Module manager: Professor Phil Purnell
Email: p.purnell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| CIVE1465 | Materials, Water and Soils |
CIVE2780 Structural Design and Materials 1
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will introduce the science governing the practical behaviour and specification of some major materials used in Civil Engineering. It will focus heavily on cement and concrete, particularly the relationship between chemistry, microstructure and engineering properties such as strength, durability and environmental impact, with reference to the relevant codes of practice (particularly Eurocode 2). It will also briefly explain the relationships between the materials science and Eurocodes for timber, masonry and bituminous materials.
On completion of this module students will have an understanding of the fundamental properties of cement, concrete, timber, masonry and bituminous materials, and be able to appreciate the relevance of these materials for the design and construction of civil engineering structures. Students will also understand some of the sustainability issues concerning construction materials.
Students completing this module will have gained the knowledge, understanding, skills or abilities that contribute to achieving the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes between brackets and the ARB competences between square brackets):
1. Apply maths, natural science, statistics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems, particularly materials selection and specification (M1) [CK5 part]
2. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources to solve complex problems, particularly evaluation of material suitability for a given application (M4)
3. Design solutions that consider applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards, particularly with regard to material evaluation for sustainability and the use of Eurocodes 2, 5 and 6 [CK7, D9, D8 part]
4. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (including the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (M7) [CK4, D9 part]
5. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)
6. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13) [CK5 part]
[b]Methods of Assessment[/b]
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
a. Problem solving and analytical skills
b. Structural design, component assembly and construction skills
c. Use of hands and power tools
d. Time management, planning and organising
e. Team working/collaboration
f. Reliability or reproducibility of data
g. Interpretation of data
h. Writing reports/communication
i. Working under pressure
• Fundamental properties and characteristics of cement and concrete
• Eurocodes relevant to timber, masonry and bituminous materials
• Movement, shrinkage and creep
• Behaviour of materials with respect to their long-term durability and deterioration mechanisms
• The environmental impact of these materials (embodied carbon and embodied energy)
• CEM I cement: manufacture and hydration
• Admixtures for concrete
• Additions (CRMs, SCMs)
• Other cements
• Aggregates
• Fresh and early-age properties of concrete
• Deformation, strength and failure of concrete (EC2)
• Mix design
• Durability of concrete
• Recycling and embodied carbon
• Timber (EC5)
• Masonry (EC6)
• Bituminous materials (asphalt etc.)
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Practical | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 62 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Online formative assessment via optional end-of-lecture MCQs.
Use of discussion boards.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 24/09/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team