Civil Engineering Classes to Consider

Several interesting classes from SMU that get at potential civil engineering challenges we face in our future.

CEE 5325 (3). DISASTER MANAGEMENT. This course introduces the student to basic

concepts in disaster management. Drawing on a range of sources from the textbook to the U.S.

National Response plan to research papers, the course covers the fundamentals of preparedness,

mitigation, response, and recovery. An all-hazards approach is taken, providing analysis of

natural, technological, and man-made disasters. In addition to discussing the basic theories of

disaster management, the course introduces the student to key methods in the field, including

simulation modeling, consequence analysis tools, design criteria, statistical and case study

methods (lessons learned), and risk analysis.
 

CEE 5327 (3). OPTIMIZATION AND RELIABILITY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS. Introduces the concepts of engineering systems optimization,
reliability and risk assessment, and applies them to civil and environmental engineering

systems. Includes an introduction to engineering systems definition, classical methods of

optimization, linear programming, integer programming, dynamic programming, nonlinear

optimization, and reliability and risk concepts in engineering planning and design. Engineering

applications include transportation networks, fleet assignment, supply chain management,

environmental engineering systems, fluid transport and water reservoir operation and

structural engineering systems. Advance topics include an introduction to chance-constrained

optimization and basic decomposition approaches and their application to real-world problems.
 

CEE 5328 (3). INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY. Introduces basic concepts in
sustainability. Drawing on a range of sources, including selected books and readings, the course

explores the idea of total connectedness of resource use globally, with particular emphasis on

the situation in north Texas. Addresses the issues of air quality and energy supply, sustainable

construction, water use, transit and other related areas of resource use, and waste generation.

The inclusion of multiple guest lecturers will provide a series of multiple viewpoints and areas

of specific expertise. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

CEE 5329 (3). METHODS AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY. This course covers

technologies and methods used in sustainable design and analysis. Areas covered include the

scientific understanding of alternative energy systems, water reuse and supply, and state-of-the-art

materials created for sustainability. Also discussed are methods for assessing sustainability,

including life cycle assessment and the development of sustainable indicators. Prerequisite:

Graduate standing or permission of instructor.
CEE 5330 (3). DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY. This course introduces the student to the

issues involved in creating a sustainable built environment. The course will address issues of

resource use at the regional and project specific level. Specific techniques for designing and

constructing sustainable buildings will be addressed. Systems of measurement for sustainable

properties will be discussed on a comparative level, and the USGBC’s LEED system will be

specifically addressed. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.