Civil engineering is a discipline of engineering that
deals with the design and construction of natural and physical built
environments. This includes roads, bridges and canals, dams and airports.
Traditional civil engineering can be broken down into
several sub-disciplines. This
engineering discipline is second in age to military engineering. It is used to
differentiate non-military from military engineering. Civil engineering can be found in both the public and
private sectors, from local governments to national governments to individual
homeowners to multinational corporations.
Civil engineering uses scientific and physical principles
to solve problems in society. Its history is closely linked with advances in
physics and mathematics through history. Civil engineering is a broad-ranging field that includes
many sub-disciplines. Its history is linked with knowledge of geography,
geology, soils, hydrology and mechanics as well as other fields.
Archimedes' 3rd century BC work, including the Archimedes Principle, is one of the first examples of a scientific approach for solving physical and mathematical problems in civil engineering. This principle underpins our understanding buoyancy and provides practical solutions like Archimedes screw. Brahmagupta was an Indian mathematician who used arithmetic to calculate volume (excavation) calculations in the 7th Century AD. It was based on Hindu-Arabic numerals.
A degree in civil engineering is a common requirement for
civil engineers. The
degree can be completed in three to five years. It is called a bachelor or
bachelor of engineering. The curriculum
usually includes courses in physics, mathematics and project management. They will take basic courses in the majority of
sub-disciplines in civil engineering before they can specialize in one or more
subdisciplines at higher levels. An
undergraduate degree (BEng/B.Tech), is usually awarded to successful students
with an industry-accredited qualification. However, some institutions offer
postgraduate degrees (ME/M.Tech/MS) that allow students to specialize in their
area of interest.
