Course Number and Title:
CET 244 Principles of Land Development
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: (CET240 and CET225) or (CET240 and CET155)
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
0 offsite lab hours
Course Description
This course covers the fundamental concepts of site and subdivision planning, with emphasis on applying zoning codes, subdivision ordinances, and related regulatory frameworks. Students develop conceptual subdivision layouts and perform design calculations leading to preliminary construction drawings. Through the collaborative project, students plan grading, roadway, and utility systems using industry-standard software, while integrating traffic analysis, and stormwater management practices. The course highlights interdisciplinary teamwork, digital collaboration, and professional communication, culminating in iterative design development that reflects contemporary land-development engineering standards.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
1. Demonstrate proper drafting techniques. (CCC 1,2,6; PGC: CET 1,3,4,7; CTO 2, 4)
2. Differentiate among the various drawings within a subdivision plan set, applying proper terminology and sheet organization. (CCC 1,2,6; PGC: CET 1,3,4,7; CTO 2, 4)
3. Design and develop residential, commercial, or mixed-use site layouts in compliance with applying zoning and subdivision regulations. (CCC 1,2,4,5,6; PGC: CET 1,3,4,5,7; CTO 1, 2, 3, 4)
4. Design the horizontal and vertical elements of subdivision roadways using DelDOT design criteria. (CCC 1,2,3,4,6; PGC: CET 1,2,3,4,5,7; CTO 1, 2, 3, 4)
5. Calculate design elevations for storm and sanitary sewer systems, including inverts, manhole cover elevations, and minimum cover depths. (CCC 1,2,3,4,6; PGC: CET 1,2,3,4,5,7; CTO 1, 2, 3, 4)
6. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct as expected in industry. (CCC 1,3,4; PGC: CET 7; CTO 4)
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:
- Demonstrate proper drafting techniques.
- Demonstrate proper drafting techniques consistent with professional civil engineering standards.
- Use computer-aided-design and drafting (CAD) software settings to establish appropriate settings, layers, and templates for subdivision and site design drawings.
- Differentiate among the various drawings within a subdivision plan set, applying proper terminology and sheet organization.
- Develop a complete digital drawing set consistent with industry standards, including proper sheet numbering, labeling, and scaling.
- Incorporate 3D surface modeling and linework to generate accurate grading, profiles, and cross-sections.
- Design and develop residential, commercial, or mixed-use site layouts in compliance with applying zoning and subdivision regulations.
- Research and interpret applicable codes and regulatory requirements to determine plan components required by reviewing agencies.
- Assess site feasibility through data collection, field reporting, and feasibility study preparation.
- Analyze topography and environmental constraints to integrate sustainable site design principles.
- Apply interdisciplinary coordination in grading, drainage, and utility design to meet regulatory and constructability standards.
- Design the horizontal and vertical elements of subdivision roadways using DelDOT design criteria.
- Design the horizontal and vertical alignment of subdivision roadways using DelDOT design criteria.
- Calculate geometric design parameters, including horizontal and vertical curve data, intersection sight distances, and profile elevations.
- Conduct traffic analysis and produce a traffic study that supports roadway and access design decisions.
- Prepare roadway plan and profile sheets that reflect grading, stationing, and intersection layout according to DelDOT standards.
- Calculate design elevations for storm and sanitary sewer systems, including inverts, manhole cover elevations, and minimum cover depths.
- Design a stormwater management system following local and state regulations, including pre- and post-development hydrologic analysis.
- Determine material quantities and pipe sizes based on hydraulic design principles and watershed delineations.
- Integrate water, sanitary, and storm systems within the site model using existing topographic data and regulatory constraints.
- Design project grading to achieve positive drainage and meet design intent.
- Develop detailed surface models from 3D linework, profiles, and sections to calculate volumes and identify high and low points.
- Apply iterative digital grading techniques to refine cut-and-fill balance and surface smoothness.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct as expected in industry.
- Identify the need for self-discipline and time management in technical industries.
- Communicate and function effectively as a member of a team.
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 |
- Final Project Submission and Presentation
| 30% |
- Preliminary Design Package
| 40% |
- Self-Reflective Project Narrative
| 5% |
Formative Assessments |
- The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to:
- Assignments
- Question Sets,
- Professionalism Assessment
| 25% |
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.