Learning outcomes

The ability to design and build the fundamental infrastructures of our environment while respecting and enhancing them are the challenges that graduates in civil construction engineering will be equipped to meet. The master’s programme aims to train committed engineers who take account of sustainability aspects, the scale of projects and the complex natural environment in which their projects are located.
The future civil engineer will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to become:

  • a polytechnic professional engineer capable of integrating multiple fields of civil and environmental engineering
  • a practical engineer who can use his/her knowledge for solving real-world problems and use appropriate civil engineering tools and techniques, either on construction sites or in design offices
  • a specialist in cutting-edge methods used in civil and environmental engineering: construction, hydraulics, geotechnology, structures, materials and environment
  • a manager who can oversee projects independently as part of a team
  • a critical engineer regarding the impact of their profession on the environment and the future of the planet.
The multidisciplinary training offered by the Louvain School of Engineering (EPL) emphasises a combination of theory and practice as well as analysis, design, manufacturing, production, research and development and innovation while incorporating ethical and sustainable development considerations.
 

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

1.Demonstrate mastery of a solid body of knowledge and skills in basic and engineering science that allows them to solve relevant problems

1.1 Identify and use biomedical engineering concepts, laws and reasoning to solve problems related to civil and environmental engineering:
  • Structures: design and calculation (cement, metal, wood, composite materials)
  • Geotechnology: soil mechanics, foundations, subterranean drainage
  • Hydraulic loads and open channel flow
  • Infrastructure projects (bridges, dams, roads, tunnels)

 

1.2 Identify and use the modelling and calculation tools necessary to solve problems in the fields mentioned above

 

1.3 Validate problem solving results 

2.Organise and carry out an engineering procedure in order to meet a specific need or solve a particular problem

2.1 Analyse all aspects of a problem, sort through available information, identify limits (rules, technical, security, budgetary, human, environmental, etc.) linked to the completion of a civil engineering project in order to write a specifications note

 

2.2 Model a problem and design one or more original technical solutions with the specifications note in mind.

2.3 Evaluate and classify solutions with regard to the criteria in the specifications note (efficiency, feasibility, quality, ergonomics, security) as well as the limits (workforce, materials, construction site security and accessibility, budget, environmental and social sustainability, etc.)

2.4 Test a solution as a blueprint, prototype and/or model scaled down for laboratory testing or numerical modelling.

 

2.5 Come up with recommendations to improve the solution under study.

3.Organise and carry out a research project to understand a physical phenomenon or new problem pertaining to civil engineering

3.1 Document and summarize the existing body of knowledge.
3.2 Suggest a model and/or an experimental device allowing for the simulation and testing of hypotheses related to the phenomenon being studied.
3.3 Write a summary report in such a way as the results are usable later on by other people; explain any potential theoretical and/or technical innovations resulting from the research
3.4. Think disruptively and creatively, open to plurality.

4.Participate in a group project

4.1 Frame and explain the project’s objectives while taking into account its issues and constraints (deadlines, quality, resources, budget, standards, environmental regulations, ...)
4.2 Collaborate on a work schedule, deadlines and roles to be played
4.3 Work in a multidisciplinary environment with peers holding different points of view; manage any resulting disagreement or conflicts.
4.4 Make team decisions and assume the consequences of these decisions (whether they are about technical solutions or the division of labour to complete a project).

5.Communicate effectively through reports, blueprints, presentations or other documents tailored to your interlocutor/contact person

5.1 Identify the needs of all parties (who often come from public or private entities): question, listen and understand all aspects of their request and not just the technical aspects.
5.2 Present your arguments and advice convincingly to your interlocutors (technicians, colleagues, clients, superiors, specialists from other disciplines or general public).
5.3 Communicate through graphics and diagrams: interpret a diagram, present results, structure information.
5.4 Read and analyse different technical documents (rules, blueprints, specification notes).
5.5 Draft documents that take into account contextual requirements and social conventions.
5.6 Make a convincing oral presentation (in French or English) using modern communication techniques.

6. Rigorously mobilize their scientific and technical skills and their critical sense to analyze complex situations by adopting a systemic and transdisciplinary approach, and to adapt their technical responses to the current and future challenges of the socio-economic-ecological transition, thus actively contributing to the transformation of society.

6.1 Acquire a knowledge base on the socio-ecological issues and use multi-criteria tools to evaluate the sustainability of a technology, in quantitative and/or qualitative terms.

 

6.2 Define, specify and analyze a problem in all its complexity, taking into account its various dimensions (social, ethical, environmental, etc.), scales (time, place) and uncertainty.

6.3 Identify, propose and activate engineering levers that can contribute to sustainable development and transition (eco-design, robustness, circularity, energy efficiency, etc.).

 

6.4 Demonstrate critical awareness of a technical solution in order to verify its robustness and minimize the risks that may occur during implementation, be aware of its limitations, and take a personal stand on ethical, environmental and societal issues.
6.5 Evaluate oneself and independently develop necessary skills to stay up-to-date in one’s field.