Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Railway Engineering
SCQF level: 10:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CTR10129
Module leader: Mark Taylor
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Built Environment
Prerequisites

N/A
Description of module content:

LO1: Explain the engineering principles and safety features of a railway system
LO2: Identify the components that form railway permanent way
LO3: Distinguish the differences in engineering between design traditional, high speed and light rail design
LO4: Apply railway engineering principles in the DESIGN a section of permanent way LO5: Identify methods of maintenance and renewal of permanent way.
LO6: Consider the environmental impact and ethical issues associated with railways and their construction.
Learning Outcomes for module:

The history of the development of railway engineering in the UK, including the evolution of the basis of key engineering principles such as track gauge and loading gauge and key basic safety features such as block signaling and interlocking. An analysis of the components of track design and the contribution they make to form railway permanent way.

Methods of determining permanent way alignment, switch and crossing design and signaling, including the use of computer software. Consideration of railway alignment and environmental impact assessment of route selected. Key principles of other engineering features on the railway, including earthworks, drainage, bridges, structures, tunnels and overhead line equipment. Special requirements for high speed rail and light rail systems. Maintenance and renewal of railways with a focus on sustainable and environmentally ethical solutions.

The module also includes a week long period of practical permanent-way maintenance experience in collaboration with the Bo’ness and Kinneil railway (Scottish Railway Preservation Society). The work is directed by SRPS Chief Engineer Mr Andrew Anderson (ex-Network Rail Structural Engineer). Students are directly involved in sleeper replacement, dipped joint inspection, joint maintenance, gauge and cant measurements, gauging platforms and new-build construction (when work is being undertaken).

Unit 1: Railway systems and transport
Unit 2: The rail
Unit 3: Railway track
Unit 4: Formation engineering
Unit 5: Alignment design
Unit 6: Switches and crossings
Unit 7: Signaling and train control
Unit 8: Traction and rolling stock
Unit 9: Railway management and maintenance
Unit 10: Metros and trams
.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Mark Taylor
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Blended format using lectures, tutorials and practical instruction supplemented with Moodle resources detailing directed and reflective study. Lectures will be two hours in length and will cover theory with examples of current practice. (LOs 1-3, 5) The tutorial sessions will consist of application of principles learnt in previous lectures. Where, appropriate, tutorial time will be used to facilitate site visits to local railway projects. Some of this time will also be allocated for monitoring progress on the coursework element. (LO 4) Computer lab time will be spent familiarising students with the use of railway design software and will contribute to the preparation of the coursework element. (LO 4)



Formative Assessment:
Practical session at Bo’ness (SRPS) Railway

Summative Assessment:
Alignment design coursework and an end of term examination (LOs 1-6)

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 26
Face To Face Tutorial 22
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 4
Independent Learning Guided independent study 146
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 2
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 30 4 9 HOURS= 1, WORDS= 0
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 70 1,2,3,4,5 14/15 HOURS= 2, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 30
Component 2 subtotal: 70
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

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