Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Engineering Design (2500028) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course the student will have acquired the ability to: 1. Conduct an alternatives study prior to adopting the solution to be designed. 2. Estimate the profitability of a project and establish a financing plan. 3. Identify project risks and establish mitigation measures. 4. Formally outline an engineering project. 5. Conduct a comprehensive project management analysis. 6. Conduct cost/benefit and cost/efficiency analyses of a project. Knowledge of the documents that make up a project in engineering. Knowledge of project elements such as environmental impact, social impact, economic studies, alternative studies. Knowledge of formal design and comprehensive project management. Knowledge of the different types of projects Ability to plan, organize and manage projects. Incorporation of techniques for integrated project management, so that the entire useful life of the infrastructure is taken into account. Project financing. Profitability analysis. Risk analysis. Tender and works contract. Health and security. Quality control.

Competencies

Generic

Scientific-technical training for the exercise of the profession of Technical Engineer of Public Works and knowledge of the functions of advice, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation.

Understanding of the multiple technical and legal conditions that arise in the construction of a public work, and ability to use proven methods and accredited technologies, in order to achieve the highest efficiency in construction while respecting the environment and the protection of the health and safety of workers and users of public works.

Knowledge, understanding and ability to apply the necessary legislation during the exercise of the profession of Technical Engineer of Public Works.

Ability to project, inspect and direct works, in their field.

Knowledge and ability to apply business management techniques and labor legislation.

Knowledge of the history of civil engineering and training to analyze and assess public works in particular and construction in general.

Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. Pose and solve construction engineering problems with initiative, decision-making skills and creativity. Develop a systematic and creative method of analysis and problem solving. (Additional school competition).

Conceive, project, manage and maintain systems in the field of construction engineering. Cover the entire life cycle of an infrastructure or system or service in the field of construction engineering. (Additional school competition).

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 30h 50.00 %
Medium group 24h 40.00 %
Laboratory classes 6h 10.00 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The whole syllabus of the subject will be explained and worked on a specific project that will be presented on the first day of class. The subject consists of 4 hours of face-to-face classes in the classroom per week, on two different days. Usually, two hours will be in a large group and will be devoted to theoretical explanations by the professor and the deepening of the topics with examples or exercises. The other 2 hours will be in medium group and during them the students will work in small groups on activities proposed by the professors and that are linked to topics already seen in the classes in large group and that will have as a guiding thread the project chosen for the course. It seeks to consolidate the general and specific objectives, while motivating students by bringing them closer to a real case. Professors will provide students with specific support material on each topic and additional material related to the activities to be done. In addition, students will be able to consult the bibliography indicated in the teaching guide if they need to complete this material. During specific weeks prior to the submission of practices, sessions will be held in small groups to resolve specific doubts that students may have. If feasible, a relevant lecturer will be invited to tell students some interesting experiences. Depending on who the guest is, this session could be taught in a language other than the subject. In any case, work will be done so that no student has comprehension problems. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The evaluation will be eminently continued. Professors will propose four activities and deliveries to students during the course, for a total value of 4 points out of 10. These activities will be worked on in small groups, but each student will have to specify in the deliveries what his/her specific role was. In addition, at the end of the course, a session will be established for each group to present all the activities carried out in the context of the project worked on. This final defense will have a maximum value of 1 point. To demonstrate that students have effectively acquired the necessary knowledge during the group activities, they will take a multiple-choice exam. Failure of this exam will result in only 50% of the grade for the activities. Finally, at the end of the semester the students will have to do an evaluation test worth 5 points. In this test, theoretical questions and exercises associated with the learning objectives of the subject will be proposed.

Test Rules

Grades for group activities may vary among group members depending on their contributions. Students who have not submitted the corresponding assignments for each proposed assignment and/or who have not taken the final exam will not be allowed to take the re-assessment test. Students who have already passed the course will also not be allowed to take the re-assessment test. The re-assessment grade is based solely on the exam, which will be out of 10 points. In any case, the maximum grade for taking the re-assessment exam will be five (5.0). Failure to attend the re-assessment test, held within the scheduled timeframe, will not result in the student taking another test at a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be given only for students who, due to a proven force majeure, have been unable to take any of the continuous assessment tests. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding head of studies, at the request of the professor responsible for the subject, and will be held within the corresponding term. If a student cheats on the midterm exam, the assessment test, or the re-assessment test, they will fail the course without the possibility of retaking it. The head of studies will also be informed.

Office Hours

With prior agreement with the professor. Also almost continuously by email or through the Athena forum

Bibliography

Basic

Resources

Ad hoc resources will be provided as you progress through the course, through Atenea