14.09.2022
Overview
Structural Engineering
The study provides the necessary knowledge to accompany construction projects from conception and planning to calculation, completion and refurbishment.
The study field at a glance
Civil engineers take care of the technical construction of buildings as well as the use of innovative materials. In addition, they must pay attention to economic, ecological, socio-structural and cultural aspects. They are also involved in measures for the preservation of structures or monuments.
The areas of civil engineering and architecture overlap in terms of tasks in sub-areas: Civil engineers and architects assume organizational tasks beyond the technical-constructive and design aspects: they lead construction sites, review the construction and ensure efficient operation sequence of the construction operation.
Building physicists, on the other hand, examine and optimize building materials, advise authorities, architects and building owners and, as experts, assess construction damage.
Offered courses
The course is offered both at universities and at colleges on a basic and continuing basis. The range of study programs in this area ranges from classical "civil engineering" and "building physics" to specialized courses such as "energy-efficient building design", "urban water management", "hydraulic engineering" to "structural engineering" "construction and environmental engineering".
Depending on the university, there are opportunities for specialization in areas such as construction management and construction, constructive civil engineering (concrete, steel, wood), transport and infrastructure, geotechnical engineering, water management, environmental technology and foundation engineering.
Contents of the course
The students are taught content from the fields of mathematics, descriptive geometry, physics, data processing/computer science, mechanical engineering, design planning, structural engineering, technical mathematics, building materials science and surveying. Knowledge in construction management and project management are also part of the curriculum.
In the degree program building Physics, training is provided that focuses on the physical problems of construction (sound, heat, moisture, fire protection, light, solar technology, energy economics and damage analysis).
Often, internships are required before and during the course of study.
Admission criteria & course application
Depending on the university, internal selection procedures are carried out or a specific grade point average is required. Under certain circumstances, foreign language skills are also an advantage, especially in English.
Possible careers after graduation
Civil engineers work in large international companies or in small offices in the areas of technical management, production / manufacturing, construction, renovation, general administration, project controlling, technical service, building management or in sales, primarily in construction companies, developer companies, municipal building authorities, districts , the federal and state governments, associations, engineering, consulting and planning offices, but also companies such as Deutsche Bahn AG or Deutsche Post AG.
International mobility, cultural openness and foreign language skills play an important role in the handling of foreign projects.
Building physics engineers are, for example, active in architecture or engineering firms, in companies in the construction industry, in manufacturers of building materials or in institutes and authorities in the field of material testing.
