BEng Civil Engineering

The unit provides an introduction to materials science and engineering and emphasises throughout properties that are fundamental to the materials commonly used in construction.
The unit starts with investigation of classification, properties, origin and manufacture, test procedures, assessment of suitability and codes and standards.  Since durability is a key property of buildings and structures, response to external forces and response to the environment are discussed for each category of material.  The unit introduces the concept of microstructure and how mechanical properties depend upon it. It also acknowledges how the fundamental properties of materials limit design.
The course is delivered around 24 hours of formal lectures and eight hours of Student Centred Learning  Assessment is 80% exam and 20% coursework. The coursework comprised 2.5% each for the four Student Centred Learning exercises and 5% each for two on-line quizzes.

To provide an introduction to civil engineering materials technology.

To develop an appreciation of the source, use and properties of the materials used in construction.

To emphasise the diverse ways by which different classes of materials interact with the environment and hence deteriorate.

Materials classification; metals; fatigue; ductile/brittle behaviour; introduction to corrosion; an introduction to steel; bricks and masonry; natural stone; timber; lime, cement and concrete. Degradation, failure mechanisms and durability are discussed for each.

Activity	Hours
Practical	3
Tutorial	7
Lecture	20
Independent Study	70

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts and principles related to the major materials used in construction.
Appreciate the science underpinning this knowledge.
Appreciate some of the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations of the extraction and use of materials.

Use materials information and selection software (CES Edupac from Granta Design).

Write a succinct response to teh information required for the student centred learning exercise.
Work with group members to effectively complete the student centred learning exercise.
Demonstrate general IT and information retrieval skills along with the ability to reference the scientific literature and to present general conclusions.
Successfully complete the four student centred learning exercises.

Online quiz 'short (10 - 12 questions)'  - 4 hours,10%
Assignments 'Four student centred learning exercises'  - 8 hours,10%
Unseen examination 'Traditional large group lecture. Some printed notes made available to students.  Copies of all diagrams made available.  Note taking essential and strongly supported.'  - 2 hours,80%

 

Exam - 80%

Practical Report - 10%

Coursework - 10%

Marks provided electronically following ratification by exam board. Individual students have opportunity to obtain feedback from lecturers on exam performance.

Written report: constructive written comments on laboratory reports; general feedback given to whole group as a tutorial. When: 2 weeks after submission.

Callister, William D. (2014). Materials science and engineering. Wiley. ISBN: 9781118319222

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £37,500 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

There is acompulsory field course for Civil Engineering students which incurs a subsidised fee* (approx. £100) that contributes to travel, accommodation, and subsistence. You are expected to bring your own wet weather clothing and footwear.

The exact cost and dates of the trip are confirmed at the start of your second year.

*In accordance with current university policy, this fee is restricted to be not more than 1% of the annual tuition fee of the course.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For further information about scholarships and bursaries, please see our undergraduate fees pages or visitour scholarships and bursaries page.