Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module introduces key concepts and practical skills for handling data within a civil engineering context, with a focus on data science and spatial data, including applications within GIS and digital environments. The module introduces the fundamental knowledge and concepts required to handle and use spatial data robustly for analysis applications and to generate high-quality outputs. Uses and applications of data will be demonstrated with real-world applications providing case studies and relevant transferable skills. Issues around data ethics will also be covered in relation to the safe handling and responsible use of data.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module syllabus covers:

GIS: What, why and how

Key spatial data concepts

Fundamentals of spatial data analysis

Visualisation of spatial data

Python programming and data science principles

Emerging digital technologies

Responsible use of data

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By completing this module students should have developed an understanding around how digital technologies (current and emerging) are can be used across civil engineering. Students should gain an understanding of the key concepts around spatial data and how it can be used in GIS for civil engineering across multiple disciplines and an appreciation for the importance of data management and the challenges associated with this within digital engineering. An awareness of issues around data ethics and using data responsibly should also be developed, along with knowledge around a wider a range of digital environments for modelling and emerging digital technologies.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be introduced to a range of digital environments for handling and analysing data. They will develop skills in the use of GIS software for integrating, analysing and presenting spatial data in a range of formats. They will be introduced to how programming environments, such as Python, can be used for data science and spatial data too, developing skills in undertaking analysis and generating outputs using programming. Skills in recognising potential issues ethically with data, and how to use data responsibly should also be developed.

This module covers the following engineering council recognised learning areas: M2, M3, M6, M8, M11, M13, M15, M17

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures introduce the foundations and concepts, including the underlying theory, while also introducing the issues around the use of data, both from ethical perspectives and a responsibility view. Practical sessions give students hand-on experience with real-world data to put the theory into practice and develop the key skills around GIS and spatial data handling and modelling.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An exam will allow an assessment of the understanding around fundamentals of data and different digital environments along with the responsibilities associated with using data in a data-centric engineering approach. The project report assessment will allow practical skills in using data within a digital environment to be assessed.

General Notes

N/A