3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4023630ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Link to the valid course fiche (ULB) PROJ-H407
Course content :
Six seminars will be given by Prof A. Deraemaeker from covering the following topics :
The first five seminars are directly linked to the main objective of the course related to the delivery of the report. Two short evaluations related to extracting information from a paper and structuring a state-of-the-art will be organized, each of which will count for 5% of the total grade.
The last seminar is an introduction to oral presentations of scientific research and will serve as a preparation for the master thesis defense in master 2.
Time line :
Objectives :
The main objective of the course is to teach the necessary background to conduct research in the field of civil engineering and prepare for the research work to be performed during the master thesis. The main deliverable of the course is a 10-12 pages report which serves as a preparation for the master thesis. The student will choose a research topic in a list provided by the master thesis promotors and write a report containing
- A short abstract (½ page)
- An introduction giving the background, context and motivation and general objective of the work (1-2 pages)
- A critical and structured state-of-the-art containing the most important references, a description of the relevant information from these publications and their link with the topic of the research, as well as their adequacy or limitations with respect to the problem treated. The state-of-the art should clearly identify the gaps in the existing methods/applications which motivate the research and define the goals. (2-3 pages)
- A clear and structured work plan. The work plan should be clearly linked to the gaps identified in the state-of-the-art and be aimed at filling these gaps, by proposing specific methods. In doing so, the work should be structured in tasks, which are themselves gathered in work packages. A Pert chart showing the links between work packages and tasks (which output result is used as an input to which task?) should be included (2-3 pages)
- A tentative schedule. At this stage it is important to imagine how the tasks defined in the work plan should be arranged in time in order to finalize the research work by the end of the academic year. As always in research, this is only tentative and will be used as an adaptable roadmap during the thesis. (1 page)
- A reference list. Note that all references present in the list should be referenced directly in the text (no ‘free reference’). The choice of the referencing style is left free, but note that referencing with footnotes is not a common practice in civil engineering, so they should be avoided. (1-2 pages)
The total length of the report should be between 10 and 12 pages, and follow a template (provided in word and latex)
Link to the valid course fiche (ULB) PROJ-H407
This module contributes to the following programme outcomes for the Master of Science in Engineering:
The Master in Engineering Sciences has in-depth knowledge and understanding of
1. exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
2. integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy
3. the advanced methods and theories to schematise and model complex problems or processes
The Master in Engineering Sciences can
4. reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity)
5. conceive, plan and execute a research project, based on an analysis of its objectives, existing knowledge and the relevant literature, with attention to innovation and valorisation in industry and society
6. correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper
7. present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience
9. work in an industrial environment with attention to safety, quality assurance, communication and reporting
10. develop, plan, execute and manage engineering projects at the level of a starting professional
11. think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information
The Master in Engineering Sciences has
12. a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society
13. a critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others
14. consciousness of the ethical, social, environmental and economic context of his/her work and strives for sustainable solutions to engineering problems including safety and quality assurance aspects
16. an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Link to the valid course fiche (ULB) PROJ-H407
Course work, final report and oral presentation.
Course work : 10 % (5% extracting information from a paper, 5% structuring a critical state-of-the-art)
Final report : 90%, based on review from promotor and reviewer, as well as oral presentation
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Civil Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Civil Engineering: Standaard traject (BRUFACE)