Engineering is the application of mathematic and scientific principles to find practical solutions to complex problems. Civil engineering is the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of the physical and naturally built environment. Civil engineering is made up of several subdisciplines: environmental engineering, hydrology and water resources engineering, transportation engineering, construction engineering, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering among others. For example,
· Environmental engineers prevent, detect, reduce, and eliminate pollutants in water, soil, and air.
· Hydrology and water resources engineers manage and transport water.
· Transportation engineers design, construct, and maintain transportation infrastructure.
· Construction engineers plan and manage the construction process.
· Geotechnical engineers study the soil properties of a construction site and secure the foundation of structures.
· Structural engineers design structural systems.
Civil engineers may work in the academic sector as professors and researchers or in the government and private sectors as designers, managers, directors, and policy makers. Within these sectors civil engineers oversee dams, stormwater collection systems, wastewater treatment plants, remediation sites, roads, bridges, airports, and other systems.
· Environmental engineers prevent, detect, reduce, and eliminate pollutants in water, soil, and air.
· Hydrology and water resources engineers manage and transport water.
· Transportation engineers design, construct, and maintain transportation infrastructure.
· Construction engineers plan and manage the construction process.
· Geotechnical engineers study the soil properties of a construction site and secure the foundation of structures.
· Structural engineers design structural systems.
Civil engineers may work in the academic sector as professors and researchers or in the government and private sectors as designers, managers, directors, and policy makers. Within these sectors civil engineers oversee dams, stormwater collection systems, wastewater treatment plants, remediation sites, roads, bridges, airports, and other systems.