Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become responsible and effective engineers in a rapidly evolving world. Emphasising sustainable development, systems thinking, and professional practice, students will develop core competencies aligned with Chartered Professional standards, enabling them to address complex engineering challenges, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and take informed, ethical action for a sustainable future.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will be introduced to systems thinking and its application in engineering, exploring authentic case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in infrastructure and technology projects. The course covers scenario planning and futures thinking to help anticipate and prepare for future global challenges, and evaluate the long-term consequences of engineering actions.

Ethics and responsible research and innovation are key themes, guiding students to consider the broader impacts of their work and the ethical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) resources. The course also focuses on embedding sustainability values in technical work, utilising project lifecycle and planning tools such as Gantt charts and risk matrices, and mastering budgeting and resource management.

Effective communication is emphasised, including writing professional reports, data visualisation, and synthesising complex information for diverse audiences. Students will learn to critique technical work constructively and map their professional competencies.

Case studies on engineering responses to climate change, urbanisation, and digitalisation are included, along with risk assessment in complex projects. The course also addresses the role of policy, regulation, and society, principles of health and safety, and the importance of professional bodies. Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles, managing conflict, and addressing unconscious bias are integral components of the curriculum.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• distinguish Sustainable Development Goals and their interconnectedness;
• Articulate a systems approach, including the role of AI, in the solution of complex problems (M6);
• Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the
entire lifecycle of a product of process) and minimise adverse impacts (M7);
• apply methodologies for project formulation and management (M15);
• produce professional summaries to communicate effectively on complex engineering matters (M17);
• implement Health & Safety principles (M9);
• recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and
inclusion (M11)
• understand the core competencies of a Chartered professional bodies relevant to their specific
field of study (M18).

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• function effectively as an individual, and as a member of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of
own and team performance (M16);
• apply the skills to take effective and responsible action for a sustainable world, both personally
and collectively (M7);
• deploy AI resources responsibly;
• synthesise and present data in professional reports (M17);
• deliver effective verbal presentations (M17);
• record professional competencies (M18);
• prepare risk assessments for various scenarios (lab, fieldwork, etc.) (M9).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods for this module have been carefully selected to foster active engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, and the development of professional competencies aligned with sustainable development and engineering practice. These methods include problem-based learning, group projects, case studies, reflective writing, presentations, and workshops. The diverse and integrated teaching methods used directly support the achievement of the listed learning outcomes by combining technical knowledge with ethical, sustainable, and professional practices in engineering.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The formative reflective log encourages students to track their learning journey, critically assess their progress, and reflect on professional competencies. It supports outcomes related to values and principles of sustainable development, equality, inclusion, health and safety, and responsible action.
The summative group presentation develops communication and teamwork skills by requiring students to articulate technical and sustainability concepts to varied audiences.
The summative report provides a comprehensive demonstration of students’ ability to synthesise data, prepare technical reports, assess risks, and manage projects. It assesses their ability to plan and critique investigations, understand future impacts, and apply sustainable development principles in engineering practice.

AHEP 4 assessed in this module: M4, M7, M16, M17

General Notes

N/A