College of Engineering Education

BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

1. Course Number: BCE 211/F

2. Course Name: Fundamentals of Surveying
3. Course Description: This course deals with the use of principle surveying instruments, surveying
measurements and error theory, basic plane surveying operations and
computational method of positions, horizontal and vertical distance
measurements, traverse and areas, horizontal and vertical curves,
earthworks, and global positioning system. The overall course is designed to
make the students able to learn and understand the theory and practice of
basic survey measurements and to impact awareness on the various fields of
surveying and types of instruments.
4. Pre-requisite: DRAW 101/D
5. Co-requisite: None
6. Credit: 3.0 units lecture, 2.0 unit lab
7. Class Schedule: 3 lecture hours and 12 hours laboratory (per week)

8. Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of BS Civil Engineering (BSCE) Program:

Three to five years after graduation, the BSCE graduates are expected to:
1. Pursue to be globally competitive through engineering professional’s engagement,
completion of an advanced degree, and/or participating in professional development
programs or trainings.
2. Demonstrate professional success through collaborations and innovations in the field;
addressing technical, environmental, economic, social, political, and/or business
challenges.
3. Exhibit professional behavior and attitude in engineering practice.
9. Student Outcomes (SO) of BSCE and their links to PEO
PEO
By the time of graduation, the students of the BSCE program shall have the ability to:
1 2 3
apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve complex civil engineering
SO a   
problems;
SO b * design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;   
design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic
SO c   
constraints, in accordance with standards;
SO d * function in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams;   
SO e * identify, formulate, and solve complex civil engineering problems;   
SO f understand professional and ethical responsibility;   
communicate effectively civil engineering activities with the engineering community and
SO g *   
with society at large;
understand the impact of civil engineering solutions in a global, economic,
SO h   
environmental, and societal context;
SO i recognize the need for, and engage in life-long learning;   
SO j know contemporary issues;   
use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for civil engineering
SO k *   
practice;
know and understand engineering and management principles as a member and leader
SO l   
of a team in a multidisciplinary environment;
SO m understand at least one specialized field of civil engineering practice.   

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

Note: * SO being addressed in this course

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

VISION: By 2022, a globally recognized institution providing
(PEOs) OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
quality, affordable and open education.
PROGRAM (CE)
MISSION: To provide a dynamic and supportive academic
1. Pursue to be globally competitive
environment through the highest standards of instruction,
through engineering professional’s
research and extension in a non-sectarian institution committed engagement, completion of an
to democratizing access to education. advanced degree, and/or participating
in professional development programs
VALUES: Excellence, Honesty and Integrity, Innovation and or trainings.
Teamwork
2. Demonstrate professional success
CORE COMPETENCY: “Quality affordable open education” through collaborations and
innovations in the field; addressing
technical, environmental, economic,
social, political, and/or business
challenges.

3. Exhibit professional behavior and

STUDENT OUTCOMES (SOs) OF CIVIL ENGINEERING PROGRAM attitude in engineering practice.
(CE)

a. apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve

complex civil engineering problems
b. design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze
COURSE OUTCOMES (COs) of BCE 211/F
and interpret data
– Fundamentals of Surveying
c. design a system, component, or process to meet desired
needs within realistic constraints, in accordance with CO 1. Apply surveying concepts, principles
standards and theories on distance and angular
d. function in multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams measurements as well as area computation.
e. identify, formulate, and solve complex civil engineering
problems CO 2. Apply surveying concepts, principles
f. understand professional and ethical responsibility and theories on determining horizontal and
g. communicate effectively civil engineering activities with vertical distances using stadia.
the engineering community and with society at large
h. understand the impact of civil engineering solutions in a CO 3. Acquire a working knowledge in
design and lay-out of horizontal or vertical
global, economic, environmental, and societal context
curves in highway or railway.
i. recognize the need for, and engage in life-long learning
j. know contemporary issues CO 4. Determine the appropriate
k. use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools methodology in calculating earthworks in
necessary for civil engineering practice various civil engineering constructions.
l. know and understand engineering and management
principles as a member and leader of a team in a
multidisciplinary environment
m. understand at least one specialized field of civil
engineering practice

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

10. Course Outcomes (CO) of BCE 211/F and their links to SO

Upon completion of the course, the BSCE students are SO

expected to:
a b c d E f g h i j k l m
CO 1. Apply surveying concepts, principles and theories on
distance and angular measurements as well as area D E I E E
computation.
CO 2. Apply surveying concepts, principles and theories on
determining horizontal and vertical distances using D E I E E
stadia.
CO 3. Acquire a working knowledge in design and lay-out
D E I E E
of horizontal or vertical curves in highway or railway.
CO 4. Determine the appropriate methodology in
calculating earthworks in various civil engineering D E I E E
constructions.
Legend: I = Upon attainment of this CO, students will have been introduced to the SO.
E = Upon attainment of this CO, students will have enabled themselves to attain the SO.
D = Upon attainment of this CO, students will have demonstrated partly or fully the SO.

CO and Assessment Task Alignment

Assessment Task
CO Theory-based Practice- Assessment Coverage
based Schedule
Problem Set Fieldwork First Exam  Introduction to Surveying
 Types of Surveying
 Introduction of the Survey Lab
 Measurement of horizontal
distances
Problem Set - Final Exam
1. Apply surveying  Measurement of vertical distances
concepts, principles
and theories on  Tachymetry Surveys
distance and  Measurement of Directions and
Angles
angular
 Traversing and traverse
measurements as Problem Set - Second Exam computations
well as area  Balancing the Traverse
computation.  Area Computation
 Missing Data

4. Apply surveying  Stadia Theory

concepts, principles Problem Set Fieldwork Second Exam  Measurement by Stadia for
and theories on Horizontal Distance
 Measurement by Stadia for Inclined
determining

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

horizontal and Distance

vertical distances Problem Set - Final Exam  Sources of Error in stadia work
using stadia.  Stadia Interval Factor

6. Acquire a working  Topographic Surveying

knowledge in  Horizontal Curves
Problem Set Fieldwork Third Exam
 Simple Curve
design and lay-out
 Compound Curve
of horizontal or
 Reversed Curve
vertical curves in  Vertical Curves
highway or railway. Problem Set Project Final Exam  Parabolic Curves
Proposal

8. Determine the  Earthwork Operations

appropriate  Volume of Earthworks
methodology in  Mass Diagramming
Fieldwork
 Global Positioning System
calculating Problem Set Final Exam  Locating lots using GPS
earthworks in  Boundary mapping using GPS
various civil Project
engineering proposal
constructions.

Assessment Task Details (Theory-based)

Assessment Coverage Assessment Details

Schedule Task

First Exam Topics from Problem Set You are expected to demonstrate knowledge and
1st to 6th Week understanding on surveying terminologies, introduction
to surveying, introduction to survey laboratory,
measurement of horizontal distance, measurement of
vertical distance.

You are also expected differentiate surveying types and

be able to explain each type thoroughly. Calculate
distances using surveying principles.

Furthermore, you are expected to solve problems

knowledge pertaining to error theory.

Scoring System:
Each problem has corresponding points and your
solution will be graded according to the following
criteria: (see attached rubrics)
1. Identify an engineering problem -20%
2. Formulate engineering solutions to a given
problem-40%
3. Apply the best solution to an engineering
problem- 40%
Second Topics from Problem Set You are expected to demonstrate knowledge and
7th to 10th understanding on surveying terminologies and concepts
Week of tachymetry surveys.

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

You will also learn to solve areas using different methods

including parcel with missing data. In line with this, you
expected to master the use of stadia principles in solving
vertical distance using different methods of determining
elevations, be able to solve even inclined distance.
In addition, you will be tasked to solve problems
involving angular measurements, bearings, and
azimuths.

Scoring System:
Each problem has corresponding points and your
solution will be graded according to the following
criteria: (see attached rubrics)
 Identify an engineering problem -20%
 Formulate engineering solutions to a given
problem-40%
 Apply the best solution to an engineering
problem- 40%
Third Exam Topics from Problem Set You are expected to sketch and solve different types of
11th to 14th curves used in road construction. You will be able to
Week decide on what type of horizontal curve must be used in
a certain area, it could be simple, compound or
reversed. You will also learn to relate the slope of an
existing road to design the appropriate vertical curve to
be used.

You are also expected to showcase your knowledge in

topographic surveying by producing a contour map that
can be used as a basis for your road design.

Scoring System:
Each problem has corresponding points and your
solution will be graded according to the following
criteria: (see attached rubrics)
1. Identify an engineering problem -20%
2. Formulate engineering solutions to a given
problem-40%
3. Apply the best solution to an engineering
problem- 40%
Final Exam All topics Problem Set You are expected to interpret contour maps for you to
calculate the earthwork operations needed. Earthwork
operation includes volume of earthworks from different
stations and mass diagramming.

You are likewise expected to locate lots using Global

Positioning System and map it accordingly.

Scoring System:
Each problem has corresponding points and your
solution will be graded according to the following

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

criteria: (see attached rubrics)

1. Identify an engineering problem -20%
2. Formulate engineering solutions to a given
problem-40%
3. Apply the best solution to an engineering
problem- 40%

Assessment Task Details (Practice/Performance-based)

Assessment Coverage Assessment Details

Schedule Task

First Exam Topics from Fieldwork  In this task, you are required to set-up different types
1st to 6th Week of surveying instrument. The goal of this task is for you
to apply the knowledge you acquire and set-up
instrument appropriately and get data accurately.

 You will presume the role of a surveyor starting to

gather data by setting up a transit or theodolite.

 You are tasked to set-up tripod and an assigned

instrument for you. After you finish the set-up, you will
gather data using the instrument.

 You will be graded according to the following criteria

(see rubric attached)
1. Centeredness of the Bubble – 20%
2. Placement of the transit/theodolite – 20%
3. Position of the tripod – 20%
4. Accuracy of the data – 20%
5. Time and Adequacy – 20%
Second Exam Topics from Fieldwork  In this task, you will be divided in groups of five. The
7th to 10th goal of this task for you to calculate the area of a
Week certain land with different geometric conditions.

 You will presume the role of a survey party composing

instrument man, computer, recorder, assistant chief of
party and chief of party.

 You will be given a piece of land and tasked to calculate

its area under different geometric conditions.

 You will be graded according to the following criteria

(see rubric attached)

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

1. Field Observation – 40%

2. Planning and Organization – 30%
3. Technical Skill / Professionalism – 30%

Third Exam Topics from Fieldwork  In this task, you will be divided in groups of at least
11th to 14th seven members each. The goal of this task for you to
Week layout the geometric design of road namely horizontal
curve.

 You will presume the role of a survey party composing

tapeman (2), instrumentman, rodman, computer,
recorder, assistant chief of party, and chief of party.

 You will be given a piece of land and tasked to layout a

route, you are required to layout at least one simple
curve, one compound curve, and one reversed curve.
This task will help you to prepare for your project
proposal.

 You will be graded according to the following criteria

(see rubric attached)
1. Field Observation – 40%
2. Planning and Organization – 30%
3. Technical Skill / Professionalism – 30%

Final Exam Topics from Fieldwork  In this task, you will be divided in groups of ten. The
15th to 18th goal of this task for you to calculate the volume of
Week earthwork required for a given route for a given time.

 You will presume the role of a survey party composing

tapeman (2), rodman (2), flagman, computer, recorder,
assistant chief of party and chief of party.

 You will be given one hour to complete the task. The

instructor will give you the route that you will work on
and further instructions to be followed.

 In line with this, since this is the last fieldwork

examination, you need to submit your completed
Laboratory Manual with the data and solutions of all
the performed laboratory exercises. This will serve as
your final permit for the said fieldwork.

 You will be graded according to the following criteria

(see rubric attached)
1. Field Observation – 40%
2. Planning and Organization – 30%
3. Technical Skill / Professionalism – 30%

Final Exam All topics Project  In this task, you are required to submit a complete
Proposal design of a road network.
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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

 You will presume the role of a civil engineer designing a

highway from conducting topographic survey from the
traversed being laid out.

 As civil engineer, you must able to design at least one

simple curve, compound curve, reversed curve and
vertical curve.

 You need to develop and provide appropriate

construction drawings printed in a 20 x 30 tracing
paper that would satisfy the following requirements:
1. Cross-sections and slopes as per DPWH standards
2. Minimum of at least one simple, compound,
reversed and vertical curves. Show all
computations in an A4 size book paper(Font type:
Cambria, Font size: 12, 1.5 spacing)

3. Draw to scale the following:

a. Road Plan 1:1000
b. Profile and centerline of ground surface and
the road 1:1000
c. Relative profiles of the pavement edges with
respect to centerline, Horizontal 1:1000,
vertical as desired
d. Cross sections at stations 1:200
e. Mass diagram; horizontal 1:1000, vertical as
desired

 You will be graded according to the following criteria

(see rubric attached):
1. Project on Time and Adequacy – 10%
2. Project Presentation – 30%
3. Project Output – 30%
4. Design Computation – 30%

11. COURSE OUTLINE AND TIME FRAME

TIME FRAME TOPICS TLA REQUIRED READINGS

Week 1  Orientation (UM VMG, CEE PEO,
Grading System)  Discussion La Putt, J.P. (2010) Elementary
 Lecture
 Policies & Guidelines Surveying (3rd ed.): Baguio Research
 Introduction to Surveying and Publishing Center
 Types of Surveying
 Introduction of the Survey Lab

Week 2  Measurement of horizontal

To distances  Lecture La Putt, J.P. (2010) Elementary
Week 3  Measurement of Distance,  Solving additional
Errors in measurement problems from Surveying (3rd ed.): Baguio Research
 Pacing textbook
and Publishing Center
 Taping  Laboratory Exercise

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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

and field works

Week 4  Measurement of vertical
To distances/elevation  Lecture La Putt, J.P. (2010) Elementary
Week 6  Two-Peg Test  Solving additional
 Differential Leveling problems from Surveying (3rd ed.): Baguio Research
 Profile Leveling textbook
and Publishing Center
 Curvature and Refraction  Laboratory Exercise
 Elevation Determination and field works

FIRST EXAMINATION
Week 7  Tachymetry Surveys
to  The Stadia Theory La Putt, J.P. (2010) Elementary
Week 8  Measurement by Stadia for  Lecture
Horizontal Distance  Solving additional Surveying (3rd ed.): Baguio Research
 Measurement by Stadia for problems from
Inclined Distance and Publishing Center
textbook
 Sources of Error in stadia  Laboratory Exercise
work
and field works
 Stadia Interval Factor
 Triangulation and
Trilateralization
Week 9  Measurement of Directions and
to Angles  Lecture
Week 10  Bearing and Azimuth  Solving additional La Putt, J.P. (2010) Elementary
 Magnetic Declination problems from Surveying (3rd ed.): Baguio Research
 Traversing and traverse textbook
computations  Laboratory Exercise and Publishing Center
 Balancing the Traverse and field works
 Area Computation
 Missing Data
SECOND EXAMINATION
Week 11  Topographic Surveying La Putt, J.P. (2010) Elementary
to  General Characteristics of  Lecture
Week 12 Contours  Solving additional Surveying (3rd ed.): Baguio Research
problems from and Publishing Center
textbook
 Laboratory Exercise Nathanson, J.A. (2011). Surveying
and field works Fundamentals and Practices: Boston:
Prentice Hall

Week 13  Horizontal Curves Garber, Nicholas A. (2015). Traffic and

To  Simple Curves by Chord-  Lecture highway engineering. 5th Ed., Cengage
Week 14 Deflection Method;  Solving additional
problems from
Learning. Chapter 1
Tangent Offset Method;
textbook
Sub-Chord-Deflection
 Laboratory Exercise Ghilani, Charles D. (2016). Elementary
Method; Moving-Up on the and field works surveying: an introduction to
Curve; When the Point of
geomatics. Boston: Pearson/Prentice
Intersection is Inaccessible;
Hall
Using Two Total Stations;
and When an Obstacle
Nathanson, Jerry A. (2011). Surveying
Intervenes on the Curve
fundamentals and practices. Boston:
 Compound Curves
 Reversed Curves Prentice Hall
 Vertical Curves
THIRD EXAMINATION

Week 15  Earthwork Operations Garber, Nicholas A. (2015). Traffic and

to  Volume of Earthworks highway engineering. 5th Ed., Cengage
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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

Week 16  Mass Diagramming  Lecture Learning. Chapter 1

 Solving additional
problems from Ghilani, Charles D. (2016). Elementary
textbook
surveying: an introduction to
 Laboratory Exercise
and field works geomatics. Boston: Pearson/Prentice
Hall

Nathanson, Jerry A. (2011). Surveying

fundamentals and practices. Boston:
Prentice Hall
Week 17  Global Positioning System  Lecture Ghilani, Charles D. (2016). Elementary
To  Locating lots using GPS  Solving additional surveying: an introduction to
Week 18  Boundary mapping using problems from geomatics. Boston: Pearson/Prentice
GPS textbook Hall
 Laboratory Exercise
and field works
FOURTH EXAMINATION

12. TEXTBOOK: Ghilani, C.D. (2016). Elementary Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics. Boston:
Pearson/Prentice Hall

REFERENCES
a. Ogundare, John Olusegun (2016). Precision surveying : the principles and geomatics practice.
Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley
b. Leick, Alfred (2015). GPS satellite surveying (4th Ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley and Sons
c. Lee, S.J. (2014). Willis's Elements of Quantity Surveying (12th ed.): Chichester, West Sussex, United
Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
d. Nathanson, Jerry A. (2011). Surveying f(undamentals and practices. Boston: Prentice Hall
e. Ghosh, JK (2010). Elementary Engineering Surveying. Nel Delhi (India): Studium Press Pvt. Ltd.
f. Garber, Nicholas A.(2015). Traffic and highway engineering. 5th Ed., Cengage Learning
g. Surveying.(2015). UAE : 3G eLearning
.

13. COURSE EVALUATION

Assessment methods Weights
I. LECTURE 50%
A. Exam 1 10%
B. Exam 2 10%
C. Exam 3 10%
D. Exam 4 30%
E. Quizzes 10%
F. Assignments/Plates 10%
G. Oral Recitation/Board Work/Seat Work 10%
H. Group Work/Group Plates 10%
LECTURE GRADE 100%
II. LABORATORY 50%
I. Field Exercises / Performance 30%
J. Field manual/ Plates 40%
K. Practical Exam 30%
LABORATORY GRADE 100%
FINAL GRADE 100%

14. POLICIES AND GUIDELINES.

a. Attendance is counted from the first regular class meeting.
b. A validated student identification card must always be worn by all students while attending
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BCE 211/F – COURSE SYLLABUS

classes.
c. Cheating is strictly prohibited. Any form of dishonesty shall be dealt with accordingly. Honesty is
called for at all times.
d. Valid examination permits are necessary in taking the examinations as scheduled. CELLULAR
PHONES or any ELECTRONIC GADGETS and PRESCRIBED PRC CALCULATORS are NOT allowed
during EXAMINATIONS.
e. Base-15 grading policy should be observed. Students who obtained failing scores in major exams
are recommended to attend the tutorial class.
f. The policies and guidelines from existing relevant operational procedures manual (OPM)
instituted by the university shall always be adhered.

Prepared by: Reviewed by:

NORODDIN V. MELOG, RCE
MARIA CYNTHIA DONITA M. VILLASENCIO, RCE SHOWNA LEE T. SALES, RCE, RMP, ME1
EMMANUEL S. GALLORA SR., RCE, RMP BSCE, Program Head
JOSE S. CONDONAR JR., MAEE-CE
Faculty

References reviewed by:

BRIGIDA E. BACANI, MAEd-LS

Head-LIC

Recommending approval:

CHARLITO L. CAÑESARES, DEng-ME

Dean, College of Engineering Education

Approved by:

PEDRITO M. CASTILLO II, Ed. D

AVP-Learning Innovation and Design

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