What will I learn on this module?
You will examine common forms of existing structures such as various types of bridges, and to consider how you can apply your existing Civil Engineering skills and knowledge learned in earlier study to gain a quantitative understanding of their original and current loading, and current condition. You will consider different structural components and materials and how they might degrade over time and how this affects their performance. You will also study some non-destructive testing techniques for examining engineering assets, for example Ground Penetrating Radar.
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 participate in group work in laboratory classes to further cement your learning of theoretical principles and to research relevant physical phenomena. 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 in face to face and/or online seminars and in practical classes, 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 practice 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 offer 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. Interpret and explain the response of existing structures to a range of different loading conditions
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Apply and critically evaluate methods of analysis for structures degraded from their original condition due to various causes
3. Recommend and specify inspection, monitoring and testing techniques and programmes to determine the condition of common types of existing structure
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Show awareness of the holistic nature of Civil Engineering
How will I be assessed?
You will be summatively assessed by means of one coursework task. This will be an individual report of maximum length 4000 words, weighted at 100% of the module marks and will assess all MLOs, and it will give you the opportunity to solve problems related to conservation engineering, explain concepts and discuss limitations using your critical analysis. You will receive individual feedback with marks and comments for your summative assignment. Your feedback will give general consideration of your work, highlighting those areas that you completed successfully and those not so successfully. The intention will be to clarify points of learning that have not been fully assimilated.
Additional formative feedback will be provided in seminars and practical sessions which can be used to feed into summative assessments and into your career upon graduation.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Most civil engineering work concerns the inspection, monitoring, repair and upgrading of existing, rather than new projects. Focusing on common concrete, steel and masonry structures, this module will equip you with the knowledge to work for a wide variety of asset owners such as highway and rail authorities with responsibility for bridges, or heritage organizations looking after old buildings. The module will cover common behaviours of structures that indicate possible impaired performance, methods of inspection, monitoring and testing, response of structures to different loading, and methods of analysis for degraded structures.
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
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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