programme specification final part 1: course summary … · 2020. 6. 29. · university beng degree...

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Page 1 of 2 UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON COVID-19 Course Delivery Statement 2020/21 School SET Name of Course(s) MSc Civil Engineering MSc Earthquake & Structural Engineering Are there minimum equipment requirements for students? Module leaders are mindful of relying on software for students that is either public domain or a computer package for which the school has negotiated a student version that can run in students own PCs Minimum hardware requirements Latest Intel i5 or better (i7 recommended) Windows 10 16Gb RAM or better, 512Gb SSD or better Dedicated GPU with 1GB or more VRAM Full HD screen Course Specific Delivery Statement: The School of Environment and Technology is planning to deliver our courses without the need to modify course learning outcomes or structure. Most teaching and assessments will be provided remotely, as social distancing requirements will prevent in person large group activities. This will be especially important in the first semester (September until January). For the second semester, all activities will be reviewed during the preceding months. Either the continuation of remote learning or the return to lecture rooms will be notified as soon as possible before the February start. Students might require the use of a computer (including speakers and microphone) and specialist software to work from home. Where possible, the University will provide access to the specialty software remotely. If this will not be possible, students will be allowed access to the campus in order to use these software or alternative arrangements will be put in place to avoid the need of these software. The school is prioritising key practical skills for face-to-face delivery whilst social distancing requirements are in place to ensure a full experience, that enables students to meet all the learning outcomes while satisfying PSRB (professional, statutory and regulatory bodies) requirements. Computer lab tutorials will run online as module leaders will make sure that all students can gain free access to computer packages for which the school has negotiated a student version that can be installed in students' PCs. Dissertation projects will rely primarily on numerical/computational analysis and modelling. A few lab-based projects could run primarily to start in semester 2 depending on the evolution of the pandemic and the recommended health and safety guidelines and social distancing rules recommended by the government. Lectures and tutorials will largely be delivered remotely, with a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous activities, supplemented by directed learning and self-assessment activities, in line with what would normally be expected at MSc level. All modules will include activities with academic staff, either on campus or remotely. Where possible, workshops, including computer

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Page 1: PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Final PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY … · 2020. 6. 29. · University BEng degree in Civil Engineering with second class Honors. Alternatively, ... masters/index.aspx

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UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON

COVID-19 Course Delivery Statement 2020/21

School SET

Name of Course(s) MSc Civil Engineering MSc Earthquake & Structural Engineering

Are there minimum equipment requirements for students?

Module leaders are mindful of relying on software for students that is either public domain or a computer package for which the school has negotiated a student version that can run in students own PCs

Minimum hardware requirements  Latest Intel i5 or better (i7 recommended)

Windows 10

16Gb RAM or better, 512Gb SSD or better

Dedicated GPU with 1GB or more VRAM

Full HD screen

Course Specific Delivery Statement:

The School of Environment and Technology is planning to deliver our courses without the need to

modify course learning outcomes or structure. Most teaching and assessments will be provided

remotely, as social distancing requirements will prevent in person large group activities. This will be

especially important in the first semester (September until January). For the second semester, all

activities will be reviewed during the preceding months. Either the continuation of remote learning

or the return to lecture rooms will be notified as soon as possible before the February start.

Students might require the use of a computer (including speakers and microphone) and specialist

software to work from home. Where possible, the University will provide access to the specialty

software remotely. If this will not be possible, students will be allowed access to the campus in

order to use these software or alternative arrangements will be put in place to avoid the need of

these software.

The school is prioritising key practical skills for face-to-face delivery whilst social distancing

requirements are in place to ensure a full experience, that enables students to meet all the learning

outcomes while satisfying PSRB (professional, statutory and regulatory bodies) requirements.

Computer lab tutorials will run online as module leaders will make sure that all students can gain

free access to computer packages for which the school has negotiated a student version that can

be installed in students' PCs.

Dissertation projects will rely primarily on numerical/computational analysis and modelling. A few

lab-based projects could run primarily to start in semester 2 depending on the evolution of the

pandemic and the recommended health and safety guidelines and social distancing rules

recommended by the government.

Lectures and tutorials will largely be delivered remotely, with a mixture of synchronous and

asynchronous activities, supplemented by directed learning and self-assessment activities, in line

with what would normally be expected at MSc level. All modules will include activities with

academic staff, either on campus or remotely. Where possible, workshops, including computer

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workshops/tutorials, will be prioritised for on campus delivery.

Due to the social distancing requirements, and the need for staff to teach the same material

multiple times to small groups of students, the availability of the optional modules may be

restricted on the course. However, the school will ensure that courses will still comply with the

PSRB requirements and that the choice is made available as much as is feasible.

Where your assessment would have been in person it will be replaced with online equivalents, until

in person assessment becomes possible again. For example, this means that invigilated exams will

be replaced by online tests, electronic take home exams (open Book), or a coursework option

(portfolio or essay) and presentations will be conducted online or recorded. If it becomes

necessary, some laboratory assessments tasks will be replaced by analysis of simulated data (if

social distancing rules prevent the realization of lab experiments).

COVID-19 Course Changes for 20/21 Details of Change

Assessment Methods

Most in person, time constrained, invigilated exams to be

replaced with 48 hour open book remote exams, of the

same equivalence, where applicable.

Some modules may replace the exam element with a

coursework option (portfolio or essay) or online time

constrained multiple choice exam that will need to be

completed within a window of 48 Hours.

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s

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Final

PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION

Course summary

Final award MSc Civil Engineering

Intermediate award PGDip Civil Engineering

PGCert Civil Engineering

Course status Validated

Awarding body University of Brighton

School School of Environment and Technology

Location of study/ campus Moulsecoomb

Partner institution(s)

Name of institution Host department Course status

1. SELECT

2.

3.

Admissions

Admissions agency Direct to School

Entry requirements

Include any progression opportunities into the course.

Check the University’s website for current entry requirements.

University BEng degree in Civil Engineering with second class Honors. Alternatively, university degree second class honours in other disciplines that include advanced and/or engineering maths (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics). Other candidates with relevant work experience on technical aspects of Civil Engineering may be considered on an individual basis.

• Satisfactory references from two referees to provide an appraisal of the suitability of the candidate to engage in a MSc course in Civil Engineering.

• IELTS (English proficiency): 6.5 overall and 6 in writing.

This programme has been validated to combine either a 12 or 8 week Extended Masters (EMA) English Language pathway route. Programme specifications for the English Language component of the Extended Masters route can be found at: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/international/study-with-us/courses-and-qualifications/brighton-language-institute/eap-programmes/extended-masters/index.aspx

Start date (mmm-yy)

Normally September

September 2020

Mode of study

Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period

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Full-time 1 year 6 years

Part-time 2 years 6 years

Sandwich Select Select

Distance Select Select

Course codes/categories

UCAS code

Contacts

Course Leader (or Course Development Leader)

Dr. J. Enrique MARTINEZ-RUEDA

Admissions Tutor Dr. J. Enrique MARTINEZ-RUEDA

Examination and Assessment

External Examiner(s)

Name Place of work Date tenure expires

Dr Andrea D'Ambra

Dr Maurizio Guadagnini

University of Bristol

University of Sheffield

31/12/2020

31/12/2024

Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB)

AEB/CEB PG Built Environment and Civil Engineering

Approval and review

Approval date Review date

Validation July 20071 2015-162 (next review due 2020-21)

Programme Specification Jun 20203

Jun 20214

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): Joint Board of Moderators

2008

2013 (most recent accreditation)

December 20175

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable):

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable):

1 Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September). 4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here. 5 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.

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PART 2: COURSE DETAILS

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims

1. To develop a critical understanding of the nature and significance of advanced engineering

principles and their application to the design and construction of civil engineering projects. Particular emphasis is placed on the core disciplines to develop in-depth understanding of structural engineering (CNM08, CNM21, CNM23), geotechnical engineering (CNM17, CNM20) and hydraulic engineering (CNM02). These core areas are supplemented and enhanced by a range of related modules to provide a degree of specialisation.

2. To develop advanced research, analytical and communication skills through carrying out independent research.

3. To develop the skills required to find solutions at the forefront of civil engineering as a profession.

Learning outcomes

The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate6.

Knowledge and theory Having successfully completed this programme, students will:

1. have developed advanced understanding of the concepts and philosophy of Civil Engineering, and the design and construction of civil engineering projects.

2. have a critical awareness of, and ability to employ, current civil and environmental engineering practices in Britain and around the world.

3. be able to collate information from taught modules and apply this synthesized knowledge to an in-depth investigation into an engineering related problem in a realistic environment.

4. be able to develop a critical and systematic approach to problem solving.

Skills

Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills.

Having successfully completed this programme, students will be able to:

1. have an understanding of the distinct branches of knowledge and skills contained within Civil Engineering and its associated subject areas.

2. participate in group activities to develop teamwork, leadership skills, and integration of diverse subject specialisms.

3. have developed an independent learning ability required for continued

professional learning.

4. design, plan, communicate and defend orally and in writing the results of

a research project.

6 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.

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QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable)7

N.A.

PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)

Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.

This programme is accredited (via JBM) by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Charted Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree. See www.jbm.org.uk for further information.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.

Learning and teaching methods

Teaching methods for the modules will vary according to the subject under consideration. Generally, however, there will be both theoretical and applied components in most the modules. This may involve laboratory work, computing exercises related to analysis and design applications.

The teaching team recognize that with the broad range of syllabus material it is unlikely that any one student will have academic or professional expertise sufficient to provide a foundation for all syllabus components. The individual modules have been designed to incorporate sufficient material relating to basic concepts and methodologies to provide an appropriate foundation for students with limited previous experience in a particular subject area. Following the provision of these basic concepts the components rapidly progress to the understanding and evaluation which will be novel for most students.

The scope of the course structure and content results in a diversity of teaching and learning strategies dependent upon the nature of the material. Lecture sessions will be employed to introduce much of the conceptual and methodological material but group studies and practical exercises also play a role. Applications to practical situations, including those relating to research undertaken by the teaching team will be included.

Education for sustainable development:

The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development through its Education for Sustainable Development policy. Civil Engineering is a discipline with a direct influence on the advent of civilization and deals with a number of essential engineering tools to support sustainable development. Students enrolled on the MSc Civil Engineering programme are educated to deal with challenging problems that affect the long-term performance of new and existing civil engineering structures and their surrounding environment. The master modules that deal with the analysis of Civil Engineering structures and facilities to be protected against the action of natural hazards (earthquake, wave and wind loading as well as ground failures) equip the graduates of the programme with a number of skills to make an effective contribution to ensuring that future generations not only have an equivalent quality of life, but are likely to have an improved one.

Research informed teaching:

The core modules of the programme are delivered by research-active academic staff, and specialist aspects of the curriculum reflect their research interests. Normally all the lecturers of core modules incorporate in their teaching: case studies, experimental results, design and analysis theories derived

7 Please refer to the QAA website for details.

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from their research activities and publications. The structure of the MSc dissertation has been devised to be research-orientated. And in a number of occasions this approach has led to research publications (journal and conference papers) in co-authorship with students from the programme.

The engagement on research of the teaching staff has also enriched the infrastructure for teaching and research as it has led to the development of software suitable for research (e.g. software for nonlinear seismic analysis, software for coastal engineering) as well as experimental facilities (e.g. centrifuge and shake table) that support the development of more ambitious dissertation projects

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods

This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.

The assessment scheme is seen as an integral part of the system of teaching and learning strategies for the course. As such it’s aims are to foster, develop and test advanced knowledge, skill, understanding and personal qualities as they may apply in the context of a postgraduate degree. Module descriptors specify the learning objectives and the assessment methods are defined in relation to these objectives. All the core modules include both unseen exam and coursework as part of the assessment diet. The typical forms of assessment include: unseen written exams, oral examinations, essays, technical reports for coursework based on computer/numerical modelling, and seminar presentations.

The assessment of modules and the dissertation

Modules

Modules are assessed according to the criteria specified for each module and included in module descriptors. The pass mark for the award of a module shall be 50 in the aggregated assessment of the module.

The External Examiner will monitor the assessment and quality control procedures for modules.

Modules will have a value of 20 credits with the exception of the dissertation which will have a value of 60 credits.

The assessment structure of the course has been devised to ensure a system that is :

1. 1. Simple to understand

2. 2. Provides a balance between exams and coursework

A variety of forms of assessment are used in the MSc course to demonstrate ability in a range of skills. The following definitions are included within the MSc Civil Engineering Course Handbook issued to all students:

Examination (unseen examinations): a demonstration of knowledge, understanding, analytical skill and ability to apply technical knowledge.

Essay a demonstration of understanding and analytical and written communication skills.

Project (including individual research project or group work): a demonstration of independent research skills and written communication skills.

Technical Report (including laboratory reports): a demonstration of reporting and written communication skills. Laboratory reports additionally demonstrate laboratory skills.

Thresholds for each assessment task

A threshold mark of 40% applies for each and every component of a module assessment.

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Assessment schedule for modules

The assessment schedule for a module and the dissertation will be published in advance of, or at the commencement of, the module on each occasion that the module is offered.

The schedule will include:

• 1. the assessment task(s);

• 2. the criteria for assessment;

• 3. the date(s) for submission of the assessment(s);

• 4. the dates of written examinations, where appropriate;

• where appropriate, the method by which the aggregation of the part marks or grades for the individual assessment components is carried out to arrive at the final mark or grade for the module;

• where appropriate, the conditions for the award of a module;

• where appropriate, the components in which referral is not possible because of the nature of the task;

• where appropriate, the means by, and the place/person to which the work should be submitted for marking; faxed submissions are not normally permitted;

• where appropriate, the learning contract for the module.

Dissertation

Within the Guide to the MSc Dissertation in Civil Engineering, students are given explicit assessment criteria that will be used in the marking of their dissertations. In the allocation of grades the assessors will look for:

• evidence of a broad understanding of the problems involved;

• evidence of critical thinking in investigation and analysis;

• evidence of creativity in the implementation of the results of this analysis;

• evidence of integration of knowledge gained through carrying out the dissertation to an understanding of the theoretical and methodological issues involved;

• evidence of satisfactory presentation and communication skills.

To achieve a pass level students must have demonstrated an ability to:

• identify the main paradigmatic issues relevant to the problem and the context in which it is presented;

• analyze the relevant aspects of the problem in such a way as to clarify these issues;

• to choose an appropriate methodological approach to a solution of the problem;

• to apply practical techniques of investigation and development as appropriate;

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• to apply creatively or recommend solutions to the problem within the organisational context.

To achieve a Distinction in the project students must demonstrate pass level abilities but also show an outstanding level of work in identifying or developing new and original insights into some aspects of the area of the dissertation, either in terms of the application area being studied or as a contribution to the development of the methodology used to investigate the application, or to the underlying body of ideas which give context to the methodology.

M level assessment

At M Level students take a combination of modules designed for MSc course. The individual research project (dissertation) is assessed by written and oral presentation. The remaining modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and oral examination designed to assess students’ understanding of advanced engineering principles and their application.

Assessment for a typical pathway

Exams Coursework Dissertation

50% 20% 30%

Learning Outcome Assessment method Modules Number of

credits

Knowledge and theory

1..To develop advanced understanding of the concepts and philosophy of Civil Engineering, and the design and construction of civil engineering projects.

Examination, coursework assignments, dissertation

CNM11,CNM02,

CNM08,CNM17,

CNM21,CNM23

180

2..To have a critical awareness of, and ability to employ, current civil and environmental engineering practices in Britain and around the world

Examination and coursework assignments

WEM02, WEM03

BEM37,BEM09

80

3..To be able to collate information from taught modules and apply this synthesized knowledge to an in-depth investigation into an engineering related problem in a realistic environment.

Examination and coursework assignments

CNM02,CNM08,CNM17,CNM21,CNM20,CNM23

120

4..To be able to develop a critical and systematic approach to problem solving.

Examination and coursework assignments

CNM02,CNM08,CNM17,CNM20,CNM21,CNM23

120

Skills

1..To be able to have an understanding of the distinct branches of knowledge and skills contained within Civil Engineering and its associated subject areas

Examination and coursework assignments

CNM02,CNM08,CNM17,CNM20,CNM21,CNM23

120

2..To be able to participate in group activities to develop teamwork, leadership skills, and integration of diverse subject specialisms.

coursework assignments CNM02,CNM17,CNM21

60

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3..To develop an independent learning ability required for continuing professional learning.

Examination, coursework assignments and dissertation

CNM02,CNM08,CNM17,CNM20,CNM21,CNM23,CNM11

180

4..To design, plan, communicate and defend orally and in writing the results of a research project.

Dissertation CNM11 60

SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Institutional/ University All students benefit from:

University induction week

Student Handbook: the University and you

Extensive library facilities

Computer pool rooms

E-mail address

Welfare service

Course leader acts as personal tutor for advice and guidance

Course-specific

Additional support, specifically where courses have non-traditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include:

In addition, students on this course benefit from:

a) Handbooks and Guidance Notes

MSc Skills Handbook

Guide to MSc Dissertation in Civil Engineering

MSc Civil Engineering Course Handbook

b) Academic and Administrative Support

Course Leader who monitors academic and personal progress of students on the course

School of Environment and Technology Intranet that hosts supplementary learning resources in support of modules as well as providing links to additional resources

School administrative support for module registration

School of Environment and Technology Computing Officer who works with staff and students to enable access to, and use of, Information Technology facilities

c) Computing and Laboratory Facilities

School of Environment and Technology Computer Suite, containing a number of networked terminals running software suite for structural analysis and design (SAP2000, MIDAS Civil, MIDAS FEA), rock mechanics (including the programs: PHASE2, DIPS, UNWEDGE, ROCFALL, ROCKPLANE, SLIDE, SWEDGE, ROCKSUPPORT, ROCDATA, EXAMINE2D), CRISP (FE analysis), GIS (ArcView 3.2), geotechnical engineering (PLAXIS) and other technical software (Matlab, AutoCad, Power Project, Oasis, Hevacomp)

Heavy structures laboratory, equipped with static and cyclic loading equipment and data acquisition systems.

Dynamics laboratory, equipped with a 18"x18" shake table capable of exciting scaled models of up to 15 Kg at a maximum acceleration of 2.5 g and maximum displacement of 7cm.

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Soil Mechanics Laboratory equipped with direct and ring shear testing equipment, soil rock triaxial testing equipment and a geotechnical centrifuge of 0.75m radius capable of accellerating a model package of 20kG to 300 gravities.

Concrete laboratory equipped with cube testing facilities, mixing and casting facilities and load testing rigs.

Hydraulics Laboratory, with Armfield 10m x 0.4m recirculating flume for river and wave simulatior, 6m x 0.25m venturi flume, and 4m x 0.1m narrow flume with plate weir.

Dedicated Geology Laboratory, with interactive whiteboard, visualizer and projector; 30+ petrological teaching microscopes, 2 Meiji petrological microscopes with reflected light, 20 Motic stereomicroscopes; extensive rock, mineral and fossil samples, ore deposit sample suites, and extensive collection of rock thin sections

Research quality Nikon stereomicroscope; 2 Nikon petrological microscopes with SLR attachment and 1 with video attachment

Soil and Water Analysis Laboratory, with muffle furnace, Oertling analytical balances, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, and Gas Chromatograph with flame ionization detector

Soil and Sediment Analysis Laboratory, with drying ovens, sediment sieving facilities, Oertling top pan balances, constant and falling head permeameters, and triaxial cells for permeability and failure analysis

Fluid inclusion analysis microscope with heating and freezing stage

Energy-dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer and sample preparation equipment

X-Ray Diffraction Spectrometer (Panalytical X’Pert Pro)

Scanning Electron Microscopy facility with dedicated technician support

Equipment for field-based geophysical surveying: Geonics EM31 ground conductivity meter; Geomatrix Gamma Surveyor field gamma ray spectrometer

Thin-Sectioning Laboratory, with Buehler thin-sectioning equipment including slab saw, Petrotrim, Petrothin, 3 Metaserve polisher-grinders and vacuum-impregnation facilities

Environment & Public Health Laboratory, seating up to 10, equipped with bench top spectrophotometers for basic water chemistry, membrane filtration equipment, balances, incubators and sterilisation equipment for public health microbiology procedures

Hydraulics Laboratory, with Armfield 10m x 0.4m recirculating flume for river and

Wave simulatior, 6m x 0.25m venturi flume, and 4m x 0.1m narrow flume with plate weir

Environmental Simulation Laboratory with 6m x 4m hydraulic stream table.

PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General Examination and Assessment Regulations (GEAR).

Marking Convention

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Work for assessments will be marked on a numerical scale using whole numbers in the range 0 - 100. This is aligned with fail (0 - 49%), pass (50 - 59%), merit (60 - 69%) and distinction (70% +).

Pass mark

The pass mark for postgraduate (level M) modules and awards is 50%.

Threshold pass marks for assessment tasks

The threshold mark for each assessment task within a postgraduate (level M) module (component) is 40%.

Algorithm for the determination of the award with merit and distinction

Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma Awards

Merit will be awarded to students for the PGCert and PGDip awards who have satisfied the requirements of the award and have achieved a credit-weighted mean mark from all modules across the award of 60.00 - 69.99.

Distinction will be awarded to students for the PGCert and PGDip awards who have satisfied the requirements of the award and have achieved a credit-weighted mean mark from all modules across the award of at least 70

Master's awards

Merit will be awarded to students for the Master's award who have satisfied the requirements of the award and have achieved a credit-weighted mean mark from all modules across the award of at least 60 and a mark of at least 60 in the dissertation / project.

Distinction will be awarded to students for the Master's award who have satisfied the requirements of the award and have achieved a credit-weighted mean mark from all modules across the award of at least 70 and a mark of at least 70 in the dissertation / project.

Borderlines

There are no borderline criteria for PGCert, PGDip and Master's awards.

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COURSE STRUCTURE This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.

Course Organisation and Study Rates

The course consists of two major components, i.e. the taught and the research component. Both components run in parallel through the academic year. The taught component consists of a number of taught modules dealing primarily on advanced topics of Civil Engineering. The research component consists of research-orientated Master dissertation. The course will be delivered as a full time programme, but with opportunity to be studied in a part time mode. The minimum period of registration for the full time mode is 12 months. The full time mode will operate from October to September, with opportunity for examination of the Project Dissertation in July or September. Early in semester 1, students will choose dissertation topic and supervisor. During semesters 1 & 2 students will be primarily engaged with the taught modules and working on the initial research stage of their dissertations through regular meetings with their supervisors. In the summer period students will be focused on their dissertations with the aim of submitting no later than early September. The table below summarises the above course structure.

Semester 1 Semester 2 Summer

Timetabled 3 optional taught modules

+

CNM11 (Dissertation)

Timetabled 3 optional taught modules

+

CNM11 (Dissertation)

CNM11 (Dissertation)

Students may proceed through the programme at a slower pace but subject to a maximum period of 48 months from initial registration to completion of the final module/s or submission of the Project. This is also subject to the requirement that normally at least two modules should be studied in each academic year. However, and subject to the maximum period of 48 months, it is desirable that students aim to submit their Dissertation within approximately 12 months from registration for the Dissertation Module. Where there are genuine mitigating circumstances an extension of the submission date will be considered by the Examination Board.

Modules are offered within a Semester framework. This is more appropriate to the needs of the market for this course but the possibility of offering some course modules as week-long blocks, plus supporting work, to groups for CPD purposes and allowing MSc students to attend is not discounted, and may be included in the future operation of the course.

Module workload

Broadly a (20 CAT) module will require a minimum of 200 hours of work by a student of which approximately 30-40 hours will be class contact time and there will be an emphasis on student based learning. Normally a minimum of two hours class contact per week will be anticipated, though this may be more on some modules, particularly in the early weeks of a programme. Student workload for the Postgraduate Diploma is therefore about 1200 hours and for the MSc 1800 hours of which the Dissertation comprises 600 hours.

Ideally each module is free standing so that no order of study is specified for the majority of modules proposed. Core modules however specify pre-requisites which may dictate some ordering of modules. Provided students meet any prerequisites they may study the modules in any logical order thus facilitating extended part-time study.

Masters Dissertation

The dissertation should represent a student’s individual and independent research or analysis effort on a selected/designated topic. The aim of the dissertation is to extend and unify the student's understanding and awareness of the Civil Engineering as developed in the course modules and to facilitate the student in devising or recommending creative and appropriate solutions to a specific

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problem. On completion of the dissertation the student should have fulfilled a variety of objectives which will include:

•.understanding and making a critical review of the state-of-the art relating to the research topic based on a relevant literature review;

•.applying experiential learning, problem solving, analytical modeling to real civil engineering problems;

•.applying rigorously the appropriate methods and techniques for problem analysis and investigation;

•.making appropriate interpretation of results to develop solid conclusions from them.

•.devising, recommending or implementing innovative solutions to the problem under investigation, and to be able to present these solutions effectively.

Modules

To be eligible for an MSc award students must derive a minimum of 80 credits from technical optional modules (to be chosen from the list of CNM taught modules), and accrue a nominal total of 120 credits from the taught modules of the course. 60 credits are allocated to the dissertation.

Level8

Module code

Status Module title Credit

7 CNM02 O Coastal Engineering and Wave Loading 20

7 CNM08 O Bridge Loads and Analysis 20

7 CNM17 O Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering 20

7 CNM20 O Rock Mechanics 20

7 CNM21 O Dynamics of Structures with Earthquake Engineering applications

20

7 CNM23 O Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

20

7 CNM11 M MSc Civil Engineering Dissertation 60

7 WEM02 O Water Treatment Technology 20

7 WEM03 O Wastewater Treatment Technology 20

7 BEM09 O Construction Management 20

7 BEM37 O Sustainable Construction 20

7 M-Level O Only one master module not included in the above list (it must be approved by the course leader)

20

Status:

M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)

C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)

O = Optional (optional modules)*

* Optional modules listed are indicative only and may be subject to change, depending on timetabling and staff availability

Identifiable study paths

The taught programme of this course has been designed to be flexible and allows for the selection of modules that best satisfy the needs of specialization and research interests of individual students. The only constraint for the selection of modules is that students take and pass at least 4 technical optional modules (to be chosen from CNM02, CNM08, CNM17, CNM20, CNM21, CNM23).

Feasible main paths and optional sets of taught modules are:

8 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.

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PATH 1 : General Civil Engineering

Option 1: CNM02, CNM08, CNM17, CNM20, CNM21, CNM23 + Dissertation on any technical CE topic

PATH 2 : Civil Engineering with Structures

Option 1 : CNM02, CNM08, CNM21, CNM23, CNM20, CNM02 + Dissertation on a Structural

Engineering topic

PATH 3 : Civil Engineering with Hydraulics and Water Resources

Option 1: WEMO2, WEM03, CNM02, CNM17, CNM20, CNM21 + Dissertation on Hydraulics

Option 2: WEMO2, WEM03, CNM02, CNM17, CNM21, CNM23 + Dissertation on Hydraulics

PATH 4 : Civil Engineering with Construction Management

Option 1: CNM02, CNM08, CNM17, CNM20, BEM09 + any other approved module from the MSc Construction Management course + Dissertation on any technical CE topic

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AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION

Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award

Total credits9 Minimum credits10 Ratio of marks11: Class of award

Final 180 MSc Civil Engineering 7 Total credit 180 Minimum credit at level of award Other: 150

Level 7 marks Postgraduate degree

Final 120 PGDip Civil Engineering 7 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award Other: 90

Level 7 marks Postgraduate (taught) degree

Final 60 PGCert Civil Engineering 7 Total credit 60 Minimum credit at level of award 40

Level 7 marks Postgraduate (taught) degree

Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select

Select Select

Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select

Select Select

*Foundation degrees only

Progression routes from award:

Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate12 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS)

70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction

60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit

50% - 59.99% Pass

Lower second (2:2) Pass

40% - 49.99% Third (3)

9 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 10 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 11 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 12 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.

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EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.

The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).

Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course

e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses.

Specific course regulation in regard to module selection:

To comply with JBM recommendations for an accredited MSc technical, within their 120 credits associated to taught modules, students must pass at least 4 technical modules (to be chosen from CNM02, CNM08, CNM17, CNM20, CNM21, CNM23).

Exceptions required by PSRB

These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board