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BEng (Hons) Architectural Environment Engineering (2+2/4+0)

Course outline

This course aims to develop an understanding of the principles and techniques of architectural environment engineering science and the ability to apply these principles and methods for sustainable development of the built environment. The course involves the use of modern and environment friendly technologies to create comfortable and efficient indoor environments. Engineers in this field apply their skills to design energy efficient buildings incorporating renewable energy, green architecture, ventilation, lighting, acoustics and electrical/control systems.

Course structure

The degree is offered as "2+2" or "4+0" degree. For "2+2", the first two years are delivered in China at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, and the second two years at the University of Nottingham, UK; for "4+0", all four years are delivered in China at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo. Year 2 Semester 1

Modules

Year One (Preliminary Year-Ningbo)

In this foundation year, the focus is on a special programme and English for academic purposes. Designed by highly-experienced staff at the Univsity’s Centre for English Language Education, this programme prepares students fully for their degree courses. Common modules of study across all degrees include:

written and oral communication and study skills
sciences such as physics and chemistry maths for engineering and computer science
engineering communication and IT skills. This module will have a hands-on approach to ensure competency in: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Additionally, the module involves the use of a software environment (eg MATLAB) to help solve engineering and mathematical problems related concepts and methods studied during the year while introducing programming technical material in drawing, schematic and graphical format.

Students work in small groups to develop their academic English language skills.

Year Two Semester1(Qualifying Year-Ningbo):

Code	Title	Credits
EE1SD1	Building Services Design 1	20
EE1ELS	Electricity and the Built Environment	10
EH1M11	Engineering Mathematics 1	10
EH1M12	Engineering Mathematics 2	10
EE1ED1	Environmental Design 1 – People and Environment (Full Year)	20
EH1PES	Professional Engineering Studies	10

Building Services Design 1

This module covers materials, fundamentals of water services design and AutoCAD. The module aim is to provide a basic understanding of the various types of material and their properties. The lectures will deal with interatomic bonding, and the structure of perfect and imperfect crystals with elementary microstructures. The module will also provide an introduction to fluid mechanics (fluid properties, hydrostatics, fluid dynamics) leading to the analysis of flow through piped water systems and the design of hot and cold water services. Students will acquire an understanding of the basic principles and conventions of CAD and its applications to building services.

Electricity and the Built Environment

This module introduces students to the basic principles of electrical and electronic engineering to enable them to analyze simple circuits and to select the most appropriate equipment for a particular application in buildings. On completion of the course, students should be able to analyze and design basic electricity supply and distribution systems in buildings.

Engineering Mathematics 1

This module introduces the algebra of complex numbers and the matrix algebra required to study the properties and solutions of systems of linear equations. The calculus of one variable and simple algebra are reviewed, and then extended to develop techniques used in the analysis of simple engineering problems such as co-ordinate systems and functions, calculus of functions of one variable, algebra of complex numbers, and matrices and systems of equations.

Engineering Mathematics 2

This module introduces the modelling of basic engineering situations in terms of multi-dimensional models. This includes ordinary differential equations, differential calculus of functions of two variables, and vectors.

Environmental Design 1 – People and Environment (Full Year)

This module seeks to create an awareness of the issues influencing the environmental aspects of building design. It aims to integrate the fields of human behavioural psychology and physiology to the field of environmental design, with a view to achieving an analytical understanding of the role each of these factors has on achieving occupant satisfaction. It will provide an appreciation of climate (macro and micro) as an integral part of the design process, highlighting the importance of architectural sustainability as it applies to the welfare of future generations.

Professional Engineering Studies

This module introduces many of the key skills required by engineers in their professional lives such as written and verbal presentation skills and awareness of environmental and ethical issues. Students will also acquire the skills to design and write simple computer programs.

Year Two Semester 2(Qualifying Year-Ningbo):

Code	Title	Credits
EE1SD2	Building Services Design 2	20
EE1PCM	Performance of Construction Materials	10
EE1TF1	Thermofluids 1	10

Building Services Design 2

This module covers building services, control engineering, project design and engineering appliances. The modules aims to give the student an early introduction to the principles of engineering design of building services, including heating, lighting, piping design, water supply and engineering software. It will prepare students for later courses in control systems for building services and will include an introduction to the basics of control engineering and the types of control system. An element of skill/craft appreciation by hands-on experience will be introduced to help students understand materials and fabrication methods in relation to component selection and installation.

Performance of Construction Materials

This module introduces some of the technical knowledge and techniques for surveying buildings and structures and identifying common defects. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of assessment will be employed. The module will cover performance properties of materials, moisture ingress, surface and interstitial condensation, freeze/thaw resistance, rot and infestation, sulphate attack, carbonation, corrosion, mould growth/building-related illnesses and structural damage/movement. Both technical and practical issues associated with appropriate remedial action will be presented.

Thermofluids 1

This module introduces the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics and their application to building environmental engineering. Topics covered include dimensions and units, thermodynamic systems, energy, work and heat transfer processes, ideal gases, steady flow energy equation, properties of moist air and the psychometric equation, and heat transfer by conduction and convection.

Year Three Semester 1(Part I-Nottinghamor Ningbo):

Code	Title	Credits
K1BACL	Acoustics and Lighting	10
K12SD3	Building Services Design 3	10
K12SMR	Sustainable Materials and Recycling	10
K1ATF2	Thermofluids 2	10

Acoustics and Lighting

Acoustics considers the behaviour of sound in and around buildings by covering sound propagation, room acoustics, sound insulation, ventilation and other noise reduction issues. Simple methods for predicting acoustical behaviour are discussed and practical design solutions are presented. Lighting deals with the principles of lighting and the lighting design process for buildings. It covers light sources and their selection, types and properties of luminaires and their selection, design methods and calculations, CIBSE lighting design code, lighting energy efficiency, Daylighting requirement and technology, Daylighting qualifications and calculations.

Building Services Design 3

This module aims to introduce the student to large scale building services, principally air conditioning and other ducted air service systems, and to discuss the reasons for resorting to and avoiding A/C and the consequent design issues. System types and associated secondary plant are also presented, and plant selection, location, sizing and design alternatives discussed. Other topic areas covered will include natural and mechanical ventilation, and system balancing, maintenance and control.

Sustainable Materials and Recycling

This module will introduce topics relating to applications and physical/engineering properties of sustainable materials and modern advancements in conventional practices including the use of recycled/secondary materials and processes. The aim is to establish the ability to employ a basic technical understanding of materials and knowledge combined with an appreciation of the associated carbon cycles and energy conversion processes.

Thermofluids 2

This module develops and advances the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics and provides applications to building environmental design engineering. Topics include steady-state one-dimensional conduction of heat, convection heat transfer, introduction to radiant heat transfer, heat exchangers, adibatic saturation of moist air and thermodynamic wet-bulb temperature, air conditioning, and vapour compression and vapour absorption refrigerator cycles.

Year Three Semester 2 (Part I-Nottingham or Ningbo):

Code	Title	Credits
K1BESC	Electrical Services and Control	10
MM2MNB	Management Studies B	10
NA	Optional Modules	20
K1BTF3	Thermofluids 3	10

Electrical Services and Control

This module covers internal/external wiring systems for industrial, commercial and domestic applications, supply systems, regulations, electrical noise and interference, block diagram modelling using laplace and z-transforms, and system models. The application of control to typical HVAC systems will be also be covered. This includes assessing the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of self-powered, electrical, pneumatic and digital control systems.

Management Studies B

The module introduces financial, basic law and legal issues, economics and marketing issues relevant to the operation of engineering organisations. The topics include discounted cash- flow; review of accountancy principles and financial analysis; the English legal system, EU law, law of contract, tort, equity and product liability; employment law, company law, health and safety law; costing & estimating; company formation, corporate finance and investment analysis; economics, econometrics and marketing; and strategic management issues and risk analysis.

Thermofluids 3

This module continues the topics covered in Thermofluids 2 with emphasis on fluid mechanics. Topics include flow similarity & dimensional analysis, non-dimensional parameters, rotodynamic machines, duct and pipe networks, building aerodynamics, turbulent shear flows, and introduction to unsteady flow.

Year Four Semester 1 (Part II-Nottingham or Ningbo):

Code	Title	Credits
K13BA1	Building Analysis 1	15
K13EPM	Environmental Modelling Performance	10

Building Analysis 1

This module aims to extend and develop the knowledge gained from the Part I course, working on a project as part of a design team, students will demonstrate the inter-relationships within the building design process and the importance of an integrated approach. As part of two projects, students will gain experience in detailed development of selected sketch or elements of their design, and preparation and presentation of design documents. It will also include the application of engineering principles to innovative buildings and systems.

Environmental Modelling Performance

This module allows students to study the techniques of assessing the interactions of glazing, thermal envelope design, ventilation and environmental dynamic performance of occupied buildings. Through optimisation and other procedures, integrated design solutions are explored in order to minimise energy usage in heating, cooling and lighting whilst achieving good environmental performance.

Year 4 Semester 2 (Part II-Nottingham or Ningbo):

Code	Title	Credits
K13BA2	Building Analysis 2	15
K1BEAW	Energy and Waste	10

Building Analysis 2

This module integrates the whole of the process of designing an extensive engineering solution for environmental control systems to be installed in an existing building.

Energy and Waste

This module covers the characterisation, utilisation and environmental impacts of fossil fuels; issues related to biomass fuels, biomass conversion and the important role that biomass plays in the world energy supply; an introduction to hydrogen properties, hydrogen production technology, and principles and development of fuel cells; advantages, principles and current status of combined heat and power (CHP) generation; options for the management of wastes, such as recycling, incineration, landfill and other processing methods.