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ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.
WILLIAM M. THORNTON. . . . . Professor of Applied Mathematics.
CHARLES S. VENABLE, LL. D. . . . . . Professor of Mathematics.
FRANCIS H. SMITH, M. A., LL. D. . . . . . Professor of Natural Philosophy.
JOHN W. MALLET, Ph. D., M. D., LL.D., F. R. S. . . . Professor of Chemistry.
F. P. DUNNINGTON, B. S. . . . . . Professor of Analytical Chemistry.
WM. M. FONTAINE, M. A. . . . . . Professor of Natural History and Geology.
JAMES S. MILLER . . . . . Instructor in Mathematics and Physics.
JOHN K. PEEBLES, B. S., C. E. . . . . . Instructor in Applied Mathematics.
This department is designed to furnish intending engineers thorough and
practical instruction in the principles of Engineering and the sciences connected
therewith. For this purpose, in addition to the Schools of Mathematics,
Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Natural History and Geology, and
Analytical Chemistry, the School of Mathematics Applied to Engineering
has been established. For the first five Schools the courses of instruction
are given in detail in the Scientific Department.
SCHOOL OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS.
Prof. Thornton.
In this School there are three classes—the Junior, Intermediate and Senior.
To each class three lectures a week are given through the session.
The Junior Class studies during the first half-session Engineering
Geodesy. The construction and use of the field instruments of the engineer
are carefully explained in the lectures and minutely illustrated in the field.
The student is then instructed in the best methods of Land, City, Topographic,
Hydrographic, and Railway Surveying and Location, and is taught
how to construct maps and plans, and estimate quantities.
The second half-session is given to the study of the principles of Descriptive
Geometry and its applications in engineering. These include the construction
of Orthogonal, Axonometric and Perspective Projections of polyedra
and curved surfaces, Shades and Shadows, and Stereotomy.
The Intermediate Class studies during the first half-session Applied
Mechanics. The fundamental principles of the doctrine of motion, force
important problems in the Statics of Rigid and Elastic Solids. On this
basis a careful analysis is made of the simpler engineering structures, such as
roofs, ordinary highway and railway bridges, braced piers, girders, retaining
walls and reservoir dams; and the student is instructed in the best methods
of determining the straining actions and designing the elements and details
of these structures.
During the second half-session Road and Railroad Engineering is
studied. The economical and topographical principles of location are carefully
explained and are illustrated by practical work in the field, embracing
the complete study of a projected line from the preliminary survey to the
final location. The methods for the construction of the roadbed are then
given; the sources and properties of building-materials are discussed, and
the methods for the location and erection of structures in masonry, timber
and iron-work and their foundations are explained; and the construction
and maintenance of the tracks of railways, highways and tramways are
taught.
The Senior Class studies during the first half-session Bridge Construction.
The elements of the general theory of Elasticity are explained
and applied to the analysis and design, both of the simpler and of the more
complex structures, such as Continuous Girders (including Cantilever and
Pivot Draw Bridges), Elastic Arches, and Suspension Bridges. Types of
all the more important forms of bridge construction are worked out in detail.
The general considerations which affect the location of bridges and the methods
of erection are then examined. And the modern methods for the construction
of deep foundations are fully reviewed.
The subject of Hydraulic and Sanitary Engineering occupies the
second half-session. The principles of Hydraulics are investigated and
worked out in their more important applications. These include the study
of water-supply and sewerage systems for cities; the methods for the utilization
and disposal of sewage; the drainage of lands and the reclamation
of swamps; the location and construction of navigable canals, and the control
and canalization of rivers.
The Method of Instruction in all the classes unites an exact exposition
and drill in theory, with constant practice in the field and at the drawing-board.
The student learns first the accurate and rapid use of field and
drafting instruments by numerous easy exercises in Geodesy and Drawing
under the instructor. He is then required to execute independent surveys
and locations for projected works and to prepare the necessary maps and
plans and estimates of quantities. In like manner he is taught the best
methods for designing by means of careful reviews, by the Professor, of existing
structures, make all the requisite drawings and computations, and
prepare bills of material and specifications for the construction.
To facilitate the instruction the University has provided a large and well-lighted
drawing-hall, a supply of well-made field instruments, and a collection
of drawings and models illustrating American and foreign Engineering
practice.
The degree of Civil Engineer is conferred upon the completion of the
course specified on page 60. This may be accomplished by a well-prepared
and laborious student in two sessions; but it will be usually desirable
to devote three sessions to the work.
The following arrangements of studies are recommended:
Two-Year Course:
I. Junior and Intermediate Applied Mathematics; Intermediate Mathematics;
Physics; Chemistry.
II. Senior Applied Mathematics; Senior Mathematics or Natural Philosophy;
Geology; Descriptive or Determinative Mineralogy.
Three-Year Course:
I. Junior Applied Mathematics; Intermediate Mathematics; Physics.
II. Intermediate Applied Mathematics; Senior Mathematics or Natural
Philosophy; Chemistry.
III. Senior Applied Mathematics; Geology; Descriptive or Determinative
Mineralogy.
The preparation necessary is an accurate knowledge of the elements of
Algebra, Geometry and Plane Trigonometry.
The necessary expenses, with board at the lowest rate ($13 a month), will
be about $290 a session, exclusive of books, stationery and drawing materials.
Virginians save $50 in tuition.
Candidates for the degree of Mining Engineer substitute for the Senior
work courses in Machine Design and Exploitation of Mines, based on
the corresponding courses in the Paris Êcole des Mines. Students of Agricultural
Engineering have the Junior and Intermediate work only.
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