Coming into this course, you may have some of the following questions:

• What is civil engineering?
• What will I do as a civil engineer? Will I enjoy it?
• Why do I need all these math and science courses?
  ...when do I get to REAL engineering?

At the end of this course, you should have some of the answers to these questions.

The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation for your success as an engineering student and as a professional engineer.

The specific goals of this course are to:

1. describe what civil engineering is and what you may do as a civil engineer
2. establish a context for using the information you are learning in your other classes
3. develop your communication skills, including written reports
4. provide a framework for evaluating ethical behavior which will apply in your engineering career
5. show the breadth and excitement of the civil engineering profession

You will probably find that your initial perceptions about civil engineering were too narrow. There is a vast diversity in this field, and in the jobs that you may do when you finish. This provides a level of flexibility for you to find a subject which most interests you and to get a job to capitalize on your particular strengths....whether that is technical innovations, writing, design, field work, management, etc. This class should help you identify the set of skills you will need to fulfill your particular goals. This course is the first step toward becoming a successful civil engineer!

There is no required text for the class.

Engineering Your Future: A students guide published by Great Lakes Press is recommended. The 3rd edition was published in 2003, but other editions are also o.k.

This textbook has good general information on job types, salaries, and engineer profiles. For the class, Chapter 14 on ethics will help with HW2.