The aims of the module are:
(1) to provide an interface with the working environment;
(2) to encourage students to research an area of interest related to civil engineering;
(3) to allow students to develop self, time and project management skills;
(4) to encourage and improve the student's ability to present information both in written form and orally, using multimedia facilities;
(5) to encourage students to develop an interest in a subject which might be continued in later studies.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
research a topic in a systematic and comprehensive way; to assemble and present data in a logical format with a focus on high quality technical writing;
LO2
complete a literature review, case-study, carry out laboratory test, design & prepare engineering drawings as appropriate for a particular topic;
LO3
where appropriate present design calculations, detailed drawings and make oral presentations on technical subjects and defend the subject in a logical, precise and coherent manner;
LO4
develop contacts with external bodies/parties involved in current local Civil Engineering projects;
LO5
reflect on the work they have carried out on an ongoing basis via a weekly journaling practice
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Introduction
Projects involve an engineering investigation into a selected topic. As Civil Engineering is such a diverse subject, a wide range of subject matter is covered in any one year. The emphasis of the investigation may be a literature review of a particular topic, together with
i. a case study highlighting the practical use of the theory, or
ii. experimentation & assessment of results, or
iii. analysis of a particular problem, or
iv. a more in-depth literature review of that topic or
v. the design and detailing of elements of a project.
Students can undertake the project individually or in teams of two or three students.
Selecting a Project Topic
Students are encouraged to present a project topic that is of practical relevance in an area of Civil Engineering. This enable the student to obtain a useful insight into the process of addressing a real engineering problem, identifying possible solutions & assessing them, before a suitable solution is selected & presented to his or her client in the form of a detailed & accurate report.
Project Work and Submission
The overall content of the project can be summarised as:
i. Literature review of the subject area in which the project is based.
ii. Oral presentations to staff and peers on proposed topic.
iii. Design & engineering drawings/laboratory test/case¬study/critical analysis of in-depth literature review as appropriate.
iii. Submission of a final technical report &/or design & engineering drawings as appropriate.
iv. Oral presentations to staff and peers on final project submission.
Examples of Typical Projects
1) Critical appraisal of traffic flows on Carlow Inner Relief Road
2) Desk study for flood relief options for Graignamanagh
3) Effect of admixture X on concrete tensile strength
Assessment Breakdown
%
Project
100.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Project
Project proposal and initial literature review
1,4
10.00
n/a
Project
Presentation of proposed project topic
1,4,5
5.00
n/a
Project
Project submission documents and Reflective Journal
1,2,3,4,5
80.00
n/a
Project
Final presentation of proposed topic
1,2,3,4,5
5.00
n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment