Course Specification

Transcription

1 LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSIT Course Specification BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering (BECIV) Our courses undergo a process of review periodically, in addition to annual review and enhancement. Course Specifications are updated on an annual basis to include modifications approved through our University s quality assurance processes. This Course Specification provides an indication of the current curriculum. If any changes are made to material information an updated Course Specification will be made available.

2 Faculty of Arts, Environment & Technology School of Built Environment Engineering Award and programme title: BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Level of qualification: Level 6 Interim awards available: Award Title Level CertHE Civil Engineering 4 DipHE Civil Engineering 5 BEng Civil Engineering 6 Length and status of programme and mode of study Programme Length (years) Status (FT/PT/SW) Mode (campusbased / DL or other) BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering 3 years FT Campus-based BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering 4 years SW Campus-based BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering 5 years PT Campus-based Course Specification Overview and Aims The course provides a broad-based education enabling successful students to enter careers in design, construction or operations within the civil engineering industry. The course aims to: Provide the knowledge and understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles and methodologies that underpin Civil Engineering Develop the skills necessary to allow students to be creative and produce innovative solutions to engineering problems Facilitate access to a range of practical skills through IT applications, laboratory investigations, surveying and through project work Develop a range of graduate skills relevant to a career in the modern civil engineering industry including all forms of communication, problem-solving, individual motivation and team working.

3 To establish an appropriate foundation for a lifetime of continuing professional development. These aims have been written to take account of the UK-SPEC General Learning Outcomes and Engineering Benchmark statements Course Learning Outcomes Demonstrate a knowledge of the mathematical and scientific principles and methodologies which underpin civil engineering and apply them to solve real-world problems Develop and critically evaluate solutions to engineering situations in diverse global contexts and demonstrate reflective learning Utilise a range of appropriate traditional and contemporary methods and tools to optimise solutions to civil engineering problems Demonstrate the skills necessary to investigate, evaluate and produce solutions to real design-related engineering problems (including the requirement to work with technical uncertainty) whilst utilising technical literature and the appropriate codes of practice and/or industry standard. Develop a knowledge of, and technical proficiency with, health and safety, and sustainable, environmental and economic development and the frameworks in which they operate To apply the mechanical and physical characteristics of civil engineering materials to Design Scenarios through practical laboratory work Course Structure Level 4: This level introduces students to a range of basic Civil Engineering subjects. In addition, a number of fundamental subjects such as mathematics are studied. This ensures that students possess the necessary skills in these areas to successfully complete the remainder of their studies. Students successfully completing their studies at Level 4 will normally be able to analyse situations, data or existing knowledge to provide solutions to basic civil engineering problems. Semester 1 Core () Semester 2 Advanced Mathematics Applied Mechanics Civil Engineering Management A * Core () Engineering Materials Science * Surveying A and CAD * Engineering Mechanics * Level 5:

4 At this level, students study a wide range of Civil Engineering subjects. Although students may decide to specialise once they graduate, it is important that they develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively with other construction professionals. Students successfully completing their studies at Level 5 will be able to analyse situations, data or existing knowledge to provide solutions to more advanced civil engineering problems. They will also be able to apply appropriate logical reasoning as a tool to effective decision-making and problem solving Semester 1 Core () Semester 2 Civil Engineering Management B * Engineering Materials Technology * Fluid Mechanics Structural Analysis * Structural Design * Level 6: Geotechnical Engineering: Application and Theory At Level 6, student Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in range of core Civil Engineering subjects. In addition, through the Independent Project module, they demonstrate the autonomous learning skills that they have developed throughout their time on the course. Students successfully completing their studies at Level 6 will be able to identify problems, analyse more complex situations, and adopt an increasingly reflective and effective approach to civil engineering problem solving. In addition, students will be capable of producing innovative, creative and intellectually challenging solutions to non-routine tasks addressing a range of cultural needs. Semester 1 Core () Semester 2 Structural Engineering * Geotechnical Engineering B * Core () Core () Infrastructure Engineering (20 credits) Quantitative Methods for Decision Making (20 credits) * Independent Project (40 credits) * These modules are shared with the BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering. They were refocused in 2011/2012 Academic ear and were reapproved on the 9 th July, Learning and Teaching Details relating to contact hours and other key information sets (KIS) are available on the course page of our Online Prospectus on our website. Learning and Teaching Approaches

5 Teaching and learning is in accordance with the Leeds Beckett University Teaching and Learning Strategy < Of particular relevance to this course are: Learning and Teaching Values: Promoting students vocational opportunities by developing their employability. Involving professional bodies, regional employers and students in course developments. Supporting the continuing professional development of academic staff Ensuring that teaching is informed by research and expert professional practice (with contribution from our Readers and industrial practitioners) Learning and Teaching Aims: The Civil Engineering group continually monitor and review the quality of the student-body s Learning and Teaching experience. This is in response to Leeds Beckett University initiatives, changes in Construction Industry and professional-body requirements. This is achieved through four mechanisms: The strengthening of student satisfaction, achievement and employment The on-going refocusing of undergraduate taught courses The Integration of student support systems and mechanisms The development of enabling infrastructure Learning and Teaching Activities All modules on the course are designed for formal lecture-based delivery, accompanied by tutorial, laboratory practical and fieldwork sessions to consolidate student learning and enhance the student experience. Student support and pastoral care is provided by the course team via a dedicated Course Administrator as well as subject specialist tutors, Module Leaders, Level Tutors and the Course Leader. In addition, the team operate an open access policy which gives students easy access to academics outside of taught sessions. This aspect of support was praised by the JBM in their last accreditation visit and by our External Examiners. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of engineering principles. Aspects of the course which are particularly relevant to professional and transferable skills development and employability are: Exposure to industry standard software for analysis, design and drawing. Students are also taught to the latest Eurocode design standards and the government endorsed NEC3 Contracts. Site visits together with a professional body (ICE) compliant PDP scheme for students. Hands-on laboratory testing in Civil Engineering materials, soils and fluids Practical design applications and case studies relevant to current engineering practice A broad range of study covering both technical and management-based subjects. Graduate Attributes (UG only) Leeds Beckett attributes of digital literacy, enterprise and global outlook are embedded across the curriculum. Digital Literacy:

6 Every module within this course will use digital technology often utilising analysis and industry standard software. Enterprise: The vocational nature of this course ensures that every module develops enterprise with the learning directly applicable in the workplace and in professional development. Specific examples include the three Civil Engineering Management modules where students learn how to manage projects within a construction context. In addition, as part of the mathematic modules at Level 4 and 6, students how to analysis various Civil Engineering related scenarios and utilise a range of financial decision-making techniques. Global Outlook: By its nature, Civil Engineering is a vocation with global applications and skills. The skills developed on the course ensure that graduates can operate as effective team members in a global context, both multi-disciplinary and culturally. The material that is studied on the course is divided between theoretical knowledge and its practical application. Whilst, the former is applicable in a global environment, by necessity, the latter is specific to the European region only. Two key threads within civil engineering are sustainability and health safety & risk management. These are applicable at the global level and are embedded throughout the curriculum. Use of the Virtual Learning Environment My Beckett provides online learning support for all modules including lecture slides and notes, formative assessment exercises and online submission of assignments where appropriate. Use of Blended-Learning N/A Assessment Strategy The assessment strategy is based on a transition from summative assessment of knowledge and understanding through examination and phase tests, to increasing application through projects. At all levels, formative assessment is achieved through self-assessed tutorial exercises. Feedback is provided via typical solutions competed in class or uploaded to My Beckett At level six, whilst an element of examination is retained in the more numerate subjects, there is a distinct move to assessment of application through self-directed management of substantial project-based work. The range of assessment methods used are: 1. Coursework Assignments Structured tasks, presentations, practical work, reports and essays Group projects (including peer assessment) Individual projects 2. Phase Tests End Examinations Feedback on Assessed Coursework

7 In the first week of a module students are advised on how feedback will be given. Formative feedback is given throughout the course in tutorial sessions, by and via the open access policy. Detailed individual written feedback is also given on coursework. Group summative feedback is given to disseminate good and bad practice on examinations, phase tests and coursework. This is also used as formative feedback at the commencement of assessment during the module's next delivery. Feedback on overall level performance is available from level tutors, from which academic performance, attitude and progress with professional development are discussed on a one to one basis. The PDP also encourages students to holistically reflect of their development and helps to address compartmental learning issues associated with modular delivery. Module Assessment Methods Module Titles Core () Unseen closed book end examination Advanced Mathematics, Level Applied Mechanics, Level Time controlled phase test (s) Coursework assignment Civil Engineering Management A *, Level Engineering Materials Science *, Level Engineering Mechanics *, Level Surveying A and CAD *, Level Civil Engineering Management B *, Level Engineering Materials Technology *, Level Fluid Mechanics, Level Geotechnical Engineering: Application and Theory, Level Structural Analysis *, Level Structural Design *, Level Infrastructure Engineering, Level Geotechnical Engineering B *, Level Quantitative Methods for Decision Making *, Level 6 100

8 Structural Engineering *, Level Independent Project (40 credits), Level 6 20/80 Employability and Professional Context Accreditation: Accreditation will be sought from the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) as satisfying their requirements for BEng (Hons) Accredited CEng [Chartered Engineer] (Partial). Career paths: As Graduate Civil Engineers, students can work for consultants, contractors, Local Authorities or Government agencies and contribute to the design, construction and maintenance of a variety of infrastructure projects. They can specialise in areas such as structures, transportation, water supply and treatment, power generation and supply. Further study: Students wishing to complete the academic base required for a Chartered Engineer can, on completion of this course, undertake a cognate Masters degree. Please also note that a number of alternative routes exist please refer to information available from Value added elements: As part of the course all students are required to develop a Personal Development Process Work-Related Activities Students have access to a range of activities to broaden and extend their knowledge and experience of civil engineering and the construction industry. These include: Talks from industrial practitioners Site visits University organised talks/activities ICE activities at the University and in the region Individual based activities Summer work placements Sandwich placements Activities are recorded by a Personal Development Process in which students are required to identify, plan, undertake and evaluate their continuing professional development (CPD). Students use this to record their Initial Professional Development (IPD) during the course and after graduation. This provides means to document a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience that graduates must obtain in order to gain a professional qualification. Placement or Work-Related Activity Level: PDP documentation is given to students in the first few weeks of the course and it is regularly reviewed and assessed throughout their studies.

9 Placement or Work-Related Activity Length in Weeks: Students are encouraged to undertake vocational or sandwich placements. Those that cannot or do not wish to take a formal placement undertake work related activity though CPD. This can either be a year-long sandwich placement or shorter vacation placements. Although full support will be given by the course team, placements are secured by the most proactive and motivated students. Type of Placement or Work-Related Activity: Students will be encouraged to undertake vocational or sandwich placements. Those that cannot or do not wish to take a formal placement undertake work related activity though CPD as detailed in this section. Reference Points used in course design and delivery All our courses leading to Leeds Beckett University awards have been designed and approved in accordance with UK and European quality standards. Our courses utilise the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and relevant subject benchmarks (where these are available) and professional, statutory and regulatory body requirements (for professionally accredited courses). We review our courses annually and periodically, responding to student feedback and a range of information to enhance our courses. Our University is also subject to external review by the Quality Assurance Agency. Our latest report can be found on the QAA website at We appoint External Examiners to verify that our University sets and maintains standards for awards which adhere to relevant national subject benchmark statements and the FHEQ (UK), ensure standards and student achievements are comparable with other Higher Education Institutions in the UK, with which they are familiar, and ensure that assessments measure achievement of course and module learning outcomes and reach the required standard. External Examiners may also provide feedback on areas of good practice or potential enhancement.

10 Record of Enhancement No. Detail of modification (Provide a brief description of the modification and where the Course Specification has been updated) 1 Quantitative Methods for Decision Making L6 Module assessment changed from Phase Test to Coursework Date Effective (Indicate the academic year of entry and course level(s) to which the modification will apply) September Advanced Mathematics Level 4 Module assessment changed to 100% exam September Civil Engineering Management Level 4 Module assessment changed to 100% coursework September 2015