What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.
On this course, you will gain a good mix of theoretical, practical, academic, management and industrial-based skills.
Year 1
Year 1 develops your skills in engineering science, mathematics, computing, engineering drawing (including AutoCAD), fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, structures, materials and sustainable construction and design. There is an emphasis on practical work, including surveying, model-making and computer-aided design packages.
Core modules
Sustainable Construction and Design
30 credits
This module introduces the concept of sustainability and its impact upon civil engineering and construction. The module incorporates a consideration of the stages of design including demolition, possible reuse, recycling, sustainable materials, techniques and design and construction methods. In addition, the module introduces the basic principles of land surveying in an engineering design context and provides practical knowledge on using surveying instruments along with computer aided design (CAD).
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of sustainability agenda and possible solutions when dealing with associated engineering design problems;
- define sustainable construction principles;
- recommend a range of sustainable materials, sustainable techniques and technologies;
- describe the engineering design process from conception to completion through design ideas in writing, AutoCAD engineering drawings and oral presentations;
- describe principles of land surveying in the context of engineering design project and demonstrate competence in operating basic surveying instruments; and
- appreciate the professional roles in teamwork within an engineering design project, as well as the interpersonal skills required to work effectively.
Engineering Mechanics, Structures & Materials
30 credits
The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain, etc. are defined and calculated. The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real world structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials. A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratories.
Engineering Mathematics and Computing Applications
30 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip you with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The module also introduces the use of computing methods in engineering. The mathematics part comprises algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors. The computing part covers the use of software for problem solving, visualisation and data representation. The emphasis is on using mathematical and computational tools to solve engineering problems.
Fluid Mechanics and Engineering Science
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and engineering science. Taught to mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering students, it will use this broad audience to enhance a collaborative learning environment. The fluid mechanics section will cover the fundamental properties of fluids and the main basic conservation equations used and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement. The engineering science section will consider subject areas relevant to each discipline. For mechanical and aerospace engineering students it will introduce thermodynamics and electrical engineering and for civil engineering students it will consider soil mechanics. The thermodynamics topic covers the key concepts of system, work, heat and the main thermodynamics laws with special reference to their engineering applications. The electrical engineering section covers the basic concepts and electrical quantities such as charge, current, resistance, voltage, power and energy before looking at fundamental electrical components and how they can be incorporated into both AC and DC circuits. The soil mechanics topic will introduce the fundamental properties of soils and their essential aspects.
Year 2
Year 2 comprises practical-focused studies covering specific civil engineering subjects such as hydraulics, geotechnics, structures, construction materials and site surveying. You will also gain a thorough grounding in project and business management. There are two residential field courses, in engineering surveying and geotechnical engineering.
Core modules
Geotechnical Engineering 1 and Hydraulics
30 credits
This is a core module for level 5 Civil and Infrastructure Engineering students that builds upon the level 4 Module EG4013, developing the analysis and engineering design in hydraulics and geotechnics. The hydraulics section considers natural river courses and the conveyance of water through pipelines, culverts and canals. The geotechnics section concentrates on engineering geology, emphasising the influence of subsurface conditions on civil engineering design and construction; also covered are principles of effective stress and shear strength as well as their use in design. The analysis of groundwater seepage and the dewatering of below-ground works are linked to other aspects of civil engineering hydraulics. The module is primarily delivered through a programme of interactive sessions supported by an extensive laboratory programme and a week-long residential field trip.
Engineering Surveying
30 credits
This is a core module for Civil and Infrastructure Engineering students at Level 5. Surveying is a fundamental skill expected of any civil engineer and this module builds on the surveying introduced at Level 4 in EG4010. This module exposes you to the instrumentation and observation principles of modern engineering surveying, and develops your theoretical understanding and relevant mathematical expertise as well as your practical skills. The operating principles of surveying equipment (including GNSS/GPS), are all covered in the programme and supported by practical exercises including a residential field course. Further sessions explore a range of mathematically more advanced themes such as error analysis and geometric designs (eg. road curves, earthworks) that forms some basis for aspects of the Level 6 module CE6012.
Structural Engineering 1 and Construction Materials
30 credits
This is a core module for level 5 Civil and Infrastructure Engineering students. The module expands on the methodologies and techniques given in EG4011 for structural design at a fundamental level in steel, concrete, masonry and timber, and develops your ability to produce competent and professional structural designs. The consideration of a variety of construction materials, including sustainability issues, will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of material behaviour, an essential component of civil engineering projects. The module will include the design of civil engineering structures from a conceptual viewpoint laying the foundations for the level 6 module CE6013.
Engineering Project Management
30 credits
The module includes principles and commercial practices for the management of engineering projects and related wider business operations. The nature of project engineering and business management is considered in the context of quality, time, risk and sustainability aspects. The module is contextualised for mechanical and automotive professionals to promote and broaden knowledge of how companies and organisations work in the project and business environment. This module continues effective team working as well as developing interpersonal skills.
Year 3/4
Your final year will broaden your understanding of core civil engineering disciplines (structures, hydraulics and geotechnics) with building and environmental engineering, and includes a field trip devoted to coastal engineering. You will also study the development, design and construction of sustainable infrastructure, focusing on water engineering, transport, highway and the energy sector. You will carry out an individual project and take part in a major group design exercise with fellow students.
Core modules
Structural Engineering 2 and Geotechnical Engineering 2
30 credits
This is a core module for level 6 Civil and Infrastructure Engineering students. The module covers methodologies and techniques for the structural analysis and design of steel, concrete and timber structures at an advanced level, as well as geotechnical design of a wide range of foundations, building upon knowledge gained at Level 5. Upon the completion of this module you will be able to produce competent and professional structural and geotechnical designs. This will stimulate you to develop an interest and awareness of the scope and nature of structural and geotechnical engineering within the design process and to encourage creativity. Development of team working skills and independent study is an important part of the module. This module intends: to develop structural and geotechnical design technical skills, to increase awareness of the role of the structural and geotechnical engineers in solving design and construction problems, to encourage you to utilise your membership of professional institutions and to enhance your employability.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment
30 credits
This is a core module for the final year BEng and BSc Civil Engineering courses. The module has been formulated to broaden your perspective on the infrastructure that underpins a developed society and the role of the civil engineer in its design, construction, maintenance and management. The requirement for sustainable solutions will be emphasised throughout the module, considering the influencing environmental, economic, social and political factors. A global perspective will be introduced by considering case studies throughout the world and discussing the different factors that influence the infrastructure. Graduate employment opportunities will be outlined in the various sectors, reinforced by guest lectures from expert practitioners/researchers and relevant site visits. The module will consider the broad range of infrastructure with a focus on transportation and water, opening up career path opportunities for graduates.
Individual Project
30 credits
The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of your own choice and to initiate, design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. The work in the project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to your degree. Additionally, this allows you to develop and practice your research skills that will be invaluable for the future. You are encouraged to work independently, study a topic in depth, review previous work, collect, and interpret and analyse information. This is also intended to develop your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing. In undertaking the work you should demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing literature and in using one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions. To support you a series of workshops will be given along with individual one-to-one supervision to ensure that you are supported throughout the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprise an interim report, an oral presentation and the completed project.
This module completes the undergraduate personal tutor scheme (PTS). The scheme assists you in your transition to level 6, supporting you in the achievement of your full academic potential. Furthermore the PTS encourages you to be proactive in planning your professional career and/or postgraduate study.
Business Management and Group Project
30 credits
This module gives you an opportunity to work as a member of a design team on an Aerospace/Mechanical/Civil design project. It also further develops your broader understanding of the business context of engineering activities. It will develop a set of skills and techniques which will prepare you for employment.
