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Elaine Yau

Name: Raymond Chan Ngai-hung

Age: 21

Course: Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Law)

School: University of Hong Kong

Year of study: three

Duration of programme: five years

Young Post: What courses have you taken?

Chan: It is a double-degree programme. Besides civil engineering courses, I've taken law programmes related to civil engineering.

Civil engineering can be  divided into four main categories:  structural, hydraulic, environmental and geotechnical.  I learned basic engineering concepts  in Year One and Two. I also completed some law courses, including contract law and land law.

YP: Of the four civil engineering categories, which one interests you the most?

C: I really like structural engineering. It's mostly about making sure a building is strong enough to withstand its weight.

A structural engineer needs to arrange the columns [or pillars] and walls in a way that ensures a building will not tilt or collapse upon completion.

You have to make precise calculations and strike a balance between aesthetics and feasibility.

Architects often design a building without much practical consideration.

Some even suggest building a structure purely made of glass. This is  impossible since glass is too  fragile to carry the weight of a whole building.

Structural engineers have to work closely with the architects. I find this challenging.

YP: A building is supported by columns and walls. Why is there a need for different structures for different buildings?

C: Take as residential building for example.

No one wants to live in a house with thick walls and huge columns.

We all want our house to be spacious, but this has to be done  without compromising the structure of the building.

On the other hand, if we have to build  a structure like the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, we have to design a hollow interior and place all the columns away from the centre of the building.

Otherwise, massive pillars  in the middle will get in the way of exhibitors displaying their products.

YP: Do you need to do any internships?

C:  We have to complete a two-month internship before graduation.

Last summer, I worked in the estimating department of Gamman Construction Limited. The company prepares tenders for civil works projects.

Before  submitting a tender, they evaluate the cost of the project.

They take into account a lot of factors, such as the cost of building materials, labour and any unforeseen difficulties that may delay the  project.

I helped the engineers conduct  cost evaluation.

Admission:

Candidates should score a Grade E or above in three  A-Level subjects (including pure mathematics, and physics or engineering science). Those who take both A-Level and AS exams need to score a Grade E or above in two A-Level subjects (pure mathematics, and physics or engineering science) and two AS subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates  will benefit from a  broad civil engineering and legal background.  Those who seek formal practical training in law may become qualified solicitors or barristers in a few years. They may choose to work as legal advisers for government departments, contracting organisations, professional institutions or  consulting practices which specialise in construction claims, mediation and arbitration. Overall, the programme will prepare students for a fruitful career in engineering or law, or a combination of the two.



Civil Engineering & Law