Engineering - Information Technology in Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

Course details

In the MEngSc Information Technology in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (Bauinformatik) you will learn how to apply computer science technologies to sustainable design, facilities management, energy management, and construction management.

The course is designed for professionals as well as young graduates from all computer science and engineering disciplines who want to improve their knowledge of customising information and communication technologies to support the design, commissioning and operation of civil engineering systems.

The course addresses the increasing need for engineers and architects with advanced knowledge and skills in the application of information and communication technologies to support sustainable design and operation of buildings and energy systems, facilities management, virtual construction, building information modelling (BIM) and structural engineering.

Lecturers are broadcast through the web, and can be attended either in UCC or from a remote location. Experts from six European universities contribute their knowledge to the course.

Course Details

You will get hands-on experience in planning, customising, and maintaining state-of-the-art software systems for the needs of the AEC and FM sectors with an emphasis on complex engineering systems such as smart buildings. The course consists of four pillars:

• the acquisition of new knowledge and practical skills in selected engineering disciplines
• the acquisition of knowledge and skills in selected areas of computer science
• the application of the newly-acquired knowledge in two projects
• the development and submission of a minor research thesis. 

In the first teaching period students acquire knowledge of:

•  Smart Buildings, Facilities and Energy Management
•  Software Engineering
•  Knowledge Management or Computer Mediated Communication. 

In the first teaching period students acquire knowledge of:

• Building Information Modelling (BIM), Data Warehousing, and E-business
• Virtual Construction, Automation in Construction or Finite Element Analysis (electives) 

The two projects focus on:

•  Software Engineering
• Information Technology for Energy Systems in Buildings. 

The course is based on the principle of research-led teaching, ie. project work will be based on practical examples. Researchers and PhD students from UCC will be involved in mentoring and supervising assignments and projects. On completion of the course, you will be extremely attractive to employers who need engineering with a strong IT-background, working in the following areas:

•  civil and energy-engineering consultancy
• facilities management
• energy service provision (ESCO)
•  construction management
• building operations
• software engineering
• project management.

You will develop skills in:

• applying information modelling
• software engineering
• data processing
• data analysis techniques
•  facilities and energy management
•  structural analysis
• project and supply chain management in construction.

Detailed Entry Requirements

Candidates must have a BE (Hons) or BEng (Hons) or a Second Class Honours degree in Computer Science. The minimum grade is 2H2 or equivalent. However, candidates with equivalent academic qualifications and suitable experience may be accepted (e.g. finalized 8th semester of Dipl.-Ing. Curriculum) subject to the approval of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science. Additionally, candidates whose mother tongue is not English must provide evidence of competence in English by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Further information on English Language Requirements can be found at 

Course Practicalities

The course can be taken on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two year) basis with an option to complete at postgraduate diploma level. Lectures are broadcast using web-technology and can be attended either in UCC, in your home, or at your workplace. The majority of lectures are scheduled outside normal working hours. Block seminars consisting of full-day events are available once a month during academic periods. The course requires the completion of two projects, but can be combined with a work placement. A minor thesis contribution begins when all taught modules are completed successfully and involves four months of research work.

Assessment

Modules focusing on the acquisition of new knowledge are assessed by written exams (60%), in combination with continuous assessment (assignments – 40%). Modules focusing on skills-development or knowledge transfer are assessed through the submission of reports or essays in combination with presentations. Projects are usually organised in groups. They are assessed through continuous assessment (team meetings, status review meetings) and a final report complemented by a final presentation. You must pass each module (40%) and achieve an average grade of 50% across all taught modules in order to be eligible to progress with the master’s thesis.