Civil and Resource Engineering
Introduction
Programs
- Civil Engineering
- Mineral Resource Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering is concerned with the engineering (planning, design, and construction) of systems of constructed facilities to meet the needs of society. The scope and complexity as well as the interdisciplinary engagement of Civil Engineering continues to increase rapidly with the development of modern science and technology and population growth with its spiraling demands upon the air-land-water environment. The preparation of the Civil Engineering student is aimed toward meeting these challenges through innovative application of known principles, creative research to discover new approaches, and imaginative design to fulfill society’s needs.
Civil Engineering graduates are found in responsible engineering and administrative positions in industry and government. Some become consultants in planning, design, or construction of engineering projects or in specialized fields where the application of research to the solution of practical problems is important. The professional practice of a Civil Engineer includes the conception, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of private and public projects. Included in this are bridges, buildings, highways, airports, railroads, harbors, docks, subways, tunnels, water supply and purification systems, sewage collection and treatment facilities, and hydropower developments. See the Engineering section for details of Master’s and Doctoral programs.
Mineral Resource Engineering
Canada has an abundance of natural resources and is a world leader in mineral and hydrocarbon extraction and processing. Mineral Resource Engineering concentrates on the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of the extraction and processing of the earth's mineral resources. Graduate Studies in Mineral Resource Engineering allow for specializations in mining and mineral processing.
Specialization in mining and mineral processing engineering
If a student chooses to specialize in mining engineering, opportunities exist for advanced studies in underground and surface mining of coal, oil shales, metals, gold, and industrial minerals. Research topics may include rock mechanics, mine design, ground support, field monitoring, optimization, equipment maintenance and many more. A student may also choose to specialize in mineral processing with the focus on the beneficiation of ores.
In addition to the Graduate Scholarships available in the Faculty of Engineering and Dalhousie University, the Mineral Resource Engineering Program also provides a limited number of Research Assistantships to highly qualified candidates. Candidates are suggested to contact individual faculty members for details.
General Information
Admissions Criteria
All candidates must meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and any specific admission requirements as listed under each program.
Application Forms
Application forms may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, or through the university’s website. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Admissions Officer for program specific information.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Information pertaining to the English language proficiency requirement is given in the Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations Section 3.4.
Fees
Information pertaining to fees and expenses can be found online in the Admission section of the Dalhousie website.
Financial Assistance
Information pertaining to financial assistance and scholarships can be found online in the Funding Opportunity section of the Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies Website.
Health Insurance Requirement
Information pertaining to health insurance requirements is given in the Resources and Services section of the Dalhousie Graduate Calendar
Graduate Student Program
The graduate student's program, including supervisory committee composition, will be entered in the Graduate Student Information System (GSIS) by the department and approved by the supervisor, the graduate coordinator and FGS. The details of the program should be submitted in the first month after initial registration. The composition of the supervisory committee should be entered by the end of the second term.
Course Requirement
At least three-quarters (75%) of the total course requirement for each graduate program must be taken at Dalhousie University.
Leave of Absence
Students may formally apply for a leave of absence in accordance with the Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations.
Master's Degrees
A student's program of study for the master’s degree may be either a research-intensive program (MASc) or a coursework-intensive program (MEng). Note that a thesis-based research master’s degree is normally required to gain admission into the PhD program.
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
Admissions Requirements
A candidate to be considered for the Master of Applied Science research program must have obtained, with a high scholastic standing, an undergraduate degree in engineering or a degree in science with honours, or the equivalent, from a recognized university.
Candidates must also be recommended for admission by a faculty member in the Program for their application to proceed. Please note: a recommendation for admission is not a formal acceptance.
Candidates for the above degree may be required to take additional undergraduate subjects as a preparation for advanced courses or to give the candidate a suitable engineering background. Such subjects are seldom considered as part of the graduate program.
Academic Regulations
Program Requirements
A MASc graduate program consists of not less than 12 credit hours, the graduate seminar and thesis selected upon the advice of the thesis supervisor. Not more than one senior level undergraduate course may be taken as part of the 12-credit hour requirement.
Graduate Seminar
The seminar requirement involves attending, and participating in, all Graduate Seminars held in the department throughout the duration of the student’s residency period, as well as making at least one seminar presentation.
Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
The Supervisory Committee will consist of the thesis supervisor (and co-supervisor), at least one other member of the department, and at least one other member from outside the department with special interests in the proposed area of study. The supervisor will be the chair of the Supervisory Committee.
Examination Requirement
All courses required to meet the degree requirements are considered essential courses and will be so designated by the Supervisory Committee. Essential courses can include any required undergraduate or prerequisite courses. Any courses taken in excess of the requirements are subject to approval by the supervisor. These courses will appear on the student’s transcript as regular courses.
All master’s degree candidates must pass all graduate level courses, and any approved undergraduate course, with a grade of at least B-. Graduate students can only repeat one course during their program in the Faculty of Engineering. Graduate students are not eligible to write supplementary examinations. Transfer credits from other universities will be considered on a case by case basis.
All master’s degree candidates must also pass an oral examination of their thesis after it has been submitted in satisfactory form.
In addition to meeting the grade requirements, failure to maintain an acceptable academic standing will result in a student being asked to withdraw from the program. Failure to achieve the minimum grade as noted above shall be considered grounds for dismissal.
Time Requirement
A student is required to register each term to maintain eligibility to continue their program of studies. See Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations for policies regarding residency requirements and the maximum length of time for degree completion and extensions.
Procedures and Guidelines for Master’s Thesis
The thesis is to be prepared to conform with the standards of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
To initiate the thesis defence, the form “Appointment for an Oral Examination & Thesis Submission Form – Master’s Programs” must be submitted to the departmental Office at least 10 business days prior to the date of the oral defence. The department will coordinate the scheduling of the presentation and examination and assign a chair/moderator. The oral presentation and examination will not be scheduled until the following requirements for the student’s program of studies have been met:
i) Course work completed;
ii) Seminar completed;
iii) Supervisory committee approved.
Masters of Engineering (MEng)
Admission Requirements
A candidate to be considered for the Master of Engineering course work program must have obtained an undergraduate degree in engineering or its equivalent with high scholastic standing from a recognized university.
If candidates intend on completing the six-credit hour project they must be accepted by a faculty member, in the Program they are seeking admission, to be considered for admission in this program by the University. Please note: a recommendation for admission is not a formal acceptance.
Academic Requirements
Program Requirements
A MEng graduate program consists of not less than 27 credit hours and the graduate seminar. Senior undergraduate courses, in the area of a student’s interest not taken by the student for previous credit, may be included in the program, subject to prior approval. Not more than 12 credit hours may be undergraduate credit hours.
A six- credit hour project course may be completed as a portion of the 27 credit hours required, if a suitable project is proposed. Projects require the appointment of a supervisor and one supervisory committee member.
Graduate Seminar
The seminar requirement involves attending, and participating in, all Graduate Seminars held in the department throughout the duration of the student’s residency period, as well as making at least one seminar presentation.
Examination Requirement
All courses required to meet the degree requirements are considered essential courses. Any courses taken in excess of the requirements are subject to approval by the graduate coordinator. These courses will appear on the student’s transcript as regular courses.
All Master’s degree candidates must pass all graduate level courses, and any approved undergraduate courses, with a grade of at least B-. Graduate students can only repeat one course during their program in the Faculty of Engineering. Graduate students are not eligible to write supplementary examinations. Transfer credits from other universities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to meeting the grade requirements, failure to maintain an acceptable academic standing will result in a student being asked to withdraw from the program. Failure to achieve the minimum mark as noted above shall be considered grounds for dismissal.
Time Requirement
A student is required to register each term to maintain eligibility to continue their program of studies. See Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations for policies regarding residency requirements and the maximum length of time for degree completion and extensions.
Procedures and Guidelines for Master’s Project
If an MEng student undertakes a 6-credit hour research project, the project report is to be prepared to conform with the standards of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
To initiate the project presentation, the form “Appointment for an Oral Examination & Thesis Submission Form – Master’s Programs” must be submitted to the departmental Office at least 10 business days prior to the date of the oral presentation. The department will coordinate the scheduling of the presentation and examination. The oral presentation and examination will not be scheduled until the following requirements for the student’s program of studies have been met:
i) Course work completed.
ii) Seminar completed.
iii) Supervisory committee approved.
Final Dates for Receipt of Applications for Admission
Regular Session - September and January Start Date
September Intake
- Graduate Studies1,2 (except as below) June 1
- Non-Canadian Students (Graduate Studies) April 1
January Intake
- Graduate Studies1,2 (except as below) October 31
- Non-Canadian Students (Graduate Studies) August 31
1 All supporting documentation must be submitted by the appropriate deadline to gsr@dal.ca.
2 Consideration for scholarship support often requires applications to be completed before the indicated deadlines to allow for program review and nomination. Please review scholarship deadlines on the Faculty of Graduate Studies Funding Opportunities website, and plan to submit complete applications in advance of these deadlines.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Admission Requirements and Procedures
A candidate to be considered for entrance into the PhD Program must meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and must also have a research master’s degree in engineering from Dalhousie University or another recognized university; or a Master of Science Degree or its equivalent from a recognized university, acceptable to the Faculty of Engineering (in which case, a candidate may be required to take extra subjects to provide a suitable engineering background); or acceptance for registration as a candidate for a research master’s degree at this University.
An application for admission to the graduate program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy should have a superior academic record and previous training or experience which indicates that the candidate should be able to do independent research.
Candidates must also be recommended for admission by a faculty member in the Program for their application to proceed. Please note: a recommendation for admission is not a formal acceptance.
Doctoral candidates are not admitted without appropriate funding to support the student and the program of research.
Admission from Master’s Degree
A candidate registered in a MASc Degree in the department may be transferred to a PhD Degree on the recommendation of their supervisory committee, according to the regulations of the Faculty of Engineering. The recommendation will be reviewed by the Faculty of Engineering Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) and transmitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Academic Regulations
All doctoral programs are developed under the regulations and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (see Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations), and each program must be approved by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Program Requirements
A PhD graduate program normally consists of a minimum of 12 credit hours, the graduate seminar, comprehensive examination, and thesis selected upon the advice of the thesis supervisor. However, students may apply for Advanced Placement or Transfer Credit to receive credit for courses completed during a previous Master’s Degree, thereby reducing their required credits to no less than 6. No undergraduate courses are allowed for credit in a Doctoral Degree Program.
PhD students that transfer from a Master of Applied Science degree must complete not less than 6 credit hours of course-work and the graduate seminar beyond the Master of Applied Science degree course requirements. These courses will be selected in consultation with the research supervisor and the supervisory committee.
Graduate Seminar
The seminar requirement involves attending, and participating in, all Graduate Seminars held in the department throughout the duration of the student’s residency period, as well as making at least two seminar presentations.
Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
The Supervisory Committee will consist of the thesis/project supervisor (and co-supervisor), at least one other member of the department, and at least one other member from outside the department with special interests in the proposed area of study. The supervisor will be the chair of the Supervisory Committee.
Thesis Subject Matter and Supervision
The thesis shall consist of an original investigation or design carried out under the immediate supervision of a member of the Faculty of Engineering who is also a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Thesis Requirement
A candidate will be required, as a major part of the program, to submit a satisfactory thesis embodying the results of original scholarship and independent research. See Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations for information pertaining to doctoral theses.
Examination Requirements
All courses required to meet the degree requirements are considered essential courses and will be so designated by the Supervisory Committee. Essential courses can include any required undergraduate or prerequisite courses. Any courses taken in excess of the requirements are subject to approval by the supervisor. These courses will appear on the student’s transcript as regular courses.
A PhD degree candidate must pass all graduate level courses with a grade of at least B- and cannot carry a course failure. Graduate students are not eligible to write supplementary examinations. Transfer credits from other universities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
PhD candidates are also required to pass a comprehensive examination which normally takes place within the fourth study term.
As well, all PhD degree candidates must pass an oral examination of their thesis project after it has been submitted in satisfactory form, and in accordance with the Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations.
In addition to meeting the grade requirements, failure to maintain an acceptable academic standing will result in a student being asked to withdraw from the program. Failure to achieve the minimum mark as noted above shall be considered grounds for dismissal.
Comprehensive Examination
Students initiate comprehensives by submitting their proposal to their Supervisory Committee. The Supervisory Committee shall be responsible for conducting the comprehensive examinations.
The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to ensure that the candidate has a thorough understanding of the chosen field of study as a whole, has attained knowledge to an adequate level in the discipline, and to evaluate their suitability to begin PhD-level thesis research.
The comprehensive examination consists of at least two written examinations and an oral examination conducted to meet the above objective. The comprehensive examination shall normally be started within the fourth session of study from first registration. A student shall be given at least three months notice of the examination. The topics and results of the examination will be conveyed to PhD Candidate’s home department’s Graduate Coordinator on the prescribed form and will indicate “pass”, “fail”, or “re-examination”. The results to be added to the student’s transcript
Recommendation of the examining committee to re-examine shall only be permitted if the failure was marginal. Re-examination of marginal students must be carried out within six months of the initial examination. Students requiring re-examination shall not necessarily be required to rewrite both written examinations. Students given the opportunity to rewrite shall only be permitted to rewrite once.
Students receiving a recommendation of “fail” will be academically dismissed from the program (see FGS regulations about dismissal).
Time Requirement
A student is required to register each term to maintain eligibility to continue their program of studies. See Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations for policies regarding residency requirements and the maximum length of time for degree completion and extensions.
Procedures and Guidelines for PhD These Defences
An Examining Committee is appointed in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies procedures prior to the formal submission of the thesis. The Examining Committee consists of the Supervisory Committee and an external examiner recommended to FGS by the Supervisory Committee. The External Examiner will be approached and appointed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies according to Faculty procedures.
A copy of the thesis must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies at least six weeks prior to the date of the oral defence. The copy will be sent to the External Examiner. The copy must be accompanied by the appropriate form. The oral presentation and examination will not be scheduled until the following requirements for the student’s program of studies have been met:
i) Course work completed;
ii) The graduate seminar requirement completed;
iii) Comprehensive examination passed;
iv) Examining Committee established;
v) A written report has been received by the Faculty of Graduate Studies from the external examiner.