ObjectivesThe aim is to provide a high quality Master's degree in structural and fire engineering to UK/EU and international students with a first degree in civil or mechanical engineering or related disciplines at the 2.1 (only exceptionally 2.2) Honours level (or demonstrably equivalent qualifications). The focus will be on students developing a thorough and deep understanding of the behaviour of structures in fire as well as the basic principles of fire dynamics and the interactions between structural elements and fire. The research strengths of Edinburgh in fire safety engineering and in the many other related inter-disciplinary applications will provide a range of optional modules and thesis research topics for students to choose from. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: * Understand the non-linearity that arises in structural response to loading when the geometry or 'shape' of the structure changes because of 'movement' of its parts and also the non-linearity that arises from inelastic material behaviour, which is nearly always the case in real structures subjected to real fires. * Understand the "real" behaviour of structures when subjected to real fires as opposed to the "idealised' behaviour" of single members in furnaces, relied upon in conventional prescriptive design * Use advanced calculation methods, which enable reliable quantitative representations of real structure behaviour under fires to be used in design. * Learn ways to analyses structural response to extreme loading such as fires and earthquakes * develop 'problem solving skills' to a high level and think in new and imaginative ways in order to achieve satisfactory solutions to difficult problems * Solve realistic and challenging problems using computer based analysis methods using a range of advanced analysis software * to pursue research in a large range of inter-disciplinary areas in addition to structural engineering and fire safety engineering and work in an advanced engineering consultancy dealing with complex cross-disciplinary problems
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements Prospective students present a wide range of admission qualifications and each case is examined on its merits. Candidates must hold UK first class or 2:1 honours degree, or its equivalent if outside UK, in civil engineering or a related subject, for example mechanical engineering or applied mathematics.
Academic titleMSc Structural & Fire Safety Engineering
Course descriptionThe evolution of building regulations internationally is enabling structural fire resistance design to move from the rigid 'prescriptive' approaches to 'performance based' approaches and the need for skilled engineers in this area is increasing exponentially. This course provides a unique opportunity for engineering graduates and professionals to acquire the specialist skills required to understand the behaviour of structures in fire and become proficient in using modern techniques of analysis and design of structures for fire resistance.
Engineers or other professionals wishing to participate in the MSc programme may do so on a part time basis.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to understand the 'real' behaviour of structures when subjected to real fires as opposed to the 'idealised' behaviour of single members in furnaces, relied on in conventional prescriptive design and use advanced calculation methods, which enable reliable quantitative representations of real structure behaviour under fires to be used in design.
How You Will Be Taught
The MSc is a full time 12-month modular programme starting in September. In the first two semesters, students study compulsory taught courses which include formal lectures, laboratory demonstrations and practical exercises.
Course Structure and Delivery
If taken on a full-time basis the MSc course runs for a full calendar year starting in mid-September
The course is taught in modules over two semesters to provide essential background material in parallel with short research projects. At the end of the formally taught period students are required to complete a dissertation on a supervised research project chosen from a list of topics provided at the beginning of the second semester.
The programme has a modular structure with the award of credits for successful completion of each module and the project. A total of 180 credits (120 from taught modules and short research projects plus 60 from the main research project) are required at a satisfactory level of achievement in all modules for the award of the Master's degree.
The core taught modules includes
* Fire science and fire dynamics
* Current methods in fire safety engineering
* The finite element method
* Quantitative methods in fire safety engineering
* Fire resistance of structures
* Fire dynamics laboratory
plus a number of optional modules such as (at least two must be chosen)
* Plastic analysis of frames and slabs
* Thin-walled structures and stability
* Real structure behaviour and its analysis
* Structural dynamics and earthquake engineering
* Mechanics of repairing and strengthening structures