Building and Infrastructure Information Modelling (BIM) for Smart Engineering (MSc)

How will I be taught?

A wide range of teaching methods will be used to deliver the diverse material forming the curriculum of the programme. Lectures can take a variety of forms depending on the subject material being taught.

You will practice and develop critical, reflective, analytical and presentational skills by participating in diverse learning activities such as research group meetings, seminars and open group discussions. At all times you will be encouraged to reflect on what you have learned and how it can be combined with other techniques and concepts to tackle novel problems.

In the practical laboratory sessions, you will put the breadth of your knowledge and skills to use, whether using modelling skills to conduct collaborative design, or programming skills to extend the functionality of BIM software, or communication skills for data exchanging requirement development. The emphasis on the MSc Building and Infrastructure Information Modelling (BIM) for Smart Engineering is squarely on acquiring and demonstrating practical skills which will be of use in a research environment and hence highly sought-after by employers.

Dissertation topics are typically chosen from a range of project titles proposed by academic staff, usually in areas of current research interest, although students are encouraged to put forward their own project ideas.

How will I be assessed?

According to the different modules, the assessment methods are different, including paper examination, coursework, reports, presentations, posters, dissertation and peer assessment (for group project).

What is expected of me?

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will help you reflect on your performance on the course and advise you on study techniques, module selection and career planning in conjunction with the University’s Career Service. They will also provide a first point of contact if you need support with academic or personal issues.

For the dissertation stage, students will be allocated a supervisor in the relevant field of research, with whom they should expect to meet regularly.

The School encourages a “research group” atmosphere within which you will enhance each other’s learning and be a vital part of our scientific community. The School has recently benefited from an extensive programme of refurbishment, resulting in many updated learning spaces within the Queen’s Buildings complex.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you. 

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:

Knowledge & Understanding:

On completing this programme you will be able to

• Undertake a leading role in BIM design and development activity, including up-to-date knowledge of the academic literature, the major companies and market pressures in the industry, and the practical industry standards (e.g. UK & international BIM standards / manuals); open BIM standards and activities; and wider BIM related contexts (e.g. management, legal, data safety and security issues).
• Understand the essential elements within complex built environment issues, different cutting-edge computing techniques, (e.g. cloud computing, Internet of Things, Big Data and Artificial intelligence), and understand how these may be integrated to solve real-world problems in the modern built environment in a systematic and creative manner.
• Demonstrate a sophisticated level of knowledge and understanding of the engineering methodologies and tools in the field of BIM Digital and Smart Engineering.

Intellectual Skills:

On completing this programme you will be able to

• Show originality, competence and confidence in tackling both familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Understand the application of BIM supported systems engineering that is able to collect, manipulate, interpret, synthesize, present and report data, and produce holistic decision-making.
• Contribute to the continuing development of engineering practice and research based upon a critical evaluation of existing methods.

Professional Practical Skills:

On completing this programme you will be able to

• Undertake the fundamental and practical skills of BIM engineering, including 3D parametric modelling, clash detection, 4D/nD modelling, collaborative/integrated design and other related applications upon an in-depth understanding of the major collaborative issues throughout project life cycle and across the entire supply chain.  
• Develop the capability to conduct the full UK BIM level 2, 3 & beyond and other similar national BIM standards compatible projects.
• Appreciate the stages involved in construction industry as well as the embedded advanced BIM computing systems, including characterisation and measurement, modelling, computer-aided design, simulation, optimisation and test.
• Select an appropriate IT-based system development tool for a given task, to be able to become a BIM system developer (for students with BIM programming interests)
• Efficiently and effectively integrate into a research group environment, including concisely reporting progress, negotiating activities and timescales, supporting colleagues and working in a team;
• Plan, propose and execute a sophisticated research project with realistic goals, deliverables and contingency plans 

Transferable/Key Skills:

On completing this programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to write literature reviews, literature critiques, academic article writing, long report writing and formal scientific presentations. 

• Effective and efficient group and team working skills, including negotiation, compromise, contingency planning, time management and record-keeping; 

• Engagement, liaison and collaboration with expert academic and industrial research scientists and the ability to transfer concepts, methodologies and modes of presentation between both environments. 

• The skills required to manipulate, present and report data in a variety of ways; manage resources and time.

What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?