Module Descriptors

This module provides an environment in which students are exposed to a design development within a multi-disciplinary environment.  The design is presented as a logical methodology, involving processes and is coupled with innovation to guarantee quality and functionality of the completed project.  Set at level 11, it seeks to provide an environment within which areas are blended into the task of understanding and delivering overall civil engineering design schemes, within the context of infrastructure resilience & sustainability and all associated standards and values.

The content of the module includes:

Identification of the engineering problem, establishment of understanding the concept approach towards engineering scheme design; acknowledging limitations and constraints to design (physical and legislative);overall engineering systems approach towards design with a focus on critical appraisal and evaluation through decision-making matrices.

Client’s design brief, dealing with limitations and constraints, completion of desk studies and availing of specialist knowledge when developing the brief. Consideration to other aspects of the project considerations (eg: sustainability, cost, H&S, aesthetics).

Consideration of conceptual proposals and alternatives; evaluation and assessment methods and re-appraisal processes and loops; assessment of all technical requirements throughout concept proposal.

Evaluation of design proposals against requirements in order to verify outcomes of previous activities and identify issues before committing to final design. Whole life appraisals; Consideration of  independent critique review to design proposals

This module develops a number of key ‘I am UWS Graduate Attributes’. Students who complete this module will be knowledgeable, inquiring, problem solver, ethically minded, motivated, creative, collaborative and resilient.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Demonstrate creativity and conceptual decision-making when evaluating complex and diverse project criteria with a view to preparing for more extensive design skills.

L2. Develop the competence to source and retrieve information from appropriate parties and take a reasoned and structured approach towards project design brief appraisal.

L3. Demonstrate a meaningful understanding of, and practice towards, working as an effective and efficient team member, particularly within a dynamic multidisciplinary project team setting.

L4. Critically appraise multifarious and far-reaching perspectives within which designs are conceived, formulated and fully developed. This will embrace dimensions of resilience planning, sustainable development and health and safety.

Demonstrate enhanced knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of civil engineering design and the associated techniques required to complete a design project;

Utilise the appropriate skills where civil engineering design schemes can be appraised and articulate critical arguments to support a specific design decision.

In relation to proposed design decisions, account for the economic, social,environmental and health, safety and welfare impacts of the proposed design proposal;

Proficiency in researching appropriate literature from recognised sources in order to evaluate and determine a design solution by making informed judgement of options.

Preparation of technical reports and presentations in relation to resolving problems and proposing solutions.

Critically reviewing and consolidating knowledge, skills, practices and thinking involving engineering and evaluate a range of engineering options/solutions towards meeting client requirements.

In association with risks of a technical, health & safety and commercial nature, be able to accept responsibility for these risks in relation to design decisions;

Formulate creative and innovative solutions to a range of problems by analysis of project options.

Planning and controlling complex multiple projects options using advanced project management tools and simulation.

Using appropriate computer software for written and oral presentation of design options and decisions at a level appropriate for a professional engineer.

Recording, processing, presenting and analysing data by the application of advanced theories, applied statistical methods using appropriate IT resources when considering design decisions.

Demonstrate overall competence and the ability to lead, behave with integrity, ethically and professionally in all the activities.

Applying skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general and specialised IT facilities.

Present data in several forms to both specialist and non-specialist addressees/stakeholders, taking responsibility for decisions made as an individual and as a team.

Develop and refine reflective practices.

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

1.10

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.