Courses that teach structural engineering may concentrate on a variety of structures, including bridges, railways, airports and water supply systems. Students may focus on how to design structures with concrete or how to develop earthquake-resistant structures. Part of the course may entail a compulsory research project exemplifying what the student has learned. Those whose studies focus on structural engineering may find work with structural engineering consulting firms or with multidisciplinary consulting organizations.
Courses in the field of public health engineering outline methods for applying public health theories to engineering concerns. Some of the issues public health engineering deals with include how to properly intervene, from a technology perspective, in areas such as water supply, sanitation and solid waster management. Some subsets of this field may be entitled "water engineering" or "landfill processes and design." Career options include positions in public health ministries and public health departments.
Transportation engineering involves studying how to design and construct transportation infrastructure so that it moves both people and goods as efficiently and safely as possible. Part of studying this discipline requires students to have a thorough understanding of broader civil engineering concerns. Students may also have to produce a written report on a research topic.
Environmental engineering may cover some of the same topics as public health engineering. Some of these topics may be water and waste water engineering and solid and hazardous wastes. However, environmental engineering covers other topics as well, such as sound pollution and renewable energy. Students may also be required to have a thorough understanding of and take courses in hydrology, chemistry and microbiology. Research projects may be required for those enrolled in this pursuit.