Civil Engineering

Bachelor in Civil Engineering (180 ECTC, 3 academic years, full-time)

Professional profile

The purpose of the Bachelor’s Study Program in Construction Engineering is to prepare students professionally as Civil Engineers, to take a key role from the first stages of design and subsequently in the coordination of all construction and implementation processes. In this way, the student must possess the skills of planning, organization, supervision and coordination of the necessary actors and elements in the construction process such as developers, subcontractors, consultants, designers, implementers, finance, materials, etc. To make this possible, an education based on a broad spectrum of knowledge is needed in the fields not only of science and technology but also of management. This program aims to equip students with the necessary technical and construction process management skills to contribute effectively to this field and to prepare them for their future careers both as engineers and as researchers.

Employment opportunities

The main employment sectors include:
– Private sector: architectural and engineering design and construction companies, consulting firms, contractors, and engineering and architectural design studios.
– Services and industrial production sector: activities related to the construction industry, including construction materials, equipment, and project implementation.
– Public sector: local authorities and government agencies at different levels of governance, ranging from municipalities and communes to counties and regional authorities.

CURRICULUM

Semester I

PhysicsPhysics I is offered to civil engineering students and include the study of mechanics and thermodynamics. Topics covered will encompass Newtonian concepts of space, time, and motion; conservation laws in mechanics; oscillations and waves; fluids; the kinetic theory of gases; and principles of thermodynamics. This course aims to enable students to master basic concepts and principles and to develop their skills in problem-solving; to motivate students through practical, everyday examples that demonstrate the role of physics in other fields such as engineering, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and computer science; and to provide students with a conceptual framework for restructuring their knowledge, claiming their gradual transition from the level of knowledge to the level of studying physics. This course fulfills the general university education requirements for engineering students.

CADThe CAD course consists of developing knowledge and skills in using the AutoCAD program for design, modeling and development of construction and engineering projects. During the course program, students will be introduced to engineering projects, their constituent components and will be able to create various sketches, technical plans and 2D and 3D visualizations through the Autocad program. Being a subject of knowledge on a computer program which is developed in the Civil Engineering curriculum year 1, it is considered reasonable that during the learning process of the program, the application of knowledge is done on sketches and engineering elements, in order to become familiar with the symbols. and the elements for making a project. At the end of the study program, the student is able to create and modify different objects
of buildings and infrastructures.

Algebra and GeometryAlgebra and Geometry are foundational disciplines in mathematics. They are formative subjects with practical applications. Besides their numerous applications in practice, mastering the basic knowledge in these fields is essential for all exact sciences. Engineers feel more than anyone else the need for basic knowledge of these mathematical disciplines. The subject is conceived as a gradual increase of mathematical knowledge in function of the requirements that are placed today in the field of construction engineering. With the rapid development of engineering sciences and their close connection to mathematics, the course aims to provide mathematical knowledge that supports this mission. The selected topics are intended to complement and enhance other disciplines offered at this university.

ChemistryChemistry is the science of atoms and molecules. It studies the effects produced by various natural or artificial mixtures in order to improve and understand nature. It elaborates on the basic meanings, compositions and relationships of atoms and molecules as a continuation of the application of the laws of physics. It delves into natural phenomena by examining chemical reactions and their resulting products. The first part of the course covers chemical elements, atoms, isotopes, substances, and their properties. It then progresses to chemical reactions, stoichiometry, chemical bonds, chemical equilibrium, and related topics. The course aims to provide students with foundational knowledge in both general inorganic and organic chemistry. The focus of chemistry is the atom and its interactions. The main goal of this course is to equip engineering students with essential concepts and information about various chemical compounds.

Statics of structuresThe Statics of Structures course covers the study and development of calculation methods for structural stability, static load, and rigidity. It provides methods for determining internal forces and loads that arise in different structural elements under the action of external forces. The first part describes various types of structures, their characteristics, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the theoretical con-cepts of bodies/disks. A significant portion of the program addresses the factors that affect a building and how these factors should be considered or managed. The course then progresses to specific structural calculations of simple structural elements, such as trusses, simple beams, hinged structures, etc. Considerable attention is also given to the formulation of theoretical postulates and theorems of rotational moments.

Descriptive Geometry 1The courses in descriptive geometry have direct applications in the field of design. They aim to teach methods of geometric representation and constructions of flat and spatial forms on a plane. This goal is achieved through projections. This discipline enables the representation of a three-dimensional spatial object on a drawing sheet with the help of two projections, providing a clear and accurate spatial representation of the designed model. The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the appropriate graphic tools in solving problems that are directly and indirectly related to the figure of the civil engineer. The techniques and methods studied in descriptive geometry are directly applicable to the graphic realization and editing within the design field. By the end of the course, students are capable of drafting a specific project.

Semester II

Mathematical AnalysisThe Mathematical Analysis course is designed as a gradual increase in mathematical knowledge to meet the demands currently posed in the field of engineering. The course will be offered only during the second semester. Given the rapid advancement of sciences and the close connection between engineering sciences and mathematics, the course aims to provide mathematical knowledge that aligns with this mission. The selected topics are intended to support and complement other disciplines taught at this university. A basic foundation in high school mathematics is sufficient for mastering the course content.

Physics 2Physics II is offered to civil engineering students and include the study of mechanics and thermodynamics. Topics covered will encompass Newtonian concepts of space, time, and motion; conservation laws in mechanics; oscillations and waves; fluids; the kinetic theory of gases; and principles of thermodynamics. This course aims to enable students to master basic concepts and principles and to develop their skills in problem-solving; to motivate students through practical, everyday examples that demonstrate the role of physics in other fields such as engineering, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and computer science; and to provide students with a conceptual framework for restructuring their knowledge, claiming their gradual transition from the level of knowledge to the level of studying physics. This course fulfills the general university education requirements for engineering students.

Descriptive Geometry 2The courses in descriptive geometry have direct applications in the field of design. They aim to teach methods of geometric representation and constructions of flat and spatial forms on a plane. This goal is achieved through projections. This discipline enables the representation of a three-dimensional spatial object on a drawing sheet with the help of two projections, providing a clear and accurate spatial representation of the designed model. The main objective of the course is to provide the student with the appropriate graphic tools in solving problems that are directly and indirectly related to the figure of the civil engineer. The techniques and methods studied in descriptive geometry are directly applicable to the graphic realization and editing within the design field. By the end of the course, students are capable of drafting a specific project.

Academic WritingAcademic Writing is a complementary course that provides students with fundamental concepts and essential tools for conducting independent scholarly work, including scientific articles, essays, the structure of a dissertation, a research project, a written report, and the development of an academic presentation. A thorough understanding of the methods and methodology of academic writing and scientific research as necessary tools for research and innovation enables students to achieve new insights or refine existing knowledge. The course contributes to students’ training on research rules and methodology during the research process in the field of construction engineering, as well as the ability to have original research work.

Structure MechanicsThe Structural Mechanics course is a continuation of the Statics of Structures. It focuses on studying and developing methods for calculating structural stability and rigidity. The course provides methods for determining internal forces that arise within different structural elements under the action of external forces. Structural Mechanics builds the theoretical and practical foundation for calculating simple structural elements. The first part describes various types of structures, their characteristics, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. A significant portion of the program addresses the factors affecting a building and how to consider and manage these factors effectively. The practical component includes students’ work on exploring major engineering structures and group projects involving “mola structures.”

Semester III

WSHP TAW/TDWThe workshops developed during “Tirana Architecture Week 2022” have a special importance for students of the construction engineering school offering a comprehensive experience and enriching their academic offer. Guided by professionals in the field with several years of experience in design and implementation studios, students engage in concrete projects, gaining practical knowledge and improving their skills in specific design disciplines. This workshop presents from a construction engineer’spoint of view several different technologies and applications for building refinishing. In this workshop, different materials and systems are treated with the aim of increasing comfort and techniques for the production of these materials, starting from production to their application in structures.

Construction Technology IThe objective of the course is to guide the student, during the process of analysis and deepening of the means by which the technical supervisors of the building construction process, through the interaction of architectural composition and technical solutions, through which they are realized in practice. It is also intended to equip the student with knowledge on the relationships between activities and spaces, on the one hand, and the functions of technical elements, on the other hand, through the conception and design of the main technical elements, controlling and evaluating the role that materials, products and constructive systems have during the design of an architecture project, in order to fulfill the functional requirements and use of the building.

Engineering GeologyWith the increasing complexity of structures and the conditions of the ground on which they rest, there is a growing need for detailed geological-engineering studies. This course illuminates the most important geological aspects that a civil engineer must consider. The initial lectures address general aspects of geomorphology and the tectonics of the Earth, with a particular focus on the conditions in Albania, which has its unique characteristics in this context. The course then progresses to the description of the rock types that make up the soil layers near the surface, exploring how these rocks formed, their properties, and their classification based on origin and behavior. Understanding geological layers, their thickness, and composition is crucial for selecting the appropriate foundation types for structures.

Building MaterialsThis course primarily serves to evaluate materials based on their strength and durability aspects, determining their sustainability for use in specific construction situations. The purpose of the course is to provide basic knowledge, before moving on to a detailed analysis of the materials. The science chapters cover the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and transport properties of materials and discuss basic theory as well as relevance to construction applications. The course then goes on to examine in detail each of the main
materials, such as concrete and steel, and discuss their properties, referring back to the basic science from the opening chapters. The improvement of materials offers great scope for energy savings and environmental benefits. These benefits must be considered at all stages of the design and specification process, so they are discussed throughout the course.

HydraulicsThe Hydraulics course is conducted during the first semester of the second year for Civil Engineering students. Throughout this course, students gain a general understanding of fluid mechanics and the fundamentals of hydraulics. The first part of the course covers several introductory concepts to provide students with basic knowledge in this field. Students will then be introduced to the theoretical foundations of hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, which include hydrostatic pressure and its properties, the fundamental equation of hydrostatics, pressure forces on flat and curved surfaces, Bernoulli’s equation, hydraulic losses, and the Shezi formulas. These theoretical foundations are crucial, as they will inform the solutions and tasks of the course that will be developed later. During this course, students will acquire fundamental knowledge related to hydraulic engineering.

Strength of MaterialsThe Strength of Materials is a basic theoretical science that studies the solidity, stiffness and durability of individual elements of constructions. The resistance of materials goes deeper into the phenomena that occur in bodies when loads act on them, taking into account the deformations they undergo. The mechanics of materials during practical calculations studies not only the provision of a normal work of the construction, but also its economic side, that is, the construction has the necessary solidity, rigidity and stability with a minimum consumption of material. The main objective of a basic resistivity course is to develop in the student the ability to analyze a given problem in a simple and logical way and to apply to its solution some important basic and well-understood principles.

Semester IV

Engineering GeodesyAt the end of the course, students will be equipped with the basic principles and theories that are the basis of the systematic study of topographical characteristics, the basic skills in the analysis of the shape of the earth through maps and field surveys, the need and role of Topographic works in the service of Engineering construc-tion, preparation and interpretation of topographic plans, methods, tools and tech-nology used in the acquisition and preparation of topographic information as well as recent developments in the field of topography and geo-spatial information. At the end of the course, students will be equipped with the basic principles and theories that are the basis of the systematic study of topographical characteristics, the basic skills in the analysis of the shape of the earth through maps and field surveys.

Law and Urban LegislationThe course “Urban Law and Legislation” is designed to be delivered in the second semester of the second year of the Bachelor’s program in Civil Engineering. This course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge about the applicable laws, sub-legal acts and the entire legal framework concerning construction and the relevant permits that approve various construction activities. Students will gain foundational and advanced knowledge in this field. The curriculum will cover theoretical and practical bases related to land planning and development in the Republic of Albania, as well as the relevant legal frameworks that monitor and organize land planning. The theoretical component will focus on explaining how the planning and control levels of territory are organized at various territorial levels, equipping students with the necessary understanding to navigate the complexities of urban legislation effectively.

Geotechnics I (Soil Mechanics)In the course “Geotechnics I,” two important aspects of soil mechanics are addressed, which are closely related to each other. The first aspect has to do with soils as support for various objects, buildings or infrastructural objects. While the second aspect is the use of soil as a construction material for the realization of various infrastructural facilities. The first lectures deal with the issues of soil recognition and their exploration. What are the ways of testing soils and what are their main engineering properties. The course aims to equip engineering students with the most complete knowledge in this area, serving as a solid foundation for the development of an engineer’s professional judgment. The student acquires theoretical knowledge as well as practical training on issues related to how foundations behave under the action of loads, the importance of geotechnical investigation and characterization and the influence of groundwater.

Theory of StructuresThe course “Structural Theory” builds on the modules “Statics” and “Mechanics of Materials.” It is one of the core courses in the engineering education of students, providing them with in-depth knowledge for calculating internal and external forces under static load conditions in suspended structures, arch structures, trusses, frames, simple beams, composite beams, hinge systems, statically determinate structures (SSC), statically indeterminate structures (SSP), and more. The objective of the “Structural Theory” course is to equip civil engineering students with comprehensive knowledge of classical methods in structural calculations. At the end of this course, students are trained in the creation and understanding of static schemes of the basic constructions of civil buildings and their calculation according to classical-empirical methods.

Construction Technology IIThe objective of the course is to guide the student, during the process of analysis and deepening of the means by which the technical supervisors of the building construction process, through the interaction of architectural composition and technical solutions, through which they are realized in practice. It is also intended to equip the student with knowledge on the relationships between activities and spaces, on the one hand, and the functions of technical elements, on the other hand, through the conception and design of the main technical elements, controlling and evaluating the role that materials, products and constructive systems have during the design of an architecture project, in order to fulfill the functional requirements and use of the building.

Semester V

Reinforced Concrete ConstructionsThe course Reinforced Concrete Construction is designed to be developed in the bachelor’s program in the field of Civil Engineering. The course contains the main understanding of the conception, modeling and calculation of reinforced concrete structures. In addition to calculation, this subject also deals with the aspects of materials used in reinforced concrete constructions. This subject is quite important considering that reinforced concrete constructions occupy the majority of new constructions that are already being built, not only in our country, but also in neighboring countries. Reinforced concrete is a composite material very suitable for many different applications, ranging from residential buildings, to public service facilities such as schools and hospitals, to infrastructure facilities of special importance such as bridges and dams. This subject is important because it lays the foundations for the calculation of reinforced concrete.

WSHP TAW/TDWThe workshops held during Tirana Design Week 2023 are of particular importance to students, offering a curated and comprehensive experience and serving as a key component as part of their academic journey. Guided by local and international design professionals, students engage in tangible projects, gaining practical knowledge and improving their skills in specific design disciplines. This workshop presents from the point of view of a construction engineer several different technologies and applications for different types of facades in multi-story buildings and innovative technologies referring to different cases applied in our country.

Geotechnics II (Foundation Engineering)The course “Geotechnics 2” (Foundation Engineering) addresses perhaps the most complex part of a structure, both for simple and highly complex structures, which is the foundation or substructure. The interaction between a structure and its foundation is one of the most important aspects of structural design, particularly in seismic design conditions. The course is divided into three parts, describing the most important types of foundations used in structures, their characteristics, and what must be considered during the design process. By the end of the “Geotechnics 2” course, students will have acquired fundamental knowledge regarding the design sequence of shallow foundations, the data influencing the choice of foundation type, and the importance of correctly defining the substructure based on specific cases.

Technical Physics and Plant EngineeringThe course “Technical Physics” & “Building Systems” are two complementary subjects that are highly important for the foundational education of third-year BSc Civil Engineering students. This course is related to the study of physical parameters that characterize indoor living environments, as well as the identification of methods, tools, and systems for ensuring and maintaining these conditions. The main objective of the course is to provide sufficient knowledge about the various systems present within a building, which are essential for maintaining the aforementioned physical parameters. It also covers the rational application of these systems and their use with maximum energy efficiency, aiming to optimize energy savings, a critical focus in contemporary construction practices.

Economics and Construction SiteLThe course “Construction Economics and Site Management” is designed to be taught in the first semester of the third year of the bachelor’s program. The course aims to provide students with professional knowledge that will facilitate further progress and enable them to handle future challenges in the workplace. It also seeks to raise awareness of the role they can play in the job market, helping them understand mechanisms and models, navigate and assess examples and analyzes in the construction field, which professionals may encounter and will be required to implement. The primary objec-tive is to give students a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and their application in the construction industry. This includes cost estimation, financial planning, and resource optimization, enabling students to make informed decisions and contribute to the efficient and sustainable management of construction projects.

Professional PracticePOLIS University develops cooperation with several public and private institutions, concretized through agreements, in which students can perform professional practice. The professional practice will be developed in institutions according to the students’ profile, both in the public and private sectors. The professional practices is a part of the educational program, mandatory for the students in the last year of studies in which he/she is. The professional practice is an integral part of the study program and takes place specifically in the first semester of the last year and means the development of practice at an institution/company/studio whose activity field is the same or similar to their study program.

Masonry and Stone StructuresThe course “Masonry and Stone Structures” is designed as part of the bachelor’s program in Civil Engineering. It covers the fundamental concepts of designing, modeling, and calculating masonry structures made of brick and stone. In addition to calculations, the course also addresses the materials used in masonry, as well as the assessment of damages and their repair. This course is particularly important given the cultural heritage of our country, which is largely based on brick and stone masonry constructions. These structures are a vital part of our cultural and historical legacy, and thus require proper calculation and maintenance. In this course, students will learn the basics of calculating seismic forces, a skill that can also be applied to other types of structures. Additionally, the course provides students with foundational knowledge on seismic evaluation and verification of masonry structures.

Introduction to BIMThe course in concept is familiarization and training in BIM technology to develop the knowledge and skills of participants in the use of BIM technologies in the field of construction. At the end of the course, the student will be trained in 3D information modeling in Revit, the method of coordination and teamwork, control techniques and collaboration of different disciplines in real time on the same model. Also, at the end of the information modeling phase, the student will be trained in the organization and management of modeled information, becoming familiar with techniques in the efficiency of the process and the best use of the built model. So, at the end of the course, he will be equipped with knowledge and techniques not only in modeling but also in multidisciplinary management and interaction.

Semester VI

Electrical EngineeringThe course “Electrical Engineering” is offered in the second semester of the third year to BSc Civil Engineering students. Through this course, civil engineering students are introduced to the fundamental principles and methodologies for designing electrical projects, enabling them to collaborate effectively with electrical design engineers in the future. This includes coordination on aspects such as lighting, placement of electrical panels and substations, for residential buildings, industrial units, and more. The main objective of the course is to familiarize students with the basic concepts of electrical engineering, to equip them with the ability to read electrical plans, and to prepare them for designing the electrical system of a residential building. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify the electrical parameters of a system, understand its functions, and calculate and design an electrical installation.

Computational Structural Analysis and DesignThe course “Computational Structural Analysis and Design” is planned to be developed in the second semester of the third year. This course introduces, from an engineer’s perspective, the basic concepts and methods of element type selection, material parameters, boundary conditions, loading schemes, control procedures and other aspects of modeling, analysis and calculation of elements with the help of computer programs. In this course, the possibilities, limits and drawbacks of different types of analysis and models are addressed in relation to the theory and algorithms that underlie them. By the end of the course, the student will be able to design a two-story reinforced concrete structure, as well as build an algorithm to automate part of the processes.

Pre-stressed Concrete StructuresThe course “Pre-stressed Concrete Structures” is offered in the second semester of the third year. It covers the key concepts of designing, modeling, and calculating pre-stressed reinforced concrete structures. The course addresses various aspects of the production and design of pre-stressed concrete elements, including the stresses and deformations within these elements. The curriculum aims to equip students with foundational knowledge in structural design. Students are expected to master the theoretical and practical principles involved in the conception, modeling, calculation, and execution of different pre-stressed reinforced concrete structures. The goal is to provide the necessary foundations for understanding and applying these concepts in various structural projects.

Steel ConstructionsThe course “Steel Constructions” deals with the construction aspects of one of the most important structural typologies of engineering works, whether of a civil or infrastructural nature. The acquisition of this subject is of particular importance because it is directly related to one of the primary activities that engineers encounter as soon as they engage in the labor market (be it local or regional and beyond). The steel material is the main material in the realization of engineering works, besides reinforced concrete, so the acquisition of knowledge on the design of steel structures is essential, especially for a structural engineer. The course summarizes basic knowledge that starts with the recognition of the behavior of structural steel as a material and develops more broadly in the most important aspects related to the requirements and design of metal structures, whether these are found in a building or a bridge.

Thesis and Diploma ProjectThe course “Thesis and Diploma Project” for Civil Engineering students is designed as a studio during which students prepare for an examination that will encompass all the knowledge acquired over the three years of study. Additionally, during this studio, students will have the opportunity to work on their individual projects. The main objective of this studio is to allow students to work and consult continuously with the relevant faculty members regarding any questions and additional information that may arise during their preparation. Throughout this course, students will receive individualized attention and support to clarify any questions they have. During this module, students will review and re-examine the key components of their selected subjects while also working on each individual’s project.

Technological Networks – Water SupplyThe course “Technological Networks – Water Supply” is conducted during the second semester for third-year Civil Engineering students. After acquiring foundational knowledge in Hydraulics during their second year, students will deepen their understanding of water supply technological networks in this course. We will cover concepts and topics related to water supply systems and pipeline calculations. In continuation of Hydraulics, we will deal with Bernoulli’s law, its applications and its energetic and geometric meaning; Fluid movement regimes; Hydraulic losses; Calculation of a simple piping system and water supply of a residential building. The subject will be developed in a combined way between the lectures, where the theoretical bases will be taken; seminars, where we will have different exercises or examples about those that will be covered in the lectures.