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.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces skills and fundamental engineering/construction concepts; specific engineering mathematics and science for construction practice; theory of Building Information Modelling (BIM), engineering drawing, including AutoCAD; construction management; and materials, structures, computing, professional practice, sustainability and health and safety issues. Soil mechanics, construction techniques, including practical surveying, are also introduced. You will undertake model-making exercises in the structures laboratory, and use computer-aided design packages to communicate your ideas efficiently.
Core modules
Engineering Design and Professional Practice
30 credits
The principal aim of this module is to provide you with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic and professional practice needed to attain professional status. The module introduces the key aspects involved in: planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures. The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development. The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.
Some elements of the module are delivered as part of the personal tutor scheme (PTS). This assists your transition into Higher Education encouraging a sense of belonging within the Faculty and within your discipline. The PTS helps you to develop good academic habits and initiates effective team working within a project management and engineering design framework, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance your employability.
Structures, Materials and Construction Methods
30 credits
The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis and mechanical behaviour of a broad range of construction engineering materials. Structural elements such as trusses under equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain, etc. are defined and calculated. You will gain knowledge of the analysis of structural components and theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary to design real world structures. Materials testing methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various construction engineering materials. A selection of materials for construction engineering applications, such as concrete, timber, metal, ceramics, polymer and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The module further introduces construction methods and building elements/features (eg. walls, roofs, finishes and services). You will learn to undertake detailing/drawing of building elements and communicate this effectively in technical reports.
Applied Mathematics and Computing Applications
30 credits
The aim of the module is to provide a background in mathematics and equip you with the mathematical and computing skills essential for solving construction related problems. The module also introduces the use of computing methods in construction engineering for problem solving, visualization and data representation including cost modelling and risk analysis. The mathematics part comprises algebra, trigonometry and statistics.
Construction Management and Site Investigation
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of construction management and the analysis of various construction site types with reference to their ground conditions. In order to develop in you an appreciation of the importance of the construction industry, its role in the UK economy will be analysed along with contextual factors that regulate and influence its operation. The role of important players in the construction sector will be examined in the context of procurement and contractual arrangements. Students will develop knowledge of site set-up operations and management. Students will also be introduced to soil mechanics and be able to apply their understanding and knowledge of geotechnics in site surveys and investigations as well as analyse their impact on the construction of permanent structures on the site.
Year 2
Year 2 includes extensive work in construction materials, BIM-enabled sustainable design (ie using Revit software), technology, surveying, business and legal principles including contract administration and project and business management. Two residential field courses in engineering surveying and geotechnics will enhance your practical skills and develop management principles.
Core modules
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.
Surveying and Fluid Mechanics
30 credits
This module covers surveying, a fundamental skill expected of any construction professional. The module deals with the instrumentation and observation principles of modern engineering surveying and develops the practical and computational skills appropriate for the undertaking of site surveys. The operating principles of surveying equipment (including GNSS/GPS) are also introduced along with a range of related themes such as the planning and subsequent reporting of site surveys. A residential field course is included.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- undertake control, detail, setting-out and levelling surveys using standard equipment including GPS;
- calculate spatial data from field survey measurements accurately and with a full understanding of what they represent;
- prepare and present survey data and supporting documentation in a clear and professional manner;
- know how to locate a project with reference to national and local coordinate systems and benchmarks and understand the inherent errors and uncertainties;
- use (design and interpret) maps, plans and original survey data to communicate spatial information for use in design or construction; and
- undertake a risk assessment and hazard analysis for a project site to be surveyed.
Construction Business and Law
30 credits
This module develops knowledge and understanding of construction (building and civil engineering) business and law which are fundamental to the practice of a professional construction manager. The nature of business and law associated with the construction/engineering environment and allied skills are delivered to cover the law of contract, tort, criminal law, statutory requirements and business. An understanding to the legal principles, obligations, liabilities and powers of those parties involved is developed in application to procurement, estimating and tendering.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Apply construction/engineering economics and finance principles to scenarios.
- Investigate and recommend different procurement routes for construction /engineering services.
- Explain the obligations, liabilities and powers of parties under construction/engineering contracts.
- Explain the roles of regulatory bodies and compliance with statutory requirements.
- Form contract documents and price works.
- Analyse business and legal situations, write reports and make verbal presentations.
Materials, Design and Procedures
30 credits
This module develops knowledge of the behaviour and characteristics of construction materials, taking into account sustainability issues. The design of civil engineering structures, from a conceptual viewpoint to completion in an engineering and construction context, is considered. This activity aims to promote team working, develop academic and communications skills. The module develops further understanding in ground technology and geotechnical engineering techniques. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of engineering geology, formation of soils and rocks and how the rock type controls both the landforms that result and the engineering and constructions problems that may be encountered.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Investigate and recommend the use of various construction materials as per appropriate BS/EN provisions and sustainability issues.
- Design and appraise building superstructure elements and services for commercial and multi-storey buildings.
- Participate in professional roles in teamwork within an engineering design project, communicating ideas relating to conceptual designs in writing, drawings and oral presentations from the conception to completion.
- Describe the structure of the earth, the formation of rocks and soils and geological and geomorphological structures.
- Demonstrate an understanding of groundwater and its implications for construction below ground level.
- Apply concepts in ground technology and geotechnical engineering techniques and discuss their environmental and health and safety implications as well as geotechnical risk in relation to superstructure.
Year 3/4
Final year involves the in-depth study and application of contractual procedures including health and safety and environmental law, site practice and management, including a construction site visit, managing collaborative workflows in a BIM environment and building and environmental engineering. You will carry out an individual project focused on research into a specialised subject.
Core modules
Building and Environmental Engineering
30 credits
This module aims to provide a detailed appreciation of construction processes and techniques, the design and integration of building and environmental services, the performance requirements of the building envelope, and the integration of these various factors into a cost-effective building design. The benefits of holistic building design and construction that give due consideration to the performance of the building envelope, the design and integration of mechanical and electrical installations to provide internal quality and the management of buildings during the course of their lifecycle.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Appreciate purpose and use of construction design options.
- Recommend the appropriate forms of construction associated with industrial, residential or public buildings, using sustainable and environmentally acceptable materials and architectural styles.
- Demonstrate the importance of the CDM regulations, building regulations, approved documents and planning law and their effect upon building design and development.
- Describe the requirements of buildings to meet with current environmental standards; explain the concept of sustainability and the move towards zero carbon development.
- Identify the efficient design of service systems and their influence on the form of buildings.
- Reveal the benefits of implementing asset management strategies for the client.
Site Practice and Management
credits
This module develops previous learning regarding construction technology, including road construction and traffic management, services engineering, architectural and structural design, facility with drawings, estimating, quantity surveying, architectural technology, knowledge of construction law, health and safety, contracts and procurement, quality, sustainability and how to operate as an ethical and competent professional at management level in the construction industry.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Participate in simulated team meetings at industrial managerial level.
- Apply a knowledge of technology, including road construction and traffic planning, suitable for a managerial overview of running building sites.
- Apply a knowledge of programming software and use of a range of planning techniques that integrate with managing and planning for building sites.
- Apply management principles, theories of leadership, motivation, quality, Health and Safety requirements and sustainable design for a construction project.
- Carry out report writing and produce documents for a project.
Contractual Procedures
30 credits
This module develops knowledge and understanding of the procedures and associated law when engaged in engineering and construction contracts by reference to standard, professional services and design and builds forms of contract. Understanding the roles of statutory bodies and their required procedures is covered along with relevant skills developed in contractual procedures and analysis of common contractual scenarios. The effective and efficient use of procedures in developing business sustainability is an important element of studies undertaken.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Develop construction and engineering contract procedural skills.
- Define the obligations, liabilities and powers of parties for construction, engineering and professional services contracts.
- Explain the notices and notifications related to statutory approval.
- Analyse, apply relevant procedures and law, and make recommendations in the use of engineering, construction and professional services contracts.
- Apply appropriate procedure relating to contract and applicable law.
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.
