The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-07-30

of the state have demanded them. Three of these have been added in the last three years. The college of en- gineering first had its own dean about 1905.
 In addition to these degree coures, short courses, known as "two-year technical courses" are provided for those who can devote only limited time to study. They include grour of studies designed to- prepare men for work as analytical chemists structural and typographical drafts men. and surveyors, railroad suI- veyors, Typographical surveyors, su- perintendents of road and pavement construction. powder plant assis- tSnts, mill electricians, assistant shop foremen, mine and quarry superin- tendents, etc. etc. The college of engineering also offers excellent fla oilities for graduate work, and upon the fulfillment of the required con ditions confers the advanced degrees of chemical engineer. civil engineer electrical engineer, mechanical en- giAeer, metallurgical engineer, engi- neer of mines. Last year there were five graduate students in college.
 Civil Engineering
 Originally engineering was divided into only two branches, military en- gsneering and civil engineering, but so numerous and complex have been the division of civil engineering that 1t Is now specifically used to in- dicate the application of mechanical processes to the design and construc- tion of such works as roads, bridges. canals, railroads, etc. The course in civil engineering. as given at the university, are designed to give a general and comprehensive knowi- edge of the fundamental principles of all branches of engineering and of their application to the planning and execution of such works as are usually undertaken by the civil en- gineer, roads, pavements, steel, ma sorry and cement bridges and build ings, railway structures, etc.
 Railroad engineering, in which for many years large per cent of civil engineers were employed, is, 1t would seem, about to resume a large meas ure of its former importance. For some time the railroad mileage of tho country has remained practically the same. while the commerce. of the country las continued to develop rap idly, there is now a shortage of rail- road facilities which must be sup piled. This, together with the more liberal policy of state and federal governments toward the railroads, is already resulting in a revival of railroad construction. which will no doubt become general and extend over many years, and which will call for large numbers of construction engineers.
 Definite instruction in railroad en- gineering in the university begins in the sophomore year with a course in railway curves and earthwork com putation. In the junior year tho principles of grade lines are studied and a railroad line is surveyed. the students making all the computations and estimates. In the senior year the designing and construction of rail- road bridges are taken up. The four railroads which pass through or terminate at Tuscaloosa offer many practical illustrations of railroad and bridge problems,
 Principles of Highway Engineering
 Alabama, in common with other states, is entering upon period of extensive highway construction, and the development of her large indus trial cities calls for the building of streets, sidewalks and conduits The people are beginning to understand oOluclAlHS dl lGdSl Ol IIlc IOlly OI spending millions of dollars for these purposes without competent engi- neering advice and direction. The demand for highway engineers, therefore, must continue to increase for many years. The university does not give degree courses in highway engineering, but 1t does give in it's civil engineering courses thorough and comprehensive instruction in the fundamental civil engineering factors of foundations, strength of materials. the theory and practice of structure and other things necessary as a foun- dation for the success of the highway engineer.
 The road materials laboratory, the cement testing laboratory and the collections of the geological survey afford most excellent opportunities for the study of road materials These and the chemical laboratory have been designated by the Legislature as official state laboratories and many tests are made in them for the state highway department.
 Hydraulic Engineering
 The beginnings of water power de- medicine. law, education, commerce and business administration. Through this association come to the engineer ing students many broadeing influ- enees beyond the narrow range of their own immediate interests, and acquaintances and lasting friend ships are formed with those who in their generation will be leaders in commerce, In industrial life and in legislative and executive departments of city, county, state and nation. Many former students now prominent in their professions ca,. bear witness to the value of such friendships.
 Nine curriculum courses in engin- eering, leading to professional de- grees in civil engineering, electrical engineering, hydraulic engineering, sanitary engineering and industrial engineering and management, have been added from time to time to the original courses in general civil en- gineerng as the science of engineer ing has developed and the felt needs