The module will provide a fundamental understanding of the construction process and the materials that are used in civil engineering. An explanation of construction practice serves as a framework for the module, allowing exploration of the following issues:

• To introduce the students to the principles of construction, emphasising health and safety issues.
• The safe and efficient use of important materials in construction practice, using these examples to illustrate the fundamental materials science behind their behaviour.
• To introduce students to the principles of surveying, and allow them to develop confidence in the practical use of surveying and setting out techniques.
• To establish good research, analytical and reporting skills including lab reporting.

• Understand basic materials engineering topics, in particular atomic structure & bonding, and stress & strain;
• Be aware of and describe basic aspects of design codes and health & safety legislation with relevance to the construction industry;
• Describe major causes of accidents in construction;
• Describe elements of basic structural types (highways, drainage, substructures, superstructures, facades);
• Understand common crystal structures of metals and the constituents and structure of cements, mortars, concrete, bricks, timber, plastics and other construction materials;
• Understand and describe the main characteristics of common manufacturing processes for construction materials;
• Analyse performance of materials and structures in structural applications;
• Explain how the composition and structure of these materials determine their performance, limitations and applications;
• Relate material performance to the structure of the material;
• Recognise aspects of sustainable construction (including durability and recycling) associated with the use of construction materials;
• Explain and apply the basic principles of surveying (e.g. levelling, traversing, contouring).
• Demonstrate knowledge how to prepare and present high quality data and lab reports.

The module will be delivered through a blend of online teaching and learning material, guided study, and on-campus face-to-face classes (tutorials, laboratory activities and surveying sessions). Attendance in person to on-campus weekly classes is strongly recommended and attendance will be formally recorded. The module is divided into a number of segments covering basic and introductory topics, specific structural elements and behaviour of the materials they are formed from (steel and concrete structures; foundations, highways and drainage; facades), practical tools (surveying theory and practice), where things go wrong in construction (health and safety legislation and practice; material failure), and sustainable materials and processes in construction.

As the course progresses, the knowledge obtained will be applied through a variety of mini projects and group exercises in class, whilst learning continues to develop inside and outside of class. Students are encouraged to develop their knowledge of standard engineering solutions and practices through increasingly independent learning whilst taking advantage of the freedom to develop novel and creative solutions to problems.

The topic of surveying is taught partially through delivery of theoretical material, but primarily through practical application of this theory and development of familiarity with surveying apparatus and techniques.

• Independent learning of technical material;
• Interpretation of the results of simple material tests;
• Predicting the effects of changing material parameters such as composition, grain size and microstructure on mechanical properties;
• Application of simple models to explain material behaviour;
• Understanding and interpretation of phase diagrams;
• Identification of various modes of failure (ductile and brittle) and explanation of the type of failure in terms of structural properties and environmental conditions;
• Selection of possible materials and manufacturing processes for construction component;
• Application of surveying principles to a range of common engineering problems;
• Development of skills in the use of levels, total stations and other surveying equipment;
• Development of field skills in the setting out of engineering structures;
• Identification of site hazards and propose preventative measures;
• Demonstrate analytical skill in laboratory activities.

This module is assessed through a combination of class test at the mid-point of the course, a sequence of lab reports and survey report, and a final assessment.

The surveying practical is a required element of assessment. It does not attract marks – it is formative but must be completed. The Laboratory work is also a required element of assessment. The students’ understanding of surveying and lab activity topics will be tested as part of the formal examination. Additional formative assessment is provided through quizzes and tutorials throughout the course.

Reassessment will be via a synoptic assessment which will be based on any combination of failed components as deemed appropriate.

• Introduction to design codes and material selection procedures;
• Basic material properties – atoms, bonding and solid structure; stresses and strains;
• Steel structures – steel properties and production (phase diagrams, heat treatment); steel-framed buildings;
• Concrete structures – properties of ceramic materials; cement chemistry and production; concrete properties, constituents and mix design; concrete structures;
• Masonry & glass structures / facades;
• Surveying - use of instruments (e.g. levels, total stations); survey techniques (levelling, traverse, setting out); calculation procedures;
• Surface and sub-surface structures – drainage design; highway design; foundations and earth structures;
• Health and safety in construction – legislation; common causes and types of accident;
• Material failure – material defects; fracture mechanics; fatigue;
• Sustainable construction – timber; new and improved materials (composites, self-healing materials); durability, recycling and reuse of materials; sustainable construction processes;