Dnr: 2022/2997-3.1.1.
Programme syllabus
Faculty of Technology
Hållbar konstruktionsteknik, masterprogram, 120 högskolepoäng
Sustainable Structural Engineering, Master Programme, 120 credits
Level
Second Level
Date of Ratification
Approved by Faculty of Technology 2017-09-08
Revised 2022-09-09
The programme syllabus is valid from autumn semester 2023
Prerequisites
General entry requirements for second-cycle studies and specific entry requirements:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering or
the equivalent. This degree must include a minimum of 7.5 credits in Structural
Mechanics or Mechanics of Materials as well as mathematics corresponding to
the courses Calculus 1 (7.5 credits) and Vector geometry/Linear algebra (7.5
credits) or the equivalent.
• English 6 or the equivalent.
Description of Programme
The programme provides an extension of in-depth knowledge within structural
engineering and prepares the student for work in industry within the field of structural
engineering as well as for research studies at doctoral level.
The programme aims to train qualified engineers within structural engineering with
focus on computational mechanics, numerical modelling and sustainable structural
engineering. The concept of sustainability is reflected in several of the courses within
the program, e.i. by discussing such aspects of construction materials, and that the
climate and energy use in the building sector is highlighted in particular.
Objectives
Central exam objectives according to the Higher Education Ordinance
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must:
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including
both a broad command of the field and deeper knowledge of certain parts of the
field, together with a deep insight into current research and development work;
and
• demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.
Skills and abilitiesFor a Degree of Master (Two Years) students must:
• demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge critically and systematically, and
to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even
when limited information is available;
• demonstrate an ability to critically, independently and creatively, identify and
formulate issues and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out advanced
tasks within specified time limits and there by contribute to the knowledge
development, and evaluate this work;
• demonstrate an ability to clearly present and discuss their conclusions, and the
knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different groups, in
national as well as international contexts, orally and in writing; and
• demonstrate the skill required to participate in research and development work or
to independently work in other advanced contexts.
Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master (Two Year) students must:
• demonstrate an ability to make assessments in their main field of study, taking
into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an
awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work;
• demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science, its role in
society and people’s responsibility for how it is used; and
• demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge and to take
responsibility for developing their knowledge.
Programme-specific objectives
Knowledge and understanding
For the Degree of Master (Two Year) students must:
• demonstrate general knowledge and understanding of the field of civil/structural
engineering and
• demonstrate an in-depth extension of knowledge regarding structural mechanics
analysis, structural design and structural engineering.
Skills and ability
For a Degree of Master (Two Year) students must:
• demonstrate an ability to analyse and mathematically model engineering
problems in a constructive manner, with particular relevance to the structural
engineering field,
• demonstrate an ability to analyse and design advanced building constructions,
• demonstrate an ability to utilise modern analysis tools and computer software
within calculation mechanics (finite element method),
• demonstrate an ability to specify development projects and assess different
technical solutions early on in a development process,
• demonstrate an ability to plan and conduct independent projects within the fields
of civil engineering and architectural engineering,
• demonstrate an ability to communicate technical problems with the help of
computer aids and different types of software, and
• demonstrate an ability through written reports and verbal presentations, to
professionally present problems, analyses and results.
Judgement and approach
For the Degree of Master (Two Year) students must:
• demonstrate an ability to make engineering assessments, i.e. assess relevance,
applicability and thoroughness in analyses and calculations with consideration to
relevant assumptions and simplifications, and
• demonstrate an ability to identify needs for additional knowledge in and in
connection with the field of civil/structural engineering, and take responsibility
for the personal knowledge development.
Content
Programme overview
The first year of the programme consists of courses within mathematics, mechanics,
finite element methods and structural dynamics, as well as other methodological and
conceptual courses related to structural engineering, energy and environmental
implications of building materials, and applied course in concrete structures. The
second year encompasses an advanced beam theory course and three applied courses in
structural engineering with focus on timber and steel structures. A course in scientific
methodology is given before the final degree project.
In agreement with program coordinator, courses can be exchanged for corresponding
courses within the program's specialization. This can be applied when the student
studied similar courses previously. In exchange for courses, the program coordinator
makes sure that the program's objectives are still met. The pre-requisite for courses and
the local rules for graduation at Linnaeus University must always be met.
Programme courses
First year:
Analysis of structures (7.5 credits, extension A1N) *
This course primarily deals with element-based, matrix-formulated displacement
methods that enable estimations to be made of deformations and section forces in
combined structures of beams and bars. This course also includes studies of various
structures with mechanical behaviours and modelling aspects of these.
Multivariable calculus and vector calculus (7.5 credits, extension G1F)
This course includes central concepts and theories in multivariable analysis and linear
algebra in accordance with the programme courses and the general objective of the
programme.
The finite element method (7.5 credits, extension A1N)
This course is based on advanced structural mechanics. The theoretical background of
the finite element method and its implementation in various problems is presented. The
focus is primarily put on linear elasticity problems.
Structural dynamics (7.5 credits, extension A1F)
Structural dynamics is an area with a wide range of applications spanning from
aerospace, vehicle and machine to buildings. Within this area structures’ dynamic
behaviours are studied; this includes performance, comfort, life and vibrations when
time varying loads due to human beings, manoeuvres, wind, earth quakes etc. are
applied to the structure. Within Structural Dynamics finite element models are often
used to calculate structural responses. In order to minimize material usage, knowledge
about dynamic properties is important.
Conceptual structural design (10 credits, extension A1N) *
This course teaches design concepts of structures in relation to standardization and
builds upon earlier courses on structural and computational mechanics. It encompasses
the design and analysis of structural systems and their realization and idealization in
models. Basic design principles, loads on structures and material-specific design rules
according to the European structural design standards are introduced and applied in
project works. This course forms the basis for material-specific advanced design of
structures and their evaluation in relation to sustainability.
The finite element method 2 (5 credits, extension A1F) *
This course deepens the theories on the finite element method. More complicated issues
are dealt with, such as modelling of plastic material responses and further non-linear
phenomena in structures.
Energy and climate efficient construction (7.5 credits, extension A1N) *
The course provides knowledge on energy and material flow in the built environment.
Energy analysis aspects include the energy used during the life cycle of a building, and
various fossil fuel and biomass-based energy supply systems. Material flow aspects
cover mainly the environmental implications of producing buildings with various
framing materials.
Concrete structures 2 (7.5 credits, extension A1F) *
This course deals with advanced analysis of concrete structures and structures where
concrete is used in conjunction with other materials. The course also deals with
optimisation of concrete structures considering environmental sustainability issues.
Second year:
Steel structures (7.5 credits, extension A1F) *
This course deepens the knowledge regarding how steel can be used in loadbearing
structures. In addition, thorough knowledge is provided regarding how steel structures
are assembled, how load transmitting components and connections can be analysed and
how steel structures can be optimised with respect to material usage. Sustainability
issues linked to steel structures are also explored in the course.
Timber structures 2 (7.5 credits, extension A1F) *
The course addresses various structural engineering problems specific to timber
structures and how advanced design methods based on the Finite Element Method can
be applied. Structures made of glued-laminated timber, solid timber, engineered wood-
based products, hybrid structures and composite structures, as well as their detailing,
including e.g. connections, holes and notches, are analysed. It offers training in critical
analysis of wood-based building systems including stability of timber structures and
their structural detailing. It further gives basic understanding of environmental impacts
during the life cycle of timber structures.
Beam theory (5 credits, extension A1F) *
This course includes more complicated phenomena within classical beam theory.
Examples of such are Vlaskovs twist and instability phenomena such as tilting.
Building physics with numerical applications (5 credits, extension A1F) *
Within building physics, problems related to dampness and heat in different
construction materials and combined materials are treated. The goal of the course is that
after the course, students should be able to implement numerical models to solve
problems related to moisture and heat. Such issues are important to ensuring a long-
term secure and durable building.
Scientific methodology and planning (5 credits, extension A1N)
This course addresses methods and offers practical guidance in defining objectives,
limitations and in planning and execution of a project in research and industry. It starts
with theory of science with philosophical and theoretical foundations, and it offers
training in the ability to present results orally and in written technical reports, including
scientific literature search.
Sustainable structural engineering, degree project (30 credits, extensionA2E) *
This course concludes the programme and offers students possibilities to put their
experience into practice in the form of an independent project. Students are to
demonstrate their ability to implement knowledge acquired throughout the programme,
defining a problem, conducting a survey, in addition to analysing and presenting the
results.
Courses marked with * are given within the main field of study.
Work experience and community contacts
This programme offers possibilities for students to establish contacts with industry and
research groups through the teachers and lecturers who work, or have worked, within
the industry or with applied research. Additional contacts are obtained through field
trips and the planning of degree dissertation projects, which often have connection to a
specific industrial problem. Issues concerning working life are also discussed at the
Programme Board.
Internationalization
The programme is given with international students as an important target audience. It
is common within similar programmes that students with different nationalities meet
and study together. Such studies open up for long-term international relations between
students as well as between students and the responsible course lecturers.Any studies
abroad must be planned in consultation with the international coordinator at the
department and with the lecturer responsible for the programme. The latter approves
which courses can be credited to the education.
Sustainable Development
Using wood as a renewable material contributes to sustainable development of the built
environment. Another way to contribute to a future sustainable development is to use
the right amount of the right material at the right place in a structure so that the total
material use is optimised. In addition, a separate course is given in Energy and climate
efficient building techniques, where sustainability issues in the building industry and
methods for quantifying sustainability are in focus. Corresponding methods are
subsequently applied in engineering design courses.
Quality Development
The programme is evaluated through continuous course evaluations and follow-ups of
these, as well as through a yearly programme evaluation where student representatives
meet with the programme teachers to discuss the framework, content and relation to the
surrounding society. Relevant feedbacks from students are considered, and are
discussed with the students at the beginning of courses and at the beginning of the
programme.
There is a programme board which meets yearly to discuss issues connected to the
development of the programme from academic quality and professional life
perspectives. The programme board consists of the programme manager and teachers,
students’ representatives as well as representatives of building and construction
companies.
Degree Certificate
After completing programme studies, corresponding to the requirements expressed in
the Higher Education Ordinance degree order as well as Linnaeus University degree
order, the student may apply for a degree. Those who have completed the master
programme in Sustainable Structural Engineering may obtain the following degree:
Teknologie masterexamen med inriktning mot hållbar konstruktionsteknik
Huvudområde: Byggteknik
Master of Science (120 credits) with specialisation Sustainable Structural Engineering
Main field of study: Civil Engineering.
To obtain the prefix “Teknologie”, the student should have a higher education diploma
in engineering or a Bachelor degree in technology.
The degree certificate is bilingual (Swedish/English). This certificate is also completed
with a Diploma Supplement (in English).
Other Information
The programme contains mandatory elements, which may result in certain expenses to
be paid for by the students themselves. Moreover, it is assumed that the student has the
digital equipment needed to complete the programme.
