Students will need specific hardware and software to complete the MEng with a concentration in Structural Engineering (SE). As with all technology, the required equipment is subject to change and additional items may need to be acquired or purchased. The Needed Equipment includes, but is not limited to:
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Hardware
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Laptop Computer
Operating System: Windows 8.1 - 64-bit, or Windows 10 - 64-bit (caution: Windows 10 S-Mode is not supported).
Processor: Single or Multi-core Pentium, Xeon, or i-Series or AMD equivalent.
Memory: 4 to 8 GB.
Hard drive: 320 GB.
Laptop or Desktop Monitor: student's choice.
- Second Monitor (required): 24" to 27" Screen - 1,280 x 1,024 with true color.
Mouse: Wireless with scroll wheel (recommended).
Graphics Card: A high quality graphics card for advanced graphics (i.e. NVIDIA® GeForce 6200 GPUs/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750). This particular high-end graphics card is required to run specific software programs (i.e. Autodesk Revit Architecture) in the CECM 689 Building Information Modeling (BIM) course. You will be using the latest version of the software.
Learn more about Autodesk software requirements:
Note about Computer Choice
We strongly recommend that SE students purchase their own Windows-based personal computer. SE students will need to have full administrative rights for their computer to install software applications for use in their CECM 669, CECM 673, and CECM 689 courses. In the past, some students attempting to use their work computers have encountered issues installing these software applications due to administrative rights restrictions and/or conflicting software on work computers.
Additionally, some students have experienced issues during exams due to incompatibility with web proctor service when using work computers. During exams, students need to have full administrative rights to allow remote access on their computer and monitor by the proctor.
Students wishing to use an Apple computer will need to take additional steps to install and run specific Windows-based software programs. This includes Microsoft Project (used in CECM 669: Advanced Project Management), Oracle Primavera Contractor (used in CECM 673: Techniques of Project Planning and Control), or Autodesk Revit and Naviswork (used in CECM 689: Building Information Modeling).
- Students will need to purchase and install either Parallels Desktop, Boot Camp, or VMWare Fusion on their Mac. Second, they will need to purchase and install a copy of the Windows Operating System.
- Students will need to purchase and install a copy of the Windows Operating System. After completing these two tasks, students should be able to install and run the required Windows-based course software programs.
The most effective and issue-free way to install and learn how to use the various required software packages taught in SE is on a Windows-based computer. Typically, students who encounter issues with the Windows-based programs are those who choose to use a Mac. Students using Windows-based computers do not encounter similar issues when installing or running these applications. Although we can provide general information and guidance, Mac users will be responsible for resolving issues that they encounter while choosing to run Windows and Windows programs on a Mac.
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Printer/Scanner
- Office Jet or all-in-one printer
- Scanner
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Storage
Back-up Drive: 1 TB External Drive.
Carry-on: Two flash drives: one 4GB, one 8GB.
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Audio/Video (Virtual Class Participation)
- Headset/earbuds
- Webcam (internal and external)
- Microphone (internal and external)
Note: Internal webcams and microphones are not suitable for online proctored exams when an external monitor is used. When an external monitor is used, the laptop must be closed, so an external webcam and microphone are required. Internal laptop webcams and microphones are suitable for virtual class participation. However, internal speakers cannot be used for virtual classes. Students are required to use an external headphone headset or earbuds.
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Internet Service
Strong reliable high-speed Internet connection – cable modem or DSL broad band with 2 to 8 MB/Sec speed service.
Test your internet speed at speedtest.net.
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Digital Textbooks/eBooks
Tablets, smart phones, and other electronic devices are not acceptable to access ebooks during proctored examinations. If ebooks are allowed by the instructor during a proctored examination, they must be accessed on the computer monitored by ProctorU. Students purchasing Kindle ebooks will need to install the Kindle for PC app on their proctored computer.
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Calculator
Standard hand-held scientific calculator.
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Laptop Computer
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Software
Students will need recent versions of:
- MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Acrobat Standard to create multi-page PDF files (or equivalent)
- Media player
- Firefox or Chrome internet browser
- Screenshot and image creating tool (Snipping Tool, One Note, or similar)
Canvas Requirements
All Structural Engineering course content is delivered through Canvas – UAB's e-learning software platform. Please refer to the Canvas computer and browser requirements.
Software Discounts
As a UAB SE student, you have access to free or discounted software through UAB IT's OnTheHub website. Of particular interest to SE Students:
- Microsoft Office 365 (includes student email and storage via OneDrive)
- Email for students through Office 365 (access set-up instructions)
- Antivirus software: Windows Defender (Windows 8.1, Windows 10), or Sophos Anti-virus (OS X). Antivirus download links are available at the bottom of IT's Prepare Your Student Computer for Use at UAB page.
Software can also be purchased at discounted prices at thinkedu.com.