Unit type:Core

The Independent Project is a major element of any engineering degree. It provides the necessary evidence that the student can work independently, is technically competent and is hence capable of entering the world of work as a professional engineer or technologist.

The aim is to develop the student's ability to work independently, in a chosen topic, using relevant technical research and design concepts, and analytical, test, measurement and evaluation techniques, in order to produce a finished artefact or product. 

The student will be expected not merely to collect, analyse and apply information, but also to exhibit other skills such as the ability to plan, manage and produce a significant technical piece of work.                             

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Negotiate and execute a realistic plan to deliver to agreed project outcomes, including structured approaches to planning, investigation and research, with due regard to the constraints of time, budget and available resources.
2. Maintain an ongoing record, and write a substantial final analytical technical report containing an extensive critical evaluation of the methods adopted and the final outcome of the project.
3. Present and discuss in a viva voce setting his/her technical project in depth, clearly communicating the critical issues and key features of the project and be prepared to answer detailed questions.

Unit type:Core

In this complex world innovation and creativity play a central role in the solution of problems in all branches of engineering.  They assist engineers in finding novel, sustainable and economic solutions of all shapes and sizes from modelling bridge behaviour to predicting the functionality of embedded systems in consumer products.

This module aims to show you that an innovative and creative approach to solutions to technical engineering problems can bring value to almost any engineering activity, and how they are increasingly in demand with engineering employers.  It will help you develop some advanced skills in design and innovation so that you can apply them in ‘embedded contexts’ which reflect your own engineering discipline and career development trajectory.

You will explore how successful innovations emerge and how do designers, technologists, managers and end-users create and apply new ideas and inventions. You will look at how these are translated into marketable products or processes and how you can combine commercial and competitive advantage with ensuring a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable future. You'll work on a project individually that makes use of the ideas and methods taught in the course.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate and apply appropriate innovation and creativity tools and techniques to solve a technical problem to achieve a sustainable future.
2. Reflect objectively on your own career aspirations and potential professional development for the next 10 years to produce a suitable output for dissemination.

 

Unit type:Core

The objective of the module is to gain an understanding of the key principles of the management of civil engineering works, projects and operations. The ability to manage across a number of disciplines and functions within a civil engineering context is an essential skill for the civil engineer in a management role.

The working knowledge of all essential relevant legislation involving health and safety, sustainability, environmental, commercial and employment issues will be explored in detail. Practical business management techniques are also covered with the emphasis on understanding and applying the areas of technical compliance and financial control. A key element of the module will be the adoption of established techniques such as quality management, continuous improvement and innovation.

The module will introduce the concept of professional ethics, and the link to sustainability in construction and the investigation of existing and newly developing technologies designed to address energy demand through alternative sources.

Management of multi-disciplinary teams and organisational design will be a key feature and the module explores these issues and attempts to supply the student with the practical tools of effective organisational management and the critical evaluation techniques needed to apply them successfully.

On successful completion of the module you should be able to:

1. Identify and create the safety, quality and other essential components involved in the establishment of a civil engineering management system. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate management structures, techniques and procedures to a range of engineering, construction and operational situations.
2. Apply the principles of total quality management within the concept of the latest health and safety and sustainability legislation. Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to maintain a high level of professional and ethical conduct in civil engineering.

Unit type:Core

Unit type:Core

The module will integrate knowledge already gained from other modules. The aim is to allow you to work as part of a team, both individually and collectively, to carry out the design of a civil engineering structure. The types of structures could include bridges, retaining structures and tunnelling set within the context of a larger project. Design work will include calculations and drawings in sufficient detail to allow a tender to be obtained and construction work planned. The design and construction proposals will be presented to a client and the end of the module.

On successful completion of the module you should be able to:

1. Identify the advantages and restraints of working in a team.
2. Carry out a feasibility study for an engineering project including its environmental, financial and social impacts.
3. Design and present design and construction proposals for a civil engineering structure project using appropriate current standards.
4. Apply construction programming and cost analysis techniques to the planning of the construction phase of procurement.