Master’s Programme in Civil Engineering Programme description

The Master's Degree Programme in Structural Engineering and Building Technology is a full-time course of study over two years (120 credits). The programme represents a continuation and specialisation in relation to the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Civil Engineering, under the structural engineering course option.

The master's degree programme is designed to meet the National Council for Technological Education's (UHR-NRT) conditions for use of the additional Norwegian designation sivilingeniør (siv.ing.) on diplomas for master's degree programmes in technology subjects.

The programme provides in-depth study and specialisation in the field of structural engineering and building technology. Structural engineering concerns the analysis, calculation and design of load-bearing structures and structural systems. Building technology concerns the analysis, calculation and design of the body of the building, including facades and building envelopes.

Climate change in the form of increased temperatures, more precipitation and extreme weather exposes buildings, bridges, offshore structures and other installations to greater and more unpredictable stresses. At the same time, society and the authorities place increasing demands on environmentally friendly and sustainable design in the built environment. For the purpose of dimensioning and designing new buildings for the future, we need candidates with engineering expertise at master's degree level (engineers) in the fields of building technology and structural engineering, who are also knowledgeable about climate and environmental issues relating to the field.

Candidates holding a master's degree in structural engineering and building technology have expertise that is in high demand in both the private and public sector. The most relevant employers are advisory engineering firms, contractors, construction clients, municipalities and research institutes. The Master's Degree in Structural Engineering and Building Technology can also qualify students for further studies at the doctoral degree level.

Students who complete the master's degree programme will be awarded the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Structural Engineering and Building Technology. Candidates who holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering pursuant to the national curriculum, can use the additional Norwegian designation sivilingeniør. The master's degree is awarded in accordance with Section 3 of the Regulations concerning Requirements for the Master's Degrees, issued by the Ministry of Education and Research.

The master's degree programme is aimed at candidates with at least a three-year bachelor's degree in civil engineering, who want a solid professional and academic supplement to their education in the field of building technology and structural engineering.

The programme is also useful for candidates holding a degree in mechanical engineering, marine engineering or similar, who have good knowledge of mechanics and structural engineering.

Reference is made to the Regulations relating to Admission to Studies at OsloMet. https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2015-12-15-1681 

Admission to the master's degree programme requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering or marine engineering with a grade point average of C or better, will also be qualified for admission. Candidates must also have taken at least 25 credits in mathematics (including either Mathematics 3000, Mathematics 4000 or similar courses), 5 credits in statistics and 7.5 credits in physics (may include solid mechanics, building physics and thermodynamics).

In addition, applicants must have at least 20 credits in mechanics, statics or other courses in the field of structural engineering.

Applicant groups and ranking

80 % of the places on the programme are reserved for applicants ranked without additional points. Additional points for relevant experience are awarded to applicants with work experience from the building and construction industry or other construction-related work in the mechanical, oil/gas or maritime industry, or equivalent. Additional points for education are awarded applicants with relevant education in the field covered by the master's degree programme. Reference is made to the Regulations relating to Admission to Studies at OsloMet.

On completion of the Master's Degree Programme in Structural Engineering and Building Technology, candidates are expected to have the following learning outcome defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge in the calculations and design of buildings and structures and specialized insight in a limited area, depending on the choice of specialization (building technology or structural engineering).
• has in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and methods as well as knowledge of codes and regulations used in the analysis and design of building components and structural systems.
• is able to evaluate climate and environmental effects on the built environment, and apply this knowledge in solving new structural engineering and building technology problems.
• is able to analyze questions/issues related to building technology and structural engineering, based on the historical development of the discipline/subject area, new technology and society's need for more sustainable design in the built environment.

Skills:

The candidate is able to

• analyze and make use of scientific publications and technical literature in discussions and to justify decisions on the choice of building and structural solutions.
• work independently and in team and make use of excising theories and methods, as well as rules and regulations, to solve practical and theoretical problems related to buildings and structures.
• use relevant methods for research and development work in an independent manner within the field of building technology and structural engineering.
• use relevant computer software and ICT tools in the analysis, design and visualization of buildings and structures.
• carry out an independent, delimited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable research ethical standards.

General competence:

The candidate is able to

• analyze academic and professional ethical issues and make ethically sound recommendations of building products and technical solutions, including their impact on humans and the environment.
• apply his/her knowledge and skills to analyze and design complex constructions and buildings within structural engineering and building technology.
• convey the results of independent work, both in writing and orally.
• communicate on issues, analyses and solutions within structural engineering and building technology, both with specialists and the general public.
• contribute to the development of new structural and sustainable building solutions.

The programme is a full-time programme over two years that consists of a lecture-based component with a scope of 90 credits and an independent project - the master's thesis - with a scope of 30 credits.

Content

The master's degree programme is profession-oriented and adapted to meet the building industry and society's need for up-to-date, forward-looking expertise in structural engineering and building technology.

Structural engineering concerns the analysis, calculation and design of load-bearing structures and structural systems. Bridges, quays, offshore installations and other large building structures are exposed to great loads combined with environmental and climate impacts. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to determine load effects (stress and strain) in the different parts of such complex structures. The study programme focuses on providing the students with solid, theoretical knowledge and applied skills in linear and non-linear FEM analysis, design of structures and structural systems, and service life dimensioning and service life extension of structures. Theory and applied skills are taught in the courses MABY4100 Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis, MABY4400 Analysis and Design of Structures and MABY4500 Durability and Service Life of Structures.

Building technology concerns the analysis, calculation and design of the body of the building, including facades and building envelopes. Climate change and increased focus on resource use and environmental impacts thereby also entail a greater focus on the choice of materials and climate adaptation in connection with the design of buildings. The study programme focuses on providing the students with more detailed knowledge of building physics processes, principles and methods, and an understanding of the importance of the choice of building materials and components in the design of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, climate-resilient buildings. Here, life-cycle analyses (LCA) and sustainability assessments are important tools for decisions on the choice of materials and building solutions. Theory and applied skills are taught in the courses MABY4200 Building Physics and Climate Adaptation of Buildings, MABY4300 Sustainability Assessment and Life-Cycle Analysis and MABY4600 Environmentally Sound Building Design.

In the third semester, students can choose further specialisation in either structural engineering or building technology through the elective courses MABY5010 Structural Engineering Specialisation and MABY5020 Building Technology Specialisation. The specialisation course (elective course) and the master's thesis will give the students practice in applying their knowledge and skills to relevant issues through more comprehensive project work.

Construction projects are increasingly complex and interdisciplinary. The study programme focuses on teaching students how to use advanced computer programs and simulation tools to solve complex problems relating to building technology and structural engineering, and competence in construction-related ICT through the course MABY5100 Building Information Modelling - BIM and MAEN4300 Fluid dynamics and computational methods.

The study programme also aims to qualify candidates with the competence to participate in research work in the field. All the courses taught in the second semester therefore include an element of research at different levels. The course MAEN5300 Research and Ethics underpins the master's thesis and provides an introduction to research methods, ethics, and academic writing and dissemination of results.

MABY5900, the master's thesis, is an independent, supervised research or development project in the core areas of the field, and represents further specialisation in either building technology or structural engineering.

The structure of the programme

The master's degree programme consists of eight compulsory courses, two elective courses and a master's thesis. The course portfolio is composed so that the compulsory courses ensure academic and professional breadth, at the same time as the students are given an opportunity for in-depth study and specialisation through elective courses and the master's thesis.

Specialisation in the field of structural engineering consists of the following courses (75 credits):

• MABY4100 Finite Element Method in Structural Analysis (10 credits)
• MABY4400 Analysis and Design of Structures (10 credits)
• MABY4500 Durability and Service Life of Structures (10 credits)
• MABY5010 Structural Engineering Specialisation (15 credits)
• MABY5900 Master's Thesis, with specialisation in structural engineering (30 credits)

Specialisation in the field of building technology consists of the following courses (75 credits):

• MABY4200 Building Physics and Climate Adaptation of Buildings (10 credits)
• MABY4300 Sustainability Assessment and Life-Cycle Analysis (10 credits)
• MABY4600 Environmentally Sound Building Design (10 credits)
• MABY5020 Building Technology Specialisation (15 credits)
• MABY5900 Master's Thesis, with specialisation in building technology (30 credits)

The choice of specialisation for the third semester (building technology or structural engineering) is made at the end of the second semester. The whole fourth semester is dedicated to the master's thesis. It is natural that the master's thesis builds on the project work that forms part of the specialisation topic in the third semester. The topic of the thesis can either be linked to a client's issue or to relevant research projects in the department.

In order for students to be assigned a supervisor for the master's thesis, all exams from the first year of the study programme must be passed.

Students are encouraged to contact relevant enterprises in the region for the purpose of gaining practical training and experience in the fields through a summer job or similar, and to establish cooperation on project assignments.

The work and teaching methods in the programme includes lectures, exercise sessions, computer exercise sessions, seminars, project work, group work, presentations, inspections and excursions, laboratory work and discussions. The scheduled study activities shall be motivating and inspiring for the students and induce non-organised academic work. The work methods are intended to stimulate cooperation, own activity, reflection and fresh thinking.

To work as a consultant engineer or researcher requires a high level of expertise in the use of advanced computer programs and simulation tools (ICT tools) for problem-solving. Computer exercises and tasks that require the use of advanced ICT tools are therefore one of the main work methods used in the study programme.

Seminars in cooperation with the construction industry will shed light on the complexity of building projects and provide a more comprehensive understanding of key topics in the study programme. Contact with business and industry through external lecturers, seminars, inspections and excursions, in addition to ordinary tuition, will give the students a relevant and motivational approach throughout the study programme.

Research and teaching are well integrated throughout the study programme. The teaching is constantly updated to encompass new knowledge, and research articles are part of the syllabus in many of the courses. Furthermore, the students will participate in research-related discussions and be included in ongoing research and development through projects that are part of the study programme.

Project-based learning relating to engineering tasks is used to give the students practice in work on complex issues. The study programme will prepare the students for work methods used in the construction industry, through group work and project assignments in cooperation with the construction industry. The projects are intended to develop the students¿ ability to formulate and analyse research questions using scientific methods. Projects are normally carried out in groups, and the students will also thereby develop their ability to listen to others, exchange knowledge and discuss solutions in cooperation with others. Project work shall culminate in reports written on the basis of a template for scholarly articles/reports. The specialisation course (elective course) in the third semester includes a project where the students are to work on a given issue relating to challenges in the construction industry.

The master's thesis is a piece of independent research or development work in one of the key topics of the study programme. Each student will be assigned an internal supervisor, who will ensure that the project complies with research ethics principles and help students to formulate the research question and ensure quality in the collection and analysis of data. Seminars with supervisors and fellow students will develop each student's ability to critically assess and discuss their own and other students¿ work. The thesis shall be a written report based on research principles and methods.

Both the language of instruction and the course literature are in English, which means that the study programme is well suited for international students and student mobility. The study programme is structured so that it is possible for the students to take one semester abroad, in the third or fourth semester.

Building technology and structural engineering are well-established subjects that are taught at a number of universities abroad. OsloMet is part of the Erasmus programme for student exchange and has entered into several Erasmus+ agreements with relevant universities and university colleges. An Erasmus+ agreement with Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland and a collaboration agreement with the National Technical University of Athens in Greece have been prepared especially for this study programme.

Students can gain approval and recognition of up to 30 credits on application. Students who go on an exchange in the fourth semester will write their master's thesis with a supervisor from the host institution. Students who choose to go abroad in the third semester may take 15 credits in either structural engineering or building technology in place of the elective specialisation course.

OsloMet has a dedicated web page with supplementary information about student exchanges: https://student.oslomet.no/utveksling-tkd

Required coursework means compulsory assignments or activities that must be approved within a given deadline in order for students to be able to take the exam. The coursework requirements in this study programme are linked to written assignments and compulsory attendance. The coursework requirements are described in more detail in the individual course descriptions.

Coursework requirements are set in order to promote the student's progress and development and to ensure his/her participation in necessary elements of the programme. Required coursework can also be set to ensure that students achieve a learning outcome that cannot be tested in an exam.

Required coursework is assessed as approved or not approved. In the event of delays in study progress, previously approved coursework remains valid for two years, provided that the course has not changed.

Valid absence documented by e.g. a medical certificate does not exempt students from meeting the coursework requirements. Students who fail to meet the coursework requirements within the deadline due to illness or for other documented valid reasons should as far as possible be given a new chance before the registration deadline for the exam. This must be agreed with the person responsible for the course on a case-by-case basis. If another attempt at meeting a coursework requirement is not possible because of the nature of the subject/course, the student must be prepared to meet the coursework requirements on the next possible occasion. This may result in delayed progress in the programme.

Assessment and grading shall take place in accordance with the provisions on assessment set out in Act No 15 of 1 April 2005 relating to Universities and University Colleges and the Regulations relating to Studies and Examinations at OsloMet.

The forms of assessment used shall promote learning and document that the students' competence is adequate in relation to the applicable learning outcome. The forms of assessment used in this study programme include supervised written exams, oral exams, individual and group project assignments and portfolio assessments. Assessment of the master's thesis and the oral presentation of the thesis come in addition to this.

The forms of assessment and grade scale are described in more detail in the individual course descriptions. In connection with the final assessment in the course, a grade scale with grades from A to E for pass (A being the highest) and F for fail is used, or the assessment pass/fail.

The master's degree programme is profession-oriented, which means that students are to a significant extent assessed on the basis of their ability to solve problems, and on whether their presentations of solutions meet technical, academic and ethical requirements. Project assignments with reports and presentations are therefore one of the dominant assessment forms used in the study programme.

The tuition takes place in English, and assignments/exams will also be in English. Students may, by agreement with the person responsible for the course, submit assignments in Norwegian (Scandinavian). The assignment given in the elective course (specialisation course) in the third semester and the master's thesis should preferably be in English.

For courses where the assessment is based on both a project assignment and a written/oral exam, students must pass both the project assignment and the exam to be awarded a pass grade in the course.

Oral exams shall be assessed by two examiners, as this form of assessment cannot be appealed.

The master's thesis will be assessed by an external and an internal examiner. In addition to submitting a written report, students must also give an oral presentation of the thesis to the external examiner and supervisor(s). The examiners will set the grade for the master's thesis after the oral presentation and questioning. Exams and portfolios that are only assessed by internal examiners shall regularly be selected for external assessment.

Students have the right to demand an explanation for and to appeal against a grade awarded and/or formal errors in connection with exams in accordance with Section 5-3 of the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges.

In connection with portfolio assessments, students can normally only appeal against the final grade awarded for the portfolio, and only if it contains verifiable components. If the portfolio assessment cannot be appealed, two examiners are used.

Students must register for resit/rescheduled exams themselves. Resit/rescheduled exams are normally organised jointly, early in the following semester. Oral exams can also be used in the event of resit/rescheduled exams.

After completing the programme, students will be awarded a diploma showing all their final grades (final assessments) in the courses that form the basis for the degree. The title of the master's thesis will also be included on the diploma.

Quality assurance

The purpose of OsloMet's quality assurance system is to strengthen students¿ learning outcomes and development by raising the quality at all levels. Cooperation with the students, and their participation in the quality assurance work, is decisive to the overall learning outcome. Among the overall goals for the quality assurance system is to ensure:

• that the educational activities, including practical training and the learning and study environment, maintain a high level of quality
• that the study programmes are relevant for the professional fields
• that the quality development continues to improve

For the students, this entails, among other things, student evaluations in the form of:

• course evaluations
• annual student surveys for all of OsloMet

More information about the quality assurance system is available here: https://student.oslomet.no/regelverk#etablering-studium-evaluering-kvalitetssystem

The programme supervisor scheme is part of the quality assurance of each individual study programme. A programme supervisor is not an examiner, but someone who supervises the quality of the study programmes. All study programmes at OsloMet shall be subject to supervision by a programme supervisor, but there are different ways of practising the scheme. Reference is made to the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet: https://student.oslomet.no/regelverk