Program Overview
The BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering at London South Bank University is an accredited program that prepares students for a career in the field. It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering core principles, practical applications, and essential skills. Students can gain practical experience through an optional placement year and access a range of career opportunities upon graduation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed to prepare students for a career in civil engineering, offering a broad range of specializations. It is accredited by the Engineering Council, making it the first step towards becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer. The program is available on a full-time, sandwich, and part-time basis.
Objectives:
The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the essential facts, concepts, theories, and principles of civil engineering, along with the science and mathematics that underpin it. It also emphasizes practical application and prepares students for a professional career in the field.
Outline:
The program is structured across four years (with an optional placement year) for full-time students and five years for part-time students. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
Year 1:
- Mathematics A: Consolidates mathematical skills essential for civil engineering, covering topics like calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
- Fluid Mechanics A: Introduces fundamental principles of fluid mechanics, including hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces, sediment transport, and flow in pipes and open channels.
- Construction Practice C: Provides an understanding of the construction industry, its professional bodies, and key research requirements.
- Structures and Construction Technology A: Covers fundamentals of statics, strength of materials, and structural concepts in the context of construction technology.
- Engineering Surveying: Introduces basic theories of engineering surveying, including three-dimensional geometry, surveying equipment, and data analysis.
- Materials and Geology: Explores the properties of engineering materials and their application in construction, along with an introduction to engineering geology and geomaterials.
Year 2:
- BIM and Design: Introduces Building Information Modelling (BIM) principles and software for designing sustainable buildings, emphasizing client needs and equality in design.
- Design of Elements A: Focuses on designing steel and reinforced concrete structural elements and connections, adhering to Eurocodes.
- Advanced Mathematics: Covers intermediate undergraduate engineering mathematics, including matrix methods, differential equations, vectors, probability, and optimization.
- Hydraulics: Builds upon Fluid Mechanics A, teaching advanced technical principles of open channel structures and pipe systems.
- Structures and Construction Management A: Expands on structural analysis of indeterminate beams and frames, introducing concepts like moment distribution, unit load, and plastic theory. Also introduces Construction Management principles, including CDM, procurement methods, and project management tools.
- Soil Mechanics: Introduces soil properties, their measurement, and simple models used to describe soil behavior through project-based learning.
Year 3:
- Optional Placement Year: Students can choose to take a year-long industrial placement to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge.
Year 4:
- Individual Research Project A: Students undertake an individual research project in a specific area of civil engineering or a related discipline.
- Structures and Design A: Enhances design proficiency in structural engineering, covering design requirements, sustainability, and advanced finite element analysis.
- Highways Engineering A: Covers highways and junctions classification, traffic flow, traffic analysis, transport modeling, and junction design.
- Environmental Engineering and Professional Development: Introduces principles of environmental engineering, including water quality, wastewater treatment, and sustainability issues. Also focuses on professional development and attributes required for a position of responsibility.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary across modules and include:
- Coursework: Assignments, reports, projects, and laboratory work.
- Exams: Written examinations covering theoretical concepts and problem-solving skills.
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures: Delivering theoretical concepts and principles.
- Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work.
- Workshops: Practical exercises and problem-solving sessions.
- Laboratory Work: Hands-on experience with equipment and materials.
- Field Trips: Site visits to observe real-world applications of civil engineering principles. The faculty consists of specialists in their respective fields, with active research or significant industrial experience. The program is kept up-to-date with the latest industry practices through contributions from visiting civil engineering companies.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the civil engineering and construction industry, including:
- Engineering Technician: Assisting engineers with design, construction, and maintenance tasks.
- Surveyor: Measuring and mapping land for construction projects.
- Inspector: Ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.
- Project Manager: Overseeing all aspects of construction projects.
Other:
- Facilities: Students have access to the Strength of Materials laboratory, equipped for product qualification testing and structural analysis.
- Networking Opportunities: The program offers networking opportunities with industry professionals through careers fairs and site visits.
- Employability Service: LSBU's Employability Service provides support with job searching, CV writing, interview techniques, and entrepreneurship.
- Professional Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Further accredited learning is required to complete the educational base for CEng.
- Placement Year: Students can choose to take a placement year in industry to gain practical experience.
- Field Trips: The program includes field trips to construction sites and other installations.
