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2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE5164M Transport Infrastructure Strategy

15 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Dr Ana Heitor
Email: a.heitor@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Producing a conceptual design for a transport infrastructure project takes into account route alignment and its impact society and the environment. The topography and geology will inform the alignment and structures that form the project. A risk-based approach to identify the hazards to the structures and the environment together with the impact on society will be used to produce the conceptual design.

Objectives

This module provides a holistic and systematic approach to the design of transport infrastructure focusing on the alignment and resulting structures, with a clear practical application.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the module students will have:
1. An ability to apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and methodology necessary to underpin the design of complex transport infrastructure systems, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the wider engineering context, and to support the development of critical awareness of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies in the wider context of engineering. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);

2. An understanding of concepts from a range of areas, including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively in transport infrastructure projects;

3. An ability to select and apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and discussing their limitations, in order to solve complex transport infrastructure problems and to implement appropriate action. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);

4. An ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex problems related to transport infrastructure. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M6);

5. An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent available data and to apply engineering and project management principles in the solution of complex transport infrastructure problems. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M15);

6. An ability to understand and evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5);

7. An ability to investigate and define a complex transport infrastructure problem, identifying any constraints including environmental, sustainability and societal limitations; ethical, diversity and inclusion, health, safety, security and risk issues; codes of practice and standards. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcomes M5 and M7);

8. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of transport infrastructure projects and propose strategies to minimise adverse impacts (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M7);


9. An ability to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design solution and an ability to work with technical uncertainty;


10. An ability to apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of a transport infrastructure problem;


11. An ability to plan and manage the design process and apply engineering management principles, to evaluate outcomes in the context of transport infrastructure projects. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M15);

12. Apply knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental, societal, diversity and inclusion and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques to design transport infrastructure alignments (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M5 and M7);

13. An understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader and evaluate own and team performance (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M16);

14. An ability to communicate effectively complex engineering matters in the context of transport infrastructure projects with technical and non-technical audiences and evaluate the effectiveness of methods used (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M17);

15. An ability to adopt an inclusive approach to the design of transport infrastructure assets and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion within the context of the transport infrastructure project and within their engineering team (AHEP Learning Outcome M11);

16. Discuss the role of quality management systems in the context of delivery of transport infrastructure projects and role of continuous improvement (AHEP Learning Outcome M14);

17. Use workshop skills to solve and investigate complex transport infrastructure problems. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M12);

This module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7, M11, M12, M14, M15, M16, M17.

Skills outcomes
The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources used.

The ability to communicate and collaborate constructively and professionally with peers through a variety of digital tools and networks in order to share data and resources, and to engage in online dialogue and discussion.

The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items (e.g. spreadsheets, transport infrastructure alignments, ground models, carbon calculation reports), and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.

Enterprise 

The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research. 

Creating commitment from others, valuing ideas, collaborating and networking



Sustainability Skills



Recognises and understands relationships; analyses complex systems (environmental, economic and social systems and interdependencies across these); considers how systems are embedded within different domains and scales; deals with uncertainty; uses analytical thinking 

Understands and evaluates multiple outcomes; their own visions for the future; applies the precautionary principle; assesses the consequences of actions; deals with risks and changes; uses scenario planning

Learns from others (including peers, and others inside and outside of their institution); understands and respects the needs, perspectives and actions of other stakeholders; deals with conflicts in a group; uses participatory approaches; facilitates collaborative and participatory problem solving; applies inter and trans-disciplinarity to problem solving

Applies different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainable development problems; develops viable, inclusive and equitable solutions; utilises appropriate competencies to solve problems; develops innovative and creative solutions 

Empathise with the views and experiences of others; collaborate equitably across gender, ethnicity and other groups; develop strategies with stakeholders who may have different perspectives and priorities; facilitate and mediate progressive discussions among interested parties (stakeholders) to help resolve dilemmas and conflicts



Work ready 

The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines. 

The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate analytical and numerical data. 

The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and creative skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data.

The ability to show initiative, set direction and guide others. To recognise others’ strengths, inspire and motivate a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal

The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions.

Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of self and others; to be able to build rapport, relationships and network with others

The ability to influence others to take appropriate action, and being able to discuss and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.


Syllabus

Strategic planning of transport corridors taking account the societal, political, diversity and inclusion, environmental and sustainability issues.
Route optioneering taking into account the topography, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, geotechnical models and the geometric criteria governed by operational limits.
Overview of transport infrastructure structures including bridges, tunnels, embankments, cuttings and pavements. A risk based approach will be used to identify appropriate solutions.
Risk assessment including an environmental risk assessment and a hazard risk assessment.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Small Group Learning20.501.00
Lecture82.0016.00
Tutorial61.0012.00
Private study hours121.00
Total Contact hours29.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

The main focus for private study and independent learning is the group project which focuses on the design of a transport infrastructure project.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student’s feedback will be obtained through a questionnaire at the end of the module.
Student feedback will be obtained through informal group meetings arranged to discuss their progress and the tutorial sessions.
Formative group feedback will also be given for Stage 1 – Design proposal assessment item and peer assessment.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
ReportStage 2 - Individual Reflective Review5.00
Group ProjectStage 2 - Concept Design Report55.00
Oral PresentationA pitch presentation of the scheme15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)75.00

The resit will be a project report covering an existing transport infrastructure project. The candidate will undertake a forensic analysis of the project to determine whether it was a sustainable and resilient solution.


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Open Book exam3 hr 25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)25.00

The exam will be a design review and will take place in a computer cluster.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:12:17

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