Innovative Courses - Department of Civil Engineering

Deconstructing Engineering Mechanics

The course design of "Deconstructing Engineering Mechanics" connects three major hands-on topics (cement mortar boat, cement concrete short beam, and cement concrete bowling ball) with key learning units such as physics, calculus, statics, material mechanics, engineering materials, material testing, and engineering software applications. The coherence between the units becomes clear as practical problems are integrated. The aim of this course adjustment is to merge these related units and, through classroom teaching and practical work, allow students to discover the "principles" in the experimental process. Through deduction and induction, the course trains students to actively engage in self-directed learning.

Additionally, numerical simulation tools are introduced to transform abstract theories into concrete visual descriptions. The course not only conveys fundamental engineering knowledge but also emphasizes knowledge systems, structural inheritance, and problem-solving. It ensures that students begin their learning process with problem-solving, immediately applying the knowledge they've acquired. By working as a team, they will gradually complete the creation of the concrete bowling ball and gain core knowledge of mechanics and engineering materials.

Exploring the Geotechnical Engineering Field

The course design of "Exploring the Geotechnical Engineering Field" connects key learning units such as soil mechanics, engineering mathematics, foundation engineering, soil mechanics experiments, and engineering software applications through the E-Da underground bunker project. The integration of practical problems makes the coherence between these units clear. The goal of this course is to merge these related units and, through classroom teaching and hands-on practice, help students more easily learn geotechnical engineering knowledge by combining experimentation with theory.

The course involves the development of an 80cm x 60cm x 80cm experimental sand box and plans for slope excavation, vertical excavation, retaining wall excavation, and retaining wall support excavation. It prepares 10 tons of soil material from deep excavation sites. Through the process of filling and excavating approximately 600kg of soil in the sand box, students will gain a thorough understanding of soil properties and practical engineering problems. Additionally, the numerical simulation tool PLAXIS-2D is introduced to transform abstract theories into concrete, visual descriptions. Students will also apply their knowledge to set various parameters and apply them to analysis and design practices.

In addition to delivering basic engineering knowledge, the course emphasizes the transmission of knowledge systems, structural inheritance, and problem-solving skills. It ensures that students start from problem-solving and immediately apply the knowledge they have acquired. Through teamwork, students will gradually complete the E-Da underground bunker excavation project and gain core knowledge in the geotechnical engineering field.4o mini

Design of Engineering Structures

The course "Design of Engineering Structures" follows a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach. PBL emphasizes exploring important and meaningful problems through student investigation and collaboration. This course encourages students to take more responsibility for their own learning, with the aim of helping them learn core scientific concepts and achieve better learning outcomes throughout the process.

The course is structured around two core courses: "Design of Engineering Structures - Theory" and "Design of Engineering Structures - Practice," which are offered as a three-credit, in-depth curriculum. The primary focus of the teaching revolves around bridge planning and design, as well as the application of computer software. The curriculum integrates theory, experimentation, practical work, and computer software operation, aiming to strengthen students' mechanical background, construct structural theoretical knowledge, enhance practical engineering inquiry abilities, and improve problem-solving skills.

The course content extends from the basic material mechanics behavior covered in "Special Topics in Structural Engineering I" to the analysis of internal forces and displacements in composite structures. Additionally, any theoretical content not covered in the in-depth courses will be taught in a separate "Special Topics in Structural Engineering" course to maintain the overall integrity of structural engineering training.

The expected outcomes of this course cluster are to strengthen the integration of mechanical theory in structural engineering with design practices, deepen students' practical inquiry abilities, and enhance their problem-solving skills, achieving specific teaching goals.

Discovering Novel Materials

The course design of "Discovering Novel Materials" focuses on the application of green materials in permeable pavements. It integrates topics such as the introduction to sponge cities, engineering materials, porous asphalt concrete mix design, permeable cement concrete mix design, and pavement engineering. The content of these specialized knowledge areas is interconnected, allowing students to learn related expertise in a coherent manner. Through hands-on courses, students can apply and practice this knowledge, while facing challenges that arise during the process. The course guides students to absorb fundamental knowledge and encourages them to explore new ideas.

Teamwork is emphasized throughout the practical process, with the aim of combining theory and practice to provide students with opportunities to immediately implement what they have learned. This also allows students to experience making mistakes, overcoming setbacks, and developing an innovative spirit. Additionally, the course applies both theoretical and experimental knowledge in material design and pavement structure analysis. The goal is to achieve the outcome of "learning by doing, realizing through learning."

Opening a New Era in Civil Engineering

The course "Opening a New Era in Civil Engineering" integrates multiple course units to achieve two key objectives: the application of innovative technologies in civil engineering and the creation of a business plan for a civil engineering company that incorporates these technologies. Through this course, students are expected to break free from traditional civil engineering learning frameworks and enter the new domain of applying innovative technologies to civil engineering.

The course introduces four innovative technologies: AI image object detection, drone 3D modeling, 3D printing, and Virtual Reality (VR). It teaches the relevant theories and applications, building students' theoretical foundation and practical skills in using the applications. Additionally, practical exercises are included: AI object detection for helmet recognition of construction workers and vehicle license plate recognition; drone 3D modeling for aerial surveying and 3D landscape modeling; VR for virtual live-streaming in construction projects; and 3D printing for printer operations and creating printed works.

After gaining hands-on experience with these innovative technologies, students are further encouraged to develop a business plan for a civil engineering company that integrates these technologies. The course begins by teaching the basic theories needed for entrepreneurship evaluation and practice. Students then work on creating a business plan for a civil engineering company incorporating innovative technologies. They choose one innovative technology as the product for the company, develop service offerings, conduct market analysis, design a company development plan, create marketing strategies, structure investor relations, financial planning, and perform SWOT analysis and risk assessments.