This is an archived version of the University Catalog and is no longer being maintained. References to people, offices, policies, and web links may be outdated. View the current catalog or email catalog@csuchico.edu for updated information. Students who have catalog rights to this version of the catalog should check with an advisor for graduation requirements.

Skip to Side Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Accessibility Settings

Search for Courses

First select the course subject that you would like to limit your search to, or you can choose to search "All Course Subjects."
Next enter any words that you would like to search for. For example for classes about human evolution enter "Human Evolution". The order of the keywords is not important.
Finally press the "Search" button to submit your request.







Show Course Descriptions

Please see the section on Course Description Symbols and Terms in the University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

Displaying 1 - 63 out of 63 results.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Introduction to the profession of Civil Engineering and the various sub-disciplines of Civil Engineering. Overview of the professional engineer licensing process. Overview of the CSU, Chico Civil Engineering curriculum and the disciplinary patterns in the curriculum. Discussion of the importance and purpose of both professional societies and graduate education. 3 hours laboratory. Credit/no credit grading. (021141)
Prerequisites: MATH 120 (may be taken concurrently).
Theory and practice in measurement and computation of distances, angles, and areas on the earth's surface. Error of combined measurements analysis. Use of scientific calculator required. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001484)
Prerequisite: CIVL 130.
This course introduces civil engineering design standards, concepts, and procedures related to transportation engineering and construction management. Topics include the standards and design of horizontal curves, vertical curves, and earthwork related to transportation projects in addition to survey staking, state plane coordinates, geographic information systems, and global positioning systems related to project surveying. The laboratory portion of this course includes the application of 3-dimensional graphic modeling software requiring creativity in design, development of construction plans, and operation of modern surveying equipment, such as total stations and GPS systems. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (021126)
Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry.
Introduction to biological processes used in environmental engineering analysis and design with emphasis on sustainability. Ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics, biochemical reactions, photosynthesis, microbial ecology, growth and kinetics. Engineering applications in control of communicable disease, aerobic and anaerobic degradation of organic waste, water quality management, drinking water treatment, wastewater and solid waste treatment, biomass energy, phytotechnology, and bioremediation. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved General Education course. (021145)
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. 3 hours lecture. (001490)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020902)
Prerequisites: PHYS 204A (may be taken concurrently).
Use of the computer in a variety of applications from the fields of engineering. Topics include computer hardware, operating systems, the Internet, technical word processing, electronic spreadsheets, computer charting and drawing, computer programming, and ethics. 4 hours activity. (001488)
Prerequisites: MATH 121, PHYS 204A.
Force systems, moments, equilibrium, centroids, and moments of inertia. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001489)
Corequisites: CIVL 211.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 211. 3 hours independent study. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020157)
Prerequisite: CHEM 111.
The goal of this course is for you to develop an understanding of several types of material behaviors, with emphasis on materials commonly used in the civil engineering profession. Materials studied include wood, steel, concrete, soil, and asphalt paving materials. Technical writing and report formatting are emphasized as well. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (021735)
Prerequisites: CHEM 111, CIVL 175 (may be taken concurrently).
Introduction to environmental engineering and sustainability. Topics covered include: global and local environmental issues; UN's sustainable development goals; engineering in developing communities; life cycle assessment; material and energy balances; pollutant fate and transport; principles of green engineering; and environmental engineering pathways. 3 hours lecture. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021736)
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; MATH 105 and MATH 119, or MATH 121; junior standing.
This course provides a foundation for green engineering design through life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis considering economically viable, socially just, and environmentally sustainable solutions (triple bottom line). This course teaches quantitative environmental and economic assessment tools. decision-making strategies, risk, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty analysis. These skills are applied to real-world problems through group projects, emphasizing applied engineering, critical thinking, communication skills and teamwork. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Writing Course. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001495)
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher; MATH 260 (may be taken concurrently); CIVL 212 or MECH 210 (may be taken concurrently).
Strength and elastic properties of materials of construction; tension, compression, shear, and torsion stresses; deflection and deformation; stress analysis of beams and columns. 4 hours discussion. (001491)
Corequisites: CIVL 311.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 311. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020158)
Prerequisites: CIVL 311 with a grade of C- or higher; MECH 208 (may be taken concurrently).
Fundamentals of structural analysis for beams, trusses, and frames. Topics include loading (including seismic), influence lines, approximate analysis methods, deflection analysis, and statically indeterminate structures. Methods applicable to computer analysis are introduced. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001499)
Prerequisites: CIVL 211 with a grade of C- or higher. Recommended: MATH 260, MECH 320 (may be taken concurrently).
Hydrostatics, principles of continuity, work-energy and momentum, viscous effects, dimensional analysis and similitude, flow in closed conduits, drag on objects. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001496)
Corequisites: CIVL 321.
Supplemental applications and explanations intended to facilitate student understanding of content from CIVL 321. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (020159)
Prerequisite: CIVL 231.
Chemical principles applicable to the analysis of natural and engineered water systems including acid base chemistry, precipitation and dissolution, oxidation-reduction, adsorption-desorption, and complexation. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021737)
Prerequisites: Approval of supervising faculty member prior to off-campus assignment.
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. This program is designed for students who wish to gain practical work experience with participating civil engineering firms/organizations. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001504)
Prerequisite: Approval of supervising faculty member prior to off-campus assignment.
This course is an internship offered for 1.0 - 3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. This program is designed for students who wish to gain practical work experience with participating civil engineering firms/organizations. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (021287)
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. (001505)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001506)
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; CIVL 321 (may be taken concurrently).
Soil properties, tests, and classification. Analysis of soil stresses, consolidation, shear strength, lateral pressures, and ground water movement. Related design consideration involving spread footings, piles, retaining walls, and slopes. Use of programmable scientific calculator required. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001511)
Prerequisite: CIVL 313.
Application of the material from CIVL 313 to advanced topics in structural analysis, including virtual work, second-order effects, the stiffness method, structural dynamics, and modal analysis. Use of computer software for the analysis of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional structural systems. Investigation of selected topics. 3 hours lecture. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021738)
Prerequisites: CIVL 313. Recommended: CIVL 411.
The analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures and elements by the strength design method. Laboratory includes experiments on concrete, concrete structural elements, and a design project. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001514)
Prerequisites: CIVL 231 or faculty permission; junior standing.
Introduction to water quality, water supply, distribution, and drinking water treatment; wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. Disease transmission; water quality parameters; physical, chemical, and biological processes in the treatment of water, wastewater, and biosolids. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001529)
Prerequisites: CIVL 140; CIVL 302 (may be taken concurrently).
Transportation systems and facility planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance. Pavement design and traffic engineering fundamentals. Laboratory includes field studies, design exercises, and modeling/forecasting tasks. 3 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001520)
Prerequisites: CIVL 205 or MECH 208; CIVL 321 with a grade of C- or higher.
Water resources engineering covers principles of hydraulics and hydrology relevant to civil engineering applications. Topics include open channel hydraulics, rainfall-runoff predictions, ground water hydraulics, water budget modeling, storm water routing, and urban storm water management. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021142)
Prerequisites: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; senior standing.
History of engineering, professional registration, codes of ethics, management issues, diversity, outsourcing, intellectual property, international development and technology transfer, sustainable design. A substantial written project with oral presentation is required. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (003716)
Prerequisites: To be established when courses are formulated.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (001537)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (001539)
Prerequisites: Completion of 12 units of upper-division C E courses, faculty permission.
This course may be taken twice for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite to the second semester is a B or higher in the first semester. Open by invitation to C E majors who have a GPA among the top 5% of C E students based upon courses taken at CSU, Chico. This is an "Honors in the Major" course; a grade of B or higher in 6 units of 499H certifies the designation of "Honors in the Major" to be printed on the transcript and the diploma. Each 3-unit course will require both formal written and oral presentations. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001540)
Prerequisites: CIVL 411, CIVL 415 (may be taken concurrently).
The application of soil mechanics principles to the design of foundations for buildings and earth structures. Integration of structural design and soil response. 3 hours discussion. (001513)
Prerequisite: CIVL 313.
Theory, analysis, and design of steel structural elements and systems using the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001500)
Prerequisites: CIVL 313.
Theory and design procedures for timber structures and their connections to resist gravity and lateral loads. Basic element design by the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and/or Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methods are detailed. Also covered is design of floor and roof systems and shear walls. One or two 3-hour field trips required. 3 hours discussion. (001516)
Prerequisites: CIVL 313.
Theory and design procedures for timber structures and their connections to resist gravity and lateral loads. Basic element design by the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and/or Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) methods are detailed. Also covered is design of floor and roof systems and shear walls. One or two 3-hour field trips required. 3 hours discussion. (020404)
Prerequisite: CIVL 415, CIVL 554, or CIVL 556.
Earthquake and wind hazard related to the structural design of buildings. Topics include engineering seismology, wind environment and climatology, structural dynamics, structural loading, and design methodologies. Use of computer software for the static and dynamic analysis of three-dimensional building systems. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001518)
Prerequisite: CIVL 415, CIVL 554, or CIVL 556.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
Earthquake and wind hazard related to the structural design of buildings. Topics include engineering seismology, wind environment and climatology, structural dynamics, structural loading, and design methodologies. Use of computer software for the static and dynamic analysis of three-dimensional building systems. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021175)
Prerequisites: CIVL 313, MATH 260. Recommended: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CIVL 415, CIVL 554, CIVL 556.
Earthquake and wind hazard related to the structural design of buildings. Topics include engineering seismology, wind environment and climatology, structural dynamics, structural loading, and design methodologies. Use of computer software for the static and dynamic analysis of three-dimensional building systems. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (020405)
Prerequisites: CIVL 461.
Principles and applications of modern hydrology, precipitation, surface-water runoff, and open channel hydraulics. Includes topics in urban hydrology, stormwater controls and pollution controls. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001526)
Prerequisite: CIVL 461.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
Principles and application of modern hydrology, precipitation, surface-water runoff, and open channel hydraulics. Includes topics in urban hydrology, stormwater controls, and pollution controls. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021246)
Prerequisites: CIVL 461.
An introduction to modern groundwater hydrology emphasizing quantitative analysis of subsurface flow. Topics include well hydraulics, stream/aquifer interactions, and contaminant transport. Use of modeling tools and techniques is emphasized. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001498)
Prerequisite: CIVL 461.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
An introduction to modern groundwater hydrology emphasizing quantitative analysis of subsurface flow. Topics include well hydraulics, stream/aquifer interactions, and contaminant transport. Use of modeling tools and techniques is emphasized. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021177)
Prerequisite: CIVL 461; GEOS 380 for GEOS majors.
This course builds on aspects of the rapidly emerging field of spatial hydrology, GIS, and Python introduced during earlier coursework. As spatially explicit remotely sensed and numerically modeled hydrology and climate datasets continue to increase, students need new tools to manage, analyze, and visualize them. This course focuses on applying two core tools already introduced to students in earlier classes (i.e. geographic information systems (GIS) and Python) to a culminating capstone project focused on managing, analyzing, and visualizing how real-world hydrology and climate data sets are changing in space and time. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022207)
Prerequisite: CIVL 461; GEOS 380 for GEOS majors.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
This course builds on aspects of the rapidly emerging field of spatial hydrology, GIS, and Python introduced during earlier coursework. As spatially explicit remotely sensed and numerically modeled hydrology and climate datasets continue to increase, students need new tools to manage, analyze, and visualize them. This course focuses on applying two core tools already introduced to students in earlier classes (i.e. geographic information systems (GIS) and Python) to a culminating capstone project focused on managing, analyzing, and visualizing how real-world hydrology and climate data sets are changing in space and time. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (022208)
Prerequisites: CIVL 302, CIVL 461.
Quantitative analysis of pressurized pipelines, pipe networks. The course includes analysis of transients in pipeline systems caused by valve movement, pump power failure, etc; design of transient control devices. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001528)
Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.
Natural systems for the treatment of wastewater; transmission of excreta-related infections; treatment systems for removal of pathogens; wastewater and biosolids reuse in agriculture and aquaculture. Special emphasis on the problems of developing countries. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001533)
Prerequisite: CIVL 431.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
Natural systems for the treatment of wastewater; transmission of excreta-related infections; treatment systems for removal of pathogens; wastewater and biosolids reuse in agriculture and aquaculture. Special emphasis on the problems of developing countries. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021241)
Prerequisites: CIVL 231 or CIVL 431.
This course introduces and develops fundamental chemical concepts that explain pollutant fate and transport in soil, water, and air. In addition to chemical concepts, students learn how to develop and apply remediation strategies based on contaminant behavior. Remedial system design addresses topics such as acid mine drainage, organic solvent contaminated groundwater, crude oil in surface water, and other areas of student interest. 3 hours discussion. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001535)
Prerequisites: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.
An introduction to the handling and management of solid and hazardous wastes. Emphasis on state-of-the-art engineering techniques and contemporary management issues based on social, economic, and legal considerations; risk assessment; case studies. Special emphasis on problems of developing countries. 3 hours discussion. (001536)
Prerequisite: CIVL 431 or faculty permission.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
An introduction to the handling and management of solid and hazardous wastes. Emphasis on state-of-the-art engineering techniques and contemporary management issues based on social, economic, and legal considerations; risk assessment; case studies. Special emphasis on problems of developing countries. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (021326)
Prerequisite: CIVL 441.
This course presents selected topics in advanced transportation engineering techniques, design, and analysis. These topics cover the advanced technologies in the areas of transportation pavements, transportation materials, traffic engineering, and travel demand modeling. The course is also designed to equip students with practical design oriented experience with comprehensive knowledge learned through previous transportation related classes. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021248)
Prerequisite: CIVL 441.
Corequisite: CIVL 595W.
This course presents selected topics in advanced transportation engineering techniques, design, and analysis. These topics cover the advanced technologies in the areas of transportation pavements, transportation materials, traffic engineering, and travel demand modeling. The course is also designed to equip students with practical design oriented experience with comprehensive knowledge learned through previous transportation related courses. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (021261)
Prerequisites: CIVL 302 (may be taken concurrently), CIVL 411.
Introduction to construction engineering and management. Cost estimation for contract construction and engineering, including labor, material, equipment, and overhead costs. Construction procedures, equipment and methods; efficient use of excavation and hauling equipment operations. Application of crew balance, process chart and operations research techniques to construction operations. Planning, scheduling, and progress contols of construction operations. One or two three-hour field trips may be required. 3 hours discussion. (001510)
Prerequisites: GE Oral Communication (A1) requirement, GE Written Communication (A2) requirement; junior standing.
Corequisites: CIVL 558C, CIVL 561C, CIVL 562C, CIVL 571C, CIVL 575C, or CIVL 586C.
This course provides a broad-based capstone design experience in a coordinated semester long project. In support of the design project, emphasis is placed on fundamentals of technical writing, contracts, and specifications common to many fields of civil engineering. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (021174)
Prerequisites: To be established when courses are formulated.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. (020084)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (020171)
Prerequisites: Bachelor's Degree or faculty permission.
An overview of terms related to pavement management systems and their use in identifying both functional and structural distresses in flexible and rigid pavement and their role in pavement preservation strategies. 3 hours lecture. (020773)
Prerequisites: CIVL 682 or faculty permission.
Rigid pavement distress causes and measurements; project selection for preservation methods; construction best practices for preservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation processes. 3 hours lecture. (020775)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001551)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. (001550)
Prerequisites: See the department secretary.
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (001558)
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
This course is a master's study offered as either a Master's Thesis or as a Master's Project for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision. Credit/no credit grading. (001555)
Catalog Cycle:21