What is Civil Engineering? Is it the right course for me?

It can be difficult to choose a career as an engineer due to the many options available at colleges and universities. First, identify your interests and passions to determine if they are compatible with each engineering discipline. Along with mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, civil engineering is one among the four major disciplines.

cours génie civil deals with the design of transportation systems, physical structures and basic utilities. This covers all infrastructures, large and small, in modern society. Civil engineers design and manage everything, from cities, roads, rail systems, bridges, and basic utilities like water, gas, and sewerage. Because of the complexity and size of civil infrastructure, they often work in large groups.

Civil engineers work only with stationary structures. Mechanical engineers are trained to handle dynamic structures like automobiles. Because of this diversity, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers often work together on complex projects like public transportation systems. Engineers in civil engineering have the best career options because almost all major industries require this expertise. Below are the major sub-disciplines in civil engineering.

Construction
Construction engineers are civil engineers who have been trained in construction management. They sign off plans and supervise the construction process. They also have responsibility for the delivery of projects. They are highly valued for their combination of project management skills with technical knowledge as a construction engineer. It is a smart career choice to specialize in residential, commercial and industrial housing.

Environmental
Environmental engineers look after the natural environment and develop strategies to manage pollution and waste. This discipline is for civil engineers who believe in sustainable practices, methods, and results. This discipline is now more popular because of the increasing demand from the industry and the fact that it is environmentally friendly.

Geotechnical
Geotechnical engineering is the study of natural elements and their behaviour, as well as how they can be used for construction. Geotechnical engineers play an important role in the design of skyscrapers as well as underground structures, including mines, tunnels, and dams. This field involves the investigation of soil, water and quality as well as the identification of potential hazards.

Mining
Mining engineering is different from geotechnical because it involves primarily the extraction and processing mineral elements. Mining engineers are often ‘on-site’ and involved in mine operations, design, and management. Because of the hazards inherent in mining sites, this field can prove dangerous.

Structural
This is a highly skilled branch of civil engineering, which focuses on designing structures that can withstand environmental factors and loads. Structural engineers create drawings and specifications for structural elements that support buildings, houses, and monuments. It is common to collaborate with architects, who are both creative and practical.

Transportation
Transportation engineering is the efficient use of all modes of transportation, including road and air. When implementing strategies to increase safety and speed of transport systems, transportation engineers must take into account all economic and sociological implications. As international commuting increases, there are many opportunities to get involved in international projects.

You are half way to choosing an engineering program if you can identify with any of these sub-disciplines. It is best to select a civil engineering program that will allow you to learn about many subjects, even if you aren’t passionate about one particular area of civil infrastructure. If you are not satisfied with your course, you can always transfer to a related field.