Civil and Structural Engineering MEng

Core modules:

Civil and Structural Engineering Mechanics

This module is delivered in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters. Teaching in the first semester is designed to provide a basis of knowledge and understanding of elastic structural analysis and will be applied to two key structural forms - trusses and beams. The focus of the second semester is on the analysis of stress, strain and elastic deformation of beams.

20 credits

Mathematics and Python Programming

This module aims to reinforce and extend students' previous knowledge of mathematics studied before university, and introduces the use of computer programming to solve engineering and mathematical problems. 

Mathematics is further taught to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the department. Combined with the mathematics teaching, this module teaches the opensource programming language, Python, which can be used to efficiently solve a variety of practical scientific and numerical problems. 

A combination of formal lecture content, tutorials and assisted computer lab sessions, help the students learn and apply mathematical and programming theory. Practice problems are presented showing the links between mathematics and programming learning, to show how the skills learnt can solve practical problems of relevance to the students.

20 credits

Hydraulic Principles and Flow in Pipes

This module aims to build a common understanding of the principles of fluid mechanics, progressing from statics such as pressure and force on objects, through properties and laws of hydro-dynamics including continuity, energy and momentum principles of fluid in motion, leading to the ability to understand and analyse fluid flows in pipes including simple networks and the operation of pumps. Overall, you will gain the essential understanding of fluid mechanics and application to pipe flows. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, building to practical real world examples, laboratory classes and tutorial sheets. Theory is reinforced through practical experimentation and problem solving.

20 credits

Introduction to Materials and Soil Mechanics

This module focuses on materials for structural applications and covers all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials including soils, and composites), describing the properties that they show, the root cause of their properties, the structure, and how we can use engineering processes to get the properties we want. The course will also introduce some ways that the best material for a purpose can be selected.

The module also includes analysis of stresses in the ground as this is key to the understanding of soils, allowing students to design simple geotechnical structures. These include retaining walls and earth embankments.

20 credits

Design Project 1: Make and Break

 

Get ready to shape the future and build a better world from day one! This isn't just theory; it's where you'll dive straight into solving real-life problems and see your designs come to life with tangible results.

This dynamic first-year module introduces the essential knowledge and skills for 21st-century engineers. Through hands-on, interactive exercises, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, applying your practical maths and physics skills to real-world applications.

You'll explore concepts like systems thinking and risk management, and learn from case studies of iconic projects. We'll also spark your passion for sustainability, showing you how to design sustainable infrastructure and contribute to low-carbon construction.

You will work on exciting design challenges, and start to develop your project management skills. The highlight is a group practical project where you'll design, construct, and destructively test a physical structure.

20 credits

Design Project 2: Sustainable Buildings

This module is where you'll move from initial concepts to designing complex infrastructure that addresses real-world needs and shapes the built environment.

You'll begin with an intensive, interdisciplinary design project, to find a sustainable solution to an urgent societal problem. This immersive experience will rapidly advance your teamwork, detailed design, and communication skills.

Then, you'll dive into your main task: designing an entire building and its surrounding infrastructure. You'll synthesise your first-year engineering knowledge, informed by on-the-ground measurements, historical architectural precedents, and thorough site analysis. This is about creating holistic solutions that achieve a crucial balance of social, environmental, and economic needs.

You'll communicate your vision effectively using both hand sketching and computer-aided drawing in 2D and 3D. In this module you'll learn how to make a difference in communities and shape a better future for humanity and the planet.

20 credits