Mauricio Dziedzic, P. Eng., Professor and Chair
Jianbing Li, P. Eng., Professor
Jueyi Sui, P. Eng., Professor
Thomas Tannert, P. Eng., Professor and Canada Research Chair in Tall Wood and Hybrid Structures Engineering
Ron Thring, P. Eng., Professor
Mohab El-Hakim, P. Eng., Associate Professor
Steve Helle, P. Eng., Associate Professor
Asif Iqbal, P. Eng., Associate Professor
Jianhui Zhou, P. Eng., Associate Professor
Faran Ali, P. Eng., Assistant Professor
Chinchu Cherian, Assistant Professor
June Garcia-Becerra, P. Eng., Assistant Professor
Oliver Iorhemen, P. Eng., Assistant Professor
Mohammad Kamali, Assistant Professor
Mohammad Raoufi, P. Eng., Assistant Professor
Fei Tong, Assistant Professor
Wenbo Zheng, P. Eng., Assistant Professor
Emily Cheung, P. Eng., Lecturer and Adjunct Professor
Maik Gehloff, Senior Laboratory Instructor
Natalie Linklater, EIT, Senior Laboratory Instructor
Richard Branscomb, Senior Instructor
Website: www.unbc.ca/engineering
Major in Civil Engineering (BASc)
Major in Environmental Engineering (BASc)
Major in Environmental Engineering (Joint Program with UBC) (BASc)
Engineers serve society across a wide range of economic sectors in a number of capacities. Engineers require a solid technical and academic background, good communication skills, and the ability to work across a number of disciplines. Engineers design structures; bridges; mines; dams; transit systems; pollution control systems for air, water and soil; and much more.
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø offers three engineering degrees at the undergraduate level – a Civil Engineering degree, an Environmental Engineering degree and a joint Environmental Engineering degree with UBC. (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø also offers graduate degrees in engineering. See the Graduate Calendar.) These degrees prepare graduates for a wide range of employment opportunities where their technical expertise and problem-solving skills are required. The programs provide graduates with a strong awareness and understanding of environmental issues and problems. Our graduates are prepared for employment with engineering firms of all sizes in consulting, construction and resource industries (e.g. forestry, fisheries, mining, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and the agri-food industry), as well as government ministries and research organizations. Our graduates help shape the new environmental and civil engineering economy.
The Civil and Environmental Engineering degrees start with a similar first year in which the basic sciences and mathematics are emphasized along with an introduction to the engineering discipline. In second year, a number of courses are common in all of the engineering degrees but program requirements start to differentiate between the Civil and Environmental Engineering degrees. In the remaining years, some of the courses are common to both programs while each degree develops the in-depth knowledge to allow students to qualify within their discipline upon graduation. The final years expose students to practical engineering problems.
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø offers an integrated approach to Civil Engineering which is in keeping with the themes of design, lifecycle assessment, sustainable materials, and low-impact development throughout. Today’s civil engineer not only designs the infrastructure essential to modern society (buildings, bridges, highways, transit systems, water and waste treatment facilities, foundations, tunnels, dams, etc.) but also analyzes the effects of deterioration on infrastructure elements while considering system interdependencies and life-cycle impacts. Civil engineers must consider environmental impact and economic sustainability in the development of modern infrastructure.
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø offers an Environmental Engineering degree that integrates basic science with modern engineering practices. Environmental and ecological problems are an increasing concern for all Canadians, including in the northern portion of British Columbia due to a primarily resource-based economy. Our graduates are prepared to take on challenges facing modern society, including water, air, and soil pollution control; solid waste management; contaminated site remediation; the protection of society from adverse environmental factors; and the protection of environments from potentially detrimental effects of natural and human activities.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is limited and based on academic qualifications and available space. Priority admission is given to students who meet the admission criteria and apply by the deadline of March 1.
Applicants from BC and Yukon secondary schools must
- Meet ÂÜÀòÉäÇø admission requirements, and
- have an average of at least 75% based on the following five courses or equivalent: Pre-calculus 12 (min. 67%), English Studies 12 (or English First Peoples 12), two approved academic Science 12 courses, and a fifth grade 12 course (elective or additional approved academic course).
Physics 12 or an equivalent is strongly recommended as it is a prerequisite for first-year physics courses in the program. Students who are admitted without the Physics 12 prerequisite may be delayed in their studies as they may not be able to complete the first four semesters of the program in the normal two-year time period. Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. Under exceptional circumstances the prerequisites may be waived.
Other applicants must demonstrate that they possess qualifications at least equivalent to the BC and Yukon requirement.
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø is part of the Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum agreement. Students who complete the Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum at sending institutions in British Columbia may be admitted into second-year. Students who complete the Common First-Year Engineering Curriculum at sending institutions and who meet the minimum acceptance requirements at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø are guaranteed admission.
Transfers
Transfer into the program is allowed provided the prerequisite courses or articulated courses are completed and space is available in the program. Acceptance of transfers into the program is based on GPA with priority given to those with the highest GPA. The admission GPA for transfer students into the Environmental Engineering program is assessed on the following four courses or their university transferrable equivalents: Math 12 or Pre-calculus 12, English 12, and two provincially examinable Science 12 courses. In order to be considered for admission into the program, transfer students must have at least a 75% average based on these four courses or their equivalents.
In addition, the following requirements for the four courses apply:
- ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Civil and Environmental Engineering degree programs: Where both high school and university transfer coursework are provided for each of these four courses, the most recent GPA for each course is used. Transfer students must also have an overall Cumulative transfer GPA of at least 2.00, which is based on all their university transferrable coursework. Regardless of the articulated courses transferred, students must satisfy the residency requirement of a minimum of 90 credit hours.
- ÂÜÀòÉäÇø/UBC Joint Environmental Engineering degree program: Where both high school and university transfer coursework are provided for each of these four courses the highest GPA for each course is used. Transfer students must also have an overall Cumulative transfer GPA of at least 2.00, which is based on all their university transferrable coursework. Regardless of the articulated courses transferred, students must satisfy the residency requirement of a minimum of 90 credit hours. These may be fulfilled through a combination of courses taken at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø and UBC, provided that at least 30 credit hours are completed at each of the two institutions.
Qualification for Degree
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the degree requirements are met. General graduation requirements are found in the Regulations and Policy section of the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Calendar.
Course Challenges
Engineering courses are not challengeable by examination. Engineering courses rely on multiple forms of assessment. A single examination is not sufficient to assess learning, and would not be aligned with current accreditation criteria, which rely on multiple assessments of graduate attributes.
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Civil and Environmental Engineering degree programs:
Students must
- have a Cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C) on courses for credit towards an Engineering degree;
- obtain a minimum passing grade of 1.67 (C-) in ENGR 400-6
- complete all requirements of the BASc program within eight years counted from admission into the program or from the first Engineering course used for credit towards the degree.
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø/ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Joint Environmental Engineering degree program:
Students must have
- a good academic standing at both institutions to graduate;
- a Cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 (63%) over all courses taken at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø;
- an average of at least 55%, and passing grades in at least 65% of the credits taken at UBC.
The degree parchment will carry crests from both granting institutions (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø and UBC).
Letter of Permission
Once admitted to Engineering at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø, students who want to take coursework at another institution for credit must obtain a Letter of Permission prior to registration in the course.
Students who complete courses without first having obtained a Letter of Permission risk not having those courses accepted for transfer credit. A student who has committed an academic offense or is on academic probation may be denied a Letter of Permission for subsequent coursework. Students should consult the Engineering Academic Advisor before considering coursework for transfer credit (refer to Academic Regulation on Letters of Permission).
Co-operative Education
Co-operative education is an optional but strongly recommended element of the Engineering programs.
For students in the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Civil and Environmental Engineering degree programs, contact the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Co-operative Education program for opportunities.
For students in the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø/UBC Environmental Engineering degree program, contact UBC Engineering Co-op for opportunities.
Civil Engineering Degree Program Requirements
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a major in Civil Engineering is 153 credit hours.
Standards of Professional Conduct
In addition to fulfilling all University and program regulations and expectations, all Civil Engineering students are expected to abide by professional standards as set forth by Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia. Violation of professional standards may result in suspension or dismissal from the program and/or the University.
Academic Performance
Students must adhere to the policies and regulations as specified in the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø calendar. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, matters related to academic offenses and progression through the program. Progression is covered by the guidelines on academic standing and continuance. Offenses are governed by the regulations in the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø calendar.
Students must obtain the minimum passing grade for all courses. Failure to do so may result in a requirement to withdraw from the program.
Program Requirements
First Year (Semesters 1 and 2)
| General Chemistry I | |
| General Chemistry Lab I | |
| Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming | |
| Technical Writing | |
| Engineering Design I | |
| Engineering Mechanics Statics | |
| Engineering Tools I | |
| Engineering Tools II | |
| Surveying | |
| Calculus I | |
| Calculus II | |
| Linear Algebra | |
| Introductory Physics I: Mechanics | |
| Introductory Physics II: Waves and Electricity |
Second Year (Semesters 3 and 4)
| Civil Engineering Materials | |
| Soil Mechanics | |
| Structural Analysis I | |
| Engineering Communication | |
| Engineering Design II | |
| Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer | |
| Mechanics of Materials | |
| Fluid Mechanics I | |
| Calculus III | |
| Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Engineers | |
| Choose 3 credit hours from the lists of electives | |
Third Year (Semesters 5 and 6)
| Structural Analysis II | |
| Structural Design I | |
| Structural Design II | |
| Geotechnical Engineering | |
| Transportation Systems | |
| Construction Management | |
| Sustainable Principles of Engineering | |
| Open Channel Flow | |
| Fluid Mechanics II | |
| Water and Wastewater Systems | |
| Engineering Economics | |
| Introduction to Numerical Methods |
Fourth Year (Semesters 7 and 8)
| Capstone Design Project | |
| Professional Practice and Law | |
| Engineering Hydrology |
One of the following:
| Project Management | |
| Engineering Business and Project Management |
Choose 21 credit hours from the lists of electives
Electives
Electives must be chosen from the following lists.
12 credit hours must be chosen from the Civil and Environmental Engineering elective lists.
Choose 6 or 9 credit hours from the Civil Engineering technical electives:
| Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering | |
| Introduction to Structural Fire Engineering | |
| Bridge Engineering | |
| Building Physics | |
| Foundation Design | |
| Cold Climate Construction Engineering | |
| Urban and Regional Planning | |
| Introduction to Wood as a Building Material | |
| CAD/BIM in the Construction Industry |
Choose 3 or 6 credit hours from the Environmental Engineering electives:
| Environmental Modelling | |
| Ecological Engineering and Design | |
| Engineering Design III: Municipal Engineering | |
| Geoenvironmental Engineering |
Choose 6 credit hours from the Science electives:
| Weather and Climate | |
| Northern Contaminated Environments | |
| Soil Physical Processes and the Environment | |
| Waste Management | |
| Storms | |
| Air Pollution | |
| Climate Change and Global Warming | |
| Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis | |
| Introduction to Soil Science | |
| Soil Formation and Classification | |
| Cartography and Geomatics | |
| Introduction to Earth Science | |
| Environmental and Geospatial Data Analysis | |
| Drainage Basin Geomorphology |
Choose 6 credit hours from the Complementary Studies electives:
| Project Management | |
| Engineering Business and Project Management | |
| Land and Indigenous Reconciliation Studio | |
| Sustainable Communities: Structure and Sociology | |
| Community Engagement and Inclusion Studio | |
| Environmental Impact Assessment | |
| Rural Community Economic Development (CED) | |
| Social Research Methods | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | |
| Gender, Environment and Sustainability | |
| Public Engagement for Sustainability | |
| Low-Carbon Transitions: Theory and Practice | |
| Environmental and Professional Ethics | |
| Indigenous Environmental Philosophy | |
| Resources, Economies, and Sustainability | |
| Aboriginal Perspectives on Land and Resource Management | |
| Society, Policy and Administration | |
| Contemporary Political Issues | |
| Social Psychology | |
| Theories of Personality | |
| Emotion and Motivation | |
| Positive Psychology | |
| Introduction to Social Welfare |
Environmental Engineering Degree Program Requirements (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Program)
The minimum requirement for completion of a Bachelor of Applied Science degree with a major in Environmental Engineering is 151 credit hours.
Standards of Professional Conduct
In addition to fulfilling all University and program regulations and expectations, all Environmental Engineering students are expected to abide by professional standards as set forth by Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia. Violation of professional standards may result in suspension or dismissal from the program and/or the University.
Academic Performance
Students must adhere to the policies and regulations as specified in the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø calendar. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, matters related to academic offenses and progression through the program.
Students must obtain the minimum passing grade for all courses. Failure to do so may result in a requirement to withdraw from the program.
Program Requirements
First Year (Semesters 1 and 2)
| General Chemistry I | |
| and | General Chemistry Lab I |
| General Chemistry II | |
| and | General Chemistry Lab II |
| Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming | |
| Technical Writing | |
| Engineering Design I | |
| Engineering Mechanics Statics | |
| Engineering Tools I | |
| Engineering Tools II | |
| Surveying | |
| Calculus I | |
| Calculus II | |
| Linear Algebra | |
| Introductory Physics I: Mechanics |
Second Year (Semesters 3 and 4)
| Material and Energy Balances | |
| Engineering Communication | |
| Engineering Design II | |
| Engineering Chemistry | |
| Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer | |
| Fluid Mechanics I | |
| Weather and Climate | |
| Engineering Biology | |
| Introduction to Soil Science | |
| or | Introduction to Earth Science |
| Calculus III | |
| Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Engineers |
Third Year (Semesters 5 and 6)
| Soil Mechanics | |
| Sustainable Principles of Engineering | |
| Open Channel Flow | |
| Fluid Mechanics II | |
| Water and Wastewater Systems | |
| Engineering Economics | |
| Environmental Engineering Processes | |
| Engineering Design III: Municipal Engineering | |
| Environmental Engineering Measurement Lab | |
| Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport | |
| Introduction to Numerical Methods | |
| Choose 3 credit hours from the lists of electives | |
Fourth Year (Semesters 7 and 8)
| Capstone Design Project | |
| Environmental Modelling | |
| Professional Practice and Law | |
| Energy Systems | |
| Engineering Hydrology |
One of the following:
| Project Management | |
| Engineering Business and Project Management |
Choose 18 credit hours from the lists of electives
Electives
Electives must be chosen from the following lists.
Choose 9 credit hours from the following Engineering electives list:
| Geotechnical Engineering | |
| Transportation Systems | |
| Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering | |
| Building Physics | |
| Urban and Regional Planning | |
| Ecological Engineering and Design | |
| CAD/BIM in the Construction Industry | |
| Geoenvironmental Engineering |
Choose 3 credit hours from the following Science electives list:
| Introduction to Geochemistry | |
| Northern Contaminated Environments | |
| Soil Physical Processes and the Environment | |
| Waste Management | |
| Storms | |
| Air Pollution | |
| Climate Change and Global Warming | |
| Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis | |
| Reclamation and Remediation of Disturbed Environments | |
| Introduction to Soil Science | |
| Soil Formation and Classification | |
| Cartography and Geomatics | |
| Introduction to Earth Science | |
| Drainage Basin Geomorphology |
Choose 6 credit hours from the following Complementary Studies electives list:
| Project Management | |
| Engineering Business and Project Management | |
| Land and Indigenous Reconciliation Studio | |
| Sustainable Communities: Structure and Sociology | |
| Community Engagement and Inclusion Studio | |
| Environmental Impact Assessment | |
| Rural Community Economic Development (CED) | |
| Social Research Methods | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Land Use Planning | |
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | |
| Gender, Environment, and Sustainability | |
| Public Engagement for Sustainability | |
| Low-Carbon Transitions: Theory and Practice | |
| Environmental and Professional Ethics | |
| Indigenous Environmental Philosophy | |
| Resources, Economies and Sustainability | |
| Tenure, Conflict and Resource Geography | |
| First Nations and Indigenous Geographies | |
| Aboriginal Perspectives on Land and Resource Management | |
| Society, Policy and Administration | |
| Contemporary Political Issues | |
| Social Psychology | |
| Theories of Personality | |
| Emotion and Motivation | |
| Positive Psychology | |
| Introduction to Social Work |
Environmental Engineering Degree Program Requirements (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø/UBC Joint Program)
The Environmental Engineering Bachelor of Applied Science program is a 4.5 year (nine semester) joint degree between the University of British Columbia and the University of Northern British Columbia. The program is based on a unique collaboration between ÂÜÀòÉäÇø and UBC that capitalizes on the strength of ÂÜÀòÉäÇø in Environmental Science and the breadth and depth of engineering at UBC. It incorporates complementary elements and expertise from each institution while exposing students to the distinctive character of both institutions. The program starts with a two-year foundation in mathematics and basic and environmental sciences from ÂÜÀòÉäÇø. In the third and fourth years, the program provides a thorough education and training in engineering fundamentals, engineering analysis and engineering design, largely through courses in Civil Engineering and Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC. The final term at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø exposes students to practical environmental engineering problems.
The joint ÂÜÀòÉäÇø/UBC Environmental Engineering program is accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.
Regulations
Unless otherwise specified, the rules and regulations are those applicable at the institution (UBC or ÂÜÀòÉäÇø) which the students are attending at the time the rules/regulations need to be applied. In the case where the rules and regulations are needed to cover the program as a whole, or where the institution of attendance is not relevant, then the more stringent rules/regulations are applied. Academic appeals are handled using the procedures at the institution where the rules/regulations need to be applied.
Leave of Absence
Students wanting to take a Leave of Absence must apply to the Environmental Engineering Advisor at the institution that the student is currently attending. Upon approval, students are eligible for up to a one-year Leave of Absence. Students who do not apply for a Leave of Absence are withdrawn from the Environmental Engineering program.
Transit Between Institutions
Transit between years and institutions requires good academic standing in the program at the most recent institution of residence (ÂÜÀòÉäÇø or UBC).
At ÂÜÀòÉäÇø, good academic standing means a student must have a Cumulative GPA of 2.00 or greater in required 1st and 2nd year courses (including 3 credit hours of Humanities or Social Sciences), and must have successfully completed all ENGR, ENVE, MATH and STAT courses. For transit to UBC, all transit requirements must be met by April 30th of the year of transfer.
At UBC, good academic standing means an average of at least 55%, and passing grades in at least 65% of the credit hours taken. Refer to the UBC Environmental Engineering website () for more details on UBC to ÂÜÀòÉäÇø transit requirements.
Program Requirements
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø degree requirements: 91 credit hours
UBC degree requirements: 72 credit hours
Total degree requirements: 163 credit hours
Semester 1 and 2 completed at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø
| General Chemistry I | |
| and | General Chemistry Lab I |
| General Chemistry II | |
| and | General Chemistry Lab II |
| Introduction to Computer Systems and Programming | |
| Technical Writing | |
| Engineering Design I | |
| Engineering Mechanics Statics | |
| Engineering Tools I | |
| Engineering Tools II | |
| Surveying | |
| Calculus I | |
| Calculus II | |
| Linear Algebra | |
| Introductory Physics I: Mechanics |
Semester 3 and 4 completed at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø
| Material and Energy Balances | |
| Engineering Communication | |
| Engineering Design II | |
| Engineering Chemistry | |
| Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer | |
| Fluid Mechanics I | |
| Weather and Climate | |
| Engineering Biology | |
| Introduction to Soil Science | |
| or | Introduction to Earth Science |
| Calculus III | |
| Ordinary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Engineers |
Note: Lists for courses completed at UBC for semesters 5 through 8 are provided for information only. Please refer to the UBC calendar for official requirements.
| CHBE 230-3 | Computational Methods |
| CHBE 352-4 | Transport Phenomena II |
| CHBE 364-2 | Environmental Engineering Laboratory |
| CHBE 370-3 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Engineering |
| CHBE 373-3 | Water Pollution Control |
| CHBE 483-3 | Energy Engineering |
| CHBE 485-3 | Air Pollution Prevention and Control |
| CHBE 486-3 | Waste Management for Resource Recovery |
| CIVL 210-4 | Soil Mechanics I |
| CIVL 315-4 | Fluid Mechanics II |
| CIVL 316-4 | Hydrology and Open Channel Flow |
| CIVL 402-3 | Professionalism and Law in Civil Engineering |
| CIVL 409-3 | Municipal Engineering |
| CIVL 416-3 | Environmental Hydraulics |
| CIVL 418-3 | Engineering Hydrology |
| ENVE 203-4 | Environmental Engineering and Sustainability |
| ENVE 301-3 | Environmental Engineering Integrated Design Project |
| EOSC 329-3 | Groundwater Hydrology |
| MINE 486-3 | Mining and the Environment |
One of the following:
| CHBE 459-3 | Chemical and Biological Engineering Economics |
| CIVL 403-3 | Engineering Economic Analysis |
Social Science electives – 3 credit hours
Technical electives – 6 credit hours
Nine credit hours of technical electives chosen from a constrained list available at UBC.
Semester 9 completed at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø
| Engineering Design V | |
| Environmental Law | |
| Environmental Measurement and Analysis | |
| Three credit hours of Humanities or Social Science electives | |
Technical electives available at ÂÜÀòÉäÇø for the UBC portion of the curriculum in the UBC/ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Joint Environmental Engineering Program
The following ÂÜÀòÉäÇø courses may be used to meet a Technical Elective requirement in the UBC portion of the Joint UBC/ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Environmental Engineering BASc program. Normally, no more than one course from the list may be used. To qualify towards UBC technical elective requirements, the technical elective must be taken prior to transition to UBC.
| Environmental Modelling | |
| Waste Management | |
| Storms | |
| Climate Change and Global Warming | |
| Environmental and Geophysical Data Analysis | |
| Reclamation and Remediation of Disturbed Environments | |
| Watershed Management |
Updated: June 28, 2024