BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEER APPRENTICESHIP

This module advances your mathematical knowledge from Level 4, specifically for use in the building services engineering industries. It teaches you to analyse and model building services engineering situations using advanced mathematical techniques. Topics covered include complex numbers, matrix theory (for solving linear equations), numerical methods, and expanding calculus knowledge to model and solve problems using first and second order differential equations.

This module enables you to effectively design and implement repair and maintenance strategies for the built environment estate. It develops knowledge of the role of maintenance/facilities management from a strategic perspective, including the scope of facilities management and the benefits of asset management programmes. Key areas include evaluating construction materials and their deterioration mechanisms, and studying the legal standing of dilapidation reports, statutory controls, and assessing the costs of repairs.

This module develops knowledge of renewable options that system designers utilise in construction and the built environment. Students explore renewable energy systems globally for both domestic and non-domestic buildings. The main learning outcome is the ability to design and calculate a renewable energy system for a non-domestic building, comparing options suitable for the UK, such as photovoltaic, solar, wind, and hydro systems.

The study of thermofluids is critical to the design, specification, and operation of building services engineering systems. Students explore thermofluids, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and combustion, focusing on their calculation and application. Students gain knowledge to work on heating and refrigeration systems. The module also covers acoustics, including the causes of noise and vibration, calculating noise levels, and developing strategies to manage the acoustic environment.

This module focuses on understanding Building Management Systems (BMS), common in commercial, public, and domestic properties. It explores how automatic control of heating, cooling, lighting, and security has become the norm, driven by the priority of energy efficiency. The content covers the influence of IoT devices (like NEST and Hive) and predicts how AI will make BMS more intelligent. A critical focus is placed on analysing how cyber security is becoming critical when related to controls, BMS, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

This module provides students with an understanding of the detailed processes that support construction professionals within the context of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Students explore how BIM helps with costings and assists Facilities Managers (FM) in the day-to-day running and maintenance of assets in large commercial buildings. The knowledge gained focuses on how BIM enables better information management across the life of a building and allows students to determine its relevance when looking at costs and FM.

This module examines rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its relation to smart buildings, considering current industry applications. It explores Internet of Things (IoT) devices (non-standard computing hardware like sensors and actuators) and critically assesses their security in commercial and domestic settings. The module analyses how IoT and AI can make a building more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, addressing Sustainable Development Goal 11.

This module enables students to gain knowledge of environmental assessment methods used in the construction industry. It covers methods for individual elements and whole projects. Students explore a project’s environmental issues and how its impact can be reduced and mitigated. The content includes examining key tools for project sustainability, such as BREEAM, LEED, NABERS, and EPC, and comparing these methods.

This module provides an understanding of techniques and practices for effective project management of building services engineering. Students explore constraints on large, complex construction projects, focusing on time, cost, quality, and labour shortages. The module involves developing project plans, solutions to problems, and comparing project management tools, including PRINCE2.

This module focuses on advanced computational analysis and modelling. It involves using specialised software for Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) on real buildings and undertaking internal airflow and thermal studies using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Students analyse airflows, seasonal effects, produce a design for a specific office (e.g., a three-storey design), and demonstrate how elements like an atrium or stack can cool a building with models.

This compulsory double module develops skills for lifelong professional development. The project assesses the student’s ability to apply knowledge and analytical skills gained throughout the degree to solve complex, interrelated building problems. The design proposal must address innovation, sustainability, contracts, health, welfare, and safety in a real-life scenario. Students produce quantitative and qualitative data and analyse how the design supports Sustainable Development Goals.