As far as the construction aspect is concerned the new department will use the experience of the Department of Civil Engineering and of organisations with links with architecture, but it will also use the other departments of the CUSTs skills for the technical aspects of the curriculum.
At local level : The Department of Civil Engineering tries to bring efficient help to the local businesses through the research and development projects carried out by the students in third year with the help of the teachers. This is sometimes completed by the technological support and experimental programmes of the Genmat centre. This final aspect will certainly be reinforced over the next few years thanks to the centres development.
At national level : The Department of Civil Engineering is developing partnerships with national companies, such as the contract signed with DV-Construction in 2001. The partner company follows the work of a whole class over the three years of study and provides technological support through specific lectures, placements offers, etc. and financial support. Another similar contract should be signed by September 2002 with the Arcelor-Entreprise Viry association..
At international level : The Department will pursue its international relations policy (at the moment 40% of the final year projects are carried out abroad). Some o the staff are involved in the elaboration of European construction rules (Eurocodes) or participate in COST programmes. Thes activites will be maintained and developed.
