Develop the underpinning engineering mathematical skills needed to solve technical and applied problems. The mathematical skills are essential for the successful completion of your project and knowledge-based modules. The module will focus on teaching mathematics while solving applied engineering problems, formulas, and expressions. Algebraic skills will also be extensively developed to carry out mathematical analyses and solve engineering problems. The module will include algebraic skills, trigonometry, vectors, geometry, basic calculus, and their application to solving practical engineering problems. The teaching of this module includes introducing external self-learning and assessment tools in mathematics, allowing flexible and independent learning. The module will be assessed with reference to the application of mathematics in engineering problems.
By gaining insight into career opportunities at this early stage in the course you can follow your interests throughout your study. You'll learn about the role of engineering in society, including environmental issues, and sustainability, looking at ethical issues in engineering and the importance of marketing, commercial understanding, engineering standards, and legal aspects of pursuing a career in engineering. You will cover the history of engineering, motivating you with inspiring successes that have changed human life forever, as well as critically learning lessons from failures. Through this module you may get the opportunity to visit manufacturing and engineering companies and to start to think and critically analyse as an engineer, discovering how to break down complex systems into parts and subparts in engineering terms so that you can simplify complex systems.
The module is about static structural mechanics, which is also known as statics. It is a branch of mechanics that analyses forces and their effects on rigid bodies at rest or in equilibrium. It focuses on studying structures and systems under static loads, where the forces acting on the object are balanced and do not cause motion. Static structural mechanics is an essential engineering discipline used in various engineering fields, including civil engineering and mechanical engineering. It is used to design and analyse structures, machines, and systems; thus, the principle is used to analyse the forces acting on structures such as bridges, buildings, and trusses. In this module, you will learn about structures' support and internal reactions to ensure systems are balanced and in equilibrium, which helps designing safe and stable structures.
This module covers the fundamentals of hand sketching, the creation of 2D drawings using Computer Aided Design (CAD), and the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in civil engineering. By developing a strong foundation in design aspects and the creation of drawings, you'll be better equipped to undertake later modules where design aspects and technical drawings are required. Upon completion of this module, you will have the skills and competencies necessary to apply BIM software to real-world scenarios such as designing and creating drawings for building structures, and other infrastructure projects. The knowledge and skills from this module are essential for other modules where design aspects account for significant weightings. The module provides the up-to-date BIM standards and best practices for civil engineering, which are essential skills for employability in the civil engineering industry.
This module presents you with real-world problems that requires the application of engineering principles. Every construction project needs to be feasible, whether it is the cost, the workforce required, or the timescale set. Without reviewing this, a project could quickly fail. Here you will start with the feasibility stage of a built environment project. After an introduction to the project and the definition of the deliverable deadlines you will work in groups using an integrated approach to produce a project plan for your work, organising it for the trimester ahead of you. This includes the identification of key stakeholders and regulators, the production of a topographical survey of the project site, and collection of relevant data though field and laboratory work. You’ll use this information to produce a site investigation report which will be the basis for the feasibility study. Under the wider topic of hydrology and flood risk assessment you’ll learn and apply the fundamentals of flood hydrology. You will learn to develop the necessary site-related engineering surveying skills, both through the theoretical understanding and a hands-on practice in the use of surveying instruments as part of your project. You will perform a site investigation that involves a systematic way of gathering information about geological conditions, characteristics of in-situ soil condition, and other environmental factors affecting your study site. The Live Brief task within your project gives you the opportunity to work with professionals within the Civil Engineering industry. You’ll receive guidance, support and feedback from professionals in the industry.
This module will enable you to use mathematical modelling techniques to analyse and improve engineering systems. We’ll introduce vector analysis, and use Laplace transforms to solve first and second order differential equations. You’ll also learn the Fourier series; the mathematical basis for analysing periodical functions as encountered in any area of physics where wave theory is important. Your learning will be assessed using a one-hour in-class test, two-hour examination and a coursework assignment.
This module will focus on the initial design, where you'll be required to carry out investigations into the suitability of various materials for the construction of elements of the project, taking into account not only the mechanical properties of these materials but also sustainability and economic considerations. You’ll gather and analyse laboratory data on the mechanical properties of various construction materials and use different statistical approaches for an informed sampling, and quality control. You will analyse and design a simple structure in this project, applying basic static and design principles to define the dimensions of the structural elements. In addition, you’ll construct an element of the project which will develop your skills relating to the programming of the construction process, health and safety management (CDM Regulations), and teamwork, where you will develop an inclusive and supportive culture to achieve your project’s goals. You’ll also be working on a construction project for a first-hand construction experience. The Live Brief task within your project gives you the opportunity to work with professionals within the Civil Engineering industry. You will receive guidance, support and feedback from professionals in the industry.
Enhance your ability to analyse challenges within the built environment. By applying engineering principles, theories and mathematical concepts, you’ll gain valuable insights into addressing complex issues. Additionally, this module aims to broaden your perspective on built environment projects by emphasising sustainability as a fundamental value. Key Aspects of the Module: Integration of Sustainability: We recognise sustainability as a core pillar. Throughout the course, you’ll explore how environmental, social and financial considerations intersect with engineering solutions. Strands of Civil Engineering: Drawing from your knowledge of civil engineering, particularly in structures and geotechnics, you’ll propose conceptual designs. These designs will undergo critical assessment to evaluate their suitability. Sustainable Design Assessment: Your proposed designs will be evaluated for sustainability. This assessment will guide you in identifying areas for improvement while ensuring alignment with environmental goals. You’ll collaborate within teams to complete your project. The collective effort and diverse perspectives will enrich your experience. ARU Live Brief’s partners and Civil Engineering team will support you during this process to make sure you are provided with the guidance and mentorship you need throughout the module. At the end of the module, you will produce a conceptual design for the project that will feed into the second phase of the project in Trimester 2.
Deepen your understanding of both structural mechanics and structural analysis techniques. In this module you will cover static equilibrium, the resistance of structures to external loads, behaviour of structures under the influence of external loads, internal stresses, internal stress distributions and superposition. You will be introduced to structural deformations and deflections, determinate and indeterminate structures and influence lines. Hand calculation analysis for beams, pin jointed frames and unit load methods will be covered, and you will also be introduced to the use of software for structural analysis with an emphasis on the use of hand calculations to support and validate the results obtained using structural analysis packages. You will be expected to show that you can generate structural analysis calculations that are clear and suitable for checking by an independent engineer.
This module is designed to develop your ability to evaluate and resolve practical problems and work as part of a design team. The module aims to apply the skills and knowledge developed in other modules of the course (and where possible, experiences from work) within a piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of civil engineering designers. The project will include analysis and design calculations, and you will be expected to consider the work within the environmental, economic and sociological constraints of a built environment project. It is designed to bring small groups of apprentices together into teams so that you co-ordinate your individual skills and abilities. The scheme of work should allow you an opportunity to take responsibility for your own contribution to the outcome and to demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team. The brief will include an agreed timescale for the staged development of the overall plan of work within defined constraints, with the team working towards an acceptable and viable solution to the brief.
You will be introduced to how different structures respond under dynamic actions, focusing on wind and earthquakes, which are natural loads. This will help you to acquire the knowledge necessary to analyse different types of dynamic loads and carry out modal analysis, using the mass and stiffness of a structure to find its natural frequency. This is the frequency at which a system tends to oscillate and can result in critical structural damage. You will apply your mathematical knowledge by using manual calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) as well as quasi-static and dynamic analysis methods to design structures resistant to these dynamic loads. Finally, you will understand the impact of vibrations produced in human activities on the natural and built environment.
This module covers the principles of hydrostatics and fluids in motion in pipes and open channels. Equations for calculation of pressures and forces on submerged and partially submerged objects are derived and applied. Continuity, energy and momentum equations are used to analyse uniform flow in pipes and open channels. The principle of flow in networks for water supply and surface water drainage is examined using simple models, whilst awareness is given of the availability of commercial computer models for more complex analysis. Laboratory sessions will give you the opportunity to explore the limitations of the mathematical models of fluid behaviour. Whilst the module concentrates on numerical techniques, you will be encouraged to consider that pipes and regularly shaped channels are not necessarily the ideal environmental solution.
This module will develop your understanding of construction materials and the related construction techniques which are prevalent in the construction industry. This will enhance your skills in critically evaluating the key properties and key construction methods of civil engineering construction materials to make informed and efficient engineering design proposals. Additional aspects of civil engineering materials, manufacture and construction that will be covered include material durability, fire resistance, quality control, recycling/re-use of construction materials, selected construction details such as structural connections and movement joints.
This module takes advantage of the broad range of construction industry skills available in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment. It is designed to give you an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge previously gained during the course and to develop an ability to both manage and carry out the design of a small civil engineering project. You will generate a range of engineering solutions, making a considered assessment of each option and will conclude by selecting a preferred design proposal. The design scenario for this module will challenge you to integrate your civil engineering design skills into an industry standard design process. While delivering a range of viable engineering solutions to the project, your designs will need to consider and balance a broad range of design aspirations such as: maximising site opportunities, delivering a resilient/loose fit design, the three pillars of sustainability, and design for manufacture and assembly/dis-assembly considerations.
This module extends the knowledge of basic soil properties gained in the pre-requisite module. You will gain an appreciation of the nature of soil strength in the context of the principles of total and effective stress; an introduction to modern methods of treating soils in order to improve their engineering properties; an insight into the range of methods available for measuring soil parameters for design, and the rationale for selecting the most appropriate method for a given case; identification of when such treatment may be necessary, and what results can be expected in different soil types; introduction to geotechnical design methods for foundations and modern design of earth-retaining systems; and the use of Codes of Practice and the philosophy of Factor of Safety within soils design.
This module introduces you to the profession of civil engineering. By the end of this module, you will gain an understanding of what civil engineering is and will have taken a critical look at its history, enabling you to recognise the role and responsibilities of civil engineers to effectively tackle the challenges of the 21st century. You will take on a high-level view of a civil engineering project, by considering its environmental and societal impact, ethical considerations and financial implications. You will be familiar with the institutions and the standards, codes of conduct as well as practice and legislation that regulate the industry. The module is designed to develop your communication skills where you will present your work and ideas using a variety to techniques to a variety of stakeholders.
This module introduces you to computer aided design where you will gain the fundamental skills to produce technical drawings using specialist software and will learn how to interpret technical drawings. As you progress through the course you will continue to practice and apply these skills during several other modules. You will be introduced to computer aided engineering with an overview of how computers are used for engineering analysis and design. In the second half of the module, you will learn to manage and interpret quantitative data using statistical and digital tools. You will understand the importance of data security and what is meant by terms like big data and the impact of data on the industry and society. You will also be introduced to the concept of qualitative data and how this can be gathered and interpreted and used to complement quantitative data analysis.
A fundamental aspect of a civil engineer’s job is to address problems. This module will introduce you to the problem-solving process and equip you with the tools available to engineers needed to address technical problems. Mathematics is one of the languages of engineering and you will develop the fundamental skills required to use mathematics to model physical phenomena and to solve applied technical problems. Algebra is the spelling and grammar of the language of maths and your algebraic skills will be essential to understand the mathematical models used in all branches of engineering analysis and design. The maths in the module will be taught through application so you will always understand the context of what you are learning. You will also learn how to use trigonometry, geometry and vectors to address technical problems. You will be introduced to calculus, the mathematics of change, and will learn to use this to solve basic engineering problems and, importantly you will understand what calculus is doing in mathematical expressions. You will become adept at using digital tools such as spreadsheets and coding to do the maths for you, so you can focus on the problem-solving process.
This module is designed to develop the fundamental engineering concepts you will apply to structures, hydraulics and geotechnics as you progress through the course. Dimensional analysis (units) is a core concept in engineering and by the end of this module, you will be familiar with all the common units, understand which properties and parameters these relate to and how to track them through calculations. Through lectures, you will be introduced to concepts from the three main areas of civil engineering science; statics, materials and fluid mechanics, and in the workshops, you will learn to apply these to real engineering problems. Statics is a fundament of structural engineering, and the concept of equilibrium will be applied throughout your structured modules. Understanding material behaviour is essential for all civil engineering projects and during this module. You will learn the basics which will be expanded upon in future modules related to structures, highways and geotechnics, amongst others. You will finish the module with an introduction to some of the fundamental fluid mechanics concepts which you will apply to subjects including hydraulics, hydrology and geotechnics.
This module introduces you to the civil engineering project and will start by using case studies of infrastructure projects to examine the project holistically from not only a technical point of view but also considering the financial and ethical implications, the environmental and societal impact and sustainability aspects. You will learn about the initial pre-construction studies in terms of the site investigation, business case development and design stages. You will also learn how to carry out topographical surveys through field work and then how to transfer the data to CAD. You will be introduced to construction project management techniques, and the methods used for planning, managing, and resourcing civil engineering projects. You will understand the design control processes including the factors that affects design and compliance with building safety and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and industry standards.
You will build on the fundamental concepts of statics you learnt in Engineering Science and apply them to structural mechanics and analysis. You will learn how to analyse the behaviour of structures under external loads and internal stresses and determine the resulting deformations and deflections. You will also learn to analyse structures from first principles using hand calculations and as a means of validating results from structural analysis software. At the same time, you will be learning about the materials used to construct the structures you are analysing and the material properties which will influence the design requirements of the project. Materials will be analysed in terms of their molecular structure and constituent materials, engineering properties and behaviour, performance in service, buildability, quality control and sustainability. You will carry out laboratory sessions related to structural behaviour and material properties and write them up in a technical report.
In this module you will be introduced to ground investigation as well as the fundamental geological and soil mechanics concepts that allow civil engineers to make design and construction decisions related to the ground upon which projects are founded. You will learn about basic geology and how the geological history of rock and soil affects the engineering properties and behaviour. You will learn to describe and classify soils using the correct technical terminology used in site investigation reporting and to interpret laboratory data needed to carry out simple design procedures and soil improvement techniques such as compaction. You will be introduced to effective stress, a fundamental concept for geotechnical engineers which describes the impact of water within the soils matrix and how this affects several parameters including strength. This will develop into the study of the flow of water in soil and how this can lead to settlements through the process of consolidation.
This module will introduce you to the principles of fluid mechanics where you will learn to apply them to civil engineering problems involving the flow of water in pipes and open channels. You will establish a sound understanding of the three principal equations that govern hydraulic analysis; continuity, momentum and energy, and will learn to apply them to a variety of scenarios. You will learn how flow can be measured and how the various measuring devices work and will be able to select the most appropriate device for a given situation. As well as learning to analyse flow in pipes and open channels, you will also be introduced to analysis and design principles for hydraulic structures such as dams, sluice gates, weirs, bridges and culverts. You will carry out analysis based on experimental work carried out by you in the lab.
This module will enable you to consider the principles of sustainable development in the context of the whole project life cycle from design to construction, to operation and maintenance as well as demolition. You will investigate how to ensure high levels of environmental performance at the design stages and material selection. You will compare different construction methods and processes and analyse suitable applications for each method. You will learn how building services are incorporated into the structure of a building and the latest technological advances that improve environmental performance. You will be introduced to the standard methods of assessing and measuring the environmental performance of building such as Passivhaus and BREEAM alongside other building regulations to ensure a systems approach to the project.
Engineering hydrology applies hydrological principles to mitigate water-related problems in society such as water supply, flood estimation and forecasting, flood alleviation, the design of sustainable urban drainage systems to name just a few. In this module you will be introduced to the hydrological cycle and how global warming is increasing the magnitude and frequency of flood events. You will learn how both surface and groundwater resources can be evaluated and quantified to obtain reliable water supply. You will also learn to use statistical and mathematical models to analyse hydrological phenomena.
This module with develop your understanding of basic management theories and their application in the planning, organisation and control of construction project. You will consider the management of a project from the client’s conceptual vision through the project’s identification and definition stages, applying appropriate project implementation, execution and control processes to effect successful closure. You will learn to take an integrated approach as a project manager of a construction project and will be encouraged to develop an appreciation of the strategic relevance of project management, as well as the unique features of project management which distinguish it from other forms of management. You will develop operational skills used in the planning, scheduling and control of projects with a focus on quality assurance and risk management. You will also explore the principles of teamwork alongside the creation of an inclusive environment for all team members.
This module is based on your knowledge of structural forms, loading, structural analysis and material behaviour, and introduces you to the basic design philosophy, principles and procedures used in the design of structural elements in buildings and structures. You will learn to design simple structural elements made from a variety of materials in accordance with the relevant industry design codes. You will consider alternative solutions to simple design problems and consider the effect that design assumptions can have on the safety, environmental impact and financial implications of a project. You will be introduced to specialist software used in industry to carry out structural design and will begin to understand the appropriate use of these digital tools and their limitations.
In the previous geotechnics module, you would have learnt to classify and describe soils as well as interpret ground investigation reports. This module builds on this, where you will learn how to use the parameters in the ground investigation report to carry out geotechnical design. You will learn to estimate elastic settlement and settlement due to consolidation under loading as well as investigate techniques to speed up settlements. You will consider soil strength and failure and learn to apply the theory related to shear strength to the design process. You will learn how shear strength is measured in situ and in the laboratory, and how to interpret these results to determine strength parameters used in the design process. You will then learn to carry out simple analysis on geotechnical structures such as slopes, retaining walls and foundations using the relevant design codes.
Building on Structural Design, where you learnt to design single structural elements, this module introduces you to the design and analysis of the whole structure. You will consider how structural elements are joined to form frames and trusses and how elements interact with each other. You will learn to effectively use computational tools, such as finite element analysis, to analyse and design these more complex systems while understanding their limitations. Sustainability and carbon footprint reduction through material choice and design and construction method decisions is a fundamental part of the structural engineer’s job and as such makes up an important part of this module. For the same reasons construction projects are increasingly about the reuse and adaptation of existing buildings and as part of this module you will consider the benefits this can deliver in terms of reductions in energy and resource consumption.
This module will introduce you to water and environmental infrastructure such as drinking water supply systems, sewer and drainage systems, wastewater treatment plant, green infrastructure and flood management systems. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of their design, operation and management including roles of the bodies involved in their monitoring, maintenance and management. You will investigate the mutual impacts of infrastructure on environment, society and economy (pillars of sustainability) and climate change, urbanisation and population growth on infrastructure’s performance. You will also compare traditional and new approaches in management of infrastructure and use computer software to model water and environmental infrastructure to investigate and assess their performance under normal and stressed conditions aiming to achieve an engineering adaptation solution. Additionally, different techniques to optimise and improve infrastructure performance will be introduced and practiced.
This module will give you an overview of transport infrastructure engineering with an introduction of the UK strategy and the environmental impact of the various transport systems. You will learn about how data related to transport is collected and will be introduced to some of the specialist computational modelling systems. You will consider the sustainability of transport infrastructure by looking at the whole life cycle of a project, including monitoring and maintenance, with a focus on the deterioration of materials and innovations in material technology to make these systems more sustainable and resilient. You will be introduced to the two principal terrestrial transport systems; highways and railways and learn to apply the main design principles associated with each.
In this module you will apply your knowledge and skills acquired during the course as well as from your own work experience to civil engineering design. Working as part of a design team, you will identify, evaluate and resolve technical problems within the context of a civil engineering project. You will take a holistic vision of the project and consider the technical aspects as inseparable from the environmental and sustainability considerations, as well as financial and social implications. You will make reasoned use of digital tools and data to carry out analysis and subsequent design while verifying and assessing the process and its outcomes. The design process will be carried out within the framework of relevant legislation, codes of practice and standards relating to aspects such as health and safety, environmental policy and building regulations. Effective teamwork is an essential skill for civil engineers, and you will learn to identify strengths in yourself and others as well as coordinate individual skills and abilities to guarantee optimal outcomes from teamwork. You will be able to show your own contribution to the project while demonstrating your ability to work in a team. And as a team you will agree the milestones for the development of the plan of work within defined constraints, with the team working towards an acceptable and viable solution to the brief.
Successful completion of the End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final requirement that must be fulfilled to achieve the BEng (Hons) and the Degree Apprenticeship. The EPA is the review or assessment of your overall achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the standard. This module will prepare you for the EPA and the assessments associated with this module are the two elements that make up the EPA. Throughout the apprenticeship you will have been uploading evidence to show how you are achieving the KSBs and reviewing this process regularly with your workplace supervisor. During the workshops scheduled for this module you will prepare the two elements of the EPA. The first element is a project report which is a significant and defined piece of work with real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of the employer’s business and be relevant to your occupation and apprenticeship. You can base your project on a specific technical problem or recurring issue that you have encountered at work or an idea or opportunity that you have identified. The second element is a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence showing how you have achieved the KSBs. Both elements will be assessed by independent assessors.