 |
|
More than 30 experimental and computer laboratories are utilized within the academic programs. This number includes some laboratories that are primarily used for undergraduate teaching, but are also available for routine measurements in support of graduate teaching and research, other labs that are primarily used for graduate teaching, and a number of specialized facilities that have been developed specifically to support research in particular areas. Additional laboratory details can be found in the individual Areas of Study and Research sections.
The Department of Civil Engineering understands the need for cutting edge computer facilities to prepare tomorrow's professionals for the ever-changing technological world. The department continuously adds and upgrades computer equipment and classroom facilities. Many of our classrooms are equipped with overhead LCD projectors, computerized podiums, integrated audio systems, printers, large-format plotters, and flat screen monitors. Specialty equipment, such as scanners and CD-recorders, are also made available to students in many locations.
We have several classrooms that feature a 1-to-1 computer to student ratio in addition to 'team' classrooms that have special designs to facilitate the teamwork orientated approach that some of our courses teach. We have been successful in updating our equipment on a yearly basis to ensure that our students have the best computing resources available.
A wide range of computer software is readily accessible to civil engineering students. The department makes every effort to seek out and utilize the latest industry software to make sure that each student has the experience needed to find a successful job after graduation. Software packages including, but not limited to, AutoCAD, MATLAB, and ETABS, in combination with the latest productivity software (Microsoft Windows XP & Microsoft Office XP) make for a powerful set of tools that students use in their daily studies. As the civil engineering industry changes with technology, so does our curriculum.
Students enjoy network storage space (provided to them on departmental servers), which can be accessed from any classroom or lab computer, to store their important class work and personal files. Also, a well-staffed help-desk is open 95 hours a week to assist students with minor computer or printer related problems, as well as a website designed to help students use the computer facilities more efficiently and answer common questions.
Students, faculty and staff can also access a high-performance computing cluster (see Beowulf Project) that runs parallel simulations and other code that would otherwise be impractical to run on a desktop computer.
