Construction Innovation (MSc)

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredCE5106: Modern Methods of Construction

CE5106: Modern Methods of Construction

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

As identified by the EY ‘Detailed Description of Needs’ report (2021), ‘The construction industry is under pressure to increase productivity and efficiency while also meeting the growing needs of an expanding population. It has to move to a new, higher level of performance and quality, while also being attentive to environmental, sustainability and circular economy imperatives’. The report showed that modern methods of construction (MMC) is one of the key areas for the construction and built environment sector. As part of this module, learners will develop skills in MMC, as the sector moves rapidly towards Industry 4.0. The module will cover key areas of standardisation and routes to certification, next generation rapid build systems (off-site panelised and modular construction), automation and autonomous construction. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On a successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the importance of testing, standards and certification in the adoption of MMC and their relevance to engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors and decision makers, including the Agrément assessment and Building Regulation compliance; · Assess what standards and regulations are relevant to various MMC; · Be able to recommend routes to certification; · Understand the impact of waste and the principles of circularity in the construction sector, including introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA); · Understand the pattern design approach, incl. the Construction Innovation Hub Platform Rulebook; · Review the current best practice and future trends for next generation rapid build construction (off-site panelised and modular construction); · Understand the concepts and methods of MMC in new builds and retrofits; · Understand new materials, easy to assemble sub-assemblies and efficient MMC; · Review the current best practice and future trends in automation, including manufacturing of new products and their installation on site; · Be able to identify risks of MMC and key considerations for various stakeholders; · Understand challenges and barriers in adopting MMC. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending. The course needs are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Introduction to standards, certification and testing; · Routes to certification for MMC; · Circular design and waste reduction; · Rapid build systems, including off-site panelised and modular systems, timber and light-gauge steel systems; · Low carbon materials and systems; · MMC in new construction and retrofits; · Construction automation and quality checks.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the importance of testing, standards and certification in the adoption of MMC and their relevance to engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors and decision makers, including the Agrément assessment and Building Regulation compliance
2. Assess what standards and regulations are relevant to various MMC
3. Recommend routes to certification
4. Assess the impact of waste and the principles of circularity in the construction sector, including introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA)
5. Apply the pattern design approach, incl. the Construction Innovation Hub Platform Rulebook
6. Consider the current best practice and future trends for next generation rapid build construction (off-site panelised and modular construction)
7. Describe the concepts and methods of MMC in new builds and retrofits
8. Appraise new materials, easy to assemble sub-assemblies and efficient MMC
9. Review the current best practice and future trends in automation, including manufacturing of new products and their installation on site, taking account of quality management, quality assurance and Six Sigma in MMC
10. Identify risks of MMC and key considerations for various stakeholders
11. Describe challenges and barriers in adopting MMC

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5104: Sustainability Planning in Construction

CE5104: Sustainability Planning in Construction

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The built environment and construction industry is in a position of considerable responsibility and influence, in terms of delivering a more climate-resilient economy’ (Ernst & Young ‘Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector’ report, 2021). Climate action continues to be one of the key drivers for the construction sector, and this will continue to be the case for the considerable future in Ireland and internationally. The Government must meet very challenging CO2 reduction targets while ensuring sustainable development. This creates opportunities for the retrofitting of existing structures and finding improved ways to construct new buildings. This module will support the students, as the current/future construction sector stakeholders, in developing more sustainable construction processes and products, with a focus on areas of energy performance of buildings, retrofitting of existing structures, decarbonisation of construction processes and circularity. Finally, the module will introduce the concept of a just transition for the construction sector, where the needs of end users are understood and translated into new products and processes. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On a successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the energy performance of a building, with a focus on building envelope and ventilation/ heating systems; · Be able to effectively utilise building regulations and best practice standards for new builds and retrofits; · Gain experience in performing building energy simulation software; · Critically assess the performance of different renewable energy sources in buildings; · Understand the principles of sustainable design in the built environment; · Assess the environmental, social and economic impact of construction. · Understand the concepts of embodied and operational carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA); · Understand the principles of circular economy for the construction sector, including increasing circularity rates, reducing waste, and improving material efficiency; · Reflect on the concepts of social justice applicable to the construction process, e.g. housing needs, sustainable transport, gender equality, etc. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending class.The needs for the course are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Building energy performance; · Building standards and regulations for the Irish construction industry; · Building energy simulation; · Renewable energy sources; · Sustainable design of built environment; · Whole life carbon assessment; · Circular economy for the construction sector; · Just transition for the construction sector
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the energy performance of a building, with a focus on building envelope and ventilation/ heating systems
2. Effectively utilise building regulations and best practice standards for new builds and retrofits
3. Gain experience in performing building energy simulation software
4. Critically assess the performance of different renewable energy sources in buildings
5. Consider the principles of sustainable design in the built environment
6. Assess the environmental, social and economic impact of construction
7. Apply the concepts of embodied and operational carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA)
8. Apply the principles of circular economy for the construction sector, including increasing circularity rates, reducing waste, and improving material efficiency;
9. Reflect on the concepts of social justice applicable to the construction process, e.g. housing needs, sustainable transport, gender equality, etc.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5105: Digital Construction Technologies

CE5105: Digital Construction Technologies

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module will cover the broad areas of building information modelling (BIM) technology, digital twinning, visualisation methods and their standard approaches within the construction sector. Digitalisation will fundamentally change the ways in which construction teams interact. Technologies such as BIM will seamlessly monitor the materials and products delivered to the construction site, in a manner that respects the need for sustainability and traceability. Furthermore, sensors will provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements, thus the ability to analyse and exploit the large volumes of data is required. Augmented reality technologies are beginning to be used for tasks such as site inspections, allowing continuous monitoring of construction process and conducting quality control checks with greater ease. Clash detection has already been identified as a benefit of BIM, but recent developments in virtual reality and communication technologies will soon allow design teams to explore design issues from different locations. These technologies will fundamentally change the way in which construction projects are managed, leading to new work processes. This module will engage with students to ensure they are fully prepared for the potential of these new work practices. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the key concepts of digitisation in construction, including building information modelling (BIM), digital twins and augmented reality; · Develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities offered by advances in BIM, big data and sensor technologies; · Develop skills in BIM in the whole building lifecycle, including facilities management; · Be able to track the progress, materials and products flow through the construction project; · Gain practical experience in using BIM tools; · Understand the need for sensors to provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements; · Be able to analyse and exploit large volumes of data generated during a construction project; · Understand the standardised approaches and best practice for improved information flow and information management across the whole construction project lifecycle. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending. The course needs are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Building Information modelling (BIM); · Sensor networks and building management systems; · Digital twins and performance modelling; · Real-life data collection and analysis; · Standards and best practice in data management.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the key concepts of digitisation in construction, including building information modelling (BIM), digital twins and augmented reality
2. Consider the opportunities offered by advances in BIM, big data and sensor technologies
3. Apply BIM in the whole building lifecycle, including facilities management
4. Track the progress, materials and products flow through the construction project
5. Gain practical experience in using BIM tools;
6. Consider the need for sensors to provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements
7. Analyse and exploit large volumes of data generated during a construction project
8. Apply standardised approaches and best practice for improved information flow and information management across the whole construction project lifecycle

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5108: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CE5108: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Technology and innovation is one of the key areas as identified by the Ernst & Young ‘Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector’ report (2021). Construction industry needs to be empowered to take ownership of the innovation process. This module focuses on the overall innovation process, from identifying domain-specific needs, validating those needs, brainstorming, and concept creation for new technology products. The module utilises the Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Disciplined Entrepreneurship" approach (https://www.d-eship.com/). The module highlights both business analysis and communication skills, ensuring that graduates are well equipped with skills to manage innovation projects and launch their own enterprises. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On a successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the process for innovating technologies; · Demonstrate awareness of how to identify an important unmet domain need taking into consideration domain, scientific and market knowledge; · Demonstrate appreciation of concept generation and brainstorming; · Acquire significant experience of teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting; · Have utilised appropriate approaches to evaluate the concepts; · Be able to reflect on their experience; · Have completed a consulting report on the specific need. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending class. The needs for the course are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY ‘Detailed Description of Needs’ report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Introduction to innovation/needs finding · Problem areas and existing solutions · Area analysis and stakeholders · Weighing factors and filtering needs · Needs presentation by individual students and associated poster · Team formation on selected need · Needs brainstorming and introduction to product design · Organising and selecting concepts · Go-to-market basics · Legal affairs basics · Business models · Presentation on concept development overview
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the process for innovating technologies
2. Demonstrate awareness of how to identify an important un-met domain need taking into consideration domain, scientific and market knowledge
3. Demonstrate appreciation of concept generation and brainstorming
4. Acquire significant experience of teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting
5. Utilise appropriate approaches to evaluate the concepts
6. Reflect on their experience
7. Complete a consulting report on the specific need

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5107: Innovation Project

CE5107: Innovation Project

Trimester 3 | Credits: 20

This module is focused on students working in teams to identify a real-world problems in the construction/ built environment area that require an insightful technology/ service solution, inventing and implementing the solution, demonstrating its validity and commercial viability, and developing pitches for angel and venture capital funding to allow commercialisation. All projects must relate directly to the current needs in the construction/ built environment sector, and apply the principles of sustainable design. The focus is on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, curiosity and utilising a range of tools that will help manage the innovation process. The module is designed around self-directed learning, team work and reflection, which enables distance learning. However, workshops, tutorials and drop in clinics will be provided via online platform to enhance students’ learning. This module will be delivered within 20 weeks (from mid semester 2), in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials from modules 1-4 (ii) weekly drop-in clinics; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. In this project, students will work in teams on identifying a real-world problem in the construction domain that requires an insightful technology/ service solution, inventing and implementing the solution, demonstrating its validity and commercial viability (and iteratively improving the solution if necessary), and developing pitches for angel and venture capital funding to allow commercialisation (post-programme). Therefore, work should focus on the start-up businesses themselves, the potential for licenses, Enterprise Ireland funding proposals, and business models ready for first-stage investment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate awareness of the process for innovating technologies
2. Demonstrate awareness of how to identify an important unmet domain need taking into consideration domain, scientific and market knowledge
3. Demonstrate appreciation of concept generation and brainstorming
4. Have utilised appropriate approaches to evaluate the concepts
5. Demonstrate appreciation of legal affairs and go-to-market strategy
6. Demonstrate appreciation of development of an operational business plan
7. Have completed a project report on the implementation plan
8. Acquire significant experience of team and project work in a multidisciplinary setting
9. Be able to reflect on the experience

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

OptionalCE5109: Research Project in Construction Innovation

CE5109: Research Project in Construction Innovation

12 months long | Credits: 30

This module allows the students to complete an individual research project on a topic of research interest in construction. The main objective of this module is to plan, execute and report on an individual engineering research project at a level appropriate for a level 9 accredited programme. Students are required to research, write and present the results of their dissertation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Assess the literature and other material relating to a particular topic and then define the scope of the project.
2. Apply advanced research and analytical skills, including expertise in a specific field, effective communication and project management
3. Identify opportunities (and challenges) for innovation in the construction sector
4. Create novel technology and/or service solutions to previously unmet, under-met and unrecognised problems.
5. Appreciate the ethical considerations, such as plagiarism, when conducting a project and when completing a written report. prepare a comprehensive report on the project.
6. Critically analyse and interpret data and results, and present the findings in an appropriate manner.

Assessments

• Research (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

OptionalCE5110: Work Based Placement in Construction Innovation

CE5110: Work Based Placement in Construction Innovation

12 months long | Credits: 30

This module allows the students to complete a work based placement in construction innovation. It allows the learner to consolidate all the material taught in the other modules in the programme by applying it to real problems within the construction environment. Given its central role in setting all the other modules in the context of a working construction environment, many of the specific aims and objectives of the programme are considerably advanced by the Work Placement Module. The placement involves twelve months on the job training within a sponsoring company. The learner is monitored both by their immediate company supervisor and by a University of Galway Faculty member. The learner is obliged to keep a daily record of their work-experience during their placement. It is expected that through their placement they will gain experience in a number of challenging construction innovation tasks and have to meet the normal deadline demands of the industry. The learner must plan, execute and report on at least one innovative construction project that they have a lead role in at a level appropriate for a level 9 accredited programme. Learners are required to research, write and present the results in a dissertation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify opportunities (and challenges) for innovation in the construction sector
2. Apply technical knowledge and skills gained over the degree programme on an innovative construction project(s)
3. Apply advanced research and analytical skills, including expertise in a specific field, effective communication and project management
4. Create novel technology and/or service solutions to previously unmet, under-met and unrecognised problems.
5. Appreciate the ethical considerations, such as health & safety, sustainability and plagiarism, when conducting a project and when completing a written report. Prepare a comprehensive report on the project.
6. Critically analyse and interpret data and results, and present the findings in an appropriate manner.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (40%)
• Research (60%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

Glossary of Terms

Year 1 (60 Credits)

RequiredCE5104: Sustainability Planning in Construction

CE5104: Sustainability Planning in Construction

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

The built environment and construction industry is in a position of considerable responsibility and influence, in terms of delivering a more climate-resilient economy’ (Ernst & Young ‘Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector’ report, 2021). Climate action continues to be one of the key drivers for the construction sector, and this will continue to be the case for the considerable future in Ireland and internationally. The Government must meet very challenging CO2 reduction targets while ensuring sustainable development. This creates opportunities for the retrofitting of existing structures and finding improved ways to construct new buildings. This module will support the students, as the current/future construction sector stakeholders, in developing more sustainable construction processes and products, with a focus on areas of energy performance of buildings, retrofitting of existing structures, decarbonisation of construction processes and circularity. Finally, the module will introduce the concept of a just transition for the construction sector, where the needs of end users are understood and translated into new products and processes. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On a successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the energy performance of a building, with a focus on building envelope and ventilation/ heating systems; · Be able to effectively utilise building regulations and best practice standards for new builds and retrofits; · Gain experience in performing building energy simulation software; · Critically assess the performance of different renewable energy sources in buildings; · Understand the principles of sustainable design in the built environment; · Assess the environmental, social and economic impact of construction. · Understand the concepts of embodied and operational carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA); · Understand the principles of circular economy for the construction sector, including increasing circularity rates, reducing waste, and improving material efficiency; · Reflect on the concepts of social justice applicable to the construction process, e.g. housing needs, sustainable transport, gender equality, etc. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending class.The needs for the course are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Building energy performance; · Building standards and regulations for the Irish construction industry; · Building energy simulation; · Renewable energy sources; · Sustainable design of built environment; · Whole life carbon assessment; · Circular economy for the construction sector; · Just transition for the construction sector
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the energy performance of a building, with a focus on building envelope and ventilation/ heating systems
2. Effectively utilise building regulations and best practice standards for new builds and retrofits
3. Gain experience in performing building energy simulation software
4. Critically assess the performance of different renewable energy sources in buildings
5. Consider the principles of sustainable design in the built environment
6. Assess the environmental, social and economic impact of construction
7. Apply the concepts of embodied and operational carbon and life cycle assessment (LCA)
8. Apply the principles of circular economy for the construction sector, including increasing circularity rates, reducing waste, and improving material efficiency;
9. Reflect on the concepts of social justice applicable to the construction process, e.g. housing needs, sustainable transport, gender equality, etc.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5105: Digital Construction Technologies

CE5105: Digital Construction Technologies

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module will cover the broad areas of building information modelling (BIM) technology, digital twinning, visualisation methods and their standard approaches within the construction sector. Digitalisation will fundamentally change the ways in which construction teams interact. Technologies such as BIM will seamlessly monitor the materials and products delivered to the construction site, in a manner that respects the need for sustainability and traceability. Furthermore, sensors will provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements, thus the ability to analyse and exploit the large volumes of data is required. Augmented reality technologies are beginning to be used for tasks such as site inspections, allowing continuous monitoring of construction process and conducting quality control checks with greater ease. Clash detection has already been identified as a benefit of BIM, but recent developments in virtual reality and communication technologies will soon allow design teams to explore design issues from different locations. These technologies will fundamentally change the way in which construction projects are managed, leading to new work processes. This module will engage with students to ensure they are fully prepared for the potential of these new work practices. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the key concepts of digitisation in construction, including building information modelling (BIM), digital twins and augmented reality; · Develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities offered by advances in BIM, big data and sensor technologies; · Develop skills in BIM in the whole building lifecycle, including facilities management; · Be able to track the progress, materials and products flow through the construction project; · Gain practical experience in using BIM tools; · Understand the need for sensors to provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements; · Be able to analyse and exploit large volumes of data generated during a construction project; · Understand the standardised approaches and best practice for improved information flow and information management across the whole construction project lifecycle. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending. The course needs are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Building Information modelling (BIM); · Sensor networks and building management systems; · Digital twins and performance modelling; · Real-life data collection and analysis; · Standards and best practice in data management.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the key concepts of digitisation in construction, including building information modelling (BIM), digital twins and augmented reality
2. Consider the opportunities offered by advances in BIM, big data and sensor technologies
3. Apply BIM in the whole building lifecycle, including facilities management
4. Track the progress, materials and products flow through the construction project
5. Gain practical experience in using BIM tools;
6. Consider the need for sensors to provide the data for digital twins and their incorporation into construction elements
7. Analyse and exploit large volumes of data generated during a construction project
8. Apply standardised approaches and best practice for improved information flow and information management across the whole construction project lifecycle

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5106: Modern Methods of Construction

CE5106: Modern Methods of Construction

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

As identified by the EY ‘Detailed Description of Needs’ report (2021), ‘The construction industry is under pressure to increase productivity and efficiency while also meeting the growing needs of an expanding population. It has to move to a new, higher level of performance and quality, while also being attentive to environmental, sustainability and circular economy imperatives’. The report showed that modern methods of construction (MMC) is one of the key areas for the construction and built environment sector. As part of this module, learners will develop skills in MMC, as the sector moves rapidly towards Industry 4.0. The module will cover key areas of standardisation and routes to certification, next generation rapid build systems (off-site panelised and modular construction), automation and autonomous construction. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On a successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the importance of testing, standards and certification in the adoption of MMC and their relevance to engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors and decision makers, including the Agrément assessment and Building Regulation compliance; · Assess what standards and regulations are relevant to various MMC; · Be able to recommend routes to certification; · Understand the impact of waste and the principles of circularity in the construction sector, including introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA); · Understand the pattern design approach, incl. the Construction Innovation Hub Platform Rulebook; · Review the current best practice and future trends for next generation rapid build construction (off-site panelised and modular construction); · Understand the concepts and methods of MMC in new builds and retrofits; · Understand new materials, easy to assemble sub-assemblies and efficient MMC; · Review the current best practice and future trends in automation, including manufacturing of new products and their installation on site; · Be able to identify risks of MMC and key considerations for various stakeholders; · Understand challenges and barriers in adopting MMC. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending. The course needs are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Introduction to standards, certification and testing; · Routes to certification for MMC; · Circular design and waste reduction; · Rapid build systems, including off-site panelised and modular systems, timber and light-gauge steel systems; · Low carbon materials and systems; · MMC in new construction and retrofits; · Construction automation and quality checks.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the importance of testing, standards and certification in the adoption of MMC and their relevance to engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, contractors and decision makers, including the Agrément assessment and Building Regulation compliance
2. Assess what standards and regulations are relevant to various MMC
3. Recommend routes to certification
4. Assess the impact of waste and the principles of circularity in the construction sector, including introduction to life cycle assessment (LCA)
5. Apply the pattern design approach, incl. the Construction Innovation Hub Platform Rulebook
6. Consider the current best practice and future trends for next generation rapid build construction (off-site panelised and modular construction)
7. Describe the concepts and methods of MMC in new builds and retrofits
8. Appraise new materials, easy to assemble sub-assemblies and efficient MMC
9. Review the current best practice and future trends in automation, including manufacturing of new products and their installation on site, taking account of quality management, quality assurance and Six Sigma in MMC
10. Identify risks of MMC and key considerations for various stakeholders
11. Describe challenges and barriers in adopting MMC

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5108: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CE5108: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Technology and innovation is one of the key areas as identified by the Ernst & Young ‘Detailed Description of Needs for the Irish Construction/Built Environment Sector’ report (2021). Construction industry needs to be empowered to take ownership of the innovation process. This module focuses on the overall innovation process, from identifying domain-specific needs, validating those needs, brainstorming, and concept creation for new technology products. The module utilises the Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Disciplined Entrepreneurship" approach (https://www.d-eship.com/). The module highlights both business analysis and communication skills, ensuring that graduates are well equipped with skills to manage innovation projects and launch their own enterprises. This module is a science-based approach and key tools, methods and materials will be explored. On a successful completion of the module, students will: · Understand the process for innovating technologies; · Demonstrate awareness of how to identify an important unmet domain need taking into consideration domain, scientific and market knowledge; · Demonstrate appreciation of concept generation and brainstorming; · Acquire significant experience of teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting; · Have utilised appropriate approaches to evaluate the concepts; · Be able to reflect on their experience; · Have completed a consulting report on the specific need. Delivery: This module will be delivered within 8 weeks in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials and guided reading; (ii) weekly lectures with associated activities; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. Attendance and active participation are essential components of this course. During the lectures, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact directly with academic staff. All reading assignments must be completed prior to attending class. The needs for the course are identified through careful observation and primary market research, starting with the EY ‘Detailed Description of Needs’ report (2021). The following topics will be covered as part of this module: · Introduction to innovation/needs finding · Problem areas and existing solutions · Area analysis and stakeholders · Weighing factors and filtering needs · Needs presentation by individual students and associated poster · Team formation on selected need · Needs brainstorming and introduction to product design · Organising and selecting concepts · Go-to-market basics · Legal affairs basics · Business models · Presentation on concept development overview
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the process for innovating technologies
2. Demonstrate awareness of how to identify an important un-met domain need taking into consideration domain, scientific and market knowledge
3. Demonstrate appreciation of concept generation and brainstorming
4. Acquire significant experience of teamwork in a multidisciplinary setting
5. Utilise appropriate approaches to evaluate the concepts
6. Reflect on their experience
7. Complete a consulting report on the specific need

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

RequiredCE5107: Innovation Project

CE5107: Innovation Project

Trimester 3 | Credits: 20

This module is focused on students working in teams to identify a real-world problems in the construction/ built environment area that require an insightful technology/ service solution, inventing and implementing the solution, demonstrating its validity and commercial viability, and developing pitches for angel and venture capital funding to allow commercialisation. All projects must relate directly to the current needs in the construction/ built environment sector, and apply the principles of sustainable design. The focus is on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, curiosity and utilising a range of tools that will help manage the innovation process. The module is designed around self-directed learning, team work and reflection, which enables distance learning. However, workshops, tutorials and drop in clinics will be provided via online platform to enhance students’ learning. This module will be delivered within 20 weeks (from mid semester 2), in a blended learning mode consisting of (i) online materials from modules 1-4 (ii) weekly drop-in clinics; and (iii) one full-day workshop with discussions. In this project, students will work in teams on identifying a real-world problem in the construction domain that requires an insightful technology/ service solution, inventing and implementing the solution, demonstrating its validity and commercial viability (and iteratively improving the solution if necessary), and developing pitches for angel and venture capital funding to allow commercialisation (post-programme). Therefore, work should focus on the start-up businesses themselves, the potential for licenses, Enterprise Ireland funding proposals, and business models ready for first-stage investment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate awareness of the process for innovating technologies
2. Demonstrate awareness of how to identify an important unmet domain need taking into consideration domain, scientific and market knowledge
3. Demonstrate appreciation of concept generation and brainstorming
4. Have utilised appropriate approaches to evaluate the concepts
5. Demonstrate appreciation of legal affairs and go-to-market strategy
6. Demonstrate appreciation of development of an operational business plan
7. Have completed a project report on the implementation plan
8. Acquire significant experience of team and project work in a multidisciplinary setting
9. Be able to reflect on the experience

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂
  

Year 2 (30 Credits)

RequiredCE5109: Research Project in Construction Innovation

CE5109: Research Project in Construction Innovation

12 months long | Credits: 30

This module allows the students to complete an individual research project on a topic of research interest in construction. The main objective of this module is to plan, execute and report on an individual engineering research project at a level appropriate for a level 9 accredited programme. Students are required to research, write and present the results of their dissertation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes

1. Assess the literature and other material relating to a particular topic and then define the scope of the project.
2. Apply advanced research and analytical skills, including expertise in a specific field, effective communication and project management
3. Identify opportunities (and challenges) for innovation in the construction sector
4. Create novel technology and/or service solutions to previously unmet, under-met and unrecognised problems.
5. Appreciate the ethical considerations, such as plagiarism, when conducting a project and when completing a written report. prepare a comprehensive report on the project.
6. Critically analyse and interpret data and results, and present the findings in an appropriate manner.

Assessments

• Research (100%)

Teachers

•  JAMIE GOGGINS 🖂