Module Descriptors

Module Title: Introduction to Combustion and Fire

This module introduces the learner to the fundamental scientific principles of combustion and fire. The primary goal is to provide students with general understanding and knowledge of combustion, fire and explosion phenomena. The main definitions, approaches and techniques developed in combustion and fire science and engineering are introduced to set the scene for the further in-depth studies through all other fire related modules in the Fire Curriculum. Alongside the introduction to fires and combustion, the module provides basic information and knowledge from related disciplines (chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer). This introduces all necessary elements, which are required to start a consistent further education in the diverse and multidisciplinary area of fire safety.

 

Module Title: Safety and Fire Law

 

This module will provide a general understanding of the nature and extent of the legal system operating in the UK/HK.   It will also provide the student with knowledge and understanding of the principles of the law used by managers in the workplace and will include Safety and Fire Law.

 

Module Title: Energy Transfer and Thermodynamics

 

This module introduces students the main principles of energy transfer, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. The main definitions, approaches and techniques are introduced to set the scene for the further in-depth studies through all other energy related modules in the energy and fire safety engineering curriculum. Alongside the introduction to energy transfer and thermodynamics, the module provides basic information and knowledge from related disciplines (general physics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer). This introduces all necessary elements, which are required to start a consistent further education in building and fire safety engineering.

 

Module Title: Engineering Design Practice

 

This module allows students to apply scientific and engineering principles based on an understanding of the phenomena and effects of fire and of the behaviour of people to fire, to protect people, property and the environment from the destructive effects of fire. This course addresses multi-disciplinary aspects involving chemistry (e.g. the behaviour of materials), physics (e.g. heat transfer, movement of smoke), civil engineering (e.g. deformation of structures), electrical and mechanical engineering, and psychology (e.g. behaviours of people). Students will explore how to provide an acceptable level of safety when an accidental fire occurs and consider the implications on innovative and experimental sustainable design solutions.

 

Module Title: Buildings, Materials and Fire

 

All parts of buildings and their contents must be made of something. The art of construction is to use materials in such a way that they are not exposed to conditions they cannot tolerate.The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to the functional requirements of materials for structures and describe the main features of the principal materials in use and the way structures are designed to take account of those features. This module will introduce the student to the principles of construction methods. This module will also develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of the behaviour, performance and limitations of construction materials. This module is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the properties and design implications of construction materials and introduce the student to structural design of buildings and building elements exposed to fire.

 

Module Title: Engineering Analysis 1

 

To establish fundamental mathematical skills and provide a framework of mathematical techniques with which to analyse engineering problems; thence to apply them in the analysis and solution of common engineering problems.  Students are required to practice solving applied mathematical problems.

 

Module Title: Skills for Science and Engineering

 

This module aims to enable the students to develop the mathematical, statistical, analytical, information technology, communication and research skills, which are required to progress through the course.  This will include a range of presentation and communication skills using a variety of media.

 

Module Title: Fluid Dynamics of Fire

 

This module aims to enable the students to assimilate the fundamental principles underlying fluid flow and to apply these to flames, fires, and explosions. The module is designed to develop theoretical and practical themes introduced in Level 1. The aim of this module is to further improve qualitative understanding of combustion, fire and explosion phenomena and develop skills in their quantification.

 

Module Title: Fire and Built Environment

 

This module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the impact of fires on the built environment, including building construction methods and materials used, smoke movement and control, law, regulations and standards. It explores different types of fire behaviour in the built environment. The module provides students with case studies of the impact of fires on buildings nationally (UK/HK) and internationally. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as independent working, analysis, problem solving and presentations.

 

Module Title: Accidents and Catastrophes

 

This module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of accident and catastrophe phenomena and their impact on society. It explores different types of natural and technological accidents and catastrophes and their effect on the built environment. The module provides students with case studies of the impact of fires on buildings nationally (UK/HK) and internationally. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as independent working, analysis, problem solving, presentations and working with others.

 

Module Title: Safety, Health and Environment

 

The aim of this module is to:

• provide an understanding of the of health, welfare and safety legislation relevant to the construction, engineering and associated industries;
• provide the principles and processes necessary for the management of environmental, health and safety issues in the workplace.  
• provide the basic principles necessary for the identification and control of hazards, the management of safety and health together with applicable legislation.
• demonstrate an understanding of how safety and environmental management is practiced in a project environment.

 

Module Title: Project Management 

 

This module aims to focus on the role and responsibilities of the project manager, together with the leadership and organisation skills essential to the discharge of this function.  The application of the role of the professional project manager and associated analytical, monitoring and controlling techniques will be developed.

 

Module Title: Computational Engineering

 

The module aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills of using computing in fire hazard analysis. This includes both essential numerical programming skills required to carry out basic engineering computations within generic programming environments and application of specialist software to solve typical computational problems of fire engineering.

 

Module Title: Engineering Analysis 2

 

To establish fundamental mathematical skills and provide a framework of mathematical techniques with which to analyse engineering problems; thence to apply them in the analysis and solution of common engineering problems.  Students are required to practice solving applied mathematical problems.

 

Module Title: Enclosure Fire Dynamics

 

This module builds upon and develops a deeper technical foundation of the fire-science skills and knowledge gained at Level 4 and Level 5 to establish the students’ competence in the understanding of enclosure fires and the dominant mechanisms controlling enclosure fires. The module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as critical thinking, independent research, problem solving.

 

The module includes a wide range of commonly used relationships, solutions and models as well as information and knowledge across related disciplines (chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, etc.).

 

 

Module Title: Fire Protection Engineering

 

This module will look at the principles of fire protection, standard test procedures and methods of solving fire safety problems using active and passive fire safety systems. In particular the focus will be towards innovative/engineered solutions to fire safety problems.

 

The module aims to develop the student’s skills of numerical analyses and critical evaluation in appropriate fire protection applications.

 

 

Module Title: Fire Investigation

 

The module will develop student’s ability to undertake a scientific fire investigation of a fire scene while ensuring the requirements with respect to safety, scene preservation, evidence collection and presentation are fully achieved.

 

Module Title: Probabilistic Risk Analysis 

 

 

This module aims to develop mainstream engineering analysis techniques for engineering students.  The emphasis is in application to probabilistic risk modelling. The module will enhance students’ skills of analysis, modelling and problem solving.  Such mathematical methods are ‘expected’ across engineering programs throughout the world.

 

 

Amongst the methods taught it is intended to focus on matrix and calculus methods:

 

 

• Matrices to include Markov chains and linear programming (simplex)
• Calculus to include properties of probability distributions and their application in reliability engineering (MTTF), Laplace transforms.  The relationship  between Laplace and Markov chains will be reviewed.
• Network methods including reliability, Markov and probabilistic trees.

 

 

Applications in fire research will be reviewed.

 

 

Module Title: Engineering Design Project

 

The Engineering Design Project module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to extend and demonstrate engineering design skills both as team members and as individuals. The project will enable students to develop their critical thinking, problem solving and key skills in application to a case study example using appropriate tools of analysis and communication.  The module acts as the vehicle for integrating the study themes of design, ICT and technology, in a practical context.

 

Module Title: Engineering Dissertation

 

This module aims to provide the students with the opportunity to develop independent research and evaluation skills. On an individual basis the student will be required to carry out an in-depth study involving theoretical, computational, experimental or investigative analysis, or a combination of these. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students’ employability skills such as written communication skills, independent planning, execution and dissemination of research outcomes.