Duration
36h Th, 16h Pr, 60h Proj., 1d FW
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course aims to explore fundamental concepts of resilience in urban construction and the complex interactions between human, engineered and natural systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the problems of soil resource, foundations, and risk management in the face of natural and man-made hazards.
The students will work in team to perform several projects. They will have to analyze exceptional events that have occurred and caused disruption in cities, and study how different strategies can be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with this kind of events. They will meet and interview practitioners to learn about real case experiences of construction works in dense urban areas. They will learn to translate conceptual frameworks discussed in scientific literature into practical recommendations for risk management and engineering. This course will also make them reflect on the role of architectural engineering, urbanism, geology and civil engineering in the development of resilient cities. They will have to articulate and communicate the outcomes of their work through oral presentations and written reports.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of this class, the student will be able to critically evaluate the resilience of complex systems to emerging challenges and acute shocks. He/She will have the tools to analyze the response of communities to exceptional events and to formulate mitigation plans and strategies to improve preparedness. The student will also be able to apply theoretical knowledge to good practice in engineering projects in urban environment. He/She will be able to perform such complex tasks in group, taking into account the point of view of other students from other disciplines. The student will also be able to communicate his findings and recommendations through oral presentations and written reports.
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, II.2, II.3, III.1, III.2, III.3, III.4, IV.1, IV.2, IV.3, IV.4, IV.5, V.1, V.2, V.3, VI.1, VI.2, VI.3, VI.4, VII.1, VII.2, VII.3, VII.4, VII.5, VII.6 of the MSc in civil engineering.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
This course is accessible to students having complied the prerequisite for registration to the programs of Master in mining and geological engineering, civil engineering or architectural engineering.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
This course is delivered primarily through a series of projects that the students have to perform in team. The students are expected to be proactive and autonomous in the realization of their projects, based on the instructions and guidelines given by the teachers. Each project will be about 3 to 5 weeks for completion. At the end of each project, the students will have to present orally and/or through a written report the outcomes of the project, which will then be discussed in class.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
A detailed schedule will be given during the first class. The presence of the students is mandatory for those classes when instructions are given for the projects or when they need to present the outcomes of a project. Otherwise, the students are free to work on their projects from home if they wish. The teachers are available every week at the time scheduled for the class for answering questions and providing guidance, and appointments may be arranged on request at other times.
Recommended or required readings
The instructions required to perform the projects will be given to the students during the class. Reference to interesting books and literature papers will also be given during the class.
The students will be required to conduct research to get data necessary for completing the projects.
Evaluation will be based on pro-active participation, presentation of projects, and written reports.
There will be no exam in January.
Work placement(s)
None.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Any questions or requests for additional information is welcome.
Students wishing to meet me can get an appointment by sending an e-mail.
Contacts
Jacques Teller - Jacques.Teller@uliege.be