Sustainable Construction - The Use of Case Studies in Civil Engineering Education

Abstract

Civil engineering educators need to develop effective teaching techniques in order to prepare the current students with the necessary sustainability knowledge. In view of its importance, aspects of sustainability are broadly integrated into existing civil engineering modules at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. Furthermore, specific modules focusing in sustainability issues, principles and aspects in the wider construction industry were designed and incorporated in the civil engineering curriculum. In order to enhance our undergraduate students' understanding and learning experience, an additional module was incorporated for the past four years that is substantially devoted to investigate major civil engineering projects employing sustainable agenda. The students are free to choose case studies and are required to find, sort, synthesize and present information relating to the main issues surrounding sustainability of major civil engineering projects. The students report/present their findings in the form of essays. In this paper, the effectiveness of the use of major civil engineering projects employing sustainable agenda as case studies and the students' appreciation of sustainable practice in civil engineering are investigated. Furthermore, the lecturers' and students' views on the extent of coverage of the key elements of sustainability in the civil engineering degree course are evaluated. The outcomes indicate that the use of major civil engineering projects employing sustainable agenda as case studies develops the students' appreciation of the contemporary engineered environment and sustainability in civil engineering. It, furthermore, develops their appreciation of the continual developments and improvements in civil engineering knowledge/practice. A common view by the lecturers and students, as indicated from this study, is that the degree course needs to further cover the key issues of sustainable construction.