Methods that promote multidisciplinary studies
The Master’s degree programme in civil and environmental engineering (with a focus on construction) is by nature interdisciplinary. This is especially apparent in two projects: a building project completed with architectural engineering students and a structural engineering project completed with engineering students from all fields. Among the major courses, some are included in the Master’s degree programmes in architectural engineering (design and architecture), physical engineering, chemistry and materials science, mechanics and bioengineering as well urban planning and sustainable development. Furthermore, students may expand their knowledge by taking elective courses in non-technical disciplines.
Various teaching strategies
The teaching methods used in the Master’s degree programme in civil and environmental engineering are consistent with that of the Bachelor’s degree programme in engineering sciences: active learning, an equal mix of group work and individual work, and emphasis on the development of non-technical skills.
One important teaching method is the assignment of projects that integrate several subjects. This allows students to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to design and model in a laboratory.
A major characteristic of the programme is the immersion of students in professors’ research laboratories (and at times teaching laboratories, case studies, projects, theses) that expose students to advanced methods used in the discipline and allows them to learning by questioning, a process inherent in the research process.
During the 2nd semester of the 1st year of the Master’s degree programme, students may participate in a two-month long company internship, which allows them to immerse themselves in the professional world.
Half of the students’ workload in the last year consists of the graduation project and offers students the possibility to deal in-depth with a given subject, which given its size and context, provides a real initiation into the working life of engineers or researchers.
Diverse learning situations
The Master’s degree programme uses a variety of teaching methods depending on the discipline:
- lectures
- projects
- exercise sessions
- problem solving sessions
- case studies
- laboratories
- computer simulations
- tutoring sessions
- internships in industry or research
- visits to construction sites
- factory visits
- graduation trips
- group work
- individual work
- seminars offered by outside scientific experts
In certain cases, e-Learning allows students to work at their own pace and complete virtual experiments.
This variety of learning situations allows students to learn in an iterative and progressive manner all the while developing their autonomy as well as their organisational, time management and communication skills. Students also have access to the most up-to-date information technology (material, software, networks).