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 the 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 the 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 the 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 analyse 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 measurements 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.

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 analyse 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 the 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 Fourier’s law with an 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 the 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 an 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 a 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.

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 a 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 analyse, 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.

Through this module, you will gain a firm foundation in engineering mathematical concepts such as partial differentiation, multivariate integrals and differentiation.

Key takeaway(s):

• Learn about total and partial differentials and their use in estimating errors.
• Integrate total differentials to recover their original function.
• Employ double, triple, or higher level integrals using repeated integration.

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.

This foundational engineering math module provides you with a good grasp on concepts such as sequences and series, Laplace and Fourier transform, and partial differential equations.

Key takeaway(s):

• Apply various sequences and series including power series, Taylor and Maclaurin series, and Fourier series.
• Implement Laplace transform, Fourier transform and their properties.
• Learn about partial differential equations including Laplace equation, heat-conduction, and wave equation.

This course aims to provide students with the introduction to Land Transportation Engineering; Applied Mechanics; Reciprocating Engines; Material Properties, Failure Modes and Diagnosis; and Fluid Power Systems. 

These lab modules adopt the hands-on approach to engage students in applied learning.

Students will work in teams and will be provided with support and resources to work independently in clarifying their academic knowledge to deliver (1) Designated outcome, and (2) Open-ended result. Teamwork and discussion are the most important aspects of these modules. Assessment will be through continuous assessment, peer review, presentations and reports

Marine engineering fundamentals, whole value chain of the marine industry, Singapore’s marine industry; Introduction to Hydrodynamics, Introduction to marine propulsion, Overview of the 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 has three parts. The first allows the student to appreciate the various roles played by engineers in society. It seeks to raise awareness of the contribution that engineers can make in society by exposing the student to topical societal, cultural and environmental issues and challenging him or her to take on a leadership role in addressing such issues. The second educates the student on the responsibilities of an engineer in professional practice, and familiarizes the student with the rules and regulations regulating the practice of professional engineering. Lastly, the module equips the student with the necessary career skills in starting and growing a career as an engineer. It prepares the students to apply for their first IWSP position. Specifically, this part of the course provides the students with the experience of going through the entire process of job search, from submitting their job application letter and resume, to attending a mock job interview session. The knowledge and skills, acquired by the students through this module and the IWSP, would form a valuable source for them to draw from as they look for their first full-time job upon graduation and as they plan their career.

This module focuses on railway signalling and communications. The principles of train detection, fail-safe, points, lineside signals, and interlocking are discussed. Automatic train control including automatic train protection, operation, and supervision, as well as communications-based train control systems and subsystems, are described and illustrated using real-world examples and case studies. Furthermore, various techniques of digital and analogue communications are covered with practical applications, such as line coding, block coding, scrambling, pulse code modulation, delta modulation, as well as shift keying and modulation of amplitude, frequency and phase. Bandwidth utilisation methods including multiplexing and spread spectrum, as well as guided and unguided transmission media are also explained with examples. To enhance students’ understanding and analytical skills, students are required to write a report discussing and evaluating local and overseas railway signalling and communication systems and subsystems.

This module covers important mechanical and electrical concepts that are inherent in the Rolling Stock and Permanent Way Systems (RS and PWay Sytems).

For the mechanical section, students are introduced to core dynamic concepts in the first two lectures to further building on the fundamentals that they would have already acquired. Students will look at Newton’s Second Law in the generalized coordinates system so as to understand the train’s dynamic motion in both lateral and rotational directions coupled with gradient differences. After covering the core foundations, this module will be extended to areas of wheel-track interaction, collision calculations and vibrational analysis. Students will learn to understand the effects of the coefficient of friction (in both dynamic and static) on the wheel track interaction and determination of the train braking systems. Students will also be trained to apply the coefficient of restitution to understand the impact of collision of different materials. Finally, the mechanical section of SIE3004 which is on vibrational analysis will be discussed and expounded in detail. Students will be trained to understand the simple harmonic motion equations of a vibrational system in various configuration such as with or without dampers/force.

For the Electrical section, students will learn about power conversion process from the AC Grid network all the way to the powering of the trains. Topics include Diode Rectifiers for the initial power conversion from the Grid for motoring purpose, Thyristor Converters used to allow regenerative braking and power to be returned to the Grid; Basic Drives configuration (Converter with Motor) with variable voltage converters. The purpose of the latter is to show how speed and torque are related to (and controlled by) converter current and voltage.

Introduction to NDT on steel processing and discontinuities, as well as fundamental principles of common test methods applied in industry. Flaw detection and sizing are covered for these test methods where students will practise 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 the industry.

The combination of theory taught in class and practical training conducted during lab sessions will provide students with an appreciation of the advantages and limitations of different test methods and their industry applications.

Students will also be accustomed to reading and understanding test standard operating procedures to be able to analyse test results according to application requirements and subsequently document findings in professional inspection reports.

This introductory module will cover foundational topics required to develop high reliable plants, products and services, which include topics like reliability theory, RAM (reliability, maintainability and availability), reliability centred maintenance (RCM) methodology, and failure analysis.

The module objectives are to introduce the concept of reliability engineering, followed by describing two specific aspects of the discipline that form the application backbone of the RCM methodology. That is first the basic reliability theory concepts, and second, the key reliability tools e.g. fault tree analysis, event tree analysis and, failure mode, effects & criticality analysis. The content will be approached from a system to component perspective with a strong focus on practical methods and tools.

In many manufacturing industries, Lean has proven itself to be the dynamic leap in production efficiency needed to excel and sustain in today’s global marketplace. The fundamental principle of Lean is the recognition of customer value and the continuous elimination of waste. Waste elimination includes both in operations and reducing the time from receiving the order to delivery while maintaining (or even improving) product quality.

This module will focus on achieving an understanding of Lean principles, practices, and techniques from both a technical standpoint and the people perspective needed to effect the change and sustain the improvement. Tutorial sessions will include hands-on exercises designed to simulate real-world applications to clarify the concepts and techniques taught.

This module walks students through a series of studio/workshop activities to learn and apply the engineering design process which includes steps such as empathy, problem definition, concept generation, reviewing the conceptual system design, breaking down the system design into the component design, prototyping at various stages of design, and validation of design, to propose a feasible engineering solution to a given problem.

This module uses a hands-on approach to engage students in applied learning. Students will work in teams and will be provided with support and resources to work independently in clarifying and prototyping their ideas to deliver an appropriate proposal. Students are not required to deliver a fully working system but their prototypes should be of sufficient resolution and with sound engineering principles, to demonstrate critical components of their solution. Ample opportunity for teamwork, discussions, critique and pitching is to be expected. A team of facilitators comprising of expertise from the Engineering Cluster and the SIT Centre for Communication Skills will support this module although independent project work is necessary. Assessment will be through continuous assessment, peer review, presentations and reports.

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 different 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.

This module focuses on the implementation and delivery of an engineering solution in the following specialized areas:

SIE (Land)
•    Non-Destructive Testing
•    Total Preventive Maintenance
•    Rolling Stock & Permanent Way
•    Signalling & Communications
•    Systems Engineering
•    Others (to be specified)

SIE (Building Services)
•    System performance, intelligence and sustainability in buildings
•    BIM and simulation technology
•    Health and wellbeing
•    Design and Practice
•    Others (to be specified)

It is expected that the project scope undertaken by the individual student will mirror the real-life problems experienced by the student during his or her IWSP. Thus, the solution presented at the conclusion of this project is expected to have a relevant application in at least one of the five areas of specialization listed above. Students will apply an integrated design process involving design steps from problem definition, reviewing the conceptual system design, breaking down the system design into the component design, prototyping at various stages of design, fabrication, and validating the design against the original intended application.

This module focuses on supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) in the railway industry. The principles of SCADA system hierarchy and functions of SCADA components, such as programmable logic controllers, remote and master terminal units, and human-machine interface are discussed and illustrated using real-world examples. Moreover, various wired and wireless communication technologies involving local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks are explained, together with Ethernet, synchronous optical network, and multiprotocol label switching. Internet protocol suite, as well as different error detection and correction techniques including blocking coding, cyclic codes, checksum, and forward error correction, are described with examples.

Computer and network security threats and techniques are also covered with practical applications. To enhance students’ understanding and analytical skills, students are required to write a report discussing and evaluating SCADA systems and subsystems of different railway lines in Singapore.

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

Appreciate and apply various safety standards and best practices.

Understand the importance of these standards/practices/legislation in ensuring the safety and reliability of railway operations.

This module will introduce applied statistical reasoning, introducing fundamental statistical skills and acquainting students with the full process of inquiry and evaluation used in investigations in a wide range of fields. Particularly, the module will cover methods of data collection, constructing effective graphical and numerical displays to understand the data, how to estimate and describe the error in estimates of some important quantities, and the key ideas in how statistical tests can be used to separate significant differences from those that are only a reflection of the natural variability in data.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Explain the foundational principles and concepts that are common to all statistical methods.
• Select appropriate statistical methods in term of its strengths and limitations.
• Apply each of the concepts to practical situations (Six-Sigma DMAIC process) to make appropriate conclusions.

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, on-line 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.