Phoebe, a second year BEng Civil Engineering student, describes the differences between first and second year studies.

In second year we are building on a lot of the basics we learnt in first year in really interesting ways. Instead of learning equations and content, we are now applying this and starting to design things such as roads and water treatment plants. This year’s modules follow on really well from last year’s, solidifying and adding to the knowledge we have and using it in a more practical, problem solving way. We are starting to get a real insight into the way engineers approach these massive infrastructure problems.

Laboratory and practical sessions are also getting a lot more hands on. In first year structures modules, we did some strength testing of various materials and used some demonstration rigs to learn about basic mechanics.  In second year, this has moved on a lot and recently we constructed our own 4m long, steel-reinforced concrete beams that will be tested-to-destruction once cured. Making the beams involved making measurements, tying reinforcement bars in place and pouring and vibrating the fresh concrete on to some formwork.

In another module, we are learning the process of cleaning water and wastewater, and actually going into a lab and trying to put our knowledge to the test.

Our major group design project this year is the theoretical redevelopment of Newcastle International Airport so that it can take a daily flight of an Airbus A380. It is a major task and requires us to draw on all the knowledge we have gained so far. The first phase of the project allowed for a lot of design work and sketching, which was a great chance to get creative. The second phase asks us to go into a lot more detail, where we will have to use what we have learned in other modules and apply it to this real world task. For example, if we plan to move a road, we now have to use what we learned in our transport modules to design the new road layout. We also have to draw on our mechanics and materials knowledge to ensure our terminals are built to a safe and environmentally sustainable standard.