Experience SCIBER-CT
Immersive, Interdisciplinary Learning at the Intersection of Technology and Construction
SCIBER-CT offers a unique blend of advanced coursework, hands-on research, real-world internships, and professional development. Our program combines the flexibility of diverse technical training with the focused application of modern construction challenges.
Certificate Course Map
Students will choose two courses (6 units) from the courses below in the area of Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Technologies. All courses cover introductory and applied concepts, suitable for enginering/science students from different majors.
- COMPE 510: Machine Learning for Engineers (3 units)
- COMPE 525: Cyber-Physical Systems (3 units)
- COMPE 596: Advanced Computer Engineering Topics (1-3 units)
- ME 530: Linear Control (3 units)
- ME 532: Robot Modeling & Control (3 units)
- COMPE 532: Advanced Topics in Computer Engineering (1-3 units)
- ME 696: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering (2 or 3 units)*
* Enrollment in COMPE 596, COMPE 696, and ME 696 require Program or Graduate Advisor approval.
Students will choose two courses (6 units) from the courses listed below in critical areas of modern construction: Productivity, Safety, Digital Twins, Efficiency, and Sustainability. These courses provide a strong construction-based foundation for adopting artificial intelligence and robotics for industry challenges.
- CON E 520: Environmentally Conscious Construction (3 units)
- CON E 590: Construction Management & Safety (3 units)
- CON E 652: Construction Operations Modeling & Technology (3 units)
- CON E 656: Building Information Modeling & Digital Twins (3 units)
- CON E 696: Selected Topics in Construction Engineering (3 units)
* Enrollment in CON E 696 requires Program or Graduate Advisor approval.
Students will engage in a research project jointly supervised by two faculty members, one from the Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Department and the other from either the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department or the Mechanical Engineering Department, ensuring an interdisciplinary approach. While completing this research, students will enroll in
- CIV E 797: Independent Reseach (3 units)
During the last semester of the program, SCIBER-CT trainees will participate in an internship hosted by industry partners, providing hands-on experience in applying the knowledge gained in the classroom and research to real-world scenarios.
Your Year in SCIBER-CT
From personalized preparation through your final symposium presentation, the SCIBER-CT program provides a structured year of interdisciplinary training in modern construction technologies.
Normalization Modules (Summer)
Before your first semester, you'll complete personalized preparatory modules tailored to your background. These modules ensure all students have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in our interdisciplinary curriculum.Fall Semester
You'll take one Introduction to ARX course and one Construction course from our curriculum areas. Throughout the semester, you'll participate in professional development workshops, connect with your cohort through monthly presentations, and begin exploring research topics with faculty mentors.Spring Semester
You'll complete your second Introduction to ARX course and second Construction course while enrolling in your Research course. Working with two faculty advisors and an industry mentor, you'll define your research scope and objectives while continuing to build professional skills.Summer Semester
You'll complete your industry internship placement, applying your knowledge to real-world construction challenges. The summer culminates with presenting your research and internship experiences at our annual research symposium.
Professional Development
Beyond technical skills, you'll develop critical competencies for research and industry careers through workshops, seminars, and integrated curriculum activities.
Topics Covered:
- Scientific communication for technical and non-technical audiences
- Presentation skills including VR/AR environments
- Grant writing and publication preparation
- Effective AI prompt engineering
- Pitching ideas (Flash Talks)
- Writing for publications and proposals
- Communicating through visuals (figures, posters, slides)
How You'll Learn:
- Bi-annual workshops led by experts
- Flash Talk sessions in courses (short team presentations on course-related topics)
- Monthly trainee presentations
- Industry partner feedback on presentations
Topics Covered:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, computer science, and management
- Managing diverse, multi-disciplinary teams
- Knowledge integration and goal alignment
- Deeply integrating expertise in multi-disciplinary teams
- Overcoming challenges of large team size
How You'll Learn:
- Group projects in coursework
- Interdisciplinary research teams
- Hackathon competitions
- Peer and self-assessments
Topics Covered:
- Responsible AI development and deployment
- Privacy protection in construction data collection
- Minimizing labor disruption through inclusive technology adoption
- Environmental and climate resilience considerations
- Countering disparate impact on marginalized groups
- Ensuring AI decisions are explainable and transparent
How You'll Learn
- Ethics modules integrated into courses
- Ethical case study analyses
- Industry partner evaluation of decision-making
- Development of ethical frameworks for projects
Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Knowledge mapping, information elaboration, concept exploration, and knowledge integration using multidisciplinary team projects.
Project Management (with AI)
Effectively launching and managing projects across their lifecycle, with focus on task automation, organizational awareness, and risk management.
Leadership
Developing shared vision, building trust and psychological safety, and encouraging learning through feedback.
Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship
Design thinking, lean startup methodology, and rapid product development. Leverage SDSU's ZIP Launchpad and Lavin Entrepreneurship Center (ranked #11 among US public universities).
