Program Overview

Program Overview

The Coastal Engineering program at Purdue University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of coastal processes and applied design principles for shoreline protection measures and coastal structures.

Course Details

CE 54300

• Credit Hours: 3
• Instructor: Prof. Cary D. Troy
• Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to:
  • Quantify key coastal processes related to waves, water levels, and sediment transport
  • Apply coastal principles to preliminary designs of coastal protection measures and structures
• Description: This course provides students with an introduction to the discipline of coastal engineering, with a strong focus on coastal processes (waves, water levels, and sediment transport) as well as applied design principles for shoreline protection measures and coastal structures.
• Topics Covered:
  • Basic wave mechanics (wave descriptors, wave propagation, wave shoaling and refraction, and surf zone processes)
  • Water level fluctuations (storm surge, tides, and longer-timescale processes)
  • Breakwater design (armor stability, run-up, overtopping, transmission)
  • Sediment transport (wave- and current-caused)
  • Shoreline protection measures
• Prerequisites: A first course in fluid mechanics or hydraulics
• Applied/Theory: Both
• Homework: Homework is assigned every 1-2 weeks; regular, short quizzes are also given
• Projects: Several design projects are assigned during the course, typically involving breakwaters, coastal structures, and/or shore protection measures
• Exams: 3 exams are typically given for the course
• Textbooks: Official textbook information is now listed in the Schedule of Classes.
  • Tentative Textbook Listing: Coastal Engineering: Processes, Theory, and Design Practice, 3rd Ed. (Reeve, Chadwick, and Fleming)
• Computer Requirements: Students need internet access, Microsoft Excel or Matlab, Microsoft Word (or similar), and access to Google Earth/Maps.