Architectural Engineering Design

Core modules:

Building Environmental Simulation and Analysis

The course unit aims to provide a general understanding of, and practical experience in computer modelling software systems. This involves the following: Thorough understanding of basic concepts of computer simulation, develop the ability to apply these concepts in real life situations. Understanding the use of computer simulation and the need to use the appropriate software to answer a specific enquiry. Understanding the relationships between the required outcome of a simulation exercise and the input details necessary to produce a valid answer.

15 credits

Principles of Building Physics for Sustainable Design

Through lectures and workshops this module provides students with a conceptual and practical knowledge and understanding of a range of techniques in building physics that can be applied in sustainable design. The key principles that will be addressed are: the physics of heat and thermal comfort, the physics of light, the physics of sound. Additionally resource use shall be addressed in relation to energy, water and materials. The aim is to provide a toolkit of techniques and to encourage students to evaluate and / or integrate principles of building physics in sustainable design projects.

15 credits

Thermodynamics for Buildings and Cities

The module covers the thermodynamic principles as they apply to buildings within cities. It considers the fundamental principles required to understand energy flows in the built environment. Practical examples related to heat networks, and building energy use will be covered to enable students to design appropriate solutions.

15 credits

Computational Fluid Dynamics

This module is designed to improve your contextual understanding of computational skills and numerical methods from writing your own in-house code to running commercial software to solve practical engineering flow problems. Through the lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical computer sessions with group discussion, you will develop your knowledge in the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), including both theoretical and practical capabilities. You will also develop your ability to communicate effectively and professionally through individual report writing.

15 credits

Sustainable Urban Design

This module applies knowledge and engineering skills in the remit of urban infrastructure to the design of an urban area. The module will require that a broad overview is taken of the urban metabolism to understand the resource and energy dynamics. This will provide a basis for the design of a specific infrastructure system (such as water, energy or transport) considering the engineering design, construction and long term maintenance including the incorporation of technology to maximise efficiencies. Consideration on the impact on city dwellers in relation to equity and health and wellbeing will be vital to the design.

15 credits

Urban Microclimate

With the risk of climate change and the growing urbanisation of cities it is essential that we design cities in such as way as to reduce the impact on the local climate. This module will give you an understanding of the fundamental processes which result in alterations to the local climate in cities followed by best practice design approaches to reduce the impact on the climate. This will cover consideration of heat, wind and pollution. You will develop your understanding through lectures, seminars, case study reviews and through design. Related topics such as soundscapes will also be discussed.

15 credits

Modelling of Urban Infrastructure Systems

This module introduces you to the range of modelling techniques used to analyse the urban metabolism and to assist the design of urban infrastructure. A variety of techniques will be covered to enable the spatial understanding of urban networks, the ability to quickly and efficiently test different scenarios, and to use available data to create useful information. Current state of the art technology for sensing the urban environment and informing models will also be studied.

15 credits

Research and Professional Skills

This module fosters best practice in engineering-related research/professional skills and delivers a range of training activities to meet the needs of professional engineers dealing with research and technological development.

15 credits

Advanced Engineering Research Study

This module represents a major element of the Masters programme, with the aim of enabling you to learn skills in scientific investigation and in running and presenting a project. You are required to submit a comprehensive (bound) report describing the individual work that you have done during the summer semester.

60 credits