Synopsis of Faculty’s Elective Courses

This course introduces students to Malaysia laws, which will focus on the sources, and branches of law in Malaysia. The course will emphasize on private laws related to construction practice, torts, law of contract and construction contract administration. Students will be exposed to construction contract administration which covers the Standard Forms of Contract, disputes in construction and dispute resolutions. At the end of the course, students should possess a sound knowledge of the Malaysian legal framework and familiar with legislative and legal constraints applicable to the practise of construction. More importantly, the students should be able to use their knowledge to promote ethical and better image of the construction industry.

This course introduces the techniques of applying engineering fundamentals and analyses to the planning, selection and utilisation of construction equipment. In general, the right selection, efficient utilization and cost-effectiveness of major construction operations have significant impacts on the overall cost and duration of construction activities. This course uses concepts from various engineering disciplines such as Engineering Economics, Geotechnical, Mechanical, Structural and Environmental Engineering, among others. At the end of this course, the students should be able to apply engineering fundamentals and analyses to the planning, selection and utilisation of construction equipment. This includes a thorough understanding on the total construction process and how construction equipment should be selected and used to produce the intended quality in the most cost-effective manner.

This course is designed to introduce students and enhance their knowledge on concrete technology. It will emphasize on the rheology of fresh concrete, the various design of concrete mixes, the different types and properties of cement replacement materials, special concretes which include fibre reinforced concrete, high strength concrete, lightweight aggregate concrete, and polymer concrete. Other topics that will be covered include concrete deformations, durability of concrete, and repair of concrete structures due to various causes of deterioration. At the end of the course students should be able to identify, discuss and apply the materials and technology available in producing good concrete that is suitable for different applications.

SKAA 4223 Structural Analysis

This is an elective  course that is offered to final year undergraduate students. Ths structural dynamics covers introduction, natural frequency, single degree of freedom, multi-degree of freedom system, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, free vibration response.  Structural instability covers concept, simple model, Euler column instability, stability functions, Bolton Method and Horne Method .

At the end of the course the students should be able to solve numerous problems which involves dynamics and instability.  The students will also be able to develop and master the skills of reducing any problems from its physical description to a model or symbolic representative to which the principles may be applied.

SKAA 3352 Reinforced Concrete Design 1

SKAA 3233 Design of Steel and Timber Structures

This course emphasizes on the overview of offshore structural engineering related to oil and gas industry by covering vast amount of fundamental topics such as Front-end engineering design (FEED), Environmental loads, Response of Structures to environmental loading, Analysis and Design of Offshore Steel platforms, Analysis and Design of Offshore Topside Modules, Construction of Steel Platforms, Load-out, installation, hook-up and commissioning of offshore structures, Inspection, repair and Maintenance, Structural assessment of existing structures as well as removal of disused structures.

This course is developed to expose students to the fundamental theory and application of the finite element method. The course covers linear analyses for displacements and stresses in continuum structures. Formulation of stiffness matrices for one-dimensional elements, beams, plane stress and plane strain are presented in detail. Grillage, plate bending, shell, Axisymmetric and solid elements are also discussed. Isoparametric formulation is emphasized.

Use of finite element software for modeling and analysis is also emphasized. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the finite element method by hand calculation for simple problems. For more complicated problems, the students should be able to create finite element model, choose correct elements, analyze and interpret results using Finite Element software. Students also should be able to analyze practical problems by implementation through final project and make class presentation to demonstrate their understanding about the course materials.

This is an optional course.  In the early stage, introduction to structural design and dynamic effect from wind and earthquake is revealed.  Steps and method of structural design for wind load will be discussed.  Then, engineering aspect in seismology will be discussed.

Other than that, seismic reaction on structure, general consideration on earthquake resistant design and seismic behavior of structural system will be taught.  Students will also be introduced with the permanent earthquake resistant design and structural earthquake resistant design.  Lastly, some issues on special topics in Earthquake Engineering will be discussed.

This is an optional subject.  This subject gives an introduction on seismic maintenance and concepts related to it.  Dynamic analysis with computer will also be introduced.  Topics related including non-linear seismic analysis, structure and earth interaction, base separation and energy dissipation device.

This course is designed to discuss the theories of elasticity and to provide the mathematical background for finite element applications. The course begins with the discussion of the basic concepts in elasticity covering tensors notations, analysis of stress and strain and the constitutive equations. The course continues with the discussion of the variational approach in solid mechanics focusing on the application of the stationary potential energy principle. At the end of the course, students should be able to understand multidimensional states and analyses through the ability to utilize the compact notations of tensors.

This is elective course which will provide extra knowledge on the aspect of design of reinforced concrete structural elements.  As a continuation to the Reinforced Concrete Design 1 and 2, the topics discussed are analysis and design of ribbed, waffle and flat slabs, water retaining structures, shear walls, corbel and nibs.  Furthermore students will be exposed to the methods of deflection calculation, design of elements for torsion and design of raft foundations.

This is an elective course, which will provide students an understanding and ability to analyse and design prestressed concrete structural elements. Topics discussed include the concept and principles of prestressing, methods of prestressing concrete, stress limits, losses of prestress, selection of section, serviceability and strength requirements. Students will also be exposed to the complete analysis and design procedure of simply supported prestressed concrete non-composite and composite beams, and design principles of continuous beams.

The subject emphasized on the analysis and design of tall buildings structural system. It covers a fundamental to tall building structures and related issue in analysis and design from around the world. The students will be guided through the Code of Practice basic requirement of analysis and design of tall buildings. The ultimate behavior, analysis and design of tall building structural elements such as from basic element of reinforced concrete plates, formation of frames structures, composition of shear walls and core wall of structures will be checked and explain before the students are guided through the real analysis and design of various shapes of buildings. Finally, detailing of shear walls and core walls will be explained together with the behavior of infill’s of frame structures.

This course is designed to expose the students in designing and developing computer program using suitable programming languages such as visual basic and active server pages. It will emphasize on the general concepts of computer programming, steps of problem solving using computer program, advanced interface design, graphic, multimedia, animation, database design and web programming. The course will also provide hands-on session for the students to solve tutorials and problems given that related to civil engineering fields.

At the end of the course, students should be able to understand the steps in problems solving and apply the knowledge to identify and analyze civil engineering problems that require computer programming solutions. The students should also be able to design and write the computer program to solve the problems.

This subject is concerns on the Integrated Construction Environment (ICE) which involve coordinating the integration process between various construction applications.  Such environment will provide a platform whereby the Architectural, Engineering And Construction (AEC) can share and exchange the information. The progress of information technology (IT) in the construction industry relies on the ability of the project participants to exchange and share information among themselves and managing Information System (MIS).

The student is expected to gain some knowledge on the Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) which is an emerging technology to automate the flow and exchanging of construction project information. They will be exposed to Information Modeling, E-Construction, Internet, Networking, Artificial Intelligent and Groupware. The used of database management system (DBMS) and Standardisation to manipulate the information will give the student a further step in order to apply an IT application in solving their construction problems. In the new development on the current research and development (R&D), the applications of IT in the construction are becoming more important, especially in the new era of globalisation.  Therefore, the new generation of civil engineers should be equipped with this knowledge to stay competitive in the industry.

This course is an elective course specially designs for civil engineering students who always have to manipulate huge amount of spatial data. It concerns on the management of information (spatially and attribute) and how to model it in a structured manner. This course will emphasize on the overview and the application of GIS in civil engineering, GIS data structure, data manipulation and GIS implementation, information presentation of GIS, and a review of GIS software and sample of application. The development of a prototype system is also been highlighted in this course in order to give the student a proper technique for developing an application. At the end of the course, students will be able to plan, analyse, and modeling the information for develop GIS application related to civil engineering problems.

The course covers theoretical and fundamental principles of coastal hydrodynamics and processes. It gives background knowledge of the various hydrodynamic parameters acting in the coastal region due to waves, tides and currents.    Sediment  transport  mechanism  in the  littoral  zone  leading  to  the  understanding  of   coastal morphology, erosion and accretion processes are described. Underlying principles of coastal engineering works, coastal erosion management and implications from implementing coastal structures in the coastal environment are delivered. Emphasis in solving and tackling coastal engineering problems adopts the use of established analytical techniques. The application of state-of-the-art computational techniques as a tool in several aspects of coastal engineering and management works are introduced.  At the end of the course, students should be able to describe and analyse the various coastal processes and the effect of these forces on the coastal zone. The students should be able to quantify coastal environmental parameters. They should also be capable of proposing methods to control the processes using analytical techniques and evaluate results yielded by computational techniques when applied to solve coastal engineering problems.

This is an elective course aim to equip students with in-depth knowledge in water resources design and management. This course highlights major water resources management issues with the emphasis on the integration of various management components.  While the course contents maintain the technical elements of water resources system and engineering, students are also exposed to the realities of the political, economic, and social settings that influent the decision making process.  Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to demonstrate the diverse and complicated issues in water resource management, discuss the need and steps for integrated management approach, analyse and determine viable project options, propose appropriate management strategies, and apply the appropriate techniques and strategies in reservoir planning and design.

SKAA 3613 (Hydrology & Water Resources)

The course covers the theoretical aspects and design of urban stormwater drainage system. It is intended to introduce students to the fundamentals of stormwater drainage system design. Methods of hydrologic design, rainfall design, flood estimation, rainfall-runoff relationship and flood routing will be taught. This will involve the planning, analysis, design and management for the quantity aspect.

The objectives of this subject are :

1. To review basic concepts of hydrology
2. To analyze design aspects of hydrologic processes
3. To discuss the effect of urbanization to catchments runoff
4. To explain issues in drainage system management and flood control programs
5. To carry out the design of drainage structures and flood control mechanisms
6. To incorporate the guidelines in MASMA into drainage system design.

At the end of the course, the students are being exposed to design elements in drainage and flood control systems comply with Malaysian design criteria.

This course is designed to expose the students to surface water environmental hydraulics.  The fundamentals and principles, which underlie the mathematical modeling techniques used to analyze the quality of surface waters are emphasized. Students will be able to build their own models from mass balance equations, and will appreciate the related environmental disciplines. At the end of the course, the students should be able to apply the numerical models for a selected case study.

SKAA 2722 Geotechnics I

This elective course introduces the students to some design concept and construction practice of earthworks, such as embankment, cutting, earthdam, tunnel and earth retaining structures. It will examine poor ground conditions and propose alternative technique(s) for ground improvement and the corresponding monitoring activities.

The course also suggests practical solution to problems often confronted during construction in difficult ground area. At the end of the course, student should be able to test and apply the theory and practice of earthwork design and construction. The students should also be able to evaluate construction and post-construction data for purposes of performance, safety and design compatibility.

SKAA 3712 Geotechnics II

The application of soil mechanics principles to foundation design and will be highlighted. Lectures will be emphasized on foundation theories and design that are applicable in Civil Engineering. Foundation design must be based on and make use of the principles of mechanics which requires the knowledge of suitable soil parameters from various soil testing techniques. Various types of foundation and their criteria for selection will be presented which includes shallow foundation, pile, raft foundation, drilled shaft foundation, cofferdam and underpinning. Design of group piles, laterally loaded and uplift piles will be covered in the course. Settlement and bearing capacity considerations will be employed to select and design the appropriate foundation scheme for structures. At the end of the course the student will be able to understand and apply the principles in foundation design in terms of technical feasibility, economic viability, articulate and justify technical analyses through oral, written and graphical means. The student will also be able to appreciate the constantly evolving nature of civil engineering design and practice.

This course will develop the knowledge and experience of the students in pavement design and construction. It comprises the following topics: Factors influencing thickness design, Stresses in flexible and rigid pavement, traffic and material characterization, methods of pavement thickness design for flexible and rigid.

Other topics include construction techniques for subgrade, subbase and roadbase layers; hot mix asphalt plants, production, delivery, placement and compaction; construction of concrete pavement; ground improvement, embankment and cut slope; surface and subsurface drainage.

An option subject to expose the student in the practical and design of transportation planning.  Transportation engineering includes the process of transportation planning, survey, trip generation, trip distribution, trip assignment, modal split, capacity retrained assignment and evaluation of transport system.  This subject is also to provide knowledge to the student in the public transport system, traffic evaluation, parking management and traffic safety.

This course is an extension of the water and wastewater treatment courses (SKAA 2912 and SKAA 2922).  It covers two different aspects of treatment namely, advanced treatment processes and effluent reuse. In advanced treatment processes, students are exposed to different physico-chemical unit processes i.e. air stripping and aeration, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, chemical oxidation, adsorption and membrane filtration.

It also covers the advance topic of aerobic biological treatment process, anaerobic treatment process, and nutrients removal.  Effluent reuse and the applications of the advanced processes are also discussed.  The emphasis is on theoretical background, conceptual design and applications of the treatment processes.

This is an elective course, offered to final year undergraduate students. It provides the students with an overview of solid waste management, particularly municipal solid waste. The program includes discussion on the practices of municipal waste management, sources of wastes, generation rate and characteristics (physical and chemical properties), analysis of collection systems, handling of waste and disposal practices of municipal waste. Processing and recycling of wastes are also discussed. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the theory and knowledge of managing municipal solid waste. The students should also be able to work in a team and able to present works through a written report as well as an oral presentation.

SKAA 2922 Waste Water Enginering

This course introduces students to issues of industrial and hazardous wastes management. The course includes discussion on the concept of hazardous waste, sources, quantities and characteristics (physical and chemical properties). The key elements in waste management such as storage, collection, transport, treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes are also addressed. Waste minimisation, one of the main strategies is also introduced.

At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the knowledge by associating environmental problems that arise with poor management, treatment and disposal of industrial waste. The students should be able to work in a team to solve waste management issues.

This course is designed to exposed students to the various aspects of water quality management for river catchments, reservoirs and lakes.  It will emphasize on some key issues in monitoring and assessment of water quality and the impact of water pollution to the environment. The students will find a wide range of material covered and its quantitative nature through project works will be of benefit to them. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the knowledge through proper sampling and monitoring methods of river water quality. The students should be able to work in a team to plan mitigating and control measures for water pollution.