Course syllabus for Introduction to civil engineering and the built environment

Course syllabus adopted 2025-02-18 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameIntroduktion till samhällsbyggnadssektorn
  • CodeBOM206
  • Credits6 Credits
  • OwnerTISAM
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyCivil and Environmental Engineering
  • ThemeEnvironment 1 c,MTS 1 c
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingUG - Pass, Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 61132
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0125 Project 6 c
Grading: UG		6 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

The same admission requirements as for the programme.

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide students with a broad and fundamental understanding of the role of civil engineering and the built environment in society and its impact on social, economic, and ecological sustainability. By linking theory to practical solutions, students gain insight into the various stages of the construction process, the responsibilities of actors, and societal regulations, such as environmental labeling and industry standards. The course introduces central digital tools like BIM and CAD, which are used to develop technical solutions and facilitate communication within projects. It strengthens students' creativity and problem-solving skills while developing their ability to work in groups and reflect on their professional role, responsibilities, and contribution to sustainable societal development. The goal is to create a deeper understanding of the sector's complexity and inspire students to actively contribute to societal and environmental debates.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

  1. Explain what is meant by the building and construction sector, provide examples of its actors, its role in society, and how the sector is organized, as well as describe its future challenges (MTS).
  2. Describe the social, economic, and ecological aspects of sustainable buildings and a building's life cycle (MHU).
  3. Use digital tools to apply Building Information Models (BIM) and drawings and explain the purpose of BIM and drawings in education and professional life.
  4. Describe common load-bearing structures and building materials used in a building.
  5. Explain functional requirements in buildings and factors affecting indoor environmental qualities, such as daylight, thermal comfort, moisture safety, and indoor air quality, as well as technical solutions to reduce noise levels in buildings.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to work and learn in groups with diverse compositions and analyze and reflect on interactions with a focus on equality, fairness, and diversity (JLM).
  7. Reflect on their education, future professional role, professional responsibilities, and their role as citizens in relation to ethics and sustainable development (MTS, MHU, JLM).

Content

The course content is designed to provide students with an introduction to the breadth and complexity of the building and construction sector while creating a foundation for further studies at a technical university. 
The course covers the roles, contributions, and responsibilities of actors in the sector, as well as the processes, time aspects, and competencies involved in a construction project. Societal regulations and requirements, linked to the state, region, and municipality, are discussed to provide an overarching understanding of the sector's governance. Sustainable development is a central theme, where students learn to balance ecological, economic, and social aspects in line with Agenda 2030 and the roadmaps for sustainable societal development. 
The course also includes an introduction to university studies and study techniques, where students reflect on what knowledge and skills entail. This creates a foundation for developing both analytical and practical abilities needed in the sector. The combination of theoretical elements, practical exercises, and project work provides a holistic perspective that prepares students for future challenges in the building and construction sector.

Organisation

The course is structured around a project that serves as a common thread, giving students practical insight into the sector. Lectures and seminars provide a theoretical foundation, while exercises, CAD labs, and model-building offer practical implementation opportunities and support the group-based project work. The course concludes with reflection and an exhibition where the results are presented and discussed.

Literature

Course materials will be announced at the start of the course and distributed during the course.

Examination including compulsory elements

To pass the course, the student must:
  1. Project Work: Conduct a group project presented through a poster and an oral presentation.
  2. Continuous Examination: Answer and pass quizzes/control questions after mandatory lectures and study visits.
  3. CAD Assignment: Complete and pass an individual CAD assignment.
  4. Reflective Written Assignment: Submit and pass an individual reflective written assignment.
  5. Active Participation: Actively participate in seminars and complete exercise tasks during the course.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.