Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Materials science
Year: 1
This module investigates structure/behaviour correlations, bonding, states of aggregation, composites, imperfections, behaviour phenomena and property enhancement of metals, cement pastes and concrete, timber, organic binders, masonry and synthetic polymers. Basic properties and classification of soils are also investigated. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and laboratory assignments.
Construction studies 1
Year: 1
This module introduces the construction profession and the construction process in its widest form, examining the interaction between design, construction methods/materials, the programming of work and health and safety issues. Learning will be supplemented by the use of site visits, in order to examine real situations and MSProject, a computer software package widely used in industry. The module is examined both by continuous assessment and examination.
Design and Graphical Communications
Year: 1
This module introduces the design process. It uses an historical perspective and the observation of existing structures and infrastructure to develop an understanding of civil engineering systems. Creativity/innovation are encouraged in the solution of problems and the construction of physical models undertaken. Skills in the graphical communication of design ideas and details by sketching, manual draughting and CAD are developed.
IT and Communications (Sustainable Development)
Year: 1
This module introduces the topics of BIM and sustainability to the students in the broad context of the built environment. It covers sustainable development on a thematic basis and ensures that the students are aware of the key sustainability challenges facing engineers. Both written and oral communication skills are developed through lectures, BIM practicals and practical IT computer labs, to help embed the critical communication and referencing skills needed throughout their academic studies.
Structural Mechanics
Year: 1
Civil and Safety engineering design and construction activities require knowledge of the forces due to the statical behaviour of structures. This module introduces common analysis methods for simple structures comprising rigid bodies, beams, two member pin jointed structures and multi member determinate pin jointed plane trusses. Practical classes illustrate the use of these analysis methods at laboratory scale.
Fluid Mechanics
Year: 1
Civil, Safety and Energy engineering design and construction activities require knowledge of the forces due to the statical and dynamical behaviour of water. Methods of determining forces arising from analyses using simple hydrostatics and hydrodynamics are given and applied to practical hydraulics problems. Practical classes illustrate the use of these analysis methods at laboratory scale.
Surveying A
Year: 1
A fundamental understanding of survey principles and practices is essential to the civil engineering and construction sectors. Moreover it lays a solid basis for progression to higher levels of study. Control of the survey and construction processes invariably requires precision and accuracy. These are obtainable only through competent use of survey equipment. This module is designed to offer significant opportunity for learners to acquire these necessary practical and computational skills.
Surveying B
Year: 1
Proper design, location, positioning and delineation of infrastructure are essential to the built environment. This module is designed to facilitate learners in developing a working knowledge of the spatial principles and practices that are essential to the civil engineering, construction and GIS sectors. The requisite skills are obtainable only through practice in application of precise measuring and observation equipment. This module offers significant opportunity to acquire and develop such skills and associated computational methods.
Engineering Mathematics
Year: 1
This module covers mathematics topics which are suitable for a first year BEng course in Engineering and first year BSc Computing with Mathematics. These topics include Calculus, Algebra, Statistics and Probability.
Traffic Engineering
Year: 1
This module is optional
This module provides an understanding of the fundamental principles of traffic engineering and the various types of solutions to the engineering and policy problems encountered. A knowledge base and understanding of the role, nature and application of traffic engineering is developed.
Year two
Geotechnics 2
Year: 2
This module seeks an appreciation of the origin and form of the landscape and its influence on construction, knowledge of raw materials used in construction and an awareness of the geological and environmental considerations influencing engineering practice. The basic concepts of ground engineering are introduced. The fundamental behaviour of soils and the measurement of soil properties are studied together with the techniques and limitations of sub-soil behaviour.
Structures 2
Year: 2
This module develops an understanding of the principles of structural analysis and stress/strain analysis. Deformation analysis and the analysis of statically indeterminate structures by flexibility, stiffness and plastic methods are included. Two and three dimensional stress and strain transformations and interactions are examined and elastic failure theories introduced. Axial buckling is investigated and torsional buckling introduced.
Water Resources 2
Year: 2
The module builds upon previous knowledge of fluid mechanics to prepare students to participate in the design of hydraulic and public engineering projects. Experience is also given in experimental work and report writing.
Structural Engineering Design 2
Year: 2
This module considers durability, deformation characteristics, design and quality control of structural materials; philosophy and concepts of key design codes of practice; design methodology and procedures for reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber and brickwork elements, use of proprietary design and detailing computer packages for reinforced concrete and structural steel.
Environmental Engineering 2
Year: 2
This module seeks to introduce the student to the interface between environmental matters and construction practices and to develop an awareness of the role of the professional engineer in the assessment of the environmental impact of construction projects.
Safety: An International and Ethical Perspective
Year: 2
Examining health and safety from a global and an ethics reasoning perspective, this module addresses the various international protocols, demonstrating how they impact upon local regulation and professional practice. In the process students develop an understanding of the concept that designs must be such that they can be built, used, maintained and eventually demolished in a safe and healthy manner and through problem-based learning put the concept into practice.
Engineering Mathematics 2
Year: 2
This level 5 mathematics module is for engineering students on Built Environment programmes. It covers a variety of mathematical methods appropriate for the solution of problems in civil, building services and energy engineering. Emphasis is placed on modelling in engineering contexts using numerical methods, linear algebra, differential equations and statistics as problem solving tools, rather than on a rigorous exposition of their theoretical basis.
Year three
Professional Practice - Civil Engineering
Year: 3
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal, interpersonal, and professional skills. The placement should support significantly the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey and professional development.
Year four
Water Resources Engineering 4
Year: 4
The module builds upon previous knowledge of hydraulics, river and water engineering to prepare students to participate in the design of hydraulic, river, hydrological and water engineering projects. Experience is also given in the development of computer methods in and report writing.
Construction Management
Year: 4
The construction industry, including the organisations and the people they employ, is always under pressure to improve its performance with respect to cost, time and quality. The module is a response to these demands, in that it examines current practice and possible areas for change in the management of process and people in design and construction. The module draws together the processes of tendering for construction and decision making within teams in construction/design operations, in the context of relevant contractual arrangements and the people/organisations concerned. The management simulation provides an opportunity for teams to choose suitable strategies for improved performance relating to procurement practice and risk. Practical applications and case studies are employed to bring reality to the classroom.
Civil Engineering Design
Year: 4
The module builds upon previous knowledge of water, highway and infrastructure engineering to prepare students to participate in the design of a broad range of civil engineering projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles and application of sustainable development and requires each student to apply innovation and creativity in a systems approach.
Soil Mechanics 4
Year: 4
Ground engineering and the installation and construction of foundations and earth retaining structures, is imperative for all civil and structural engineers. This module is the basis for the development of such expertise.
Structural analysis and design 4
Year: 4
This module seeks to prepare students for the structural design of a whole project and to introduce them to the stages involved with producing a structural design. Design is presented as following a rational methodology. The module stresses the benefits of the use of sketches in structural analysis and design and further investigates applications of equilibrium, compatibility, and material response relationships.
Project Empirical Data collection and Analysis
Year: 4
This module requires students to undertake the data gathering, analysis and conclusions for an independent, in-depth study articulated in CIV530. The need to demonstrate rigour in relation to this project and demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluation and appraisal skills in the gathered data. Students are
expected to demonstrate an applied understanding of the theories and practices behind the analysed data and link their conclusions back to identify how this filled the previously identified knowledge gaps.
Environmental Engineering 4
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module builds upon previous knowledge of environmental and civil engineering studies and prepares students to participate in the design of a broad range of engineering projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles, appreciation and application of Sustainable Development and requires the student to seek optimum solutions in several environmental challenges, across the themes of waste management, water and wastewater engineering, environmental conservation and climate change.
Highways and Transportation Engineering
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module sets out the procedures and techniques required for the design, implementation and management of transport systems. The student will assimilate knowledge of the policies, regulations and environmental aspects of transportation.