Course Structure of Degree of Bachelor Engineering (Civil)

The B.Eng. (Civil) programme is structured on a flexible and diverse academic unit (AU) system. The AU system is a hybrid of the American-British degree structure and incorporates the American credit system with a prescribed core of essential subjects. This flexible system allows students to choose from a broad range of subjects to receive a well-rounded education while maintaining high academic standards. In the final year of study, students are given the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of civil engineering by selecting the relevant elective subjects. Furthermore, though students typically complete the degree course in four years, they may study at their own pace and complete their studies within the time frame of three-and-half to seven years.

In the first year of study, students take the common engineering course which deals with basic concepts in mathematics, science and fundamental engineering principles. The curriculum also includes a module in communication skills and two modules of laboratory experiments.

In the second year, students are required to take fundamental modules in the civil engineering discipline, such as basic theory of structures, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, engineering drawing & measurement. Second-year students also take additional modules in mathematics, two modules of laboratory experiments and a technical communication skills module. In the second semester of the second year, students study “Engineering Innovation and Design”, a module in which students work in groups on a given an open-ended project to learn the practical and innovative problem-solving skills required of engineers.

In the third year of their studies, students are offered a balanced mix of core subjects comprising structural analysis, design in concrete and steel, and specialized subjects in foundation, transportation and environmental engineering. After students have attained the requisite academic units for promotion to third year, they can register for a 22-week Industrial Attachment (IA) in a private company or public organization, where they learn to practice the civil engineering profession under the guidance of experienced engineers and managers.

In the final year, the B.Eng. (civil) programme concentrates on training students in professional civil engineering practice as well as managerial and entrepreneurial skills. Students are given the choice to pursue their own fields of interest in a particular area of specialization by selecting from a group of optional elective subjects offered by the School. Each student is also required to complete a two-semester duration research project in any of the specializations in civil engineering.

During the four-year programme of studies, students are also required to take five Humanities & Social Science (HSS) modules and three modules of general elective subjects to broaden their knowledge in non-technical studies. The nine AUs for the three general elective modules can be used to fulfill the AU requirements for a Minor programme in NTU.

On completion of the B.Eng. (Civil) programme, students with research potential are offered the opportunity to pursue graduate studies for their Master or Doctorate degrees in NTU.