Introductory description

ES1A3-15 Professional Engineering Comptencies

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction to the module.
Engineering ethics.
Health and Safety.
Professional Commitment and Institutional Membership.
Competencies (IT skills; Reading, Note Taking and Research skills; Keeping a logbook and writing a reflective report; Writing and Presentation skills; Study skills; Exam skills; Development and Reflection skills; Sketching skills; Time Management skills).
Diversity and Equality.
Self-reflection.
The module includes compulsory on-line courses as defined by the Department.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify what it means to be a Civil Engineer and being a part of the engineering community through exposure to Professional Engineers coming from the industry, academics of the Engineering department, recent graduate students, and fellow undergraduate students.
• Plan self-learning and improve performance as the foundation for lifelong learning (CPD) to enable the EPA. Reflection will be informed by the work/practice and will contribute to the recognition of own work-based learning.
• Enable transferrable skills to inform own work/practice.
• Understand the challenges faced by society and how Civil engineers can be technical and commercial leaders.
• Show knowledge and understanding of professional and ethical codes of conduct and associated responsibilities (related to own work/practice) as set out by professional engineering institutions.
• Analyse information and/or ideas contributing to the development of an informed evaluation of own work/practice.
• Identify and access relevant work/practice networks using appropriate interpersonal and networking skills.
• Understand and apply the communication and collaboration processes and procedures within the workplace.
• Demonstrate written communication skills for identified work/practice and/or academic audiences.

Indicative reading list

QAA 2015 Engineering Benchmark Statement ~ What is expected to be delivered and achieved in an engineering degree.
UK-SPEC Published by the Engineering Council UK ~ Guidance on what makes a graduate Chartered Engineer.
Joint Board of Moderators Guidance on Graduate Requirements ~ Guidance on how to interpret UK-SPEC for Civil Engineering.
ICE Professional Review Guidance ~ Guidance on becoming ICE Incorporated Engineer (IEng)

Subject specific skills

1. Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
2. Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques and an ability to evaluate commercial risk
3. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct, how ethical dilemmas can arise, relevant legal and contractual issues.

Transferable skills

1. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
2. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
3. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
4. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
5. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
6. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
7. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.