Lakehead Civil Engineering course review for 24Fall EVIC5390

Computer Applications in Traffic Engineering
The core content is the design of intersection traffic light timing to improve traffic efficiency. It is a traditional civil engineering course that requires multi-step calculations using formulas. There are about four or five assignments and closed-book quizzes during class in a semester, and the quizzes are all original questions from the assignments. No need to buy a textbook; the main materials are the courseware PPTs. The simulation software used is Synchro, and only half of the computers in the classroom have the software, so you need to work in pairs. The exam is also split into two groups: one takes the written test, the other does the software part, and then they switch.

Pros:
1. The overall course concepts are relatively easy to understand.
2. The professor is easy to get along with, not many rules, and doesn't care about lateness, but there is attendance every class.

Cons:
1. The courseware logic is a bit messy.
2. The simulation software is difficult to use, and it's taught by TAs whose explanations are unclear.
3. The 20-page project report is a significant workload.
4. The professor has an accent that takes getting used to.

The biggest complaint about this course is the final exam, which doesn't match what the professor and TAs described. There were calculation problems beyond the scope, never covered in class or in the courseware. Also, the simulation software wasn't explained thoroughly.

Overall, passing is not a big problem, but getting a high grade is difficult. If you have better options, this course is not recommended.