Methods that promote multidisciplinary studies
The master’s programme in civil engineering (with a focus on construction) is inherently interdisciplinary. The interdisciplinarity is emphasised through the existence of two major projects: a building project in collaboration with architectural engineering (LGCIV2011), and the civil engineering project (LGCIV2012), which encompasses all disciplines of civil engineering. Among the options, some courses are shared with the Master's in Civil Engineering and Architecture (Design and Architecture), and partly with the Master’s in Civil Engineering Physics, the Master’s in Civil Engineering in Chemistry and Materials Science, the Master’s in Civil Engineering Mechanics, the Master’s in Bioengineering (Environment), and coursework in urban planning and territorial 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 engineering are consistent with that of the bachelor’s programme in engineering sciences: active learning, an equal mix of teamwork and individual work, and a strong 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 key feature of the programme is the immersion of students in the research laboratories of the programme’s lecturers (through teaching labs, case studies, projects, and dissertations), allowing them to familiarise themselves with cutting-edge methods in the relevant disciplines and to learn through the inherent questioning of research.
A two-month internship is scheduled during the second semester of the first year of the master’s programme, providing an opportunity for immersion in the professional world.
The dissertation represents half of the workload in the final year, offering the chance to explore a given topic in depth and serving as a genuine introduction to the professional life of an engineer or researcher.
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
- experimental laboratories
- computer simulations
- tutoring sessions
- industrial or research internships
- visits to construction sites
- factory visits
- graduation trips
- group work
- solo assignments
- seminars offered by external scientists.
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).