Civil engineering and construction engineering involve the application of basic scientific and technological principles to the design and construction of facilities necessary for the welfare of the community. It is concerned with such projects as railways, harbours and docks, road systems, bridges, water supply and wastewater treatment, dams, tunnels and mining construction, power projects, offshore structures, and domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings. The effective practice of civil engineering and construction engineering necessitates a strong background in the mathematical and physical sciences, an understanding of the properties of construction materials such as steel, concrete, timber and natural aggregates, and an ability to evaluate the performance of structures under variable forms of loading. The civil and construction engineer also needs training in management of resources, effects on environment, equipment, materials, finance, and legal matters. Demand for Curtin's civil and construction engineers remains strong.
Many graduates also find work interstate or overseas.
The School's graduates are held in high regard by employers and the profession. Lecturing and computing facilities are generally provided on a faculty basis, with excellent access to microcomputer laboratories.