Core Module Information
Module title: Civil Engineering Materials

SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: CTR07100
Module leader: Juan Bernal-Sanchez
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

In this module, you will explore the materials critical for Civil Engineers. The focus is on understanding how materials shape the creation of structures and spaces. From towering buildings to sturdy bridges and functional roadways, our ability to bring these visions to life hinges on a deep understanding of materials.Throughout this trimester, you will explore a range of construction materials such as steel, non-ferrous metals, concrete, and timber. This exploration is aimed at highlighting the importance of sourcing materials economically, safely, and sustainably in today's context.As you progress through this module, you will have access to various resources to enhance your learning experience. Quizzes will test your understanding, available for you to attempt at any time. Lecture slides, tutorials, and supplementary materials will support your learning journey. Additionally, lab sessions are scheduled to provide hands-on experience, and a mix of formative and summative assessments will help gauge your progress. Module content: Concrete: Cement manufacture, composition and properties of cement, aggregate sources and testing, use of aggregate in concrete, design of concrete mixes, properties of fresh concrete, workability and bleeding of concrete, self-compacting concrete, lightweight and high density concrete, hardened concrete strength and durability, use of additives and admixtures in concrete, pumped concrete, accelerated curing of concrete, non-destructive testing of concrete, sustainability and recycling, quality control;Steel: Manufacture, structure, heat treatment, types of steel, properties, structural use, welding and connections, non-destructive test of welding, corrosion formation and prevention;Non-ferrous metals: Copper, zinc, lead, aluminium;

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify material properties, explain their applicability to material selection and mechanical behaviour of structural elements, and demonstrate understanding regarding basic concepts of environmental sustainability in relation to their usage.

LO2: Describe the: (1) production, properties and tests for materials used in concrete; (2) fresh and hardened properties and tests in concrete.

LO3: Reflect on the manufacture, properties and testing associated with the use of steel and non-ferrous metals (copper, zinc, lead, aluminium) in structures and other Civil Engineering applications.

LO4: Prepare and produce concise laboratory reports on tests on civil engineering materials.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Juan Bernal-Sanchez
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 The module content will be delivered through a series of weekly two-hour lectures, covering key topics outlined in the module descriptor. Each session will provide in-depth exploration of core concepts, supported by practical examples and interactive discussions to enhance understanding.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 20 The module will include three two-hour tutorials, where students will have the opportunity to apply and practice the concepts covered in lectures. These sessions will focus on group discussions about lab report writing to reinforce understanding and build practical skills. A total of five laboratory sessions will be delivered across the trimester, focusing on the key construction material categories of metals, concrete, and aggregates. Continuous formative feedback is provided in each session.
Online Guided independent study 151 Guided independent study will involve self-directed learning activities, where students will explore module content at their own pace, supported by recommended readings, online resources, and structured tasks. This study is designed to deepen understanding and prepare students for assessments, with guidance provided by the module tutor as needed
Independent Learning Tutorial 9 Students will engage in weekly online quizzes as part of their formative assessment, serving as practice for the final test and contributing to their summative assessment since these quizzes are graded. A total of 9 quizzes are proposed. They would last 15-30 min max, but prior studying is required before their completion. That is why 1 hour is at least allocated per quizz.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Report 20 3~4 Week 7 , WORDS= 1500 Coursework 1 - A Formal Laboratory Report for Metals Lab Practice Following the completion of the laboratory practical sessions where the tensile and hardness properties of various steel samples were examined, students are required to write a report outlining how these properties were tested and relate the results from both tests to determine any relationships (e.g. graphical trends) between the two tests and/or amongst the samples. In other words, students need to write a report that includes the lab sessions on hardness testing (Lab session 1) and tensile testing (Lab session 2). They will receive summative and formative feedback that needs to be incorporated for the following coursework.
Report 30 1~2~4 Exam Period , WORDS= 2000 Coursework 2 - A Formal Laboratory Report for Concrete Lab PracticeFollowing the completion of the laboratory practical sessions where the properties of aggregates typically used in aggregates as well as the fresh and hardened properties of concrete, students are required to write a combined coursework outlining how these properties were tested. Students will need to report on the three lab practices completed during the second half of the module. Coursework 2 should include: lab session 1 (fresh cement tests), lab session 2 (workability test), and lab session 3 (destructive and non-destructive test on hardened concrete).
Class Test 30 1~2 Week 13 HOURS= 2 hours Multiple Choice Question assessment, consisting of 60 questions needs to be completed within the stipulated 2 hours. This assessment is open book; however, it requires prior knowledge and study for successful completion within the stipulated time.
Class Test 20 1~2~3 Week 13 HOURS= 15-20 minutes A quiz will be weekly issued for students to practice after attending the lecture/tutorial sessions.(week2- week13)They are created with a formative purpose in mind (i.e. as a means of practicing for the multiple-choice question assessment) and they will also count towards the final mark counting 20% of the overall module grade. This is considered to be an ideal form of self-assessment given that students will see the correct answers once they finish the attempt.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Civil Engineering Materials