Introduction

This study programme provides students with a basic introduction to building and construction. It focuses particularly on design and construction, with an emphasis on the use of energy and management. It will provide students with training in carrying out their profession in a socially responsible manner.

The study programme is designed according to the General Plan for Engineering Education set by the Ministry of Education 3 February 2011. Students who were admitted to the study programme in 2011 or before should refer to the study plan and curricula for the academic year when they enrolled.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

A construction engineer should possess the expertise to participate in the planning, design and construction of projects. The study programme emphasizes the design and use of materials used in building and construction in steel, wood and concrete.

General admission requirements + Physics 1 and Mathematics R1 + R2, or

1-year Preparatory Course for Engineering or

Applicants who have successfully completed a 2-year technical college programme (curriculum 1998-1999 or earlier) or

Applicants who have successfully completed a technical college programme (pursuant to the Act Relating to Tertiary Vocational Education of 2003) - they must be able to document knowledge equivalent to R1 + R2 and Physics 1.

Three-semester arrangement (TRES)

The “three-semester arrangement” (TRES) allows admission to engineering programmes for applicants who fulfill general admission requirements / prior experiential learning, but who lack the special admission requirements regarding mathematics and / or physics.

Aim of the Programme

A construction engineer should possess the expertise to participate in the planning, design and construction of projects. The study programme emphasizes the design and use of materials used in buildings and construction in steel, wood and concrete.

Upon successfully completing the study programme the candidate will be eligible to apply for positions in consulting engineering firms in construction and contracting companies, property development and the public sector, as well as in the areas of education, research, sales and marketing.

Successful candidates may also apply for admission to Master’s degree programmes in Energy and Environmental Technology or Process Technology at Telemark University College, or Master’s degree studies in the subject area at other colleges and universities in Norway and abroad (candidates will need to select Mathematics III as an elective course in order to do so).

Learning outcome

A candidate who has successfully completed the 3-year Bachelor’s degree programme in Construction Design will have achieved the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and overall competence:

Knowledge

The candidate:

- Has extensive knowledge that provides an overall perspective of engineering in general, with specialization in the subject area of building and construction. Key topics include planning, design and construction of building structures from a sustainable perspective.

- Has basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics, physics, economics, project methodology, ICT and HSE (health, safety and environment) and is able to integrate these elements in solving construction problems.

- Has knowledge of technological developments in building and construction and the construction engineer’s role in society, and has knowledge of the social, environmental, ethical and economic implications of technological solutions in the field.

- Has knowledge of the research challenges in the field of building and construction design, as well as relevant methods and ways of working within the field of engineering.

- Is able to update his/her knowledge through literature searches and contact with academic communities and interest groups, and through practical experience.

Skills

The candidate:

- Is able to apply knowledge and relevant results from research and development in solving theoretical and practical problems in the field, and to justify his/her choices.

- Has professional-level skills in using digital tools in the field of engineering and is able to use digital design tools as a basis for analytical, structured, targeted and innovative work.

- Is able to identify, formulate, define, plan and implement construction engineering projects, assignments, tests and experiments independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

- Is able to find, evaluate, use and critically refer to relevant information and scholarly subject matter. He/she will also be able to present and discuss this information and subject matter so that it highlights an issue orally and in writing within the specialized subject area.

- Is able to contribute to new thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship in the development and implementation of sustainable solutions and socially useful products.

General competence

The candidate:

- Is aware of the environmental, health, social and economic impacts of products and solutions within his/her field and is able to place them in ethical and long-term perspectives.

- Is able to communicate knowledge of the field of construction engineering to different kinds of audiences, orally and in writing, in Norwegian and English, and is able to demonstrate the importance of technology and its impact on society.

- Is able to reflect on his/her professional practice individually and in teams, and in interdisciplinary contexts, and make relevant adjustments in relation to current work situations.

- Is able to participate actively in academic discussions, show respect for and openness to other disciplines and contribute to interdisciplinary work.

Curriculum and structure

Obligatory Courses Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) PRG112 Project Methodology, IT Tools and Finance 10.00 O 10           BY1112 BIM and Design 10.00 O 10           FB1012 Mathematics I 10.00 O 10           BY2312 Construction Theory I 10.00 O   10         FB2112 Physics and Chemistry 10.00 O   10         BY2212 Surveying and Geotechnics 10.00 O   10         BY3412 Civil Engineering Project Management 10.00 O     10       BY3312 Construction Theory II 10.00 O     10       BY3212 Statistics and Physics for Civil Engineering 10.00 O     10       FB2412 Mathematics II 10.00 O       10     BY4212 Design and Dimensioning 10.00 O       10     BY4312 Project Administration and Energy Planning 10.00 O       10     PRH612 Bachelor’s Thesis 20.00 O           20 FB6115 Interdisciplinary Project Work 10.00 O           10 Total: 30 30 30 30 30 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

Electives 5. semester Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) BY3512 Road and Railway Construction 10.00 V         10   FBV5212 Railway Engineering 10.00 V         10   BY3612 Planning, Environment and Infrastructure 10.00 V         10   FBV5012 Mathematics III 10.00 V         10   FBV5312 Entrepreneurship 10.00 V         10   FB5112 Student Enterprise 20.00 V           20 Total: 0 0 0 0 60 20 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Students who wish to take the course FB5112 Student Business Venture must first complete the course FBV5312 Entrepreneurship. FBV5006 Mathematics III is recommended for students wishing to take a Master’s degree in engineering subjects. Students can apply to have other courses approved as replacements for elective courses at Telemark University College’s and other higher education institutions. THE STUDY PROGRAMME MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGES.

The study programme’s course descriptions include learning outcomes, detailed topics, teaching methods, assessment and learning materials.

The curriculum is based on the distribution of courses pursuant to requirements of the Regulations for the National Curriculum of Engineering FOR 2001-02-03.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Students who choose the option of taking the Student Business Venture course must take the course Entrepreneurship in the 5th semester.

Mathematics III is required for students who wish to seek admission to Master’s degree programmes in engineering.

Students who have taken other courses at Telemark University College and other institutions may apply to have them approved as replacements for elective subjects. It is important that the selected elective subjects meet the learning outcomes of the study programme.

All the elective courses are given on condition that at least 10 students have registered for the course.

The Bachelor’s dissertation should be based on real social and business issues or research. In other words, it should be linked to business activities in the private or public sector, research activities of the college, or other aspects of an engineer’s work.

Internationalization

The Faculty of Technology emphasizes the candidate’s opportunities for completing parts of their studies abroad and they endeavour to develop professionally relevant and qualitatively effective learning arenas.

Engineering studies offer a comprehensive programme for international activities. Apart from teacher exchanges, research and cooperation with regard to the development of modules and curricula, the faculty offers a student exchange programme for students who wish to pursue part of their regular Bachelor’s degree abroad. The student exchange agreements are linked to international networks and bilateral agreements. Exchange agreements have been established with colleges and universities in Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Ukraine, United States, China, Nepal and Sri-Lanka. Students enrolled on Bachelor’s degree programmes in engineering may enter into agreements with foreign universities for one or two semesters.

It is recommended that students schedule their period of study abroad in the 4th and/or 5th semester.

Students wishing to take part of their education abroad must have completed one year of higher education, have made good progress in their studies and achieved an average grade equivalent to C or better.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Various teaching methods are used in the instruction: classroom teaching, laboratory instruction, and the use of computer tools. The Bachelor’s degree programme in Construction Design at the Faculty of Technology is project-oriented in that many of the courses are conducted as projects. This pedagogical method gives students greater responsibility for their own learning as well as experience with problem analysis, seeking information and problem solving. Work is done in groups, often in close cooperation with local businesses. The study programme also includes study trips to local businesses. Guest lecturers from business and industry are invited to deliver lectures.

Theory and Practical Training

The student’s dissertation should be anchored in the courses the candidate has taken in the previous five semesters. Candidates will integrate previously acquired knowledge and demonstrate their ability to acquire new knowledge in solving an engineering problem. This work will demonstrate the candidate’s ability to work independently in a team. It is particularly important that the dissertation is viewed in a holistic perspective. It should be based on real social and business issues, or research. In other words, it should be linked to business activities in the private or public sector, research activities of the college, or other aspects of an engineer’s work.

It is possible to select the option of taking the Student Business Venture course instead of writing a dissertation based on an engineering question. This will give the candidate an opportunity to develop capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship. In the Student Business Venture course the candidate will develop and implement a business idea, and start, operate and close a business venture.

Assessment Methods

Telemark University College examination regulations adopted by the board December 15th, 2005 apply to all examinations and include all assessments that form the basis for a grade (cf. regulation § 1).

The study programme uses several different forms of assessment: examinations, projects, laboratory exercises and assignments. The description of the particular assessment methods and criteria are given in the individual course descriptions.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean