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Structural Engineering with Architecture  (NAS1)

BE/BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Civil Engineering
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Arturo Gonzalez
Overall Programme Credits:
180
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 55
Stage 2: 50
Stage 3: 50

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is an Engineering degree programme focusing primarily on the design of structures.

This is an academic programme suited to students with an interest in both creativity and design. It will provide you with the confidence to develop optimal solutions to complex problems both within and beyond the engineering profession. Graduates usually progress to the professionally accredited Masters programme in Structural Engineering with Architecture but your numerate and transferrable skills also provide access to professional careers in other engineering disciplines, business, finance, policy development and project management amongst others. We recognise that problem solving is a multi-disciplinary activity requiring creativity and innovation. In this programme engineering students have the opportunity to work with architecture students to learn together, and experience, the synergies achieved by multi-disciplinary collaboration in problem solving.  You will recognise the built environment as a set of inter related systems governed by scientific, mathematical and engineering principles and also understand the roles, responsibilities and ethical standards of your profession in developing, and maintaining, this environment in a sustainable manner. The learning experience includes lectures, tutorials, studio work and group/individual project work. Assessment is by a combination of end of semester examinations and continuous assessment which takes the form of individual assignments, practical laboratory work exercise, and group projects. Our goal with this learning and assessment approach is to produce independent critical thinkers with the skills required to engage in self-directed learning throughout their varied careers.


1 - PO1. Knowledge and Understanding: Knowledge and understanding of the mathematics, sciences, data science, analytics, and other technologies underpinning structural engineering with architecture.
2 - PO2. Problem Analysis: The ability to identify, formulate and analyse engineering problems.
3 - PO3. Design: The ability to design solutions to engineering problems.
4 - PO4. Investigation: The ability to investigate, experiment and to conduct guided research.
5 - PO5. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities: Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities towards people and the environment in the practice of engineering.
6 - PO6. Teamwork and Lifelong Learning: The ability to work effectively independently and in diverse and inclusive teams, and to prepare for lifelong learning.
7 - PO7. Communication: The ability to communicate effectively on engineering activities to diverse audiences.
8 - PO8. Engineering Management: Knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and financial decision-making relevant to structural engineering with architecture and an ability to apply these to one’s own work and to the management of projects.
9 - Students will be able to recognise the built environment and its interactions with the natural environment as a set of inter-related systems governed by scientific, mathematical and engineering principles.
10 - Students will be able to interpret, apply and use scientific, mathematical, and engineering principles, data and models (both numerical and physical) to evaluate and solve defined problems.
11 - Students will be able to research, appraise and synthesize data and information from a variety of sources, including designed experiments, to produce solutions to problems.
12 - Students will be effective communicators, being able to i) communicate their own ideas and solutions to colleagues, clients and the public using different media and, ii) listen to the needs of clients, society and colleagues.
13 - Students will be able to work independently and alone when required as well as being effective team-members.
14 - Students will understand the responsibilities of their profession and the importance of high ethical standards in professional practice, along with the role and responsibilities of engineers in developing an inclusive and equitable society.
15 - Students will become independent critical thinkers having been introduced to the research and learning skills required to engage in self-directed learning throughout their careers.

This is an Engineering degree programme focusing primarily on the design of structures.

This is a two-part programme: an initial three-year bachelor's degree, followed by a two-year master's degree. The aim of the programme is to develop an appreciation for architecture and the mathematical ability to challenge the traditional boundaries of structural design.

It has been said that engineers use the language of mathematics in developing their designs, while architects use a visual and graphical language. Through the design content of the programme we aim to interlink these thought processes, encouraging exploration of structural forms and materials.

The programme is delivered by the UCD School of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, which has a strong appreciation of design across all of its programmes. The constituent disciplines within the School and the expertise available provide a unique environment for students in which to develop their understanding and appreciation of construction-related design. Inter-programme studio-based activities within the School allow students to experience interdisciplinary teamwork.

STAGE 1
Part of this stage is common with other Engineering programmes at UCD. This includes mathematical and science subjects, Graphics, Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics. Theory and Design of Structures is introduced in Stage 1 in addition to History and Theory of the Designed Environment, which explores building evolution and transformation.

STAGE 2
In Stage 2, the modules providing the main foundation for structural design are introduced. These include Construction Materials, Building Construction in addition to modules on Mechanics of Solids and Mechanics of Fluids. Design studio work enhances the creative skills through introduction to model making and 3D computer-aided drawing.

STAGE 3
Stage 3 takes the design and analysis skills to a more advanced level through both formal lectures and studio design projects. Here the integration of Building Services within structures is examined in detail. You will also undertake a major project involving experimentation, analysis or design, the results of which are presented in a formal report.

MAPPING YOUR DEGREE: MASTER OF ENGINEERING

STAGE 1
In Stage 1 of the ME programme, you will further enhance your design and analysis skills through lectures, laboratory practical sessions and project work. In addition a professional studies module is taken. During the second semester, you can avail of work placement either within Ireland or abroad.

STAGE 2
Stage 2 provides you with advanced modules in Structural Design and Analysis, Structural Dynamics and Soil Mechanics. The modules relating to Planning Methodology, Professional Engineering and Construction Management further prepare the student for professional life. You will also undertake a major research project and present a final thesis.

International Study Opportunities Students have the opportunity in their third year to spend either one or two trimesters studying abroad in a partner University. There are options to study in countries such as France, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA.

The ME programme in Structural Engineering with Architecture is fully accredited by Engineers Ireland, and thus recognised internationally. Graduates can find employment in Ireland and abroad in areas such as:

  • Engineering consultancy
  • Construction management
  • Project management and planning 
  • Management consultancy and finance

You can also pursue a research path, commencing with a PhD in Structural Engineering, in Ireland or abroad.

UCD Engineering and Architecture College Office

Tel: +353 1 716 1916
e. katie.oneill@ucd.ie


Stage 2

Stage 2 Structural Engineering with Architecture comprises 50 credits of Core Modules, and 10 credits of Elective Modules.

Students should choose their Elective Modules in the Autumn Trimester, to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.

Alternatively, should students prefer to take modules from within Engineering rather than selecting electives, they can choose from the Additional Option Modules listed.

Stage 3

Stage 3 Structural Engineering with Architecture comprises 50 credits of Core Modules, and 10 credits of Elective Modules.

Students should choose both Elective Modules in the Spring Trimester, to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.

Alternatively, should students prefer to take modules from within Engineering rather than selecting electives, they can choose from the Additional Option Modules listed.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
ARCT20040 History & Theory of the Designed Environment III - Survey Course 2 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20080 Construction Materials Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20110 Geotechnics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
MATH20290 Multivariable Calculus for Eng Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20010 Mechanics of Solids Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20040 The Engineering & Architecture of Structures 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20070 Computer Applications in Civil Engineering Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20120 Construction Practice Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CVEN20140 Design and Communications Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
STAT20060 Statistics & Probability Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In the Autumn Trimester, students may may select two Elective Modules. The Electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.Students are strongly advised to choose Autumn Trimester Electives to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CVEN20030 Environmental Engineering Fundamentals Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In the Autumn Trimester, students may may select two Elective Modules. The Electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.Students are strongly advised to choose Autumn Trimester Electives to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CVEN20130 Hydraulics I Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
ACM30030 Multivariable Calculus Eng II Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
ARCT30030 History & Theory of the Designed Environment IV - Architecture, Urban and Landscape Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30020 Analysis of Structures 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30040 Design of Structures 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30090 Professional Engineering for Civil and Structural Engineers Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30390 Group Design Project 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30010 Geotechnics 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30170 Analysis of Structures 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CVEN30400 Group Design Project 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
MEEN30130 Energy Systems in Buildings I Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may select two Elective Modules. The Electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.Students are strongly advised to choose Spring Trimester Electives to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
CVEN30060 Hydraulics II Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may select two Elective Modules. The Electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.Students are strongly advised to choose Spring Trimester Electives to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
GEOL30070 Geology for Civil Engineers Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 0 of:
In the Spring Trimester, students may select two Elective Modules. The Electives can be from anywhere in UCD. However, if preferred, students may select other Modules related to Engineering by choosing from the following ADDITIONAL OPTION Modules.Students are strongly advised to choose Spring Trimester Electives to ensure a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester.
MEEN30140 Professional Engineering (Finance) Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHENG003 Stage 3 - 70.00%
Stage 2 - 30.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47