Module Details

Module Code: PLAC8017
Title: Work Placement (MEng)
Long Title: Work Placement (MEng)
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2022/23 ( September 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 30
Field of Study: 0111 - Placement
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: The learner will undertake a 30 credit, 18 weeks minimum placement in the work place. The placement will provide the
student with an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained on his/her programme and
the integration of engineering, scientific, and other disciplines in a commercial operation.
It is intended to build on the learner’s previous learning to undertake work in a professional setting at the appropriate level using a range of civil/ structural engineering knowledge already acquired. The placement will provide the learner with an opportunity to solve engineering problems/ undertake design calculations/ research engineering problems in a professional setting. The placement is supported by a workplace mentor and a member of departmental staff.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Apply knowledge of civil/ structural engineering science, acquired during the programme to contribute to the solution of civil/ structural engineering problems and/ or the development of civil/ structural engineering design solutions in the workplace.
LO2 Demonstrate the appropriate written/ oral communication skills required of the professional practitioner.
LO3 Apply professional practice within the workplace in relation to technical and managerial issues.
LO4 Use and apply initiative and leadership skills whilst working alone and in teams.
LO5 Prepare a professional report on the technical aspects of the work undertaken during the work placement.
LO6 Critically analyse the learning achieved during the work placement.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Problem Solving
Defining and analysis of work-related practical problems and development of appropriate, creative and innovative solutions.
Professional Practice
Apply professional practice such as social, environmental, ethical, health, safety, legal, personnel, sustainable, economic, financial and commercial considerations and responsibilities.
Teamwork
Function in work based teams covering aspects such as conflict, conflict prevention, resolution and leadership.
Communication
Management and communication processes within the enterprise such as meetings, presentations, project planning, etc. Managing interpersonal relationships.
Personal Development & Initiative
Undertaking professional development (technical and soft skills training) and enhancing competencies. Delivering on individual responsibility for aspects of system adoption/development/improvement.
Application of learning in the placement
Application of learning achieved in CIT (structured) and also within the enterprise (experiential) to solve engineering problems and/or develop engineering design solutions.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Visit by MTU staff to interview student and workplace mentor or other appropriate provisions.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Written Report on work placement – to include description and critique of technical engineering work undertaken during the work placement and critical reflection on the learning achieved during the placement.
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Formative feedback from workplace mentor regularly on performance of student throughout the placement, with end of placement evaluation.
Assessment Type Critique % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5,6
Assessment Description
Interview, presentation and/or digital reflection on work placement and contents of written report.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Supervision and assessment Every Week 0.50 0.5
Tutorial Contact Workplace Preparatory Workshops Every Month 0.75 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Professional Work Placement Every Week 42.00 42
Total Hours 45.50
Total Weekly Learner Workload 43.25
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.25
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Donald A. Schon. (1991), The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action, [ISBN: 1857423194].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • D. Ingre, R. Basil. (2016), Engineering Communication: A Practical Guide to Workplace Communications for Engineers, 2nd. Cengage Learning, [ISBN: 9781305635104].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Engineers Ireland. (2018), Engineers Ireland Code of Ethics.
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CCEEE_9 Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Environment and Energy) 8 Mandatory
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 8 Mandatory