New Module Form
Essential Information Required for
Module Manager
ACADEMIC YEAR ___________
Module Detail
Title Computational Methods in Civil Engineering
(maximum 50 characters)
Description
This module introduces students to computer-based methods used in the solution of
engineering problems. It provides the level of knowledge required to successfully
apply these methods to a broad range of applications including structures, heat
transfer, fluids flow etc. Students get hands-on experience in using commercial finite
element software.
(brief description of the content of the module between 75 – 150 words)
*Note Field to indicate taught through Irish/English/Erasmus
English
Module version number and date approved
xx/xx/2012
*
Course Instances (s)
MECivil
1SPE, 2SPE, 3SPE, 4SPE
xx/xx/2012
xx/xx/2012
Date Retired
Module Owner / Lecturer
Module Administrator Details
Civil Engineering/Annette Harte
Brid Flaherty
Please specify main contact person(s) for exam related queries and contact number /email
Module Code
(
Module Type
Core= Student must take the module
Optional = Choice for Student
Office use only)
ECTS
Multiple of 5 ects
5 ects
Optional for
Core for
Course Requirement
(i.e. where a module has to be passed at 40%)
Semester Taught
Semester Examined
Semester 1
Requisite(s)
Semester 1
Co-Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they must take
module Y
Pre-Req
Modules 
The student must have taken and
passed a module in previous year
Excl.Req.
Modules 
If they take module X they CANNOT
take module Y
Module Assessment
st
1 Sitting
2nd Sitting
Assessment Type
Exam Session
Duration
Written Paper
Semester 1
2 Hours
Continuous Assessment
Semester 1
Not Applicable
Written Paper
Autumn
2 Hours
Bonded Modules
Shared Material Bond
(modules which are to be
examined at the same date and
time)
Engineering
Computational Methods in Energy Systems
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
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PART B
Workload:
ECTS credits represent the student workload for the programme of study, i.e. the total time
the student spends engaged in learning activities. This includes formal teaching, homework,
self-directed study and assessment.
Modules are assigned credits that are whole number multiples of 5.
One credit is equivalent to 20-25 hours of work. An undergraduate year’s work of 60 credits is
equivalent to 1200 to 1500 hours or 40 to 50 hours of work per week for two 15 week
semesters (12 weeks of teaching, 3 weeks study and formal examinations).
Module Schedule
No. of Lectures Hours 26
No. of Tutorials Hours 4
No. of Labs Hours
10
Recommended No. of self study
hours 65
Other educational activities(Describe)
and hours allocated
Lecture Duration
Tutorial Duration
Lab Duration
Placement(s) hours
1
1
2
*Total range of hours to be automatically totalled (min amount to be hit)
Module Learning Outcomes
(CAN BE EXPANDED)
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
1 Explain and apply the following numerical approaches to the solution of
engineering problems: finite difference method and finite element method.
2 Solve simple 1-D & 2-D finite difference problems using hand calculations.
3 Explain the mathematical formulation of the finite element method and its
application to the solution of engineering problems.
4 Use a commercially available finite-element package to analyse a range of complex
engineering problems.
5 Critically assess the approximate solutions so produced.
6 Produce written reports of their findings.
7 Orally present and defend their work
8 Work on projects both individually and as part of a team.
Module Learning, Coursework and Assessment
Learning Outcomes at module level should be capable of being assessed. Please indicate assessment methods and the outcomes they will assess
Assessment type,
eg. End of year exam, group project
Written Paper
Continuous Assessment
Outcomes
assessed
% weighting
1-3
50
2,4-8
50
Indicative Content (Marketing Description and content)
1. Finite Difference Method
2. Finite Element Method (FEM)
Derivation of element equations using variational approach
Derivation of element equations using Galerkin’s method
Element shape functions in 1-D & 2-D
Computer Implementation of FEM
Use of a commercial Finite element code to solve complex engineering
problems
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
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Module Resources
Suggested Reading Lists
1. Applications of Finite Element Analysis
Library
2. The Finite Element Method for Engineers Huebner,
KH
3. The Finite Element Method
Zienkiewicz &
Taylor
4. Numerical and Matrix Methods in Structural
Mechanics
Wang, PC
Journal
Physical (e.g. AV’s)
IT (e.g. software + version)
Admin
FOR COLLEGE USE ONLY
Student Quota
Quota
(where applicable only)
(identify number per module where applicable only)
Module:
R D Cook
Number:
Discipline involved in Teaching
Share of FTE
*(drop down for disciplines within school)
civil
*(% out of 1)
100
RGAM
NB:
Notes on some fields are for the technical side when considering which
software company to use.
Draft Created by Syllabus Team as part of Academic Simplification 2012/2013
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