Author(s): Gabriel Echavez
Linked Author(s): Gabriel Echávez
Keywords: Hydraulic Studies; Hydraulic Engineering in Mexico
Abstract: One of the most prestigious universities of Latin-America is the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Founded on September 21,1551, by a royal decree of Charles V of Spain, became, with the passing of time, the largest university of the country with an actual enrolment of around 300,000 students, and has been ranked as one of the best Spanish-language institutions of higher learning in the world. In 1790, its School of Engineering was founded, mainly to take care of the pressing problems related to the mining activities, and in 1957, due to the importance and need to form more specialized professors, scientists and professionals; the Graduate Division of Engineering was established. This Division first offered three Civil Engineering specialties: Structures, Soil Mechanics and Hydraulics with a strong emphasis in mathematics and basic knowledge. At that time, the requirements to obtain a degree were similar to those required in the master's and doctoral programs of the United States, possibly, because the most influential professors were Drs. or PhDs. from prestigious American and European universities. Due to the necessity to provide water of good quality to the always growing cities and towns, and to develop and use the hydropower and irrigation potential of Mexico, it was essential the advance of the speciality in hydraulics; more so, considering the badly distributed population and the irregular precipitation, in terms of space and time, of the rain in the country. The doctor and master graduates of this program have participated not only in important water related works, such as building dams and irrigation systems, but also have been influential in the government and consultant levels to make more efficient the use of our water resources. This paper presents the background and history, from 1957 to today, of graduate studies of Hydraulics as a Civil Engineering specialty at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. It shows the characteristics and evolution of students, professors and facilities. Finally, it includes examples of the impact and influence hydraulic specialists have had in Mexico and general conclusions on the changing conditions that this field currently faces.
Year: 2009