What You'll Study

Introduction to Civil Engineering

The module follows the project cycle of conceive, design, implement and operate (CDIO). Students will learn to take personal responsibility in learning the entire process of implementing a project. They will work on a Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) project using timber strips to build a simple modular structural model so as to acquire interpersonal and technical skills and good work attitudes. CBL provides an authentic learning process that challenges students to make a difference. Students will also be taught the fundamentals of concrete technology and concrete practice. Topics include concrete, steel and sustainable materials.

Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)

This module aims to provide students the computer-aided design (CAD) skills for civil engineering discipline. Practical session supported with project-based learning will be used for students to master CAD. Students will be taught commonly used CAD software related to civil engineering. The module also covers the fundamental knowledge on orthographic projection, isometric view and blue print reading.

Geomatics

The module aims to introduce the practice of spatial data acquisition, processing and presentation of these surveyed data digitally in Civil Engineering applications. Students will learn the basic concepts of principles of point location, application of levelling, establishment of reference marks by traversing surveys. Students will use various surveying instruments such as Total Stations, Automatic/ Digital Levels and Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers during their practical fieldwork and present the surveyed data using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. In addition, the module introduces the students to underground and hydrographic surveying.

Structural Mechanics

Aims to cover the fundamentals of statics and strengths of materials. Students learn to compute forces on statically determinate beams and pin-jointed trusses as well as calculate stresses and strains. Topics covered include equilibrium of forces, pin-jointed trusses, shear forces and bending moments, sectional properties, direct stresses and strains as well as column buckling.

Civil Engineering Construction

Provides students with the principles and processes involved in the construction works and appreciate the use of the associated construction equipment in piling, trench and basement excavation and geotechnical instrumentations. Students will also be taught the local legal requirements relating to general worksite safety and the safe practices in excavation and piling work. Classroom instructions are supplemented by tutorials, assignment and e-learning.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

This module aims to equip students with building information modelling (BIM) skills and provide students the general background and insights of building design and construction stages. Practical session supported with project-based learning will be used for students to master BIM. Students will also learn visualization and documentation skills with latest BIM technologies. They will develop a virtual construction simulation model of 3D building and civil engineering structure. The module serves as a foundation for other CAD and BIM application environment in the 2nd and 3rd year of the course.

Thinking Critically about the UN SDGs (TCU)

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues, through the lens of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using information literacy skills, students will select a local issue connected to the SDGs, and look for relevant information on the issue. They will use a critical thinking framework to evaluate a diverse range of sources for their validity and reliability, and consider different perspectives in an issue before presenting their assigned stand, substantiated by reasons and evidence. This module also aims to enhance students’ knowledge and appreciation of local and global issues related to the 2030 global agenda, represented by the SDGs. Students will learn about the core principles of the SDGs and find out how the goals apply to their own lives, as well as to Singapore.

Digital Communication for Impact (DCI)

This module aims to equip students with key skills to leverage digital communication to engage, inspire and impact stakeholders digitally. They will build an understanding of various digital communication platforms/tools and their benefits and limitations. They will also learn what it means to be a responsible Digital Citizen. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency to design and apply key principles when crafting impactful digital communication about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) or a relevant context.

Collaboration in the Digital Age (CDA)

This module aims to equip students with the skills to collaborate effectively in a team, particularly in a digital environment. This is crucial in light of the global shift to working online precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will learn about team dynamics at various stages of team development. They will use Microsoft Teams to collaborate online. They will also evaluate their own teamwork skills and that of their teammates using the CATME framework.

Effective Writing for the Workplace (EWW)

This module aims to equip students with effective written communication skills necessary for the workplace. At the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate effective writing skills. They should be able to apply the principles of PAC (Purpose, Audience & Context) and 5 Cs of Communication (Complete, Clear, Concise, Courteous and Correct) to plan and craft effective business messages. In addition, students should be able to use effective visuals, employ appropriate language and follow standard format and conventions in their writing.

Data Fluency (DF)

This module aims to equip students with baseline skills in using data to gain insights into the UN SDGs. These skills are related to the data-handling processes such as formulating data-based questions, pre-processing data and analysing data using numerical and graphical summaries. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using data to examine one aspect of a UN SDG and/or generate some insights to support one theoretical solution to a UN SDG.

AI and Its Impact (AII)

This module aims to equip students with a very broad overview of Artificial Intelligence, and its societal and ethical impacts in modern society. Students will build a simple AI model with online tools and discuss how to promote good ethics in AI. Upon the completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency of using AI to address their chosen UN SDG.

Problem Solving with Creative & Computational Thinking (PSCCT)

This module aims to equip students with baseline creative and computational thinking skills for problem solving. Students will learn about the value of focused & diffuse thinking, problem identification and analysis, creative thinking, and the four pillars of computational thinking in the problem-solving process. Students will apply these techniques to tackle wicked problems related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Elective 1

Please refer to Elective Module link below.

Engineering Mathematics I

Equips students with the necessary mathematical knowledge and skills to solve problems encountered in their course of study. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced mathematics in the second year. Topics include trigonometry, determinants, matrices, complex numbers and calculus.

Basic Mathematics

Equips students with basic mathematical knowledge and skills in algebra, trigonometry and calculus to enable them to understand and solve engineering problems encountered in their course of studies. It also serves as a foundation for subsequent mathematics modules.

Reinforced Concrete Design & CAD

Provides students with an understanding of reinforced concrete design according to Eurocode 2. It covers the design of basic structural elements of a building such as beams, slabs, columns and footings. The students will learn to use CAD software to detail the reinforcement bars as calculated from their design.

Project Management

Provides students with the knowledge on principles of project management and their applications in construction projects. Techniques in managing construction projects will be taught including project planning, project procurement, engineering economics, cash flow analysis, gantt chart, and critical path methods using network diagrams. Students will explore the use of computer software in project management to manage projects.

Hydrology and Hydraulics

Provides students with the basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles on Hydrology and Hydraulics. Under Hydrology session, students will learn the hydrological cycle, intensity-duration-frequency relationships and storm water management. Under Hydraulics session, the topics on hydrostatics laws, hydrodynamics, pipe flow and open channel flow will be introduced.

Structural Analysis

Provides the basic knowledge of analysis for determinate and indeterminate structures. Students will learn to analyse structures by using the classical methods such as principles of virtual works and moment distribution method. The theoretical analysis is supplemented by computer application of available structural analysis software and laboratory simulation sessions, which are tailored to give a better understanding of the structural theory.

Geotechnical Engineering

Provides students with the fundamentals of soil mechanics. Topics include soil classification, ground investigation, basic properties, compaction, stresses in soil, shear strength and the design of retaining walls and footings to Eurocode 7. Classroom instructions are supplemented by tutorials, laboratory sessions, assignment on mechanically-stabilised earth walls and e-learning.

Civil Engineering Technology

This module discover the technologies of civil engineering, delving into the selection of suitable construction techniques and plans for various projects, including earthworks, roadworks, tunnels, dredging and land reclamation. These include most aspects of standard construction with an insight into techniques applied in large-scale development using standard or specialised technology. Students will also uncover the transformative impact of cutting-edge technologies such as Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) and 3D printing within the civil engineering sector. This module embraces flipped learning and team-based learning strategies, empowering students to take charge of their learning journey. Students will be engaged with materials before class through flipped learning, and come together in teams during class for collaborative problem-solving and hands-on activities.

Safety, Health and Environmental Management

Provides students with an understanding of the safety, health and environmental hazards inherent in the construction industry and the preventive measures to ensure safe and healthy work environment. It helps students to acquire knowledge on requirements under Workplace Safety & Health Act and other related legislation, and supervisory skills for safety and health management system. It also introduces environmental control concepts at construction sites such vector control, noise pollution control and earth control measures.

Personal Branding and Career Agility (PBCA)

This module aims to equip students with the requisite skill sets, knowledge and tools that will give them an early start on the process of kick-starting their career. Through the Self-Directed Learning Approach, student-centric engagement, curated resources (eg. Learning Advisement Portal, LinkedIn Learning, and more) and curriculum co-developed by industry partners, students will begin their journey into the world of work. Upon completion of the module, students should be able to develop professional skills and build interpersonal relationships, acquire the skills to seek and secure work, develop the ability to adapt and respond effectively to changes at work, and appreciate and respect the diversity of individuals, culture and work environment.

Persuasive Communication with Data Storytelling (PCDS)

This module aims to equip students with the baseline skills to craft compelling narratives using effective data storytelling techniques. Students will generate data visualisations, and apply narrative elements and persuasive delivery techniques to influence others or shape their perspectives. Upon completion of this module, students should demonstrate the competency in using persuasive communication to convince stakeholders intellectually and affectively to call them into action in tackling the UN SDGs.

Sustainable Innovation Project

Work in multi-disciplinary groups to apply the design thinking method and tools backed by research and qualitative data, to tackle local issues mapped to the UN SDGs. You will also tap on what you have learnt in the CCC modules that come before this module to create sustainable and innovative prototype solutions for real-life issues faced by a local community in need. In the process, you will develop empathy for the community you have identified for your project and a better understanding of yourselves.

Elective 2

Please refer to Elective Module link below.

Engineering Mathematics II

Builds upon the mathematical knowledge and skills acquired in the first year of study. Topics covered are inferential statistics, partial differentiation, regression and correlation, applications of integration, solving of first and second order differential equations, and their applications. Students also learn how to use spread sheet and mathematical software for solving more challenging problems.

Steel Design & CAD

This module covers the basic concepts and principles of structural steel design and detailing to Eurocode 3. Students will be taught the design of structural members such as tension and compression members, fully restrained beams and the design of simple connections in bolted and/or welded construction. Students will learn to design and sketch structural steel drawings with emphasis placed on standard detailing practice. They will also learn to do 3D BIM modelling of steel structures using Revit, analysis of steel structures using Robot Structural Analysis, and integration between Revit and Robot Structural Analysis. Classroom teaching is supplemented with individual assignments, group work and presentation based on Team Based Learning Pedagogy.

Transportation Engineering

Equips students with basic knowledge of transportation engineering. The module focuses on urban highway engineering and covers various topics ranging from planning to design and construction. Students will learn to analyse traffic demand, acquire and interpret traffic flow data, perform geometric design of highways, and carry out design of flexible pavements. Instruction will take place through a combination of lectures, tutorials and laboratory (practical) sessions.

Water Technology

Equip students with an overview of water resource and knowledge of water quality. Fundamental principle and current engineering practice in water treatment and distribution, waste collection and treatment, sludge treatment and disposal will be taught during lecture. A mini- project will be used to improve the students learning ability. Lab works on water and wastewater analysis will also be conducted. Upon the completion of the module, students should have some background knowledge to carry out a simple design of water treatment.

Integrated Project

This module aims at providing students with trainings on applying knowledge and skills from other civil engineering modules into solution-oriented projects. The module attempts to use CDIO approach supported with lecturers’ facilitation and supervision. Students will learn about problem-solving skills, research skills or laboratory skills and other relevant skills and integrate them into the project. Students learning will be organised in group with project based learning.

Elective 3

Please refer to Elective Module link below.

Internship Programme

Provides opportunity to gain professional working experience through attachments to local companies or organisations. Students are required to prepare journals, portfolios and proper documentations on the internship programme.