Civil and Structural Engineering MEng

Core modules:

Practical Application of Civil and Structural Engineering

Civil and Structural Engineering programmes provide their students with the knowledge and skills to shape the world. However, with this power, also comes huge responsibility. This module focuses on developing the attitudes and behaviours that engineers require to apply their new-found knowledge appropriately in the context of the 21st century.

The module will draw very heavily on a broad range of interactive projects and workshops, providing the context on which their other academic modules are founded. 

Short practical exercises will be used as the framework to introduce reflective practice, developing students' ability to solve engineering problems, and to also take ownership of their own educational development. Small groups projects will also provide a lens for students to start developing an awareness of the complex human relationships at the heart of any engineering project.

Through lectures and workshops students will be introduced to the historical context of their profession, and will debate the evolving ethical challenges facing modern civil and structural engineers.History will be used as the lens to explore: the moral basis for civil and structural engineering; the link between they physical world and evolving theoretical models; and engineers' relationship to risk.

The module will next explore the relationship between physical structures and the various theoretical mental models that engineers can use to describe and analyse them. Practical make-and-break exercises will explicitly expose the power, and limitations, of our theoretical methods, whilst site-visits will allow students to internalise the impact and scale of their design decisions.

The module will introduce students to the concept of systems thinking, initially in its broadest sense, and then considering infrastructure as part of complex environmental and societal systems. Students will then be introduced to the concept of risk, and understand how risk management underpins all engineering decision making.

Working in small-groups the students will conduct a project to develop a solution to a real-world civil or structural engineering challenge, consolidating their learning from this module, and providing practical application for their wider programme learning outcomes.

The module assessment will consist of mandatory non-graded activities, and graded work.

20 credits

Engineering Surveying

In this module you will learn basic engineering surveying skills and the role spatial data plays in civil engineering design and construction. You will gain hands-on experience in using different types of surveying equipment and in basic manipulation of spatial data. You'll gain key transferable skills in metrology and checking data accuracy.

10 credits

Civil and Structural Engineering Mechanics 1

This module is delivered in both the Autumn and Spring Semesters. Teaching in the first semester is designed to provide a basis of knowledge and understanding of elastic structural analysis and will be applied to two key structural forms - trusses and beams. The focus of the second semester is on the analysis of stress, strain and elastic deformation of beams, qualitative structural analysis of beam-like structures and the fundamentals of plasticity.

20 credits

Hydraulic Principles and Flow in Pipes

This module is designed to address areas of mechanics, which you may have covered in pre-university physics or applied mathematics courses. It aims to build a common understanding of the principles of fluid mechanics, progressing from statics such as pressure and force on objects, through properties and laws of hydro-dynamics including continuity, energy and momentum principles of fluid in motion, leading to the ability to understand and analyse fluid flows in pipes including simple networks and the operation of pumps. Overall, you will gain the essential understanding of fluid mechanics and application to pipe flows. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, building to practical real world examples, laboratory classes and tutorial sheets. Theory is reinforced through practical experimentation and problem solving.

20 credits

Mathematics and Python Programming

This module aims to reinforce and extend students' previous knowledge of mathematics studied before university, and introduces the use of computer programming to solve engineering and mathematical problems. 

Mathematics is further taught to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the department. Combined with the mathematics teaching, this module teaches the opensource programming language, Python, which can be used to efficiently solve a variety of practical scientific and numerical problems. 

A combination of formal lecture content, tutorials and assisted computer lab sessions, help the students learn and apply mathematical and programming theory. Practice problems are presented showing the links between mathematics and programming learning, to show how the skills learnt can solve practical problems of relevance to the students.

20 credits

Geotechnical Engineering 1

This module is an introductory module to the use of soils in engineering practice. As soils are a naturally varying material, the creation of different soil types is first discussed giving the student a background in why soils differ. This then progresses into the engineering classification of soils followed by the design of simple geotechnical structures. These include retaining walls and earth embankments.

10 credits

Introduction to Structural Materials Engineering

This lecture course focusses on materials for structural applications and covers all the main classes of materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, natural materials and composites), describing the properties that they show, the root cause of their properties, the structure, and how we can affect this by processing to get the properties we want. The course will also introduce some ways that the best material for a purpose can be selected.

10 credits

Sustainable Design and Engineering Skills

This module is designed to ensure students have the skills to design solutions and assess options against sustainability criteria to make evidence based recommendations. Students will be able to look at the bigger picture of a projects impact on our complex systems and society.

10 credits

Global Engineering Challenge Week

The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

Core modules:

Geotechnical Engineering 2

This module is aimed at extending your knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. The focus is on applying fundamental understanding of mechanics to geotechnical problem solving with an emphasis on fluid-soil and structure-soil interaction. The approach is designed to link soil mechanics theory (e.g. seepage, consolidation, bearing capacity, settlement) to practical application (e.g. deformation and failure of foundations and slopes) through the use of physical models, numerical models and case studies. The course will encompass lectures, tutorials, group work including laboratories, and directed and independent reading.

20 credits

Pipes and Open Channel Hydraulics

This module will equip students with the understanding and abilities to analyse flow in pipes and open channels. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, laboratory classes and tutorial sheets. Theory is reinforced through practical experimentation and problem solving. A particular feature of the module is the development of student driven, enquiry based learning through increasingly flexible and self-driven small group laboratory and e-learning resources.

20 credits

Structural Analysis I

This module is designed to improve your knowledge understanding of how elastic and plastic methods of structural analysis can be applied to various structural forms. The module will be delivered via lectures, supported by problem-solving, and computer and laboratory classes. You will develop your ability to analyse structures under working and ultimate loads, by hand and via computer.

20 credits

Structural Engineering Design and Appraisal

This module will discuss the fundamental principles of structural engineering philosophy and design. The theories and concepts of analysis and design of structural elements will be presented for the most commonly used structural materials and discussed along with the more prescriptive design rules included in the relevant Eurocodes.

20 credits

Construction Project Management

This module is designed to introduce students to key factors that influence the development and management of construction projects throughout their lifecycle and various key construction management processes/ techniques / tools that can be used to plan, co-ordinate and control project development. It will also introduce professional and legal responsibilities of industry practitioners. The module will involve research, evaluation and discussion of industry information on issues such as construction project procurement, project planning, health and safety risk management, project risks and technological developments in the construction industry. The module will be assessed through group presentations and an individual reflective report.

10 credits

Further Civil Engineering Mathematics and Computing

This module is part of a series of second-level modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline.

10 credits

Materials for Structural Engineering

This module looks at the role of materials and materials properties used for structural design. The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, on-line learning initiatives and group-based practicals.

The module aims to introduce you to a variety of materials used for structural applications. You will be exposed to materials selection, mechanics and physical principles responsible for specific materials being utilised to meet specific design requirements. A range of test methods for materials properties will be discussed, as well as, non-destructive methods used for assessing quality and the extent of defects in materials.

10 credits

Water and Wastewater

This module gives students an introduction into water management and in particular the treatment of water for drinking and the treatment of wastewater. The module will consider water resource issues and examine and learn about the range of technologies use to treat raw water, before domestic use, and wastewater, after domestic use.

10 credits

Engineering - You're Hired

The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.

Core modules:

Integrated Design Project - Detailed Design Stage

This module essentially requires students, working individually, to evaluate the various solutions developed in Part 1, select a preferred solution, and develop that solution to the next level of detail.

30 credits

Integrated Design Project - Concept Design Stage

The Integrated Design Project - Concept Design Stage is a series of linked modules running for 14 weeks of the spring semester. The aim of these modules is to give you the opportunity to experience the engineering design process by working on proposals for redevelopment of a real brownfield site located in Sheffield.
At the start of this 5 week long module, known as Integrated Design Project - Concept Design Stage Part 1, you will take part in a master-plannning exercise, giving you the opportunity to develop various skills whilst working collaboratively with students from the University's School of Architecture.
You will build on the above master-plannning exercise in subsequent parts of the module/project, which involve engineering development of a scheme considering stakeholder requirements, through option identification and evaluation, to the production of design calculations and drawings. Accordingly, you will consider the overall concept/scheme design, where ability to consider and integrate a wide range of issues is more important than detailed design calculations.

20 credits

Advanced Structural Analysis

Advanced Structural Analysis aims to teach you the most modern theories suitable for performing the static assessment of structural members subjected to in-service multiaxial loading. Initially, this module focuses on the linear-elastic behaviour of structural members loaded in torsion as well as in bending. The fundamental equations modelling the behaviour of beams under the above loading conditions are derived by following rigorous mathematical procedures. The module examines also those equivalent stresses (such as von Mises, Tresca, etc.) commonly used in situation of practical interest do design structural members against complex systems of forces and moments. Finally, the problem of designing notched structural members against multiaxial static loading is addressed in great detail by considering both ductile and brittle materials.

10 credits

Advanced Structural Design and Appraisal

This module takes students through the structural design process, based around a case study of a real building.
The process initially looks at options for gravity load-bearing elements, (such as floor slabs, beams and columns) as well as options for lateral load resisting systems (such as reinforced concrete shear walls / cores and steel bracing frames), before carrying out analysis and design of the selected options.
The module also looks at key considerations such as fire, robustness and vibration.
This module is intended to prepare students for carrying out the analysis and design of structures in the 'Integrated Design Project' (IDP).

10 credits

Civil Engineering Research Skills

This module introduces academic engineering research and associated skills to students. Hence, it provides an academic training basis for independent dissertation projects later in the course of study. More generally, it helps students understand various methodologies they are exposed to in their course of study, develop a data analysis capability and develop the skills of reading and critiquing the original academic literature in civil engineering and allied disciplines. Such skills are also essential for undertaking high calibre consultancy work when employed by industry.

10 credits

Computational Engineering Mathematics

To provide the necessary mathematical framework to understand advanced computational methods for the solution of complex engineering problems. At the end of the course the student should: 1. understand and be able to derive the basic equations of continuum mechanics; 2. understand and be able to derive the basic equations of fluid mechanics; 3. have a basic understanding of how to use basic Finite Difference methods in the context of complex engineering problems.

10 credits

Finance and Law for Engineers

The module is designed to introduce engineering students to key areas of financial and legal risk that engineers should be aware of in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students' understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence, intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.

10 credits

Geotechnical Design

This module is designed to develop your understanding of the concepts behind geotechnical design and how safety and idealisations are built into design calculations to deal with the complexity of subsurface stratigraphy, groundwater, soil behaviour and modelling issues for both Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and Serviceability Limit State (SLS). Through lectures, tutorial sheets, software exercises, and a design project, you will develop your knowledge of design calculations for retaining structures, reinforced soil and foundations in the context of Eurocode 7. You will also develop your ability to use a range of state of the art engineering design concepts and tools.

10 credits

Integrated Design Project - International Report and Individual Portfolio

International/Global Context of Engineering' (5 credits)The CEO of your group has just been made aware of a project very similar to that in the CIV3201 module (Part 1 of the IDP) being planned in a specified location overseas (note that each group will be given a different location) and is considering submitting a tender for the design and construction works. If the tender is successful, it may lead to further opportunities for working on similar projects in the region.The CEO has therefore requested that you prepare a report, to be presented at the next board meeting, which discusses and critically evaluates the risks and opportunities of carrying out such projects. Your report will help the board to decide whether or not to submit a tender for the project.For this part of the project, you will work in the same groups as for Part 2 if you are a Y3 MEng student, or if a newly formed group if you are a BEng student. You will need to undertake research into conditions in the country specified, identifying the principal differences and similarities between working in the UK and overseas, thinking broadly about the conditions (environmental, political, cultural, social etc as well as technical issues) that could impact on the design or construction of the project. By evaluating the risks and opportunities, associated with these issues, you should be able to recommend what additional measures /considerations your company would have to take so they can make an informed and objective decision whether to tender.'Individual Reflection', ' Portfolio and Training Scheme Document' (5 credits). This part of the project should be carried out individually. The final stage in any project should be to review the process undertaken, identifying and evaluating successes (so they can be repeated) and failures (so improvements can be made), and noting requirements for further training and development. This process is also reflected in graduate training towards a professional qualification such as becoming a Chartered Engineer. This involves demonstrating achievement of levels of competence in a range of areas for development as a professional engineer, as well as planning your professional development.Therefore, at the end of this project, you should draw together reflections on your project and group work experience throughout the semester to develop a report and portfolio demonstrating your learning and achievements, relating this to achievement of at least 3 of the ICE member Attributes or IStructE Core Objectives or the Sheffield Graduate Award (SGA) scheme equivalent.

10 credits

Core modules:

Parametric Modelling and Computational Design

Parametric design involves a workflow that allows for changes in key model parameters to be observed rapidly, generally in a computer aided design workspace. It provides the designer with immense design and analysis freedom when undertaking tasks that would be repetitive or not feasible to perform manually. It also allows for a rapid exploration of the design space at the initial conceptual stage of a project. It can also be used in conjunction with optimisation methods and other computational design techniques to automatically generate candidate designs, taking advantage of the vast computational resource available in a modern PC. This module provides lectures describing the fundamentals underpinning parametric modelling and computational design techniques and gives you hands-on experience of modelling and optimising engineering structures using the Rhino modelling software and the inbuilt Grasshopper visual programming environment.

15 credits

Structural Dynamics and Applications to Vibration Design

This module is designed to provide students with a systematic knowledge and understanding of structural dynamics and its applications in Civil Engineering. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to perform calculation and analyse vibration response of single-degree-of-freedom and multi-degree-of-freedom systems and apply simple structural dynamics theory to solve practical problems in vibration engineering design.

15 credits

Computational Structural Analysis

This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of using the Finite Element method in structural analysis. It starts with some basic concepts such as assembly and solving systems of equations. Next, weak forms and strong forms are discussed together with interpolation via finite element shape functions, so that general differential equations can be treated. Special emphasis is put on dynamic aspects such as different mass matrices and time integration algorithms.

10 credits

Civil Engineering Research Proposal

This module consists a self-contained 5 credit element on research skills. The primary learning objective to produce a research proposal to support the semester 2 (MEng) individual research projects. This module is essentially 5 credit of time for you to prepare this research proposal. There is no taught content but you should meet regularly with your supervisor and refer to the relevant handbooks and briefs. Module assessment is based on a research proposal.

5 credits

Optional modules:

European-Based Individual Research Study

The MEng individual final year research project is a major piece of investigative research in a subject that is not of a routine nature that will enable students to gain expertise in investigative techniques and understanding research methods. It is intended to be intellectually challenging. It is expected that during their research, students will develop and exhibit competence in the following: defining a problem, researching and critically analysing information and data, problem solving, writing a report, and discussing and defending their findings. Students are also expected to take initiative, to plan / organise their own programme of research, to work independently and to display originality and creativity.

30 credits

Individual Research Project

The MEng individual final year research project is a major piece of investigative research in a subject that is not of a routine nature that will enable students to gain expertise in investigative techniques and understanding research methods. It is intended to be intellectually challenging. It is expected that during their research, students will develop and exhibit competence in the following: defining a problem, researching and critically analysing information and data, problem solving, writing a report, and discussing and defending their findings. Students are also expected to take initiative, to plan / organise their own programme of research, to work independently and to display originality and creativity.

30 credits

Advanced Concrete Design

This course aims to give graduates with a sound background of the design of reinforced concrete structures, an understanding of selected advanced topics in the field including the use of new concepts, construction techniques and materials. The course also provides a revision of some of the fundamental principles of reinforced concrete design.In particular, the course addresses short and long-term deflections, creep, shrinkage, ductility, section analysis, prestressing, shear and cracking. The lectures are supplemented by practice questions, intensive feedback (tutorial) sessions and laboratory sessions. The module is assessed by a single 2.5 hour online open-book exam.

15 credits

Advanced Geotechnics

The module will provide students with a greater understanding of 'modelling' in geotechnical engineering, applied to the analysis and design of large scale geotechnical structures and systems, such as embankment dams, levees and tunnels. This will critically extend to the interpretation, analysis and forensic review of both successively implemented and failed geotechnical systems. Aspects of uncertainty and risk will be developed related to ultimate and serviceability limit states, using a range of historical case histories within the published literature. Investigative analysis will be conducted in the context of a student project that is focused on forensic analysis of failure, benefiting from data from the literature and numerical modelling. This will be complemented by a consideration of soil having a particulate / continuum duality, and by an examination of the role of physical modelling (such as using a geotechnical centrifuge), analytical models, constitutive models, and the geological model.

15 credits

Blast and Impact Effects on Structures

This module introduces students to issues related to material and structural response high-magnitude, transient loading, such as those generated by explosions or impacts. The module includes quantification of blast load parameters, qualitative assessment of material and structural response, development of closed-form and numerical calculation methods to quantify structural response and an appraisal of codes of practice guidance intended to increase the resilience of structures to these loads. Teaching takes place predominantly in lecture and tutorials with some computer laboratories.

15 credits

Sustainable Water Resources Systems

What are the many aspects to consider for the sustainable planning, design and operation of water infrastructure? And to begin with, what is sustainability in practice? This six-block module is aimed at providing you with concepts and analytical tools to handle the complexity of delivering solutions for water sustainability. More specifically, the course covers tools to a) navigate the competing demands from the various sectors that rely on water systems, including trading-off economic, social, ecological and regulatory considerations across multiple scales; and to b) navigate the uncertain impacts of climatic, social, environmental and economic change on water supplies and demands.

15 credits

Computational Fluid Dynamics

This module is designed to provide and reaffirm an understanding of computational fluid dynamics from underlying governing principles modeling the behavior of fluids to typical numerical mathods used for solving them. Through lectures, practical computer sessions, and labs the module aims to provide students with a working understanding of transport equations, turbulence, pressure-velocity coupling in steady flows, and implementation of various boundary conditions in a built-environment context. The module will additionally develop students skills in effectively and professionally communicating implemetation of CFD models.

15 credits

Design of Earthquake Resistant Structures

The aim of this module is to teach the principles of modern seismic design of structures, the methodology of the European design code (Eurocode 8) and the main concepts of seismic performance of structures. The module will be delivered through lectures and computer-lab sessions in which students will be working on a project

15 credits

Introduction to Solute Mixing

This module provides students with an introduction to solute mixing, particularly focusing on the importance of how this can be described in one-dimensional water network models. Such network models are used to describe water quality effects in potable water distribution, urban drainage and river network simulations. The students will: analyse tracer data obtained in the laboratory; explore in depth, at least two different modelling approaches for describing the mixing mechanisms and outline a further research study. The module is assessed by a written research paper, which will require reading, interpretation and evaluation of academic literature, as well as formulating and coding original data analyses.

15 credits

Structural Analysis and Design for Fire

The course will provide an overview of the fire hazard in buildings and measures necessary for life safety and containment of losses. The response of steel and composite structures will be covered in greatest detail, and concrete and timber framing will also be discussed. Traditional design approaches and new design strategies will be discussed, including 'design for fire' parts of Eurocodes 1, 2, 3 and 4. The evidence from recent research including full-scale fire testing at Cardington will be covered. Both intermediate and advanced methods of analysis, and the influence of various parameters, will be discussed. Likely future developments will be reviewed, including measures to ensure robustness in fire.

15 credits

Sustainable Drainage and Green Infrastructure

This module will introduce engineering students to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Green Infrastructure. Lectures and design exercises will be used to develop your understanding of why SuDS are preferred to conventional stormwater management approaches, and to equip you with the skills to design SuDS schemes to meet relevant performance objectives. Guest lectures will raise your awareness of the inter-disciplinary aspects of SuDS, through topics focusing on, for example, urban planning, ecology and biodiversity, plant and soil processes, rainwater harvesting and evapotranspiration. The module will also include a site visit to a local SuDS scheme and discussion/interaction with an indutry practitioner. Independent literature research will enable you to explore a current topic in SuDS research in detail.

15 credits

Reuse of Existing Structures

The main focus of most Civil and Structural Engineering programmes is on how to design new buildings and structures, which fails to address the reality that many practicing Structural Engineers also work on existing buildings and structures. Furthermore, it is out of step with Society's efforts to address the climate emergency, and the current focus on reusing existing buildings and structures wherever possible. This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to assess existing buildings and structures, in terms of their materials, condition and structural behaviour / capacity, in order to develop sustainable solutions which extend the life of buildings and structures, thereby addressing some of the climate emergency challenges currently facing society .The module assessment will comprise a single piece of group coursework, involving the evaluation of an existing building or structure, and the development of detailed proposals for its reuse. 50% of the module grade will be based solely on the sections of the report / calculations / drawings / risk assessments which an individual student contributed to (with no peer assessment applied), whilst the remaining 50% will be based on the whole submission (with peer assessment applied).

15 credits