Building Services & Sustainable Engineering, BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

This part-time Building Services & Sustainable Engineering program equips students with the skills and knowledge to design, implement, and manage sustainable building service systems. Covering topics like energy efficiency, controls, and project management, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of modern building engineering practices. Accredited by CIBSE, graduates are well-prepared for careers in consultancy, design, contracting, project management, and maintenance in the building services industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, Building Services & Sustainable Engineering, BEng (Hons), is offered by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). It is a 5-year, part-time program delivered in-person on the Preston Campus. Graduates will be able to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems related to the built environment and building services engineering.

Outline:

The program covers a wide range of topics related to building services engineering, including:

• Engineering services systems: This includes the design, installation, and operation of various systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and power.
• Controls and plant: Students will learn about the control systems used to manage building services systems, as well as the various types of plant used in these systems.
• Energy efficiency and sustainable design: The program emphasizes sustainable design principles and energy efficiency strategies for building services systems.
• Project, resource, and energy management: Students will develop skills in project management, resource allocation, and energy management for building services projects.

Modules:

The program is structured across three years, with a mix of compulsory and optional modules. Here's a breakdown of the modules:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Construction Technology 1: Introduces principles of construction methods used in low-rise construction in the UK, focusing on material properties.
• Introduction to Law and Procurement: Covers the English legal system, legal reasoning, dispute resolution, and legal principles relevant to the construction industry.
• Building Environmental Science: Explores key concepts and principles of building science, including thermal comfort, light, sound, and electricity, applying them to environmental design.
• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1: Teaches fundamental thermo-fluids concepts for analyzing heat and fluid mass transfer processes, applying them to construction system designs and solving industry problems.
• Introduction to Building Services & Design: Introduces building engineering services design, focusing on building services in a wider context, and developing personal transferable skills.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Dynamic Thermal Simulation: Equips students with advanced building simulation modeling skills using IESVE software.
• Mechanical Services Design: Builds upon thermo-fluids concepts from Year 1, providing accepted means of modeling thermal and air quality of building constructions, analyzing design and performance, and proposing engineered solutions.
• Computing (CAD): Covers Information Technology and the impact of CAD on the building process, introducing Autodesk AutoCAD 2006 and building energy performance software.
• Design Project 2: Develops Building Services skills in a team setting, emphasizing electrical services, and fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Systems Design: Develops independent critical and analytical abilities through services systems design, extending problem-solving abilities with regard to building services systems, network analysis, and case study evaluation.
• Plant and Maintenance: Develops understanding and application of knowledge of building services plant, allowing students to critically evaluate and predict plant and systems performance using analytical and numerical techniques.
It also covers maintenance methods, management, and computer-based systems.
• Design Project 3: Extends existing knowledge and demonstrates engineering project skills both individually and as team members, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Engineering Dissertation: Requires students to conduct in-depth investigations involving theoretical, experimental, or investigative analysis, or a combination of these.
• Optional Modules:
• Project Management & BIM: Focuses on the role and responsibilities of a project manager, covering leadership, organization, and operational activities.
• Intelligent Buildings: Provides the underlying concepts of intelligent buildings, hands-on experience with building automation systems, office automation systems, and communication systems, and knowledge of structured cabling systems.
• Energy Conversion, Distribution and Management: Addresses issues related to energy conversion, distribution, and management, focusing on optimizing traditional power generation, reducing system losses, and integrating renewable technologies.
• Alternative Energy Technology: Introduces emerging renewable energy technologies that mitigate the damaging effects of current energy technologies on the climate.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and learning outcomes. Common assessment methods include:

• Assignments and problem-based examinations: Used in engineering and related modules throughout the program.
• Presentations and design-based projects: Used to assess practical skills and communication abilities.
• Student presentations, group work, design projects, dissertation, and examinations: Used to assess a range of skills and knowledge.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Provide foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
• Seminars: Facilitate discussion and critical analysis of topics.
• Practical sessions: Provide hands-on experience with equipment and software.
• Independent study: Encourages self-directed learning and research.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the building services and sustainable engineering industry, including:

• Consultancy: Providing expert advice on building services design and implementation.
• Design: Developing and creating building services systems.
• Contracting: Managing and executing building services projects.
• Project management: Overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of building services projects.
• Maintenance: Ensuring the ongoing operation and upkeep of building services systems.

Other:

• The program is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer registration.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in a 48-week sandwich placement in industry, providing valuable work experience.
• Students benefit from the latest high-quality equipment and facilities available in the £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre.
• The program is delivered and validated by UCLan's team at universities in Hong Kong.