Prepare for your course
Congratulations and a very warm welcome to the Department of Civil Engineering. We are looking forward to meeting you soon. As a new member of this vibrant community you will be taught and supported by leading academics and industry professionals who are committed to inspirational teaching. We hope you have an excellent experience during your degree. If you are unsure about anything in these early weeks do not be afraid to ask questions or seek help from staff.
IT Equipment
You will need access to a laptop or desktop to participate in lessons and complete online learning. Whether you already have a device, or are considering purchasing new IT equipment for your university studies, please check the minimum specification recommended by Digital and Technology Services.
If you have a choice we would suggest you use an MS Windows 10 system or above (not Win10 S Mode) for ease of access to our commonly used systems, and to use some of the specialist engineering software for your studies, many of which you can download and install on your own device free of charge. Windows and Mac Users will have access to a Virtual Desktop which allows you to connect to a Windows 10 virtual desktop environment over the internet, and have access to the key engineering software without having to downland and install it on your own device. We do suggest your device should have a microphone and webcam to interact with staff and students during online support sessions, Tutorials, and group work.
You do not need to purchase any software; Microsoft Office is available to download free of charge to all students for the duration of their studies and specialist engineering software is available in our on-campus computer rooms and through a remote desktop connection.
There are computer rooms available on campus and a laptop loan service but both are offered on a first come first served basis. All students (home, EU, and international) who might struggle with financing IT equipment can apply for support via the Hardship Fund.
Suggested reading and listening
Below is a selection of interesting, and not-too-technical, articles, webpages, and podcasts which you may want to read or listen to before you arrive. You are not expected to read and listen to all of this content but if you have some spare time then do look through the suggested titles which interest you. Some of the terminology in the content may be unfamiliar to you at this time but do not worry as it will become more familiar once you start your degree.
- Project case studies on the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) website
Civil engineering covers many different sectors including building structures, coastal engineering, ground engineering, surveying, transport, waste, and water. The ICE website has complied a selection of past civil engineering projects which you can search through, watch videos, see how they were built and hear from the people that made them happen. Learn about some of the projects which interest you. There are also some profiles of engineers from the industry talking about what they do.
There are also some profiles of engineers from the industry talking about what they do here.
- Engineering Matters podcasts
This website has a series of podcasts investigating the engineering solutions behind some of the world's biggest challenges. Some recent episodes relevant to civil engineering problems are listed below. You don't need to listen to all above of them but choose one or two which interest you (or take a look at some of the older ones which interest you).
-
- #216 Accelerating Offshore Wind Construction
- #214 Delivering a Megaproject
- #210 Revisited: Return of the Fatbergs
- #206 Asset Management, Resilience, and Climate Change
- #208 Counting Carbon Costs in the Built Environment
- #206 The Giant Props of Gothenburg
- #203 Revisited: Crisis Shelter for Mass Displacement
- #202 After the Collapse
- Engineering in society
The Royal Academy of Engineering have produced a booklet called ‘Engineering in Society’ which has a series of articles on the responsibilities and ethics faced by the engineer.
Maths skills booklet
Mathematics is critical to the study of civil engineering and students are expected to have a certain level of understanding before they arrive. You can you use this maths booklet to self-assess your skills and prepare yourself for year one. If you encounter any difficulties then please do not panic, there will be maths support available once term begins.