Good introduction to the civil engineering department and content. When I took it, the class was heavily weighted towards surveying, though I know now they cover more CE disciplines (structural, environmental, geotech, etc.). A large portion of the class is based on a semester project, where you go out and survey your own points on a site around UVA and do a full design project in Civil 3D. The software can be frustrating, but it's used in many jobs and this is one of the only classes that covers it. Regular assignments were never too difficult, though sometimes you were "expected" to know the answers to things that were never covered in class (which was the point...to find the information).

Smith’s lectures are very engaging and easy to understand. Class material is not difficult but the semester project and homework’s take up a significant amount of time. Very useful for learning how to use civil 3D, but this is a very frustrating platform to work with. Grading is done very generously, which often makes up for the time consuming workload of this class. Tests are closed note and in person but are not very difficult. Attendance is required and attending every class is incredibly helpful in learning the material. Lectures are still recorded in case of emergencies, but attendance checks in class are a part of the final grade.

This class is a great intro to civil engineering. The format of the learning objectives in this course cover a broad number of ce topics, all of which are important to each branch of ce. The hw structure is pretty set: math/Writing hw given every Tuesday and due in a week, and Civil3D hw given every Thursday and due in a week. None of the work is too hard, but you need to manage your time effectively and look ahead at the assignments.

The toughest part of the course is the semester project, which heavily tests your developing Civil 3D skills. Make sure you pay attention to the videos! Also, utilize those office hours. They can really help guide you and put you on the right track!

Professor Smith is awesome! Tuesdays are for lectures and when written/mathy homeworks are due, and Thurdays are for Guest Speakers (usually alumni in different civil fields) for about the first 30 min of the class and when CADD asignments are due. The tests weren't too hard if you reviewed notes and did the practice tests.

Brian Smith is a sweetheart. This was the only section available the semester I took it, and it seems like he’s been teaching this class for a long time. There are weekly assignments about the lecture stuff, as well as weekly AutoCAD assignments. The first 8 or so have step by step videos that you follow, and that’s pretty much it, you don’t need to buy the textbook. The tests are a little difficult because it’s hard to know what to study from the lectures. The semester project is super hard, but if you start early and ask Professor Smith or the TAs they are happy to help. He also had weekly interview type things with Alumni from the civil department, some of whom were already working and some of whom were getting graduate degrees.

Professor Smith knows whats up. If you do your homework assignments and turn them in on time and you don't start your project last minute you will do fine. You should read but I did minimal reading and did well in the class. So far the best class I have taken at UVA. The 1.25 hours can be rough for lecture but an interesting class with an amazing professor!

Professor Smith is totally awesome. The class can get boring at times, but it was still a great class to be in.

Professor Smith is AWESOME and the class is very practicable. Hands on and always interesting and clearly taught. The homework can be a little difficult once in a while and the final project seems a little scary at first, but it is very manageable and interesting.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE PROFESSOR SMITH!!!

Professor Smith knows a lot about the subject and is a great teacher, even though the course can be challenging at times.