DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Aims and Objectives

College of Engineering, KNUST

The Civil Engineering programme aims at
providing a challenging and stimulating
Introduction educational programme, which will create a
Civil Engineering is a founding Department of learning experience for the student in order to
the School of Engineering. The first degree offer competent professional services in the
and postgraduate courses at the department field of civil engineering and other related
are structured in such a way to: professional disciplines in the society. At the
 Provide curricula with outcomes highly end of the programme the student shall be
attractive and relevant to the needs of expected to:
employers and of interest to students.
 Obtain the highest standards and  Develop the understanding of the
quality of teaching, learning and physics and mechanics of the physical
selected areas of research. world to appreciate the approximating
 Provide a culture of respect and care and simplifying nature of the
for employers, students and staff. idealisations that are used in the
formulation and solution of engineering
Programmes offered problems.
Undergraduate degree
Civil Engineering is divided into five
Engineering groups: Structural, Environmental
Quality, Geotechnical, Highway and
Transportation, and Water Resources.
Although these sub disciplines generally reflect
the concentrations of departmental research
and teaching, there is a strong inter-
relationship among the five sub disciplines.

Post graduate taught and research

degrees

The sky is the limit

 Develop the ability to make rational

civil engineering decisions on the basis of
available relevant evidence.
 Appreciate the conceptual and creative
aspects of civil engineering design.
Currently the department is collaborating with  Appreciate professional obligations,
UNESCO-IHE Delft of the Netherlands in responsibilities and ethics in relation to the
running a two (1) year MSc in Water Supply needs of society and how the quality of life
and Environmental Sanitation Engineering. can be sustained and improved through
This program involves taught courses and advances in technology.
dissertations.  Develop clarity and style in professional
There are 3 MSc Programs – 2 are done in communication and to develop simple
collaboration with UNESCO-IHE, Delft: skills of management, planning,
1) Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation organisation and teamwork.
2) Water Resources Engineering and
Management
3) Road and Transport Engineering
The department has a long history of regarding
postgraduate research degrees. MPhil and
PhD are available in selected areas upon
application and submission of an approved
proposal.
  Develop the ability to make rational programmes by contributing to seminars,
civil engineering decisions on the project design for selected courses and
basis of available relevant evidence. curricula development.
 Appreciate the conceptual and
The Civil Engineering Design:
creative aspects of civil engineering
The National Accreditation Board of Ghana,
design. the Ghana Institution of Engineers and the
Institution of Civil Engineers (U.K) accredit the
 Appreciate professional obligations,
BSc (Eng) degree at KNUST.
responsibilities and ethics in relation to
Final year students of Civil Engineering are
the needs of society and how the
introduced to the real world by being asked to
quality of life can be sustained and
solve problems given by industry. The students
improved through advances in
normally work in small groups and
technology.
are expected to perform in a professional
 Develop clarity and style in
manner and adopt approaches, which would
professional communication and to
be typical of those used in industry.
develop simple skills of management,
Work experience through vacation training in
planning, organisation and teamwork.
industry forms an integral part of the
 Appreciate the impact of various civil
undergraduate programme.
engineering activities on the quality of
the environment.
International Links
The department collaborates with several
institutions from around the world in the areas
of research and teaching. Currently we have
partners in countries such as the United
Kingdom and the Netherlands, Switzerland,
Rwanda.

Showing concern for the environment

Assessment
Individual subjects will be assessed through a
mixture of examinations and practical
coursework exercises. Project and design
works will be assessed through oral
examination before a panel of examiners.
Industrial training will also be assessed by the
company’s’ supervisor and a formal report,
which will be assessed by the University’s
supervisor.

Links to Industry
The Department of Civil Engineering is always
increasing and updating its contacts with local
industry in order to be constantly aware of the
Civil Engineering activities and requirements in
Ghana. Senior managers from local
companies and consultants also play a key
role in helping shape the department’s
 COURSE STRUCTURE OF THE BSc (Civil Engineering) PROGRAMME
YEAR ONE- Semester One
Course No Course Title T P C
Math 151 Mathematics I 4 0 4
ENGL 157 Communication Skills I 2 0 2
ME 159 Technical Drawing 1 3 2
ME 161 Basic Mechanics 3 1 3
CE 151 Elementary Structures 2 1 2
CE 153 Engineering Technology 0 2 2
CE 157 Intro to Information Technology 0 2 1
General Elective studies (1 option only)
ARC 155 Architectural Science I 2 0 2
FREN 181 French for Communication I 2 0 2
ECON 151 Introductory Economics I 2 0 2
14 9 18

YEAR ONE- Semester Two

Course No Course Title T P C
Math 152 Mathematics II 4 0 4
ENGL 158 Communication Skills II 2 0 2
CE 164 Civil Engineering Drawing 1 3 2
CE 156 Elementary Fluid Mechanics 2 2 3
CE 154 Properties of C. Eng. Materials 2 1 2
EE 152 Basic Electronics 2 1 2
General Elective studies (1 option only)
ARC 156 Architectural Science II 2 0 2
FREN 182 French for Communication II 2 0 2
ECON 152 Introductory Economics II 2 0 2
15 7 17

YEAR TWO- Semester One

Course No Course Title T P C
Math 253 Mathematics III 4 0 4
CE 255 Theory of Structures 2 2 3
CE 251 Strength of Materials 2 1 2
CE 259 Engineering Geology 2 1 2
CE 263 Computer Aided Design 1 2 2
CE 257 Computer Programming 1 2 2
CE 261 Principles Of Design 1 3 2
ENGL 263 Literature in English I 1 0 1
14 11 18

YEAR TWO- Semester Two

Course No Course Title T P C
Math 254 Mathematics IV 4 0 4
CE 264 Intro To Environmental Eng. 2 1 2
CE 260 Soil & Rock Mechanics 2 2 3
CE 256 Fluid Mechanics 2 2 3
GE 282 Large Scale Surveying 2 3 3
ENGL 264 Literature in English II 1 0 1
13 8 16

YEAR THREE- Semester One

CourseNo Course Title T P C
Math 351 Numerical Methods 2 0 2
Math 353 Statistics 2 0 2
CE 351 Structural Analysis 2 0 2
CE 359 Soil Mechanics 2 2 3
CE 367 Transportation Engineering 2 0 2
CE 355 Hydrology 2 0 2
CE 353 Reinforced Concrete Design 2 2 3
GE 381 Engineering Surveying 2 3 3
16 7 19
YEAR THREE- Semester Two
Course No Course Title T P C
CE 352 Steel & Timber Design 2 2 3
CE 360 Foundation Engineering 2 2 3
CE 364 Environmental Quality Eng. 2 2 3
CE 356 Hydraulic Engineering 2 2 3
CE 368 Highway Engineering 2 2 3
CE 376 Civil Engineering Quantities 2 0 2
CE 378 Integrated Design 0 4 2
12 14 19

YEAR FOUR-Semester One

Course No Course Title T P C
CE 497 Civil Engineering Design 0 6 3
CE 461 Eng. Economy & 3 0 3
Entrepreneurship Development
CE 471 Irrigation & Drainage Eng. 2 0 2

OPTIONS (3 COURSES)
CE 477 Geotechnical Engineering 3 0 3
CE 457 Drainage Systems 3 0 3
CE 463 Water & Waste Water Treatment 3 0 3
CE 467 Highway Engineering 2 2 3
CE 475 Systems Engineering 3 0 3
CE 473 Development Engineering 3 0 3
CE 451 Structural Engineering 3 0 3
14 8 17

YEAR FOUR- Semester Two

Course No Course Title T P C
CE 498 Project 0 8 4
CE 462 Construction Management 2 0 2
CE 371 Industrial Training Report* 0 8 2

OPTIONS (MINIMUM OF 3)
CE 468 Transportation Engineering 3 0 3
CE 452 Structural Dynamics 3 0 3
CE 458 Water Resources Engineering 3 0 3
CE 476 Systems Engineering 3 0 3
CE 464 Environmental Quality Eng. 3 0 3
CE 478 Ground Engineering 3 0 3
12 16 18
*Eight hours per week of industrial training is considered as two hours credit. The industrial training will be carried out during
the long vacations for at least six weeks. This training should be carried out after the 2nd year.

DETAILS OF SYLLABUS

 FIRST YEAR COURSES

MATH 151 Mathematics I (4,0,4)

Algebra: The set R of real numbers, Relation of order in R, Principle of Mathematical Induction,
Complex numbers; Analysis: Functions: Odd, Even and Periodic functions Hyperbola functions and
their graphs; Co-ordinate Geometry: Conic sections in rectangular co-ordinates, parabola, ellipse and
hyperbola; Parametric equations: Plane polar co-ordinates, polar curves; Differentiation: Rolle’s
theorem and the man-value theorems, Taylor’s theorem, Repeated Differentiation, Applications for
Differentiation, Indeterminate form; Vector algebra and its application..

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE151 Elementary Structures (2,1,2)

Basic principles of rigid body statics; statically-determinate structures: simply supported beams,
cantilevers, pin-jointed frames/trusses (method of joints and method of section); Arches; Cables;
Influence lines; Analysis of mass structures (earth dam).
Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE153 Engineering Technology (0,2,2)

Knowledge and uses of the following: Construction equipments: Excavators, Bulldozers, Scrapers,
Dumpers, Mixer; House Wiring: Types of Switches, wires, Lights, Fans, Heaters, Fridges, Air
conditioners; Automobile checklists and Computer parts; Hands on experience of Welding and
threading of bolts.
Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 100%

CE 157 Introduction to Information Technology (0,2,1)

Introduction to Computers; Windows and Word Processing; Spreadsheets; Electronic mail and Internet
Facilities; Computer hardware and software; Basic programming language.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 100%

ME159 Technical Drawing (1,3,2)

Geometrical construction; Orthographic projection and other projections; Descriptive geometry,
intersections and development.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

ME161 Basic Mechanics (3,1,3)

Introductory concepts of engineering mechanics involving basic principles in statics and dynamics with
simple applications; Simple machines and conservation laws.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

MATH 152 Mathematics II (4,0,4)

Algebra: Matrix Algebra: Determinants and their properties, Applications to systems of linear
equations, Homogeneous systems, Eigen values and Eigen vectors; Analysis: Series: Convergence
of series of real numbers, Tests of convergence, Series of functions and power series convergence of
power series; Integration: The Definite Integral; Definition: The Riemann Sum; Techniques of
Integration including advanced methods of substitution, partial fractions, by parts and reduction
formulae, Applications; Improper Integrals: Convergence; Partial Differentiations, total derivations.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

EE152 Basic Electronics (2,1,2)

Nature of atom; The vacuum valves (diode, triode, tetrode, pentode); Basic concepts of
semiconductors charge carriers; Effective mass; Mobility; Conductivity; Life time and recombination;
Continuity equations; Flow equations; Hall effects PN junctions; Choke; Rectification and filteration;
Bipolar transistors: Characteristics, CB, CC, CE configurations; The transistor as a switching device
(ac-dc load lines); Small signal amplifiers.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE154 Properties Of Civil Engineering Materials (2,1,2)
Properties of materials used in structural engineering design and construction (with particular
reference to Ghana): concrete, timber, bricks (engineering and architectural), steel, admixtures and
additives; Manufacture, composition and properties of cement; Types and properties of aggregates:
laboratory and practical work includes aggregate grading; batching concrete mix proportioning and
mixing; properties of wet concrete, workability measurement, casting and testing of cubes.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE156 Elementary Fluid Mechanics (2,2,3)

Fundamental concepts in fluid mechanics; Characteristics and properties of fluid; Fluid statics: Basic
equation of hydrostatics, pressure distribution in a static and constant accelerating fluid, hydrostatic
force on plane and curved surfaces immersed in static fluid, floating bodies and buoyancy, continuity
equation (differential and integral form); Kinematics of fluid motion: Velocity, acceleration, streamlines,
stream-tubes, particle paths, streak lines; Definition of irrotational and rotational flow; Circulation;
Stream function and velocity potential function for flow in a uniform stream and due to source, sink and
doublet and for simple combinations of these.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE164 Civil Engineering Drawing (1,3,2)

Introduction to Drawing: Basic Concepts and types; Structural Drawings: Drawing basic structural
elements in reinforced concrete buildings, General arrangement and detailing of foundations,
columns, beams, Slabs and staircases; Basic Highway Drawings: Vertical and horizontal alignments
sections, Contours.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

 SECOND YEAR COURSES

CE 251 Strength Of Materials (2,1,2)

Stresses and strains in one-dimensional structural elements: lateral strain and Poisson’s ratio, strain
energy from normal stress and shear stress; Temperature Stresses; Plastic stress: strain behaviour of
material, properties of areas, moments of area; Element subjected to general stresses and strains in
two dimensional structural systems: Principal stresses and straws, strains energy from normal and
shear stresses, Mohr’s stress circle, Mohr’s strain circle; Relationships between the elastic constants
bending in beams: the bending relationship, the general case of bending, asymmetrical or skew
bending, combined bending and axial loading; Shear stresses in beams: shears stress in open and
closed sections and shear centre; Composite beams: bending and shear stresses in beams of
dissimilar materials.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

MATH 253 Mathematics III (4,0,4)

Analysis III:(Pre-requisites: -Algebra I and II, Analysis II) Differentiation under the integral sign;
Multiple integrals; line; surface; volume integrals; Triple scale and vector products; differentiation of
vectors; Vector fields; Differential equations: (Pre-requisites: Analysis II) Ordinary Differential
equations; First order differential equations; Second order linear differential equations; Systems of
linear equations with constant coefficients; Laplace transforms.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 255 Theory Of Structures (2,2,3)

Analysis of continuous structures such as rigid frames, continuous or fixed end beams: Area-Moment
theorems, Conjugate beams, Three-moments theorem; Analysis of space frames by tension
coefficients method; Clark-Maxwell’s reciprocal theorem; Virtual work; Influence lines for pin-jointed
frames; Deflection of frames by energy methods.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.259 Engineering Geology (2,1,2)

The Earth: Surface, structure, chemical composition; Mineralogy: Properties of Common Rock
forming minerals, clay minerals, Silicates; Major Rock Types: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic
rocks, formation and properties; Geological Structures: Dip and strike, Folds, faults, joints; Geological
Maps: Interpretation of geological maps, Geological sections, Geological time scales; Rocks And Civil
Engineering: Classification of rocks, Engineering properties of rocks, Evaluation of rocks as
aggregates (quarrying, ..).

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 261 Principles Of Design (1,3,2)

Various types of Civil Engineering works; Civil Engineering Materials for construction; Relevance of
maintenance of civil engineering structures, facilities and projects: Considerations at design stage.
Impact/Effect of design and construction on the environment; Infrastructure design and planning;
Designs will include calculating volumes and densities of refuse, measurements of gradients of
highways, hard shoulders, slopes, widths and depth of drains, sketches of these measurements and
profiles. Using the various theories and analysis studied so far in design. Simple practical design and
presentation: Simple group design projects and oral presentation/defence before a panel of
examiners.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 100%

CE 263 Computer Aided Design (1,2,2)

AutoCAD: Drawing and editing, Plotting; Computer graphics. VISIO; AutoCAD; Relevant Civil
Engineering Programmes.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE257 Computer Programming (1,2,2)

Delphi and Visual Basi Programming: Visual Basic concepts, Designing programs, Program Flow,
Testing and Debugging, Functions, Arrays, Interacting with the user, Interacting with the system;

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

MATH 254 Mathematics IV (4,0,4)

Analysis IV: (Pre-requisites: -Algebra I and II, Analysis II) Differentiation of implicit functions; Extrema;
Gamma and beta functions; Functions of complex variables; Conformal mapping; Contour integration;
Differential equations II: (Pre-requisites: - Differential Equations I) Solutions in series; Fourier series;
Classification of second order linear partial differential equations and reduction to canonical forms;
Solutions of simple boundary problems by separation of variables.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 256 Fluid Mechanics (2,2,3)

Dynamics of fluid flow: Equation of motion: Euler’s equation, Energy equation. Bernoulli’s equation for
ideal fluid. Velocity correction factor; The Momentum Equation: Viscous Flow: Boundary layers,
definition of displacement and momentum thickness, form parameter, skin-friction coefficient,
boundary layer momentum equation; Laminar boundary layers, application of momentum equation.
Turbulent boundary layer, power law and logarithmic velocity distribution, laminar sub layer, skin
friction coefficient on a flat plate; Effect of roughness- rough and smooth pipes; Nature of turbulence;
Laminar flow between plates; Incompressible viscous flow in pipes: Head losses, local, linear Darcy
Weisbach equation; Moody diagram; Particle mechanics: Behaviour of single particles in fluids,
Stokes law, the drag coefficient, dependence of the drag coefficient upon Reynolds number, terminal
velocity.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.260 Soil & Rock Mechanics (2,2,3)

Weathering, Particle size distribution-sieve analysis, hydrometer method; Atterberg Limits:-
Determination of liquid, plastic and shrinkage limits. Soil Classification Systems-Cassagrande’s
extended system, the Unified Soil Classification System, the AASHTO system; Phase Relations
-Definitions and calculations; Soil Compaction -Moisture density relationships, properties of
compacted soils; Laboratory compaction specifications (AASHTO, Mod. AASHTO, Proctor, Mod
Proctor.) Compaction Specification; Compaction equipment, compaction control testing; Mohr’s circle
of stress, Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion; Measurement of strength-The triaxial test, the unconfined
compression test, the direct shear test; Effective stress-The concept of effective stress, calculation of
effective stresses, geostatic stresses; Stress Analysis In Rocks: Mechanical properties of rocks,
uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength (unconfined & triaxial); Rock Mass:
stress strain relations: Rock mass properties, joint analysis and classification, effects of joints.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.264 Introduction To Environmental Engineering (2,1,2)

Introduction to the environment: Basic ecological concepts, pollution; Water Chemistry: Water and
wastewater quality parameters. Basic water microbiology, Public significance of diseases associated
with excreta and water related diseases. Classification of excreta disposal system. Handling of human
excreta-on-site and off-site systems; Water resources and quality considerations. Introduction to solid
waste management.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

GE 282 Large Scale Surveying (2,3,3)

Permanent adjustment of Theodolites and levels; Distance measurements: Taping, Optical, EDM;
Angular measurements; Traverse computations and adjustments; Area computations and subdivision
of plots; Spirit and trigonometrical levelling; Introduction to triangulation, trilateration, resection,
intersection and radiation as methods for provision of controls.

 THIRD YEAR COURSES

Math 351 Numerical Methods (2,0,2)

Finite differences: Difference tables, forward, backward and central differences; Linear systems:
Matrix methods, Gaussian elimination. Gauss-Seidel, ill–conditioning; Errors: Sources, estimates,
propagation, floating point arithmetic; Operators; Curve fitting; Interpolation: Lagrange, Newton’s
forward and backward; Euler and Runge-Kuta methods; Collation polynomials; Newton-Raphson.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

MATH 353 Statistics (2,0,2)

Statistics I: (Pre-requisites: - Analysis II) Introduction to probability; Random variables and functions
of random variables; Mathematical expectations and moments; Special discrete and continuous
distribution: binomial, exponential, gamma, chi-square, t- and F- sums of random variables Law of
large numbers; Central limit theorem.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE351 Structural Analysis (2,0,2)

Complex statically indeterminate structures and structural components; Analysis of internal forces and
stresses and deflection of such structures when subject to external loads using the following methods:
the slope deflection method, the moment distribution method, energy theorem’s: strain energies in
torsion, bending and shear of beams strain and complimentary energy solutions for deflections,
Castigleano’s first and second theorem’s, Influence lines for statically-indeterminate beams, Influence
lines of statically -determinate beam, Stiffness and Flexibility Matrices.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE353 Reinforced Concrete Design (2,2,3)

Structural loads; Codes of practice; BS 8110; Stress blocks; Beams; Slabs; Column and Foundation
design, Simple concrete structures.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE355 Hydrology (2,0,2)

Introduction to hydrology; the hydrological cycle; Meteorological data; Evaporation and transpiration;
Infiltration and percolation; Surface run-off; Hydrograph analysis; Flood routing; Groundwater;
Hydrological forecasting.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE359 Soil Mechanics (2,2,3)

Introductory concepts in 1-dimensional flow, Darcy’s Experiment, flow velocities, Heads, flow through
multiple media, Effective Stress in soils with fluid flow, seepage force, quick condition; Introductory
concepts in 2 dimensional flow, (flow lines, equipotential lines, flow net); Basic Equations of flow in
soils; Laplace equation; Methods of solving flow equation: Flow in non-homogeneous and anisotropic
soil ; Calculation of quantities of flow; Uplift forces; Introduction to permeability; Factors affecting
permeability; Laboratory determination of permeability, Field determination of permeability. The
Physics of consolidation, One-dimensional consolidation equation, Solution of consolidation equation,
The Oedometer test; Stress Distribution-Effect of concentrated loads (Boussinesq, Westergaard),
Effect of uniformly distributed load, Influence chart, rectangular loaded area, Contact pressure
distribution; Calculation of Settlement.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 367 Transportation Engineering I (2, 0, 2)

Elements of traffic flow; traffic flow variables, Level of service of basic roadway sections ; Traffic
Engineering studies: Spot speeds, Volume studies, delay studies, Parking studies, parking geometry
and design. Accident studies; Traffic control and management systems: Traffic conflicts at
intersections, Types of intersection control, Capacity of basic, freeway sections.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

GE 381 Engineering Surveying (2,3,3)

Methods for setting out engineering projects; Computation of areas and volumes for earthworks;
Masshaul curves; Setting out circular, compound, transitional and vertical curves.

CE 368 Highway Engineering I (2,2,3)

Route location survey, Highway functional classification. Geometric design of roads, computer
applications in geometric design, Elements of pavement design; pavement types and structure, Road
maintenance: types of pavement failures, condition surveys, road maintenance activities, pavement
management systems.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 371 Industrial Training (0,8,2)

Students are required to undertake a total of 8 hours per week of Vacation Industrial Attachment for at
least 6 weeks, at approved Engineering and Construction Organisation. They would be required to
submit a training report signed by a supervising engineer who is a Corporate Member of the Ghana
Institution of Engineers or other relevant Professional Body.
Mode Of Assessment: Vacation Training Reports shall be assessed according to the approved
guidelines for vacation training of the Civil Engineering Department.

CE381 Engineering Surveying (2,3,3)

Methods for setting out engineering projects; Computation of areas and volumes for earthworks;
Mass-haul curves; Setting out circular, compound, transitional and vertical curves.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.352 Steel and Timber Design (2,2,3)

Limit state design principles; Structural steel properties, sections and section properties; Plastic
Analysis; Design considerations to BS 5950 Part 1: Structural use of steelwork in Building,
Compression members: local buckling, axial compression and overall yielding; Tension members: end
connections, structural behaviour and design of tension members; Interaction formula: combined axial
load and biaxial bending; Connections: types of connections, bolted and welded connections; Beams
and column design; Column bases and foundation design; Trusses and bracing; Industrial building
design; Design considerations to BS 5268 Part 2: Structural use of timber; Structural Properties of
timber; Compression members; Tension members; Bending members; Shear members; Various
modification factors and their considerations; Timber trusses; Composite timber/steel connections.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.356 Hydraulic Engineering (2,2,3)

Introduction to Hydraulics; Free surface flow: Classification of flows, Velocity distribution, Energy and
hydraulic grade lines, Open channel flow formulas, Design of open channels, Most efficient cross
sections, Compound channel, Specific Energy and critical flow, The hydraulic jump; Non-uniform flow:
Governing equations, Classification of channel slopes, Principles for determining the surface profiles;
Pipe systems: Laminar flow and turbulent flow, Energy equation, Continuity equation, Evaluation of
head loss due to friction, Minor head losses, Pipelines with pumps and turbines, Pipes in series, Pipes
in parallel, Hardy Cross method, Water hammer; Hydrodynamic machines: Pumps and turbines,
Classification of pumps, Types of centrifugal pumps, Specific speed, Geometrically similar pumps,
Pump alterations, Head terms, Characteristic curves, Pump and pipeline systems, Characteristic
curves and pump selection, NPHS and Cavitation.;

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 360 Foundation Engineering (2,2,2)

Types of earth pressures; Rankine’s theory; earth pressure coefficients; earth pressure distribution;
effects of ground water, surcharge, sloping surface, Coulomb’s Approach, active earth pressure,
passive earth pressure, effect of wall friction; Retaining Walls: Sheet pile walls, Slope Stability- Slope
failures, concept of factor of safety, Slope stability analysis; Methods of slope stability analysis:
Stability coefficients; Remedial measures for slopes; slope design, Bearing Capacity; Behaviour of
footings on ideal and real soils, Failure mechanisms; Terzaghi, Bearing capacity equations: Stress
distribution due to eccentric loading, General bearing capacity equation, shape factors, inclination
factors, effect of water table, local shear failure, un-drained conditions; Foundation Design: Types of
foundations: Shallow and deep foundations; Types of footings, Considerations for foundation design,
Design criteria for footings.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.364 Environmental Quality Engineering (2,2,3)

Design of Sewers: Separate: Storm, Combined; Sewer appurtenances: Manholes, Inverted siphons;
Pumps and Pumping Stations: Pump selection, Pump setting; Appropriate Technology in Wastewater
and human excreta disposal: Waste stabilisation Ponds, Aerated Lagoons, Oxidation Ditches, Septic
Tanks, Aqua Privy, Pit Latrines; water Treatment; Water Distribution: Service Reservoirs, Water
Transmission, pipes and appurtenances; Network Analysis; computer applications in water
distribution networks using EPANET software; Design of Landfills and Solid Waste Management.
Water Demand Estimation: Definition of Average Daily Demand; Maximum Daily Demand; Peak
Hourly Demand; Factors Affecting Water Demand; Conventional Surface Water Treatment;
Development of Groundwater Resource.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.376 Civil Engineering Quantities (2,0,2)

Elements of contract Law, Conditions of Contract – General and Special, Types of Civil Engineering
Contract, Bills of Quantities Preparation, Measurement of Civil Engineering Works, Work
Classification, Coding and numbering of items of Work. Class A - General Items; Class B - Grand
Investigation; Class C-Geotechnical and Other Specialist Processes; Class D - Demolisation and Site
Clearance; Class Y - Sewer Renovation and Ancillary Works.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.378 Integrated Design (0,4,2)

Preparation of reports: Inception, final and executive reports; Design concepts; Preparation of working
drawings; Group design project involving all disciplines (viz. Geotechnical, Structural, Highway &
Transportation, Water Supply, Waste Management, Water resources & Drainage). Students will
present their designs before a panel of internal examiners and an external examiner from industry.
Focus will be more on the written report and the working drawings.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 100%

 FOURTH YEAR COURSES

CE. 451 Structural Engineering (3,0,3)

Analysis and design of composite structures; Yield line Analysis; Moment distribution methods for
multi-storey frames; Structural dynamics; Introduction of plates and shells; Stability of elastic
structures; Buckling of elastic columns; Environmental impact assessment.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE.452 Structural Dynamics (3,0,3)
Types and sources of dynamic loads, Transformation of continuous systems to lump-mass systems,
Flexibility formulation of equation of motion of beams and frames subjected to dynamic disturbances
(forces): Natural frequencies, modes, normal force, shear force and bending moment of beams and
frames subjected to dynamic loads, principles of Earthquake Engineering.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 457 Drainage Systems (3,0,3)

Urban Drainage: Introduction to Urban Drainage, Urban Catchment Hydrology, Effect of Urbanisation
on Catchments, Design of Urban Drainage Systems: Design Standards (in Ghana), Channel Types
and Sizing, Maintenance; Urban Flood Control Measures: Causes and Effects of Floods in
Urban areas, Introduction to Flood Control Measures, Structural Measures, Non-Structural Measures;
Roads and Highway Drainage: Introduction to Roads and Highway Drainage, Field Investigations for
Roads and Highway Drainage, Estimation of Design Flows, Sizing of Culverts and Channels, Erosion
Control Measures, Maintenance; Environmental impact assessment.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 461 Engineering Economy & Entrepreneurship Development (3,0,3)

Basic economics, Accounting in construction, Engineering economy (Economic analysis/appraisal),
Construction measurements and estimating; Entrepreneurship: New venture opportunities and
innovation, Feasibility Planning; Products and services, patents/copyrights, Marketing new ventures &
Market Research, Organising and Financing new ventures; Business Law, Law of contracts;
Identification, development and implementation of new ventures.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 463 Water & Waste Water Treatment (3,0,3)

Biological Unit Processes: Aerobic Process, Anaerobic Process, Activated Sludge Treatment Plant,
Trickling Filter; Chemical Unit Processes: Water softening, Disinfection, Gas Transfer, and
Coagulation; Physical Unit Operations: Screening, Mixing, Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration;
Industrial Waste Management; Air Pollution; Reactor Kinetics; Environmental impact assessment.
Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 467 Highway Engineering (2,2,3)

Highway Materials: Soils for Highway Construction, Soil evaluation and engineering for highway
construction, Soil surveys for highway construction, Engineering properties of aggregates, Aggregate
tests, Soil stabilisation, Bituminous materials; Asphalt Mix Design; Design of Surface Dressing;
Overlay construction: Asphalt concrete overlay, Slurry seal, Fog seal; Highway Project Management:
Methods of Procuring works, Procedure for work procurement, Condition of Contract, Duties and
Responsibilities of ER and Staff, Quality control; Environmental impact assessment
Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 471 Irrigation and Drainage Engineering (2,0,2)

Irrigation Engineering: Introduction to Irrigation Engineering, Brief introduction to Irrigation in Ghana,
Soil Water Characteristics, Irrigation Water Requirements, Irrigation Scheduling, Irrigation Water
Application Methods: Surface Irrigation, Sprinkler Irrigation, Drip Irrigation (brief introduction), Design
of simple irrigation systems, Salinity problems in irrigation; Drainage of Agricultural Lands: Importance
of drainage in agriculture, Land drainage methods, Design of drainage and groundwater control
systems; Maintenance of Irrigation and Drainage Systems.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 477 Geotechnical Engineering (3,0,3)

Site Investigation: Introduction, preliminary exploration; field reconnaissance, local experience,
detailed sub-surface exploration; methods permitting visual examination; in-situ examination,
sampling, types of boring, borehole testing, non-borehole testing, geophysical exploration, reporting;
Deep Foundations- Piles and Piled Foundations, Classification of piles, Load carrying capacity of
piles, Pile driving, Settlement of single piles, Settlement of pile groups, Drilled caissons; Stability Of
Excavations-Earth pressure on braced excavations Stability of excavations in soils; Tropical Soils:
Introduction to unsaturated soils, Engineering implications of tropical weathering; Rock Slope Stability
Analysis: Rock strength and yield, Time dependency, Discontinuities in Rocks, Behaviour of Rock
Masses; Environmental impact assessment.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 497 Civil Engineering Design (0,6,3)

Planning/Conceptual Phase: Desk Studies, Field Studies, Collection and preliminary analysis of data,
Interviews/questionnaires, Design Standards/Specifications, Analysis of Options, Preliminary
Engineering Design, Preliminary Cost Estimates, Overall Planning and Scheduling, Research and
Model Development (if needed); Output of this Phase: Inception Report, Preliminary Engineering
Report; Detailed Engineering Phase: Analysis of Chosen Option, Design Documentation and
Drawings, Construction Specifications and Drawings, Final Cost Estimates and Economic Analysis,
Contract Documents, Tender Documents; Output of this Phase: Draft Final Report, Final Report.
Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 100%

CE 458 Water Resources Engineering (3,0,3)

Introduction to integrated water resources management; Status of water resources in Ghana;
Introduction to fluvial hydraulics: Design of erodible channels, introduction to sediment transport;
Introduction to hydropower development; Spillway design; Environmental impact assessment of dams
and hydropower development.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 462 Construction Management (3,0,3)

Principles and practice of management; Construction planning and control work study; Operation
research and construction; Civil engineering contracts, law, and arbitration.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 464 Environmental Quality Engineering

Environmental management; Basic concepts of environmental management; Local, Regional and
Global environmental issues; Risk management; Hazard identification- risk assessment; Risk
mitigation; definition of policy. Water policies; water resources act; Water policy; Raw water guidelines;
Basin management; National Community Water and Sanitation Programme objectives. Community
Water and Sanitation Agency. National Environmental Sanitation Policy; Local Government Act 462.
Solid Waste Management; Design of Treatment and Disposal Facilities.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 468 Transportation Engineering (3,0,3)

Elements of the transportation system; Transportation Planning Process: Basic element of
transportation planning, Urban Transportation Planning, Demand Forecasting Approaches, Trip
generation, Trip Distribution, Mode Choice, Traffic Assignment, Other methods of forecasting Demand;
Evaluating Transportation Alternatives: Basic concepts of Cost and Benefits, Evaluation based on
Economic Criteria, Evaluation based on Multiple Criteria; Transportation systems Management: TSM
Strategies; Transportation Safety and Environment; Environmental impact assessment.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 475 Systems Engineering (3,0,3)

Optimisation: Linear programming, Simplex algorithm, Integer programming, Gomory cutting planes,
Introduction to nonlinear optimisation

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 476 Systems Engineering (3,0,3)

Finite Elements, Beam elements, Triangular element, quadrilateral elements, applications of finite
element to engineering problems

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams – 70%

CE 473 Development Engineering (3,0,3)

Performance indicators of economy (GDP, GNP, GFCF), Unemployment trends in Sub-Saharan

Africa; Infrastructure development issues in developing countries; spectrum of construction
technology; labour-based methods. Local resources utilization. Elements cash flow analysis;
depreciation, discounting. Equipment costing, equipment availability, utilization and productivity in
developing countries. Hand tools; types and management. Labour issues; types of labour contract,
proctivity, labour management, Work programming and resource scheduling, labour-based road
construction sequencing. Contract conditions for labour-based road works. Road maintenance:
Selection of roads for improvement by labour-based technology, methods of measuring road network
condition, labour-based methods in road maintenance.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

CE 478 Ground Engineering (3,0,3)

Expansive soils, distribution and identification of expansive soils, Design in expansive soils;
Earthquake Engineering-The geophysics of earthquakes, intensity, magnitude, Geotechnical site
response to earthquakes; Earth and Rock Filled Dams: Dam failures, factors influencing choice of
cross-section, site investigation and material survey, Design criteria, foundation treatment;
Environmental Geotechnics: Geotechnical considerations for siting of landfills; Geological Aspects Of
Groundwater Recovery: Hydrologic cycle, groundwater flow and inter-relationship between ground
water and surface water, Measurement of groundwater levels and permeability during site
investigations, Ground water reservoirs, recharge-artificial and induced and groundwater pollution,
groundwater abstraction, subsidence and sea water intrusion, Geotechnical problems associated with
ground water; Environmental impact assessment.

Mode Of Assessment: Coursework - 30%; Exams - 70%

ELECTIVE COURSES

ARC 155 Building Science and Services I (1,2,2)

Building climatology, Weather and Climate, Meteorological variables; Classification of climates;
Climate design studies; Air flow around buildings; The culture of lighting; Terminology and concepts of
lighting; The eye.

ARC 156 Building Science and Services II (1,2,2)

The course explains the basic physiological factors affecting man in the environment that the architect
creates. The course entails thermal comfort, subjections variables, thermal comfort indices,
Acoustics, Human reaction to sound and Transmission of sound and sound insulation in building.

Econ 151 Introductory Economics I (2,1,2)

The course is intended for two main groups of students, those with prior basic knowledge of
economics and analytical techniques employed as well as those without. It also provides students not
intending to specialize in economics with fundamental concepts and skills, which can be useful in the
study of related disciplines.

Econ 152 Introductory Economics II (2,1,2)

In Semester 2, students are introduced to the national economy. The main topics are measurement
and determination of national income; fluctuations in economic activity; trends in national income of
Ghana; money and national income; price index numbers; international trade and payments; and
government economic activity.

ENGL 263 Literature in English I (Poetry & Drama)

Were it not that we cease to wonder at familiar things, we should feel; that a room full of the most
delightful books is the very home of magic. All time, all places, all men, are there brought close to us.
The best men and women who have lived wait around us on the shelves that we may receive from
them their best thoughts. When such thoughts are expressed with a beautiful fitness they go on living
ten years, a hundred years, a thousand years, perhaps ten thousand years, who can tell? And it is
because of that life power that they are here. Such lasting thoughts, that charm us by their truth and
nobility, or sweetness, are said to be literature. (The Realm of Gold: Books, Pictures and Rare
writers form the rich subject matters, among others, that will be discussed during the duration of the
course.

ENGL 264 Literature in English II (Fiction)

See detailed description for first semester segment ENGL 263 above.
ENGL 157 Communication Skills I
The first semester section of this full year course focuses on English grammar and is a required
course for all first year students of the KNUST. Students will be assisted to review some of the
common problem areas of their writing, such as verb/tense system, concord, as well as other problem
areas to be identified by the lecturers in charge. There shall also be a study of basic grammatical
structures that shall involve teaching students to write formally correct sentences, avoiding sentence
errors, and using punctuation effectively.

ENGL 158 Communication Skills II

The second semester component of this full year course is designed to continue the process of
helping students to become better writers. The first part of the course will focus on writing skills –
paragraphs, and then essays. Students shall also study the preparation of technical documents such
as memos, reports, letters and proposals. Just as ENGL 157, this is also a required course for all first
year students of KNUST.

FIRST SEMESTER

FREN 181 French for Communication I

1.0 ASPECT GRAMATICAL
i Revision
a. La définition et genre d’un objet
Ex. Qu’est ce que c’est un/une ………
b. L’ identité d’une personne
ex Qui est-ce? C’ est .….. Est-ce c’est ……… ? Oui, c’est ……
Montre-moi un/une ………... Voici/Voilà un/une …………
c. Les jours de la semaine
d. Les mois de l’année
e. Les chiffres de zéro à cent

ii La Conjugaison
Le présent de l indicatif des verbes réguliers et irrésguliers

iii. Interrogation avec les suivants

a. Est-ce que ……
b. Par inversion
c. Par intonation

iv. L’adjectif
a. possessif (mon, ton, son, …..)
b. Demonstratif (ce, cette, ce, cet, ces)

v. L’heure et Le Temps [il est deux heure. Il fait beau. Etc]

vi. Localisation [devant, sous, sur, à ctôé de, etc]
vii. L’emploi de: (au, à la, aux, à l’ etc)
viii. Le pluriel de noms et d’ adaectifs

1.1 L’ASPECT COMMUNICATIF

a. Faire connaissance/Rencontre quelqu’un
b. Présentation/Salutation
c. Savoir demander/donner une direction
d. Au marché
e. Au téléphone
f. Utiliser les formulas de politesse: Remerciement
g. Demander quelque chose: Repondre à une demande
h. Description d’une personne
i. Parler de son goût
1.2 CIVILISATION
La culture francaise
Loisir
A Table
etc

SECOND SEMESTER

FREN 182 French for Communication II

2.0 L’ASPECT GRAMMATICAL
a. L’article partitif [du, de la, des, de l’ de …]
b. La Conjugaison
i Le passé composé \ passé récent
ii Le futur \ le futur proche
iii L imparfait
iv L impératif
c. Pronominalisation
i pronom d’objet direct: (le, la, les l’ …)
ii pronom abverbial: (y, en)
d. L’expression figée avec le verbe AVOIR et ETRE
ex. Avoir faim
avoir besoin de
être fatigue etc
e. Degré de l’ adjectif
f. L’expression de la durée [il y a, depuis]
g. L’expression interrogative avec les adverbs suivants [Comment, Combien, Où Quand etc]

2.1 L’ASPECT COMMUNICATIF

a. Au Restaurant
b. Invitation
c. Le voyage [à la gare, à l’aéroport
d. Remplir une fiche
e. Chercher un appartement [dans un hôtel]
f. Coreespondance [letter non-officielle]

2.2 CIVILISATION
La culture française [suite]