Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026
Module ENGI47815: Planning and Net Zero
Department: Engineering
ENGI47815: Planning and Net Zero
Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 15 | Availability | Available in 2025/2026 | Module Cap |
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Tied to | H1KB09 |
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Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- As specified in programme regulations.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- As specified in programme regulations.
Aims
- This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
- This course will enable civil engineers to understand the principles of
- scoping and managing construction projects within the context of both UK
- law and the wider global context of net zero in which development is
- operating.
Content
- Sustainable development in construction engineering
- Planning and the planning system
- English law, contract, tort
- Environmental legislation and standards for construction engineering
- Construction contracts
- Project planning techniques
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Risk management
- The importance of soil health in construction
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Understanding the critical importance of considering both the constraints and opportunities the environmental offers new developments, working with the environment wherever possible to address guidance around net zero, net biodiversity gain and nutrient neutrality (links to AHEP M1).
- Understanding the legal issues and current guidance associated to the professional practice of civil engineering (links to AHEP M15).
- AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
- M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (coursework assessed).
- M4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
- M9. Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
- M15. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Ability to select and critically evaluate technical literature on methodologies and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those guidelines and methods in novel situations (links to AHEP M4).
- Ability to define the scope of the construction process and carry out the correct level of preliminary assessment (e.g. risk, environmental) and planning of the construction process (links to AHEP M9).
Key Skills:
- Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
- Highly specialised analytical and numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
- Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
- Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, some of which will be designed to enable problem-based learning in class, equipping students with the required problem-solving capability and ensuring that AI can’t provide the solutions to qualitative questions.
- One lecture includes student presentations on researched topics.
- A structured feedback session identifying students strengths and areas for improvement will support students ongoing development and engagement with the course.
- Students are encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week.
- Coursework is assessed through a formal assessment of engagement in class activities, including group presentations (constituting 20%) and also a submitted piece (80%) where students tackle a case study planning application and respond to an application as a local authority would taking into account the new additions to the National Planning Policy Framework which will occur in Spring 2025 (e.g. net zero, nutrient neutrality and net biodiversity gain).
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 20 | Weekly (over one term) | 2 | 20 | ■ |
Surgeries | 10 | Weekly (over one term) | 1 | 10 | |
Feedback Sessions | 1 | 1 | ■ | ||
Independent Study | 1 | 50 | |||
Preparation and Reading | 1 | 69 | |||
Total | 150 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Coursework | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Presentation | 20% | Yes | |
Case Study | 80% | Yes |
Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment is provided by means of a compulsory formative coursework assignment.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University