Architectural Engineering BEng (Hons) with foundation year

This module will introduce concepts that develop your understanding of the engineering properties of construction materials, including modern construction materials and structural construction materials, e.g. concrete, timber, steel, glass and masonry. We will cover the composition, manufacture, properties, durability, performance and behaviour of these materials, and the hazards and risks they may pose both during construction and subsequent operation of a structure.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to introduce the principal aspects of construction technology and associated materials as applied to low-rise buildings, including the role of the construction and housing industry in achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17. The module content enables you to understand, apply and critically evaluate the key principles of construction processes, structures and the environmental performances of low-rise buildings, addressing the associated challenges and solutions.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the design process as a circular activity that includes different aspects and stakeholders. You will practice and develop skills to critically appraise and devise a series of design activities to produce a coherent and creative portfolio of work. The module will require you to effectively engage in collaboration between your peers and disciplines, in a simulated professional environment. You should gain an appreciation of the collective goal of a design team through the provision of a creative and sustainable solution to architectural and engineering design.

Compulsory

When tackling real-world problems, civil engineers often need to apply mathematical principles and processes or fundamental knowledge, in relation to structural mechanics. The aim of this module is to develop your mathematical and problem-solving abilities, and to introduce you to the fundamental principles of structural mechanics to enable you to solve engineering problems of a non-routine nature.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to apply core civil engineering theory to a 'real' civil engineering project, demonstrating the link between theory and applied practice. This will incorporate theory previously learnt and applied practice taught throughout the module, supported by examples of industry practice.

Compulsory

This module offers you a practical examination of how the UN's SDGs can be implemented and furthered within the built and natural environment. The module will introduce you to how individuals, communities and businesses within the built and natural environment could be responding to the UN's SDGs, helping to transform the world through their impact. By focusing on the delivery and implementation of a student-led project that encompasses the most applicable SDG or a combination of SDGs to your specific academic discipline, all 17 SDGs can be explored.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of advanced construction technology, which should in turn, enable you to understand, apply and critically evaluate the key principles of construction procedures. The emphasis will relate to the role of the construction industry in achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on multi-storey and commercial framed structures. You'll study pre-construction activities, substructure and superstructure, as well as the impact of the design process and legislative influences on the layout and planning of buildings.

Moreover, renewable technologies, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and passive design, will also be considered together with the impact of energy conservation and climate change. The module will consider the building services which are installed to provide a suitable internal environment including acoustic, thermal, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and natural and artificial lighting.

Compulsory

This module introduces you to the problems and challenges associated with adapting and converting buildings from one use to another, in a particular context. It should engage you in the critical debate about the conversion of existing structures versus building new ones. You will develop creative and practical skills as a key challenge in improving the sustainability of the built environment and driving change for users, clients and industry. The focus will be on the information required for the planning, designing and administration of a building adaptation project, in line with current industry practice.

Compulsory

Introducing the relationship between the built environment and the dynamics of communities, this module will engage you to think critically about place, space and community from historical, ethical, economic and design perspectives. You'll explore the processes of physical development in settlements of various sizes, with a particular focus on urbanisation and urban development nationally and internationally.

Compulsory

The module aims to develop your knowledge of methods of structural design in conjunction with the under-pinning principles and structural analytical methods. This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills in structural modelling using industrial-standard computer software⁴. You will be encouraged to make maximum use of the knowledge and experience you'll have gained in other civil engineering modules for the solution of design problems. Consideration for sustainability in design will be highlighted. This module will consider contemporary aspects of structural modelling, design, and carbon reduction considerations embodied in the design process.

Compulsory

This module will develop your understanding of the tools and techniques of project management and how to prepare and administer a construction contract using a Standard Form of Contract. The module will also explore the procurement process for a built asset with a focus on finance, as well as the critical factors influencing the parties to the contract and the impact of their interactions on the project activities.

Compulsory

In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and an associated project that has been influenced by the UN's SDGs. Your analysis of the project will explore its impact, success or failure, alongside the possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience, the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for the location/project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the built and natural environment, and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The aim of this module is to demonstrate your skills base through the continued development of critical, transferable study skills that are of practical benefit in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development. You will bring skills developed in other areas of the course into a practical project delivered as part of a group. The purpose of the project is to develop key learning skills and personal attributes that are required within the civil engineering, environmental engineering and built environment professions. These should prepare you for the professional workplace, demonstrating teamwork, project planning, critical and research evaluation, as well as technical and personal reflection. This module also includes a mandatory overseas field trip² (at no extra cost to you), to further enhance your learning.

Compulsory

The aim of the module is to develop your understanding and knowledge of the role of professional practitioners in the construction industry, and the process of contract administration used in the construction industry. The module will explore the detailed understanding of contractual provisions and administration mechanisms related to common forms of contract used in the UK. Furthermore, it also discusses professionals’ roles and responsibilities, risk and application of financial management, legal and insurance issues, and law related to running a business in the construction industry.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem relevant to your discipline. You should use different methods and research skills, gained over your previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It will enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem, and develop your initiative as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.

Compulsory

This module aims to develop your understanding and ability to research and develop a conceptual design with associated design detailing, specification and associated drawings. The module will focus on a specific technical data area which is relevant to a design brief and demonstrate the early-stage application of the researched dissertation technology. As a final design project, you will apply and advance your design skills, culminating in a comprehensive conceptual drawing package.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to produce and professionally present a comprehensive design with technical excellence. The project will be the culmination of applied design work that applies both architectural and construction technologies to the resolution of a design problem. It is intended that this will be a comprehensive demonstration of your ability to synthesise complex problems and work independently to produce a final design package.

Compulsory

Structural Design – 20 credits
The aim of this module is to apply structural engineering theory to the ‘real-life design’ of complex structural members of diverse types of building structures. You will develop a wider and deeper understanding of structural design and its use in the construction of a range of civil and structural engineering works. The module will consider up-to-date aspects of a more advanced nature and will include references to the latest guidance given in the Eurocodes and associated UK National Annexes. Particular attention will be given to the safety and sustainability considerations embodied in design.

Architectural Design in Historic Contexts – 20 credits
This module aims to advance your architectural knowledge and design of buildings in historic contexts, examining developments in construction and technology alongside appropriate conservation and adaptation techniques. The module explores the history and theory of architectural and art historic movements to preserve historic structures, together with an emphasis on re-use, regeneration and the wider urban and geographical context. This module provides you with an understanding on how the integration of the existing built environment constitutes a key component of a sustainable society.

Optional