Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering
BCEE 231: STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING AND APPLICATIONS
FOR BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERS – 3 CREDITS
Prerequisite: MATH 204; ENGR 242 previously or concurrently
IMPORTANT NOTES
1) This course outline has SEVEN pages, with critical and equally important information with
regard to this course, BCEE 231.
2) Changes to the information in the course outline, if any, will be announced through Moodle and
the course outline will be modified accordingly.
3) All materials related to the delivery of this course (lectures, notes, etc. but not the textbook)
will be uploaded in the course Moodle website.
BCEE 231: STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING AND APPLICATIONS
Instructor: Dr. Alireza Haghighat M.
Section V Winter - 2025
Office: EV 6.207
Email: alireza.haghighatmamaghani@concordia.ca
Lecture: H 431 SGW (Mondays 8:45 am to 11:30 am)
OFFICE HOURS: Mondays 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (or email me to make an appointment for another time)
Tutorial
VA
VB
Time
Mondays 2:45 pm - 3:35 pm
Mondays 2:45 pm - 3:35 pm
Location
Tutor
H 823
Kian Khaksar
H 827
Shayan Nejadshamsi
E-mail
kian.khaksar@mail.concordia.ca
sh.nejadshamsi@gmail.com
Course Descriptions
Elements of procedural programming: variables, primitive data types, scope, operators and
expressions, control structures, functions, derived data types, and basic data structures.
Program structure and development: specifications, analysis of requirements, flowcharting, incremental
development, testing, validation, and program documenting.
Application of procedural programming: application examples in mathematics, graphics, building, civil
and environmental engineering.
TEXTBOOK: Attaway, M. (2019), MATLAB®: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem
Solving, Fifth edition, 978-0-12-815479-3.
The e-book is available online through Concordia library.
It is suggested that students search the book students in Concordia library and download it
through the links provided there.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE, AND OTHER RESOURCES
1. You will make extensive use of the software MATLAB®. The package is available in all PC-labs designated
for engineering students. The student version of MATLAB® can be purchased from MathWorks via:
https://www.mathworks.com/academia/student_version.html.
Purchasing the software is not required but it is highly recommended.
2. Students are encouraged to join various user forums for MATLAB® and access to other learning sources on
the Internet. A couple of excellent examples of available resources online can be found at:
•
Excellent and Complete MATLAB Programming Online Course (free)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iN56l7dEMY&list=PLYdXvSx87cgRJfv6gZl7GjAs0GNvyg-uS
•
MATLAB’s Official Programming Handbook (free; this can be considered as the most comprehensive
resources currently available for MATLAB programming):
http://www.mathworks.com/help/pdf_doc/matlab/matlab_prog.pdf
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this course is to develop (CEAB Graduate Attributes):
A) The skill in using engineering tools: The ability to create, select and apply appropriate
techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including prediction and modelling, to a range of
engineering activities, from simple to complex, with an understanding of the associated limitations.
B) The skill for problem analysis: An ability to use appropriate knowledge and skills to identify,
formulate, analyze, and solve complex engineering problems in order to reach substantiated
conclusions.
C) A knowledge base for engineering: competence in university level mathematics, natural
sciences, engineering fundamentals, and specialized engineering knowledge appropriate to the
program.
These skills will be taught and practiced throughout the entire course via the following activities:
1. Learn and apply computer tools, and in particular, structured programming and its applications
in science and engineering.
2. Learn and apply mathematics and engineering sciences to solution of engineering problems. The
emphasis is on the appreciation of the meaning of mathematics and its applications.
3. Develop critical thinking aptitude, ability to synthesize information, and analytical skills for
formulation of problems as well as for systematic approach to solution of problems.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of BCEE 231, students will be able to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Understand the logical basis of procedural design and problem formulation
Develop a framework for algorithmic thinking
Learn the fundamentals of structural programming such as local and global variables, codes and
functions etc.
Learn the basics of programming paradigms such as statements, control structures and looping,
etc.
Develop user-defined functions, and codes
Use the elements of structural programming in real-world engineering applications relevant to
building, civil and environmental engineering
Solve engineering-problems using structural programming techniques
Expand their knowledge through supplementary materials that are not directly covered in the
class
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND ATTENDANCE
There would be no record of attendance; however, students are expected to attend classes and to do the
suggested exercises. Attending classes and doing exercise problems will prepare students for the
homework/exams, and will help them achieve the above course objectives.
Assessment will be through assignments, one individual project, mid-term and final
exams.
BCEE 231
Outline.2
The final grade is based on your performance in the following FIVE components:
a) 20% for 4 homework assignments: Submit one Zip file containing all your MATLAB codes
(.m files) to Moodle. Remember, one separate .m file for each problem of the assignment.
Watch the instructional videos on properly submitting the assignments on Moodle.
While students may discuss homework problems, they must not share nor reveal any detail of
their computer work and report — Violators will be charged1. Assignment marks will be posted
through Moodle. While marked reports will not be returned, students may contact the instructor
to review the grading. Students may submit their assignments later than the assigned due date.
See the policy below2
b) Mid-term exam (30%), which will be a 2-hour IN-PERSON EXAM3 in-class regular hour on
March 3, 9:15 AM
c) Final exam (40%), which will be a 3-hour IN-PERSON EXAM during the University-wide
examination period.
d) Individual project (10%), which will be given to students on March 17th. Individual projects
should be submitted to the tutor by hard copy on the last day of the tutorial. No late
submissions will be accepted for projects.
e) Class participation (10% bonus) - Evaluated based on in-class tasks
If your total score before the final exam is less than 40% and you decide to defer the final exam, you
will receive an R grade which prevents you from deferring the final exam.
To pass the class, both your cumulative score and the final examination must be above 50%
ACADEMIC HONESTY AND CODE OF CONDUCT
Violation of the Academic Code of Conduct in any form will be severely dealt with. This includes copying (even with
modifications) of program segments in assignments and exams. Students must demonstrate independent thought
through your submitted work. The Academic Code of Conduct of Concordia University is available at:
https://www.concordia.ca/conduct/academic-integrity.html
It is expected that during class discussions and in your written assignments you will communicate
constructively and respectfully with your peers, TA, and instructor. Impolite, sexist, racist,
homophobic, ageist, and ablest expressions will not be tolerated.
Also see the addendum for academic conduct issues that apply in general on the next page
1
http://www.concordia.ca/students/academic-integrity/code.html
2 The penalty for late submission per calendar day will be 1/7 of the original given marks. Late submission must be
sent to your tutor via email.
3 There is no makeup exam for midterm. In case midterm exam is missed, the mark of the midterm exam will be
sifted to the final exam.
BCEE 231
Outline.3
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (SECTION V)
WEEK
DATE
CHAPTERS 4,5
EVENTS & HOMEWORK
ASSIGNMENTS
Chapters 1 and 2: Introduction to MATLAB /
Vectors and Matrices
Chapter 3: Introduction to MATLAB
Programming
Tutorial begins
Jan 27
Chapter 4: Selection Statements
Set #1 assigned.
4
Feb 3
Chapter 5: Loop Statements and Vectorizing
Code
5
Feb 10
Chapter 6: MATLAB Programs – Part 1
6
Feb 17
Chapter 6: MATLAB Programs – Part 2
Feb 24
Reading week (university closed)
Set #2 due.
Set #3 assigned
7
Mar 3
Mid-term exam on chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6.
Mid-term exam
8
Mar 10
Chapter 8: Data Structures
Set #3 due.
Set #4 assigned
9
Mar 17
Chapter 9: Data Transfer
Mini Project assigned
10
Mar 24
Chapter 10: Advanced Functions
11
Mar 31
Chapter 12: Advanced plotting Techniques
12
Apr 7
Chapter 14: Advanced Mathematics
1
Jan 13
2
Jan 20
3
Set #1 due.
Set #2 assigned
Set #4 due.
Last day of tutorial
; Mini Project due
(hardcopy, to tutor)
*** Examinations begin on April 15 ***
4 Chapter numbers are corresponding with the chapters of the textbook. See Table below for suggested topics and
exercises from each chapter of the textbook.
5 Materials beyond textbook may be provided during each lecture. The exam would cover textbook, lecture notes
provided at the end of each lecture, as well as other materials covered during tutorials and lectures.
BCEE 231
Outline.4
SUGGESTED TOPICS AND EXERCISES FROM THE TEXTBOOK
CHAPTER
TOPICS6
SUGGESTED TEXT BOOK EXERCISES7
Chapter 1
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, Summary, Common
Pitfall, Programming Style Guideline.
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, Summary, Common Pitfall,
Programming Style Guideline.
1, 3, 4, 9, 16, 19, 20, 22, 34, 35,
36, 37, 38, 39.
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 16, 25, 27,
28, 33, 34, 39, 42, 46, 48, 50.
Chapter 3
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, Summary,
Common Pitfall, Programming Style Guideline.
1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 13, 14, 19, 22, 24,
26, 29, 33, 37.
Chapter 4
4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, Summary, Common Pitfall,
Programming Style Guideline.
2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 20, 23,
Chapter 5
5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, Summary, Common Pitfall,
Programming Style Guideline.
4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 15, 20, 21, 23, 25,
27, 28, 30, 32, 36, 38, 41, 44.
Chapter 6
6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, Summary, Common
Pitfall, Programming Style Guideline.
2, 4, 5, 7, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 25,
27, 29, 30.
Chapter 8
8.1, 8.2, Summary, Common Pitfall, Programming
Style Guideline.
2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 20, 21, 23.
Chapter 9
9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, Summary, Common Pitfall,
Programming Style Guideline.
3, 6, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 25, 29,
31, 33.
Chapter 10
10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, Summary, Common
Pitfall, Programming Style Guideline.
2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 23,
26, 28.
Chapter 12
12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, Summary, Common
Pitfall, Programming Style Guideline.
2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21,
23, 24, 27, 29, 32.
Chapter 14
14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.7, Summary,
Common Pitfall, Programming Style Guideline.
2, 3, 7, 11, 13, 14, 22, 24, 28, 29,
31, 32, 33, 36, 39, 40, 42, 46.
Chapter 2
24, 26, 29.
6 The topics listed here will be covered in the exams. Students are encouraged to read other sections/chapters of
the book that are not covered here for their own learning
7 The exercises identified here should be just taken as a guideline for students’ practice at home. Questions in the
exams, assignments and pop-up quizzes will go beyond the suggested exercises from the text book. Some of the
suggested questions are tackled during the tutorials.
BCEE 231
Outline.5
ADDENDUM
ACADEMIC CONDUCT ISSUES THAT APPLY IN GENERAL
The basic ten rules that make you a good engineer
The Undergraduate Engineering program is set to satisfy most of the requirements for your education and
prepares you for a professional engineering career that requires dedication and knowledge. What you learn,
and how you learn, will be used extensively in your engineering profession for the next 30 to 40 years.
Therefore, the four years spent in the engineering program are crucial towards your professional formation.
The first step is for you to learn to “think like an engineer” which means:
• Accept responsibility for your own learning
• follow up on lecture material and homework
• learn problem-solving skills, not just how to solve each specific homework problem
• build a body of knowledge integrated throughout your program
• behave professionally, ethically and responsibly
One of the mainstays of being a professional engineer is a professional code of conduct and as an engineering
student this starts with the Academic Code of Conduct (Article 16.3.14 of the undergraduate calendar).
However, you may encounter situations that fall outside the norm and in such cases, you use your common
sense. Further, the following issues should be given serious consideration:
•
Attendance at lectures and tutorials are major learning opportunities and should not be missed. Class and
tutorial attendance is important for you to comprehend the discipline and make the connections between
engineering skills. You are strongly encouraged to participate in the class, ask questions and answer the
instructor’s questions. Tutorials are just extensions of the classes in which application of the concepts
presented during the lectures are presented and problems are practically solved.
•
One key objective of midterms is to check on your comprehension of the material and allow time for whatever
action is necessary (from more study time to discontinuing a course). Plan to attend the class tests even if
they are not mandatory. If you pay attention in the lectures, it will take you significantly shorter time to
comprehend the material. Note also that if you are unable to write a final exam due to medical reasons and
seek a deferral, this may not be possible if the instructor has no information indicating that you have been
attending the course and assimilating the material (i.e. through midterms, quizzes, assignments etc.).
•
Homework is usually mandatory and it has some weight in the final grade (see information above). Homework
may also be conceived as training material for the class tests. Under all circumstances, it is highly
recommended to carry out the home work on time and submit it on the prescribed date. Late submissions will
be penalized (see the related information above). This is part of the training for being in the workforce where
deadlines have to be met. Plan your work to submit all the assignments on time and in the correct form.
•
Office hours with class instructors are listed in the course outline. Please respect these office hours and in case
you have a serious conflict, contact the instructor asking for a special time arrangement.
•
When you see your marked work (assignments, midterms, final exam etc), be aware that you are supposed
to review your material and see the type of errors you made and if marks have been added incorrectly. This
is not an opportunity to try and “negotiate” a higher grade with the instructor. If you believe that your grade
is not right, you may apply for a formal Course Re-evaluation through the Birks Student Centre.
•
Writing tests and exams represents a major component of your course work. These tests and exams have
rigorous requirements that are communicated in the UG Calendar. These requirements are there to eliminate
any possible misunderstanding. Disciplinary measures are taken when the rules are not followed.
•
Respect your colleagues and those that you meet during the class: tutors, instructors, lab instructors, technical
personnel, assistants, etc. Use appropriate communication means and language. Be considerate for all human
beings. Concordia University is a very diverse group of people and a very large multicultural community.
•
Communication is part of your future profession. Learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently in the
shortest time possible. Write short but meaningful e-mails, make effective phone calls, etc. If your instructor
accepts emails make sure that your request is clear with the course number and your name in the Subject
line. Do not ask for special treatment as instructors have to treat all students equitably.
•
Respect all the above and you will get closer to your future profession.
BCEE 231
Outline.6
ON CAMPUS RESOURCES
HEALTH SERVICES
COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
An on-campus health clinic and health promotion center with nurses and
doctors.
Counsellors (licensed mental health professionals) work with students to
address their mental health and wellbeing needs.
SGW 514-848-2424 ext. 3565
SGW 514-848-2424 ext. 3545
LOY 514-848-2424 ext. 3575
LOY 514 848-2424 ext. 3555
ACCESS CENTRE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCE CENTRE
Supports students with a variety of disability conditions (including
temporary disabilities arising from illness or injury). Students receive
academic support for their educational experience at Concordia.
Provides confidential and non-judgemental support and services to
students, staff and faculty of all genders and orientations affected by
sexual violence and/or harassment.
acsdinfo@concordia.ca 514-848-2424 ext. 3525
Jennifer Drummond, Coordinator
jennifer.drummond@concordia.ca sarc@concordia.ca
514-848-2424 ext. 3353
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE
DEAN OF STUDENTS
Support network from first-year to graduation. You’ll find one-on-one
tutors, study groups, workshops as well as learning and career advisors
Supports students to enhance their Concordia experience by engaging
in student life outside the classroom.
514-848-2424, ext. 3921
Terry Kyle, Manager
deanofstudents.office@concordia.ca SGW 514-848-2424 ext. 3517
LOY 514-848-2424 ext. 4239
ABORIGINAL STUDENT RESOURCE CENTRE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE
An on-campus resource for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students that
helps them make the most of the many resources available at the
university.
Supporting international students with immigration documents, health
insurance, social events, and workshops.
Orenda Konwawennotion Boucher-Curotte, Coordinator
orenda.boucher@concordia.ca 514-848-2424 ext. 7327
514-848-2424 ext. 3515
STUDENT ADVOCACY OFFICE
MULTI-FAITH & SPIRITUALITY CENTRE
Advocating for students facing charges under
the Academic Code of Conduct or the Code of Rights and
Responsibilities.
Provides a home for all those wishing to celebrate the human spirit in the
widest sense of the word, through programs, events and a quiet space for
reflection.
studentadvocates@concordia.ca 514-848-2424, ext. 3992
Ellie Hummel, Coordinator
mfsc@concordia.ca
iso@concordia.ca
514-848-2424, ext. 3593
CAMPUS SECURITY
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY STUDENT PARENTS CENTRE
Ensures the safety of our members and campus property through
prevention, surveillance, intervention, training, and education. Provides
emergency medical services.
An accessible space for student parents to study, share interests and
develop a support network.
security@concordia.ca 514-848-3717
(dial 1 for urgent situations; dial 2 for non-urgent situations)
BCEE 231
Sumaiya Gangat, Coordinator
cusp@concordia.ca
514-848-2424, ext. 2431
Outline.7