BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering and Computer Aided Design.
UCAS K2G5 BSc/CEDC
Introduction
This is the course of the future. The use of state of the art computer graphics for the design and visualisation of civil engineering projects is becoming the norm. Our Advisory Committee of top industrialists said that the industry needs a civil engineering course that gives students more skills in the use of computer software, so we designed one. The course does not require A-level mathematics.

3D computer model of the University of Plymouth's Medical School.
Produced by A Hussein, University of Plymouth (original 2D drawings courtesy of Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects)
Computers are becoming increasingly important. Computer related skills are essential and the graduate who has them may well get ahead of the field in this crucial area. This course includes IT skills, the use of computer databases for information management, design and 3D drawing packages and an innovative module in virtual reality. Virtual reality is now a very serious design tool used by major companies to visualise anything from soccer stadiums to shopping malls, from hospitals to water pumping stations. Imagine the power of actually being able to show clients, planning authorities and the public exactly what a finished building will look like by allowing them to walk around it in virtual reality, going wherever they want. This makes paper plans and elevations look extremely old fashioned.

3D computer model of Tesco Concept Store.
Produced by P Everitt, placement student (courtesy of Integrated Design Department, Taylor Woodrow Engineering & Consultancy)
Design is incredibly enjoyable. Design is creative, inventive, fun and is often regarded as the best part of a civil engineering course. Seeing something you've designed being built is extremely satisfying and rewarding. We excel in design, our students having won six first prizes and many seconds and thirds in national competitions involving the design of an exhibition centre, steel and concrete bridges, an aircraft hanger, a swimming pool complex, a theatre, and a maritime museum. The picture below shows a 3D computer model of a novel footbridge linking three buildings designed by students in the School of Civil and Structural Engineering. It was the first prize winner of the UK 2002 National Steelwork Design competition.

(courtesy of P Everitt, M Yates, I Dawson, and E Dwight, University of Plymouth)
Many of our students have obtained excellent jobs with top companies through their design skills. Current students on the course are already in demand by the industry. We are convinced, as are our Industrial Advisory Committee, that this new type of graduate will be needed for the future. Although not accredited, this course gives the computer skills required by Civil Engineers in the 21st Century.
"It is encouraging to employ Plymouth University placement students with a knowledge of 3D CAD and Civil Engineering. I cannot express enough how important it is for the industry to attract graduates with a sound knowledge of Civil Engineering and 3D Computer Aided Design."
(Taylor Woodrow Engineering & Consultancy)
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Factfile
Duration
3 years full time or 4 year sandwich.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Institution of Civil Engineers / Institution of Structural Engineers, so with the appropriate training graduates can register with the Engineering Council as Incorporated Engineers. They can also become members of the professional institutions.
Entry Requirements for September 2003
Programme / Course
UCAS Code
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Award
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GCE A-Level
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AGNVQ
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BTEC Nat. Diploma
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Access to HE
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Foundation Year
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Points
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Preferred subject
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Points / Preferred subject
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Pass (P), Merit (M), Distinction (D) : Preferred subject |
Preferred Subject
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Civil Engineering & Computer Aided Design
UCAS K2G5 BSc/CEDC |
BSc (Hons)
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200
(CDD)
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2-3 @ 6 unit A-Levels including Science or Technology. |
200 points from a relevant 12 unit GNVQ Advanced. |
5 M @ Level III |
Engineering |
Foundation Pathways in Technology |
Note:
- International Baccalaureate, Scottish Certificate, Irish Leaving Certificate, Overseas or equivalent qualifications are welcome. Please contact the Admissions Tutor for further details.
Click here for entry requirements of other Building and Civil Engineering courses
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Module Information
Modules marked *, **, ***, **** or ***** are linked.
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Stage 1 |
Stage 2 |
Stage 3 |
S
e
m
e
s
t
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1 |
Essential:
- Computing and IT.
- Graphical Representation I.
- Construction Management I.
- Structural Analysis I*.
- Geotechnics I.
- Maths for Construction.
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Essential:
- Graphical Representation II.
- Introduction to Databases.
- Construction Management II.
- Structural Analysis II**.
- Hydraulics I.
Option: select 1 from:
- Advanced Diving Technology.
- Technology of Large and Innovative Buildings.
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Essential:
- Application of IT in Construction***.
- Interdisciplinary Design Project****.
- Individual Project*****.
- Database Applications Development.
- Structural Analysis III.
- Environmental Impact of Buildings.
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S
e
m
e
s
t
e
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2 |
Essential:
- Design of Structural Elements I*.
- Civil Engineering Construction I.
- Construction Materials.
- Site Surveying.
- Mathematics I.
Option: select 1 from:
- Diving Technology.
- Computer Systems.
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Essential:
- Introduction to Virtual Reality for Construction.
- Communication Networks and Distributed Processing.
- Geographical Information Systems and Digital Cartography.
- Industrial Application of IT.
- Design of Structural Elements II**.
- Geotechnics II.
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Essential:
- Application of IT in Construction***.
- Interdisciplinary Design Project****.
- Individual Project*****.
- Advanced Design IT.
- Project Management.
- Fire, Health and Safety.
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Note:
- Students wishing to take Diving Technology modules are required to pass an aptitude test and HSE Diving medical and must comply with Health and Safety requirements.

(image by Peter Menzel / Science Photo Library)
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