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Road Engineering and Design
Postgraduate Certificate
Course Details
Course Code | SG_ERENG_N09 |
---|---|
Level | 9 |
Duration | 1 Year |
Credits | 30 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
ATU Sligo developed this blended on-line part time programme in collaboration with the Local Authority Services National Training Group (LASNTG) and the Department of Transport. It is designed to provide applied and advanced learning and skills for engineers working in the roads services sector, in both public bodies and private companies.
The main aim to provide a Minor Award at Level 9 for learners who wish to complete specific learning relating to the engineering and design of public road and transportation schemes, facilities, and networks.
This programme is designed to facilitate Civil Engineering professionals working or intending to work in the road and land transport engineering and design sector to develop appropriate analytical, design and project management skills.
Successful completion of this part-time on-line postgraduate Certificate programme allows for the transfer of learners to the Postgraduate Diploma or MEng in Road and Transport Engineering, whereby the remaining Stage 1 taught modules and Research methods are taken by students to for the major award of a Postgraduate Diploma and, additionally, a Research Dissertation can be completed to attain the Master of Engineering award.
This programme consists of a blend of on-line theory lectures and group practical/project and workshop/guest lecture sessions designed to meet the academic and professional development requirements of local authority road services engineers and other engineers in the road and transport sector. Subject matter experts contribute to the delivery of the module and programme learning outcomes, so that the programme is current, relevant and a reflection of best practice for engineers in the road and bridge engineering area.
The Certificate consists of a part-time on-line blended learning single stage (year) programme, consisting of Semester 1 and 2, where the theme is road engineering and design.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Geotechnical Engineering IThe module examines aspects of geotechnical engineering including: Site investigations, fill materials and compaction, asset management strategies, overall stability of geotechnical structures, embankments on poor ground, temporary works and selection of appropriate geotechnical parameters for use in design. Learning Outcomes 1. Create a specification for, and evaluate the findings of, a site investigation. 2. Construct a ground model and determine suitable design soil parameters based on the analysis and evaluation of site investigation data. 3. Appraise the suitability of materials and follow good construction practice in earthworks, while recognising the physical constraints on site. 4. Identify and propose solutions for potential geotechnical engineering issues associated with infrastructure assets. 5. Analyse and design embankments on problematic soils and slopes associated with earthworks. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Drainage Systems Design and Flood ManagementThis module examines aspects drainage systems design related to roads, commercial development and domestic developments. The module also examines the measurement and interpretation of hydrological data, flood prediction and prevention, flood risk assessment and policy relating to flood risk control, Section 50 applications and the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study. Learning Outcomes 1. Define, quantify and formulate the hydrological cycle, surface runoff, infiltration and rainfall/runoff correlation. 6. Design a sustainable drainage system 7. Estimate the hydraulic capacity of a culvert or bridge in a river channel |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Road and Transport Scheme DesignModule topics relate to road geometrical design and transport demand study modelling, including the fundamentals of horizontal/vertical alignment, sight distance/visibility, design speed, road cross-sections, junction design and traffic demand predictive modelling. The module also reflects current design standards, including TII/NRA DMRB, DMURS and National Cycle Manual,to incorporate the needs of vulnerable users, active travel modes and sustainable travel principles. These are integrated into the technical design process to provide holistic, integrated, and safe network designs in both urban and rural environments. The design of non-motorised (cycle/pedestrian networks), bus rapid transit (BRT), and light rail transit systems extend the focus beyond public road schemes to include active and public transport facility provision. The inclusion of road restraint systems, rural and urban roadside feature design, minor improvement schemes, and design elements for traffic calming and pedestrian/cycle crossings is also a feature of this module. Learning Outcomes 1. Assess, evaluate and formulate the components of travel demand data analysis, forecasting and modellingfor urban and regional transport studies as an input to scheme design and the project appraisal process. 2. Evaluate and apply the fundamentals of traffic flow, queuing theory and highway design capacity. 4. Critically assess, determine and review the needs and requirements for road junction options and design characteristics to meet the needs of all road users. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Geotechnical Engineering IIGeotechnical Engineering II focuses on the analysis and design of geotechnical engineering related structures and the preparation of Geotechnical Engineering related design documentation. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a geotechnical design report, incorporatingBIM protocols where appropriate,for the analysis and design of Geotechnical Engineering related structures. 2. Analyse and design gravity and cantilever soil retaining systems 3. Evaluate foundation systems, with particular reference to bridge structures 4. Develop solutions for soil structure interaction problems associated with bridge abutments 5. Evaluate axially loaded piles using insitu testing and by calculation. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Design of Bridge StructuresThe module develops the learner's knowledge in a number of key topics in the field of bridge design and engineering including the conceptual and preliminary design of bridges, bridge aesthetics, bridge analysis, and detailed design methodologies. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop appropriate bridge solutions given planning, site, functional and aesthetic constraints. 3. Evaluate and implement appropriate structural analysis tools for the modelling of bridges. 4. Evaluate and develop appropriate durability and protection details for bridge structures. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Project Management and AppraisalThis module aims to provide the learner with a fundamental understanding of the key elements and phases of Project Management from concept to project completion so to enable the learner to more effectively manage engineering / construction projects. The module will investigate the major project management tools and techniques which will aid decision making and assist in project management and leadership. Learning Outcomes 1. Assess and analyse the key sociocultural areas, which impact on project delivery, such as leadership, motivation, managing stakeholder expectations, influencing, networking, ethics and the creation and management of high performance project teams. |
05 | Mandatory |
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Progression
The programme provides access by successful learners by transfer to one of our current major awards, PG Diploma or Masters in Engineering in Road and Transport Engineering at ATU Sligo, to which this programme provides exemption for six modules (30 ECTS) for both postgraduate programmes,
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements are a pass in a BEng Honours degree (Level 8) in Civil Engineering or a related discipline or equivalent.
Applicants without the standard academic qualification and with significant relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal.
Careers
The programme provides access routes for a student intake from a specific cohort of Civil Engineering graduates predominately from the public roads services sector and offers clear routes of progression through education.This includes a specialised, relevant programme offering, differentiated through flexible modes of delivery, which promotes lifelong learning by practitioners within the road and transport industry.This programme is industry and professionally relevant, and delivers the generic skills necessary for effective engagement in society. The programme was developed in conjunction with industry partners to ensure the curriculum remains focused on required knowledge, skills and competencies of engineers in the public roads services sector.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme is designed to facilitate Civil Engineering professionals working or intending to work in the road and land transport engineering and design sector to develop appropriate analytical, design and project management skills.
Contact Information
Civil Engineering & Construction