BEng Civil Engineering

ENG1002: Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing

This module introduces modern Engineering Mathematics by teaching maths alongside programming.

What you learn in this module will support mathematical content in core modules throughout your programme. You will be introduced to core mathematical tools for modelling Engineering systems which will be developed further in Year 2. You will learn about statistical methods of analysis that are vital tools for Engineers in the 21st century.

An elementary introduction to programming in Python will be provided which will equip you with valuable data processing and modelling skills. The teaching of Python will mirror mathematical content, building on knowledge of specialist packages for matrices, differential equations and statistics.

This module aims to provide you with all mathematical tools to tackle modern Engineering problems. It will allow you to develop strong quantitative skills, such that mathematical tools become second nature so you can focus directly on Engineering challenges and concepts. An important aspect of this is to provide a solid foundation in programming so that it will help you develop new ways of Engineering thinking and cutting-edge solutions to ever-changing societal challenges.

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ENG1005: Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project

The University declared an environment and climate emergency in May 2019. The future of our planet and community is at stake. We know though that simply declaring an environment and climate emergency is not enough so you will be part of a team involved in this real-world Project Based Learning (PBL) module to show our commitment to leading the change required. Your career as a professional engineer will require you to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams on complex and challenging projects. In preparation for this working environment your first task as a new engineering student will be to work on energy harvesting during this multidisciplinary challenge project.

The PBL driving question is ‘How can we harness ocean energy and convert it into reliable, sustainable and cost-competitive electricity that can be used to power homes, transport, and industries’.

The purpose of this module is to:

• Address the climate emergency through a team project focused on energy harvesting. The PBL project will facilitate the application of the core engineering knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics.
• Develop 21st century skills in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and technology literacy.
• Gain valuable experience in research/study skills, sketching, technical communication, 3D modelling and prototyping.
• Steering projects through the design process and creating prototypes for a final PBL ‘Public Product’.

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ENG1007: Fundamentals of Mechanics

In this module we focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to its environment, whether it’s the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

This module aims to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in Mechanics. It also consolidates a common knowledge base and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Through both continuous assessment and the end of year exams, the module encourages you to actively manage your own learning and seeks to develop your ability to communicate your understanding of engineering theory and concepts in a professional manner.

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ENG1008: Fundamentals of Materials

In this module, we focus on two sub-disciplines, fracture mechanics and additive manufacturing. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object’s response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials, and experimental activities. You will undertake several online continuous assessments throughout the module, which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.

The module is taught using a flipped learning methodology. Each week, you will review background materials. A flipped learning methodology allows you to extract more benefit from guided tutorials but also requires more upfront work by you in preparation.

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ENG1009: Fundamentals of Electronics

This module introduces the key building blocks of modern electronic systems, focusing on both analogue and digital electronics. You will learn how components like diodes and transistors help control and amplify signals, and how operational amplifiers are used in everyday devices. On the digital side, you’ll explore how computers and digital systems make decisions using logic, learning about the basic rules (Boolean algebra) and building blocks (logic gates, flip-flops, and counters) that underpin digital technology. The module blends theory with hands-on activities to help you understand how electronic circuits work and how they are used in real-world applications.

You will also take part in assessed practical electronic laboratories that introduces and develops your practical electronic skills in soldering and wiring. These practical laboratories will also develop the familiarity with using test and measurement equipment and applies your knowledge in both analogue and digital fields and demonstrate applications of their circuits.

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ENS1000: Fundamentals of Engineering

This module exemplifies the unique approach taken here at Exeter to nurturing the next generation of multidisciplinary engineers. It will introduce engineering concepts and theory across the areas of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and will provide you with a solid grounding on which to build in later modules.

In this module we focus on two sub-disciplines of materials, material science and material engineering, with topics spamming from material properties, material structures, material failure and material applications. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to the applied conditions, whether it is the allowed stress level to avoid catastrophic failure of pressurised vessels, or altering material micro- and nanostructures to provide improved ductility, strength, or resistance to fracture. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding basic materials.

We also focus on classical mechanics. At the heart of any engineering analysis is the need to understand an object's response to its environment, whether it's the forces imparted by traffic as it traverses a bridge or the forces of lift that allow an aircraft to fly. None of this analysis is possible without first understanding classical mechanics. In this module you will cover foundational mechanics theory.

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ENG2001: Civil Engineering Challenge Project

In this challenge project, you will be presented with a project brief that asks you to develop the design of a large scale civil engineering project. You and your team will need to consider many aspects of the project environment and will be required to complete a range of civil engineering and related tasks. These range from developing initial concept designs, to assessing likely environmental impact of the project, surveying the site, developing structural scheme designs and investigating various construction methods.

Supported through both academic and guest lectures, you will develop your knowledge and skill in a range of different areas including:

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ENG2009: Modelling of Engineering Systems

This module is designed to introduce second year undergraduates to mathematical modelling techniques for engineering systems, and their implementation using scientific computing (e.g. python).

1. To strengthen mathematical and computational skills for solving mathematical challenges arising in the modelling of engineering systems.

2. To acquire a large variety of analytical, numerical and mathematical techniques to be used for those engineering problems.

3. To build practical skills in translating engineering problem statements into mathematical models / questions, and then analysing, simulating and solving the problem by writing a software programme.

4. Understand the concept of analytical and numerical approximation, and learn methods to validate and test your mathematical formulation and programme.

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ENG2010: Soil Mechanics

As civil engineers, almost everything we design and build at some point comes in contact with the earth. So, it is essential that you understand the fundamental mechanics that govern soil behaviour. This module introduces the basic concepts of soil classification, soil compaction, site investigation, seepage and shear strength of soil, and their practical applications in geotechnical engineering. It also covers a range of experiments that are routinely carried out in geotechnical investigation. The knowledge you will acquire in this module will provide a good grounding in the topic and stand you in good stead for your further study of geotechnical engineering later in your studies. You will also get the chance to interpret geological features in the field and gain experience of field observation and measurement techniques, site investigation and preliminary design of a civil engineering structure. You will also get introduced to the use of geotechnical software commonly used in the professional practice.

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ENG2011: Solid Mechanics

This module will provide students with extended understanding of the theories in Solids Mechanics and their applicability in stress/strain analysis, including motion/equilibrium equations, compatibility equations, Hooke's law, elasticity and plasticity, boundary conditions for complex engineering problems, and energy methods for stress and deformation analysis. Such essential engineering knowledge will equip students with commonly required capabilities in mechanics modelling, solving a mechanics model for stress and deformation on a practical problem, conducting stress concentration analysis, interpolating experimental data and associating with industrial problems, and performing basic finite element analysis on structure behaviours. Students are expected to comprehensively use the knowledge and skills attained above to solve various real-life engineering problems in their senior- year modules, individual and group projects, and future career.

This module aims to illustrate the fundamental principles of stress and deformation in a solid under complex loading associated with the elemental structures/components in civil and mechanical engineering. The understanding of solids mechanics will provide the ability to analyse problems in terms of strength and deformation in relation to the design, manufacturing and maintenance of machines, vehicles, structures, and devices in the above-mentioned engineering areas.

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ENG2012: Structural Behaviour

This module builds on the mechanics component of Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics in first year and Solid Mechanics in second year. You will further your understanding of structural analysis and its importance to engineering design. You will develop cornerstone skills, essential for civil, structural and mechanical engineers. You will enhance your mathematical analysis skills and develop ability to perform linear elastic analysis of beams and 2D frame structures both quantitatively and qualitatively. You will explore techniques underpinning structural analysis including strain energy, virtual work, and flexibility methods. You will also investigate instability and plastic collapse mechanisms of simple structures. You will further develop your experimental skills and awareness of health and safety practice within engineering.

This module addresses topics that are essential to the design and understanding of the behaviour of engineering structures under static loading. The module will provide a mathematical basis for quantitative analysis (including calculating internal forces, reactions, deflections, rotations, buckling capacity and plastic collapse) as well as qualitative analysis of beams and frames. It will lay the foundations for more advanced structure design modules.

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ENS2007: Civil Engineering Practice

The Civil Engineering Practice module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of key civil engineering principles. You will study civil engineering materials, surveying, and highway engineering, focusing on both theoretical concepts and practical applications. Through this module, you will explore the properties and uses of construction materials, develop essential surveying skills, and gain insights into highway design and construction. Hands-on learning is a key aspect, with laboratory experiments and surveying activities allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. By engaging in practical tasks, you will develop problem-solving abilities and technical expertise essential for a successful career in civil engineering.

The module aims to provide students with a strong foundation in civil engineering materials, surveying techniques and highway engineering principles. It seeks to enhance practical skills by incorporating laboratory experiments and surveying activities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real world scenarios.

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ENS2034: Construction Project Management

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ECM3156: Civil Engineering Hydraulics

Hydraulic engineering is concerned with the flow and transportations of fluids, and hydraulic systems use the force of liquids to transmit power. This module gives you the understanding you need to analyse and modify existing hydraulic systems and design new systems to British Standards.

You will learn about the dynamic behaviour of water in structures and devices used to control the flow of water. These include pipelines, tunnels, pumps, turbines, valves, open channels, dams, spillways, gates and weirs. Furthermore, you will learn about models used to describe water behaviour and the theory behind those models. Finally, you will gain a full understanding of analytical and experimental tools for designing and checking hydraulic systems and structures.

The aim of this module is to familiarise you with the topics in hydraulics that are essential for any civil engineering graduate at MEng level, and to develop a good analytical understanding in these areas. It is also designed to develop your abilities to analyse and modify existing hydraulic systems and to design new systems.

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ECM3175: Individual Project

The Individual Project module will enable you to put into practice your research, project management and engineering skills, engaging you in the development of your own real world solution to an engineering problem or challenge. From clearly articulating the rationale for your project, to scoping and refining the design and finished product, you will work individually to apply the knowledge gained from other modules in your degree programme. You will be expected to innovate, create and present your engineering solution, honing your entrepreneurial as well as academic and practical skills. In this way, the module will enable you to develop valuable transferable skills for future employment in industry.

In this module, you will apply the knowledge and skills obtained from taught modules to devise a real engineering solution at a professional level. You will be encouraged to use initiative, imagination and creativity during the management of your project, devoting around 300 hours of independent study towards its completion. You will study with greater levels of autonomy than in previous taught modules.

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ENG3003: Digital Engineering and Building Information Modelling

The rapid pace of technology development over the past 20 years has had a transformative impact on the construction industry. It has now become routine to develop completely digital prototypes of large-scale structures before any work ever begins on site. This is made possible through the use of Digital Engineering methodologies, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM); a collaborative process that can be applied throughout the lifecycle of a project.

The BIM process delivers an integrated set of digital models, data and documentation, capturing information that builds over the lifecycle of a project. Digital models can represent components, spatial characteristics and relationships through embedded data and information.

In this module you will be introduced to the tools and techniques associated with Digital Engineering and BIM, developing an invaluable skillset for today’s civil engineers. This skillset will be supported through academic and industry led components, providing a comprehensive introduction to multiple aspects of digital engineering and insight into future career opportunities.

This module aims to help you to develop the skills required of a civil engineer working in today’s construction industry. It will provide insight into digital engineering, acquainting you with the tools and practices employed to deliver large scale civil engineering projects.

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ENG3006: Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation Design

In this module you will continue your study of geotechnical engineering and explore how structures

interact with the soils that support them. You will develop knowledge of the philosophies and techniques of geotechnical design and analysis that are essential elements of the training of civil engineers. You will gain experience of using field observations and measurements in geotechnical analysis and design. Furthermore, you will develop essential awareness of ground conditions and general safety on civil engineering sites. Finally, you will learn how to assess stresses in the soil mass, bearing capacity and settlement of shallow and deep foundations, stability of gravity and embedded retaining walls and stability of slopes. You will also engage in the use of geotechnical software commonly adopted in the professional practice.

To introduce you to the techniques of geotechnical design and analysis and their limitations, the underlying philosophies of current geotechnical practice, and different practical applications in civil engineering projects, such as the design of foundations, the design of retaining walls and the stability of slopes.

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ENG3014: Structural Engineering

A good knowledge of the philosophies and techniques of structural design and analysis are essential elements of the training of civil engineers. In this module you will learn about these philosophies and techniques, and their application to the design of steel and reinforced concrete structures. In hands-on laboratory sessions, you will learn about factors such as elasticity, cracking, tensile strength, shear and flexure, through observation and analysis. You will get the opportunity to hone your skills in methods of structural analyses, technical report writing and presentation. In addition, the module emphasises the role of the Engineering Council's Code of Practice, the application of engineering judgment, and the execution of appropriate structural analyses in the context of design problems.

This module aims to introduce the design philosophies that underpin current professional codes of practice. It will consolidate and build on methods of analysis for linear elastic and plastic modes of behaviour, and illustrate how to utilise these methods for the design of simple structures using structural steel and reinforced concrete – the two materials that are common for civil/structural engineering applications despite their complex properties.

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ECM3158: Water Resources and Pollution Control

With the global population expanding rapidly, wastewater management and the provision of clean drinking water to people across the world will become an increasingly challenging and important pursuit in the coming decades.

This module will acquaint you with current practices in water quality management, including the operational principles of water and wastewater treatment plants. You will learn about the water cycle, methods of treating water and wastewater so it can be reused. Water quality is strictly regulated by most countries, and so it is imperative that engineers around the world continually improve methods of ensuring a safe supply.

This module develops understanding of the water cycle, flow dynamics and water quality in natural systems. It aims to demonstrate how engineering design can protect hydraulic systems, address water scarcity and pollution, and advance sustainable water resource management.

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ENG3001: Construction Project Management

Successful management of lengthy and complex construction projects is one of the main responsibilities of a civil engineer. In the simplest terms, successful project management requires project delivery on time, within budget and to the specified quality standard. In order to accomplish this, civil engineers must have a sound grasp of modern project management tools and techniques. In this module you will develop  your skills and knowledge in the area of construction project management. You will learn about construction contracts and the regulatory frameworks within the construction industry. You will apply common project management techniques and come to understand how sustainability considerations influence your decision making as a civil engineer.

This module aims to give you an awareness of the ‘external’ factors that will affect your engineering project, from the client requirements, to available finance, to the imposed deadlines.  In better understanding the other project ‘players’ and the constraints that they face, you will be well placed as an engineer, to assist in delivering a project that satisfies stakeholder requirements. The broad knowledge base developed in this module will help you to deliver projects that not only rise to the mathematical and physical challenges, but also meets the aesthetic, budgetary and programme criteria.

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ENG3015: Structural Dynamics

Much of modern engineering involves structures that move dynamically or have parts which move dynamically, e.g. automotive/aerospace structures, gas turbines used to propel aircraft or rotating components in machine tools. Even seemingly static structures such as buildings, bridges and grandstands are subjected to dynamic forces such as earthquakes, wind and human-induced dynamic loads such as walking or jumping.

This module will provide you with basic knowledge and understanding how engineering structures respond to dynamic loading and how they can be designed to avoid adverse effects on them relevant to their dynamic behaviour. Particular emphasis will be given to theoretical concepts of single- (SDOF) and multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems which form foundations of general structural dynamics in broad areas of mechanical and civil engineering. The module will then make use of these theoretical concepts to analyse specific but common problems in mechanical and civil engineering to illustrate the general approach.

This module is suitable for all Engineering students who have taken the prerequisite ENG1002 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, and ENG2012 Structural Behaviour modules.

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