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
Energy and Environmental Systems
Year: 1
The module provides a firm grounding in energy conversion through fundamental theory demonstrated in the analysis of conventional and alternative energy conversion systems.
Digital Construction and Communication
Year: 1
The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.
Science for Engineers
Year: 1
Engineering and energy are rapidly evolving fields requiring enhanced levels of competency in underpinning sciences. Physics, material science and chemistry play critical role in a number of engineering areas and energy applications. This module will provide a fundamental knowledge and understanding of scientific principles relevant to engineers and energy professionals.
Year two
Mathematics - BEng
Year: 2
This module covers those mathematics topics which graduates in the engineering discipline will require for professional practice. For certain engineering courses this module also provides a platform for the further study of mathematics.
The module starts with refresher topics, includes basic algebra, mathematical functions, polynomial equations, logarithms and exponentials, trigonometry, complex numbers, matrices and determinants, vectors, differentiation and integration, and finishes with subject of sequences and series.
Sustainable Development in the Built Environment
Year: 2
This module introduces the student to a range of economic, environmental and social challenges and how these impact upon built environment disciplines. It provides for an appreciation of the policy and actions needed to stimulate behavioural change across a range of issues such as over reliance on fossil fuels, combating social deprivation, mobility and travel behaviour, consumerism and ethical thinking. Students will get the opportunity to reflect on their own attitudes and values to determine how to take more sustainable decisions and how to influence positive change in the wider built environment.
Building Services
Year: 2
This module introduces the student to the requirements of mechanical HVAC and electrical
building services in the internal environment, including design of building heating and
ventilation systems and the fundamentals of electrical design and installation within
buildings.
Year three
Electrical Distribution Systems
Year: 3
Students on this module will be equipped with the knowledge and technical skills to create safe, efficient and sustainable electrical designs for buildings, including the integration of low-carbon distributed technologies like PV, batteries and electric vehicles. Students will also learn about utility distribution networks, cyber security in critical infrastructure, and new system architectures such as Microgrids, DER Management Systems and Virtual Power Plants.
Solar energy systems and storage integration
Year: 3
This module will enable students to identify and understand the current solar thermal and solar photovoltaic technologies and understand how these resources can be managed and combined with energy storage with a view to future sustainability and demonstrate how the management of energy can benefit industry financially in the short term and influence sustainability in the longer term.
Mechanical Services Design
Year: 3
This module deals with the subject of providing mechanical HVAC systems (with reference to architectural, energy and occupant comfort) in buildings. To meet this requirement detailed fundamental principles of heating, ventilation and air conditioning are examined with a view to applying them in building services system design
Year four
Building Environmental Design
Year: 4
This module seeks to engender ownership of the profession amongst the students by giving them a taste of architecturally informed building design and practice. It introduces the students to building thermal modelling (BTM), thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics. Students completing this module will have an understanding of project management and be able to use BTM to improve the design of buildings, and how it can help deliver buildings with improved indoor environmental quality.
Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
Year: 4
This is a fundamental module for anyone studying energy systems or energy conversion technologies. It introduces the student to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer. Students will undertake a series of lectures on heat transfer and thermodynamics, which will be accompanied by laboratories and tutorials. A high level of numeracy is required and the ability to set up, observe and report on experimental apparatus.
Bio-Energy & Biofuels
Year: 4
This module will introduce students to the diverse sources, technologies and applications of energy from biomass for electricity generation, heat generation and as transport fuel. It will include the practical hands on testing and design of biomass systems. This will be relevant for the future building services engineer to cater for low environmental impact buildings
Year five
Design Evaluation
Year: 5
The module builds upon previous knowledge of building services engineering systems to prepare students to participate in the design evaluation and design processes in a wide range of energy and building services related projects. The module is firmly grounded in the principles, appreciation and application of good design and requires the student to apply innovation and creativity to arriving at installations that are 'fit for purpose'.
Energy Economics and Management
Year: 5
This module examines current and future energy markets, market participation, the development of the smart grid and how building and industrial process design can be used to optimise energy efficiency, storage and generation.
Design
Year: 5
This module provides an environment in which students are subjected to technical design and design evaluation activities to ensure that building services engineering systems are fit for purpose. The design process is presented as a logical methodology, building upon the skills and knowledge acquired from previous modules and practical experiences of work placement. In this 'hands-on' studio based setting, the module will require students to participate in exercises that involve design inquiry and analysis to challenge their perceptions of building services designs in existing buildings. The final design exercise requires the students to synthesise their technical and managerial knowledge and experiences in delivering a total building services design solution for a building with a substantial building services requirement
HVAC Systems
Year: 5
This module deals with the design and operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings with a significant emphasis on cooling and refrigeration, back dropped against architectural integration. The module instructs the student on modern methods in the design, selection and sizing of the HVAC provision for buildings and the influence of occupant comfort requirements. A study of the practical design, construction, installation and maintenance of HVAC and refrigeration plant compliment the students understanding. Finally the implications of system design, installation and commissioning are detailed against the backdrop of application, economics and energy performance.
Year six
Construction Management
Year: 6
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.
Dissertation
Year: 6
Project is an essential component of the course. It is the most student-centred element and facilitates the development of self and time management skills as well as furthering technical competence and understanding.
Green Building Design
Year: 6
This module will allow students to understand and critically appraise the factors affecting energy consumption in buildings enabling them to explore a wide range of low energy options in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. This will enable them to reduce the auxiliary energy load of any renewable energy solutions that may be considered while appreciating the main hazards to health in modern building designs.
