The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering programme at University of Cape Town (UCT) provides students with knowledge in civil engineering areas through lectures and practical sessions in the labs. Civil Engineering topics that students investigate include:

• Properties of various construction materials.
• Soil behaviour.
• Foundation design.
• Behaviour of structural members under different loads.
• Water quality.
• Waste treatment.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering programme at University of Cape Town are also expected to do practical training during vacations involving both site work and design office experience. The course also includes a survey camp, which covers basic survey operations and the preparation of a site plan.

The natural sciences, mathematics and applied mechanics make up a strong foundation of the Civil Engineering curriculum at UCT. Students are introduced to courses in the second year of study in structural engineering and materials, water engineering (hydraulics and water quality), geotechnical engineering, and urban engineering, including transportation.

In the final year of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering programme at University of Cape Town, students integrate their knowledge and develop advanced problem-solving skills in the two major courses of Design Project and Thesis.

Professional aspects are covered by courses in communication and civil engineering practice.

Civil Engineering Core Courses

First Year:

• Chemistry for Engineers
• Engineering I
• Engineering Mathematics A
• Engineering Mathematics B
• Engineering Statics
• Engineering Drawing
• Engineering Physics A
• Engineering Physics B

Second Year:

• Mechanics of Materials
• Structural Engineering I
• Spatial Data Acquisition & Management
• Civil Engineering Camp
• Experimental Methods & Statistics
• Geotechnical Engineering I
• Fluid Mechanics
• Geology for Engineers
• Vector Calculus for Engineers A
• Vector Calculus for Engineers B
• Materials Science in Engineering
• Practical Experience

Third Year:

• Structural Engineering II
• Structural Engineering III
• Geotechnical Engineering II
• Hydraulic Engineering
• Engineering Hydrology
• Transportation Planning
• Water Treatment
• Urban Water Services
• Economics for Engineers
• Geology for Engineers
• Electives

Fourth Year:

• Structural Engineering IV
• Geotechnical Engineering II
• Design Project
• Professional Practice
• Waste Water Treatment
• Urban Design & Management
• Thesis
• Introduction to Environmental Assessment & Management