-scale authentic design project, under the direct guidance of a team of professional engineers. The capstone project involves the integration of prior design knowledge, teamwork and communication skills to make competent design decisions in civil engineering workplace. Design topics may include project planning, feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, site development, foundation design, structural design, transportation engineering, cost estimating, contract document preparation, and construction project management. Students should have successfully completed the third year of undergraduate study.