Course Number and Title:
CET 100 Introduction to Civil & Environmental Engineering
Prerequisites
SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
1 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of civil and environmental engineering, with emphasis on both technical principles and professional practice. Students explore career pathways, the role of mathematics, and the application of scientific and regulatory frameworks in engineering. Topics include ecological systems, geology, hydrology, water and wastewater infrastructure, pollution control, and waste management. Students also gain exposure to basic surveying concepts and mapping tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) to support site assessment and environmental planning. Ethical and professional responsibilities are emphasized throughout, preparing students for further study and careers in the field.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Identify the scope, significance, and career pathways in Civil and Environmental Engineering. (CCC 1; PGC: 1, 7)
- Interpret foundational mathematical concepts used in basic civil and environmental engineering problems. (CCC 2, 6; PGC: 1, 4, 5, 7)
- Describe the role of regulatory oversight in civil and environmental engineering projects. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC: 1, 5, 6, 7)
- Describe natural and regulatory factors that influence civil and environmental engineering design and site development. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC: 1, 2, 5, 7)
- Explain hydrology, hydraulics, and water infrastructure systems and their applications in site grading, drainage, and stormwater management. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7)
- Explain pollution sources, impacts, and waste management strategies relevant to civil and environmental engineering projects. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7)
- Demonstrate examples of professional behavior and ethical responsibility in engineering contexts. (CCC 3, 4, 5; PGC: 7)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Identify the scope, significance, and career pathways in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
- Identify various career paths and emerging opportunities in the field.
- List educational pathways, certifications, and qualifications required for different roles.
- Recall key professional organizations and their relevance to career development.
- Interpret foundational mathematical concepts used in basic civil and environmental engineering problems.
- Identify basic geometry, trigonometry, and algebraic expressions used in engineering applications.
- Show the steps involved in unit conversions and dimensional analysis.
- Identify software applications for organizing and presenting data.
- Describe the role of regulatory oversight in civil and environmental engineering projects.
- Identify major regulatory agencies and their functions.
- Describe how regulations influence project planning and execution.
- Discuss the impact of environmental laws on engineering decisions.
- Identify GIS resources used in regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessments, and infrastructure planning.
- Describe natural and regulatory factors that influence civil and environmental engineering design and site development.
- Identify environmental constraints that influence site planning and infrastructure, including soil conditions, sensitive ecosystems, and drainage.
- Identify regulatory factors that influence site planning and infrastructure, including zoning information and applicable development codes.
- Identify environmental impacts of engineering activities, including land disturbance, runoff, and habitat disruption.
- Describe sustainable design principles (e.g., rain gardens, permeable pavements) and how they enhance site feasibility and regulatory compliance.
- Describe basic surveying terminology (e.g., benchmarks, elevations, contours) and explain its relevance to site assessment.
- Explain hydrology, hydraulics, and water infrastructure systems and their applications in site grading, drainage, and stormwater management.
- Define hydrology and hydraulics and describe how they influence site drainage and water systems.
- Interpret watershed and water cycle characteristics to assess runoff, infiltration, and land use impacts.
- Interpret site maps to evaluate slope, drainage patterns, and implications for stormwater design.
- Describe the components and functions of stormwater, sanitary sewer, and water distribution systems.
- Compare the roles and design considerations of different water infrastructure systems in site development.
- Explain pollution sources, impacts, and waste management strategies relevant to civil and environmental engineering projects.
- Identify common sources and types of pollution (e.g., water, air, solid waste).
- Describe the effects of pollution on ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure planning.
- Explain basic strategies for pollution control and waste management in civil and environmental contexts.
- Recognize how pollution prevention and regulatory compliance influence site feasibility and design.
- Demonstrate examples of professional behavior and ethical responsibility in engineering contexts.
- Identify ethical issues commonly encountered in engineering.
- Describe teamwork, communication, and time management skills.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
2-3 Exams (Equally weighted) | 35% |
1-2 Engineering Scenario(s) (equally weighted) | 25% |
Formative Assessments |
The course will contain various formative assessments including, but not limited to: (equally weighted) - Unit Assignments
- Quizzes,
- Homework
- Labs Equally weighted
| 40% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
1. Apply technical knowledge, skills, and engineering principles in various civil and environmental engineering applications.
2. Conduct field and laboratory testing using industry-standard procedures.
3. Select and apply appropriate materials, technologies, and best practices for civil and environmental engineering projects.
4. Utilize engineering software, visual communication tools, and technical documentation to support diverse civil and environmental engineering activities.
5. Interpret and apply relevant industry regulations and standards to civil and environmental engineering applications.
6. Pursue industry-recognized certifications related to civil and environmental engineering technology.
7. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical responsibility while prioritizing safety, quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement in civil and environmental engineering practices.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.