KB7012 - Infrastructure Engineering Design

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn river engineering, urban hydrology and urban drainage, coastal engineering, and sediment transport. In each case you will learn advanced analysis techniques using computer software as well as more basic analysis based on hand-calculations. In each case you will build upon the knowledge gained in different subjects earlier in your education and learn how to apply it to wide-ranging design/maintenance/upgrading problems.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will include a range of learning materials such as presentations, notes, seminar questions for you to answer, and other resources such as video links, spreadsheets and specific software-related files. All these resources will be arranged in a convenient learning journey, giving you a clear expectation of the material to be studied and tasks to be completed on a week-by-week basis. You will be expected to complete the appropriate tasks in your weekly journey before either attending classes or taking part in online sessions. You will take part in lectures to develop your knowledge and understanding of the module material and in seminars, where you will learn to apply the concepts learned to engineering problems. You will also participate in face to face and online workshop sessions where you will discuss the module material and coursework tasks with your tutors and with other students and exercise creativity in developing solutions to problems. There may be occasions within the semester where normal teaching will be suspended to allow your learning to be supplemented by a range of activities such as design workshops, guest presentations, professional body events, site visits and field work.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by staff in seminars and workshops, giving you ample opportunity to ask questions to clarify and deepen your understanding of the module material, as well as to seek specific help, for example with assessment tasks. At other times, you will have regular access to University academic staff online, including the use of discussion boards and chat rooms in the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). This will allow you to access support regularly at convenient times.

The module and the wider programme teams will also provide a supportive approach, enabling you to quickly and easily access and speak to any member of the programme team, as required.

The University Library and other student services also offer a variety of academic skills training both online and face to face, which you can access as needed.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Apply advanced theoretical and numerical tools to analyse the behaviour of water in the context of various Civil Engineering applications


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Develop quantitative solutions to a range of water infrastructure design, maintenance, and upgrading problems.
3. Apply Civil Engineering knowledge from a range of different areas to support infrastructure design, maintenance and upgrading options with quantitative calculations.


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Appraise the holistic nature of Civil Engineering.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be by coursework consisting of a design report of 4000 word equivalent length, focusing on the design/maintenance/upgrading of a Civil Engineering infrastructure asset.. This will assess MLOs 1-4 and will be worth 100% of the module marks.

Formative feedback will be provided in seminars and practical sessions to help you to develop your knowledge and skills throughout the semester.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will equip you with the skills necessary to solve problems relating to a wide range of Civil Engineering infrastructures, focusing mainly on water infrastructure. This includes rivers and canals, water supply and urban drainage, flood defences, sediment transport, and coastal engineering. You will learn some advanced methods of analysis, and will practice the development of solutions to a range of design, maintenance, and upgrading problems. You will learn to apply the knowledge gained in different Civil Engineering subjects earlier in your education to support your solution ideas with quantitative calculations. You will complete a coursework assignment which will be based on an infrastructure design/maintenance/upgrading project involving a wide range of skills. Your learning will be supported by opportunities to work with industry standard analysis software in water engineering and you may have the opportunity to take part in field visits related to your coursework assignment. Successful completion of the module will equip you for a wide range of careers in the water industry and other Civil Engineering work where dealing with operating and maintaining existing infrastructure is an important activity.

Course info

UCAS Code H201

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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