Sustainable Infrastructure Engineering (Land)

Engineered components must withstand various external forces during normal usage.  An example of a simple component is the chair, which must bear the weight of the person sitting on it without breaking or undergoing significant deformation.  An engineer needs to be able to evaluate the forces that are applied to the component and to further determine the mechanical behaviour of the component in response to the applied forces.  

This module provides students with the ability to mathematically analyse simple components in static equilibrium (i.e. not in motion) under different modes of loading.  The module consists of lectures where concepts and examples will be presented, and tutorials where students can pose questions from their own study.  In addition, students will also complete various assignments that are intended to strengthen their grasp of knowledge learnt in lectures and tutorials.  

The topics covered in this module include:

• Basic concepts of force, stress, strain and mechanical properties of materials
• Static equilibrium – free body diagram
• Equations of equilibrium relating external and internal forces
• Centroids and moment of inertia of cross-sections
• Equations describing geometry of deformation or displacements / compatibility
• Relationship between applied force and deformation of material i.e. stress-strain relationship
• Combining equations of equilibrium, stress-strain relationships and compatibility to calculate stress and strain conditions in bodies
• Shear force, bending moment and stresses in bending of beams
• Torque and stress in torsion of circular section

Engineering Mathematics is the foundation of all engineering degrees. Engineering Math I aims to equip students with core mathematical skills which will help them better understand other engineering modules. This module presents the mathematical foundations of Functions, which includes function transformation, logarithms and exponential functions, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions. The more substantial part of this module begins with Limits and Continuity which includes L’ Hopital’s rule, followed by Single Variable Calculus. It covers differentiation and integration of functions of one variable, with various engineering applications.

The topics covered in this module include:

• To apply and solve functions involving exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric and hyperbolic in the context of engineering
• To explain the concept of limits and continuity and solve related problems, in preparation for calculus
• To use the rules of differentiation to compute the derivative of functions and apply derivatives in curve sketching and optimisation
• To use integration techniques in evaluating integrals and apply definite integral in computing area between curves, volume, arc length and surface area

This module focuses on C programming fundamentals including arithmetic algorithms, control structures, functions, arrays, pointers, characters, input/output, file processing, and data structures. Good programming practices, common programming errors and secure programming tips are discussed. To make this module more relevant to engineers and to make students “tinkering”, microcontroller design is introduced and students are required to complete a mini-project on microcontroller design using C language. This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role programming can play in solving problems. It also aims to develop students’ competencies in writing C programs that can solve engineering problems.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To comprehend basic terminology used in C-programming language
•To plan, implement, test and debug C-programs
•To apply different variables, arithmetic and logical expressions, control selections and repetitions in C programs
•To implement functions, arrays, and pointers in C programs
•To use string and character processing, formatted input/output, file processing, and data structures in C programs
•To design C programs for performing simple tasks using Arduino microcontroller

This module introduces basic fundamental of measurement and sensor technology. It covers from characteristics of measurement, SI standard to different types of sensors used in measurement systems such as displacement, level, velocity, flow and temperature. Principles of modern sensor technology and measurement devices are introduced. A summarized review or introduction to electrical circuit is also covered for the background knowledge of electrical sensors. At the end of the module, students are to implement and practice the knowledge learned and to evaluate and understand measurement tool or system with sensor technology.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To describe and understand the fundamentals and fundamentals and process of measurement and interpret related standards
•To evaluate static characteristics of measurement and determine its accuracy, precision, reproducibility, repeatability, hysteresis and nonlinearity; and analyze the causes of errors
•To explain the principle of sensors and transducers, determine and evaluate the sensitivity of sensors, and explain and deal with non-linearity of some sensors
•To comprehend and apply sensor technology in spatial measurement such as proximity, displacement, distance, range, pressure, temperature, flow and level and explain the principle of their measurement

This course aims to provide fundamental knowledge of Planar Kinematics and Planar Kinetics in particles and rigid bodies.  Students are trained to use vectors throughout the course and physical concepts such as velocity and acceleration (relative to moving or fixed reference frames), translation and rotation, force and moment, work and kinetic energy, linear/angular impulse and momentum, etc. are developed rigorously.  Based on the understanding of the physical concepts, students will learn the principles in kinematics and kinetics, and apply them to solve practical problems in dynamics.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To use free body diagrams to analyse dynamical problem
•To describe curvilinear motion in terms of Cartesian coordinate, normal and tangential components, and Polar coordinate
•To understand the general expression for derivative of a vector, which consists of component due to magnitude change and direction change
•To set up and solve vector equations for velocities and accelerations of simple/relative motion of particles in various frames of reference
•To set up and solve vector equations for angular velocities and angular accelerations of a rigid slab using the motion of two points on the body
•To analyse the velocity and acceleration of simple mechanisms (assembly of constrained particles and rigid bodies) using the principle of velocity/acceleration combination
•To use the principle of work and energy and the principle of linear/angular impulse and momentum to solve dynamical problems
•To use newton’s laws to solve dynamic problems (given motion to determine force or vice versa) for a system of particles and rigid bodies

Mathematics is a foundation for engineering students to study in their specific technical fields. The aim of this module is to provide students with necessary mathematics background which is essential to their further engineering course studies. The content of this module focuses on Vectors, Complex Numbers, Matrix Algebra and Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE). This course will mainly be conducted by classroom lecturing and tutoring. Students will need to do the homework assignments after every lecture. The final grade will be a combination of marks from quizzes, assignments and final exam.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To apply the principles of vector algebra in solving a variety of problems in engineering (e.g. volume of parallelepiped calculation, moment of force, etc)
•To apply the principles of complex numbers in solving engineering-related problems (e.g. complex impedance of electrical network, fluid dynamics, etc)
•To apply and solve engineering problems using matrix algebra (e.g. systems of linear equations, mechanical systems, etc)
•To comprehend and solve the basic first order ordinary differential equations

Thermodynamics is an exciting and fascinating subject that deals with energy and energy interactions. Heat transfer is a basic science that deals with the rate of transfer of thermal energy in various media. This module is designed to give students a basic understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and the principles of heat transfer, leading to analyze of thermal engine cycles and design of heat exchangers. The module introduces the concepts of heat, work, reversibility, efficiency and property diagrams of pure substance while discussing the 1st law of thermodynamics. The ideal-gas equation of state is introduced for ideal gases while real gases are described by other polytropic models. The 2nd law of thermodynamics introduces the efficiency calculation for the heat engine and refrigeration/heat pump cycle, which these thermodynamic cycles can be approximated by an idealised reversible Carnot cycle. The 3rd law of thermodynamics set the stage for the discussion of actual vapour power cycle (Rankine) and actual vapour- compression refrigeration cycle.

In heat transfer, three main mechanisms of heat flow will be discussed; conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction introduces the Fourier’s law with emphasis on developing 1D heat transfer in steady state condition for various structures. There are two modes of convection, namely natural and forced convection, where some convection correlations are derived to demonstrate and allow appreciation of its respective empirical convection heat transfer coefficient in real world. Conduction and convection are re-visited again in the heat exchanger topic where design issues and the concept of Log Mean temperature Difference (LMTD), Number of Transfer Units (NTU) method are introduced. Overall, the module aims to develop appreciation of the importance of thermal systems in sustainable infrastructures.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To describe the Laws of Thermodynamics in thermal systems
•To apply thermodynamics concepts to the understanding of heat pumps
•To discuss the property diagrams and P-v-T surface.
•To discuss the mechanisms of Heat Transfer; Conduction, Convection, and Radiation
•To analyse heat transfer problems
•To design refrigerant cycle system in an assignment
•To assess various heat exchanger configurations and their maintenance issues

Understanding engineering designs is a basic skill expected of all engineers. It is essential because graphics communication and documentation using 2-D drawings and 3-D computer models are a universal means of communicating a design idea clearly, and allowing the idea to be converted into physical products. This module is for SIE students in their first year of studies. Student progress shall be assessed through drawing assessment and assignment, final design project, presentations and final report.

The topics covered in this module include:
•3-dimensional (3-D) visualization and spatial reasoning;
•Engineering sketching;
•Basic descriptive geometry;
•The fundamentals of orthographic projection;
•Parametric and feature-based solid modelling;
•Assembly modelling;
•Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing;
•Drawing convention and presentation of 3-dimensional (3-D) geometry on 2-dimensional (2-D) media;
•Use of computer-aided design (CAD) software as the major graphical analysis and design tool.

Every structural component is made of a single material or a combination of different materials.  A large number of materials are available from which an engineer can choose, and the behaviour of each material is influenced by how it is processed.  So how does an engineer make a selection of which material to use?  

In this module, students will learn the relationships between materials structure, processing and properties so as to understand how the properties of a material can be achieved for a specific application.  Concurrent to lectures, students will also undertake a group assignment during which hands-on activities are undertaken to select a material for an assigned application.

The topics covered in this module include:
•Material selection: Pugh selection method, weighted decision matrix
•Material properties, failure and prevention: density, stress-strain relationship, Young's modulus, proof and yield stress, plastic deformation, ultimate tensile strength, ductile-brittle fracture, impact notch test, fatigue, stress concentration factor, creep, corrosion types - uniform, galvanic, stress corrosion cracking, pitting, crevice, microbiologically influenced corrosion, wear
•Structure: Periodic table, primary and secondary bonds, crystal structures BCC, FCC and HCP, dislocation
• Metallic alloys: solid solutions, phase diagrams for binary alloys, equilibrium and non- equilibrium conditions, eutectic and eutectoid, TTT diagrams, quenching and critical cooling rate, solid solution strengthening, cold working, age/precipitation hardening, grain boundary strengthening
•Ferrous alloys: Iron-carbon phase diagram, microstructures and properties of pearlite, bainite and martensite, heat treatment, hardenability, types of steels - carbon steel, high strength low alloy steel, stainless steel (ferritic, austenitic, martensitic and duplex), sensitisation
•Non-ferrous alloys: aluminium alloys - types, strengthening and applications
•Polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers, molecular structure, crystalline and amorphous, glass transition temperature, additives, mechanical properties
•Ceramics and glass: types, crystal structure and bonding, mechanical properties
•Composites: types, polymer matrix composites
•General manufacturing processes of metals which include casting, forming, machining, joining and surface finishing.

Effective written and oral communication skills have long been viewed as core competencies for undergraduate students in major universities in the world, and they are required by employers in today’s globalized workplace. Specific communication skills required of engineering undergraduates include the ability to present academic and technical information both in writing and orally to technical and non-technical audiences.

This module aims to help students develop such abilities through academic essay writing, technical report writing, reflective writing, oral presenting and other learning activities.  SIE2016 also adopts a process-based, reading-into-writing approach so that students have the chance to learn/unlearn/relearn from the multiple drafting experience of each writing assignment.  For the principle content focus of the course, a project-based approach is used that requires teams of students to explore authentic engineering problems and develop viable solutions within real-world contexts. Within the module, they are required to read discipline-specific articles, do writing assignments and a project with an engineering focus, and interview engineers or related experts, thus facilitating greater acquaintance with the field.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To adjust style and tone when communicating different types of information to different audiences for a particular purpose
•To recognize the language features and conventions of academic and technical texts and employ these in their own writing and speaking
•To develop thesis, problem and purpose statements and support such statements with evidence
•To develop orally and in writing effective paraphrases and summaries for a specific purpose
•To identify and think critically about complex problems, formulate solutions and present these orally and in writing
•To analyze, synthesize and interpret information from various sources for specific purposes
•To cite sources correctly using APA citation style, showing academic integrity
•To revise their writing for clarity, conciseness, coherence, and fallacies in logic
•To give constructive criticism and feedback to peers
•To monitor their own progress through reflection while identifying strengths and weaknesses

Foundational engineering math such as Partial differentiation; Multi-variate integrals and differentiation

Elementary fluid dynamics; Momentum equation and its application (Bernoulli’s equation); Dimensional analysis (Buckingham Pi’s theory) and similitudes; Internal flows and piping systems; Principles and applications of fluid machines, including pumps, compressors and turbines.

Fundamental Circuit Principles, Kirchhoff’s Law, Thevenin’s and Norton’s Theorem; Transient Response of Circuits, Steady State A.C. Analysis of Circuits, Power in A.C. Circuits, Transformers, electrical machines, semiconductors devices – diodes and transistors, operational amplifier, logic gates and combinational circuits.

Stress analysis and topics beyond linear elastic response of structures such as structural instability, limit load analysis and bean-columns. Energy based methods as alternatives to classical stress analysis techniques.

Foundational engineering math such as Sequences and Series; First and Second Order ordinary and partial differential equations

This course aims to provide fundamental knowledge of Planar Kinematics and Planar Kinetics in particles and rigid bodies.  Students are trained to use vectors throughout the course and physical concepts such as velocity and acceleration (relative to moving or fixed reference frames), translation and rotation, force and moment, work and kinetic energy, linear/angular impulse and momentum, etc. are developed rigorously.  Based on the understanding of the physical concepts, students will learn the principles in kinematics and kinetics, and apply them to solve practical problems in dynamics.

The topics covered in this module include:
•To use free body diagrams to analyse dynamical problem
•To describe curvilinear motion in terms of Cartesian coordinate, normal and tangential components, and Polar coordinate
•To understand the general expression for derivative of a vector, which consists of component due to magnitude change and direction change
•To set up and solve vector equations for velocities and accelerations of simple/relative motion of particles in various frames of reference
•To set up and solve vector equations for angular velocities and angular accelerations of a rigid slab using the motion of two points on the body
•To analyse the velocity and acceleration of simple mechanisms (assembly of constrained particles and rigid bodies) using the principle of velocity/acceleration combination
•To use the principle of work and energy and the principle of linear/angular impulse and momentum to solve dynamical problems
•To use newton’s laws to solve dynamic problems (given motion to determine force or vice versa) for a system of particles and rigid bodies

Marine engineering fundamentals, whole value chain of marine industry, Singapore’s marine industry; Introduction to Hydrodynamics, Introduction to marine propulsion, Overview of ship and offshore structures; Introduction to offshore and marine maintenance, Repair and overhaul of ship structures including industrial site visits.

Historical Perspective of Aerospace Engineering; Overview of Aerospace Clusters; Introduction to Aerodynamics; Introduction to Propulsion; Overview of Aircraft Support Systems; Introduction to Aircraft Structure; Introduction to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) including industrial site visits

Introduction to NDT on the fundamental principles of test methods applied in industry. This provides an understanding of the features and limitations of the different methods for effective method selection and application. Through hands-on training, students will also learn test equipment calibration, set up and operation, as well as sample preparation for inspection.

This module aims to equip the student with the knowledge of the rules and regulations regulating the practice of professional engineering in mechanical engineering and to increase the student’s awareness of his or her responsibilities in a professional engineering environment. Centre to the module is the development of the student’s knowledge in addressing professional ethical issues and the student’s awareness of how his or her professional skills such as leadership and communication skills are important in the practice and can be enhanced through continuing professional development. In addition, the student will undergo training on job applications and job interviews.

Principles and applications of railway signalling and communications, such as signal interlocking; automatic train protection; train detection and separation; automatic train operation; analog and digital data transmission; and communication medium, networks, and protocols.

Introduction to Fundamental Engineering Mechanics and Electrical Power Systems on typical integration of Rolling Stock and Permanent Way Systems. Comprehensive overview of electrical power systems, rail vehicle dynamics, and their response to wheel rail interactions and impacts of vibration and forces. List includes vibration analysis, collision impact, AC/DC motors & VVVF for induction motors.

Flaw detection and sizing are covered for the different test methods where students will practice these skills by inspecting for a range of damages including surface-breaking cracks, welding flaws and porosity in common types of materials and structures used in industry. Emphasis is also given to translation of standards and specifications to practical inspection procedures, interpretation and evaluation of test results, and professional reporting.

Introduction to total productive maintenance (TPM) concepts and techniques, including preventive maintenance, autonomous maintenance, maintainability Improvement, maintenance prevention, and P-M analysis; TPM relations to other technical maintenance discipline like reliability centred maintenance (RCM), instruments protective function (IPF) and risk based inspections (RBI).

Application of lean enterprise model to maintenance, repair and operations (MRO); Introduction to lean principles and theory of constraints, and their application in waste elimination, quality improvement, work flow and responsiveness enhancement.

Students are required to work on a group design project of technical nature in the Building Services Engineering. For example, typical projects are:
1) Energy Conservation in Buildings 
2) BIM project

IWSP provides students with the opportunity to undertake real work, allowing them to integrate theory and practice and develop deep specialist skills in their chosen field. Held over the span of 8 to 12 months, the structure of the IWSP will be unique and distinct for each degree programme to cater to differing needs of the industry. Our employers are our partners in education. Designed to be more in-depth than a traditional internship or industrial attachment, students participating in the IWSP are expected to undertake real work in the companies they are employed in for the programme. This will allow SIT students to gain real work experience and is meant to augment theory with actual practice.

Students are required to work on a group design project of technical nature in the Building Services Engineering. For example, typical projects are:
1) Energy Conservation in Buildings 
2) BIM project

For students who proceed to Master of Engineering Technology

Energy Optimisation Focus

Theoretical and practical understanding of supervisory control and data acquisition in the railway environment, such as field instrumentations; remote terminal units; programmable logic controllers; telecommunication infrastructures; supervisory computer system; and human-machine interface.

A general review of various safety standards, best practices and legislation that govern the development, safety and maintenance of railway systems; Historical perspective how these standards/practices/legislation evolve with railway developments.

Review on statistics and probabilities; Introduction to statistical standard control charts, e.g. R-, p-, np-, c- and u-charts, and their applications and limitations; Importance of assumptions and how they affect control charts properties; Case studies.

This module introduces the student to manufacturing technologies relevant to today’s mechanical engineering practice. It equips the student with the fundamentals and applicable knowledge to address design, process and quality issues commonly faced in modern manufacturing processes and operations. The student would be encouraged to explore both traditional and non-traditional manufacturing processes through lectures, laboratory sessions, online activities and projects. Assessment of learning will be through continual assessments, evaluation of group projects and the student’s individual performance in a final examination.