Civil Engineering Technology

This course introduces students to the technical terminology, methods for classification, and physical characteristics of soils, bedrock, and groundwater. It identifies how Civil Technologists use these concepts in geotechnical, environmental and hydrogeological engineering. Students are introduced to the Record of Site Condition process and methods for property assessments and groundwater and soil remediation. Environmental assessments, environmental law and legal concepts are also explored.

This course introduces the basic concepts of physics through experiential learning activities and team building exercises. Students verify and use these concepts to solve applied problems in a team-based environment. Key topics include measurement, unit analysis, unit conversions, the analysis of vectors and their application to motion (kinematics).

This course introduces the concepts and techniques required to recognize, produce, obtain, and utilize information from a variety of graphical sources. Topics include: interpretation and production of plan view; orthogonal, section, and isometric projection drawings; site plans; engineering and construction drawings; scales; industry symbols; and drafting using both analog and digital drafting conventions.

This course provides students with specific training in occupational health and safety to assist them in becoming a competent supervisor. The course emphasizes the practice of due diligence in reducing personal and professional liability. Awareness of actual and potential hazards and rights of workers is addressed.

In this course, students review operations with algebraic expressions and equations to prepare students to solve problems involving functions. Topics include: the study of measurement systems and unit conversions, trigonometry, linear equations, and solving systems of equations. Students apply these topics to practical problems related to technical fields of study.

This course covers the use of Microsoft Office as commonly found in a technology environment to prepare basic written documents and to solve numeric problems as well as using applications to build models for assisting in solving technical problems.

Prerequisites: None 

This course outlines the concepts, terminology and problem solving techniques in the field of physics, necessary for success in Engineering Technology. Areas of study include the following: kinematics, vectors, forces, moments, work, energy, power, and momentum.

In this course, students are introduced to engineering survey methods and their applications. Topics include: distance measurement; differential leveling; vertical and horizontal measurements; data verification; identifying systematic and random errors; field book and notation standards.

This course explores the concept of sustainability by viewing the environment as a set of natural Earth systems that provide essential services to humans. Students explore the impacts of human activities on those systems, through the study of environmental contamination and climate change. Changing attitudes to the environment over the past 150 years are revealed through the study of environmental legislation for the management of water, waste and buildings.

This course provides an overview of construction documents and the Ontario Building Code. Topics include: navigating drawings and specifications; developing and interpreting construction documents; verifying construction requirements based on the Ontario Building Code; and navigating and interpreting the Ontario Building Code.

This course guides students through a number of hands-on exercises to develop and strengthen their AutoCAD techniques. Key topics include: productivity techniques, file organization, layer management, plotting to scale, tool selection, dimension and annotation, and application of a set of drafting standards.

This intensive course promotes professionalism and introduces students to fundamental surveying techniques using automatic levels, theodolites, and field books. Working in teams students complete a series of short field exercises that simulate tasks completed by civil engineering technologists. Associated tasks include: calculations; field note preparation; sketches; quantity estimates and calculations; drawing preparation; and submittals using standard industry software.

This course builds upon foundational math concepts previously studied and introduces basic calculus. Topics include: factoring quadratics, analytic geometry (lines/parabolas/circles), exponential and logarithmic equations, differentiation, and integration. Students apply these topics to practical problems related to civil technology field of study.

In this course, students investigate fluid mechanics and apply related principles to practical civil engineering problems. The primary topics covered in this course include fluid properties, the measurement of pressure, the forces due to static fluids, and the use of the general energy equation to analyze fluid flow in pipes and conduits accounting for energy losses due to friction. An introduction to the analysis of steady open channel flow is also presented.

This lecture and lab based course introduces the quality assessment of natural water bodies, and the treatment of drinking water, wastewater, and surface water run-off. Topics include a discussion of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of inland water resources; and the potential effects of water pollution on these properties. Students investigate methods applied to the treatment of drinking water, wastewater and storm water runoff and measure water quality parameters through lab based activities.

This course further develops the computer aided design (CAD) skills required in the Civil Engineering industry. Through a number of relevant, hands-on exercises, students develop skills and efficiency in designing and creating drawings that reflect an industry CAD standard applicable to Civil related projects. Topics include external referencing, annotations, scale plotted drawings, industry page setups, surveys.

This course introduces the fundamentals of static loading on the behavior of structures, in particular, the quantifying of internal forces, which develop in the structure to maintain equilibrium. Fundamental concepts include the analysis of beams for shear and bending and the axial forces in truss elements.

This course introduces advanced surveying equipment to students through a number of relevant, hands-on exercises. Topics include total station and data collector familiarization, building layout, horizontal curve layout, vertical curve layout, cross-section generation, and topographical surveys.

In this course students study techniques and applications of calculus in preparation for use in the field. Students develop and practice algebra skills using several methods of differentiation and integration that they can employ in the industry. Topics include geometric series, limits, and trigonometric identities.

This course examines the mechanics of materials as demonstrated through the behaviour of structural elements. Topics include: beam and column analysis, stress, strain, and Young’s modulus for various common materials. Modeling software is introduced as a tool for quantifying and assessing the influence of variables such as cross-sectional and material properties, as well as the analysis of complex structural systems.

The objective of this lab-based course is to illustrate the physical concepts of fluid flows and to introduce students to techniques for measuring fluid flow and pressure. The course reinforces the theory related to the properties of a fluid when at rest (static) and when in motion. Key topics include: flow through pressurized pipe networks, analysis of minor losses, water flow in open channels, measuring devices, pumps, and static fluid forces.

In this lecture and lab-based course students perform aggregate and concrete sampling and testing, identify concrete components and types and properties of Portland cement, prepare concrete mix designs, complete inspection of structural reinforcing and concrete placing and curing techniques.

This course introduces the study of the distribution and movement of water on earth with the objective of designing urban infrastructure. Students learn the basic techniques used in the computation of design flows from hydrologic events and the routing of flows through systems. Key topics include; storm intensity and return period, surface water runoff, interception and infiltration, and the design of storm culverts and sewers.

In this course, students carry out a number of experiments that help them understand and visualize how structural materials behave under various loading conditions. Students complete various lab experiments to investigate torsion; tensile strength; stress and strain; bending; and deflection.

This course introduces students to AutoCAD Civil 3D as a tool for land development. The software is used to import survey data, create existing conditions through TIN surface modeling, subdivide land using parcels, and produce grading with feature lines. Other topics include: delineation of lot sizes, right of ways, property offsets and building envelopes in accordance with local subdivision standards and bylaws.

This lecture and lab-based course introduces students to the method by which land use is planned, controlled, and implemented in Ontario through the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Lectures will be used to discuss the scope and structure of typical planning principles and practice, sustainable community planning as well as stakeholder engagement. Labs are used to carry out practical GIS exercises directly related to the material covered in the lectures such as evaluating the quality of data, digital map development, compiling information for spatial databases and completing spatial analysis obtained from the instructor, web-based land information systems, and others as required.

This course introduces the civil engineering student to the professional writing standards, such as OACETT. In this course students develop proficiency with report formatting for proposals and technical research reports. Both written and oral communication skills are practiced through the development of the written report and accompanying oral presentation. An emphasis is placed on research, problem solving, progress tracking, project management and appropriate formats. Editing for clarity, authority, and conciseness for professional acceptance is discussed and reinforced. Assessments and learning activities may be integrated with technical courses and/or industry partners.

This course introduces students to the mechanical properties of soil and how it differs from other building materials. Topics include: geology, phase relationships, grain size distribution, compaction, sampling techniques, stresses and strain, consolidation, permeability, and angle of friction.

This course provides an overview of the engineering related to structural steel design in accordance with the Handbook of Steel Construction. Students analyze and design common steel structures such as beams, trusses, connections, and columns using modeling and design software, while implementing applicable loadings as per relevant bridge and building codes.

The course introduces students to the design of highways, roads and their associated pavement systems. Topics include: the geometric properties of curves and their use in the design standards for elements of highways, cross sectional elements, structural design concepts for the design of flexible and rigid pavement systems, climatic influences on design and specifications and design practices for the construction of base and sub bases.

In this course, students learn about Asset Management, a methodology applied by municipalities to evaluate assets such as roads, bridges and underground infrastructure. Information such as present condition, rate of deterioration and required maintenance or rehabilitation are critical to the capital planning process and as such the field of asset management has quickly become a necessity for agencies struggling to maintain infrastructure, and prioritize spending. Students learn the basic principles of asset management through a combination of lecture, guest speaker presentations, field exercises, and computer based applications.

This course is a fundamental building block in the skill set required for the successful Civil Engineering Technologist. Reinforced concrete is the base material for a large number of engineered structures and as such today’s technologist must have an exceptional understanding of the material’s behavior in order to effectively plan, design, specify and inspect a construction project which involves the use of reinforced concrete. Masonry design is introduced in this course, with an emphasis on typical construction assemblies utilizing concrete masonry units.

The objective of this course is to introduce the basics of planning, hydraulic and engineering design, construction, operation and maintenance of sanitary sewage collection and water distribution systems. Students learn to apply fundamental fluid mechanics to solve applied hydraulic problems as they relate to municipal infrastructure. Topics include: quantifying water and sewer demand, sizing pressurized pipes, pump selection, distribution system layout, storage requirements, sizing of gravity sewers, and collection system configuration.

This course introduces students to the properties of asphalt in engineering terms and introduces the concepts of design, rehabilitation, testing, production, placement, and inspection of asphalt pavements. Marshall and SuperPave methods are covered in detail.

This course introduces the basic properties of wood as it relates to engineering and construction. Structural design of low, mid and high rise buildings is investigated along with the associated dimension lumber and engineered timber products. Typical residential framing techniques, as well as heavy timber design considerations are covered.

This lab-based course is designed to simulate a soil mechanics lab environment. Students complete experiments and submit lab reports based on results and data analysis. Labs include: soil compaction, specific gravity, hydrometer, Atterberg limits, permeability, consolidation, and direct shear.

This course focuses on the implementation of theoretical aspects of highway designs. Students utilize current highway design software to create a preliminary design of highways. Topics include: profiles, alignments, corridors, pipe networks, cut fill analysis, sheet generation, and plan production.

The focus of the course is on preparing students for transition into the workforce, with an emphasis on professionalism, ethics, and interpersonal skills. Specific occupational health and safety training relevant to entry level civil engineering technologist positions is provided. The field placements obtained by students are typically from local employers such as engineering firms, contractors, municipalities, and various other government agencies.

This course introduces students to the development and interpretation of computational models of municipal infrastructure. Students use current industry software to identify infrastructure requirements and upgrades based on model outputs. Topics include: hydraulic model development, validation, and assessment for water distribution systems, and sanitary collection systems.

This course provides students with the perspective of the general contractor, and focuses on preparing a bid submission for a heavy civil infrastructure project. Students are required to read and interpret specifications and drawings; complete material quantity take-offs, estimate equipment and labour requirements while accommodating sustainability requirements identified in the bid document. Current industry scheduling software is used to generate proposed construction schedule, and complete a bid form.

This course provides the student with the perspective of the owner or owner’s representative for large-scale construction projects. Students learn the construction team hierarchy; project budgeting and estimating techniques; the structure of contract specifications, standard conditions and clauses; dispute resolution; how contracts are generated and administered; and the various types of contracts (design-build; design-bid-build; private/public partnership (P3)) as well as sustainability standards and certifications relevant to the industry.