Description
The Master Programme in Structural Engineering is an advanced training for Civil Engineers in the Structural field. The Master meets the current challenges of the construction and the management of the built environment industries, by addressing the fields of: Smart Structures, Eco-Efficient Structures, Advanced Structural Analysis and Design, Risk Management and Extreme Events, and Geotechnics. The specialization profiles are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the market. This Master's programme is based on the competence of the researchers of the Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), an international research centre of excellence in the area of sustainability and structural innovation.
The specific objectives of the course are:
- To train highly qualified professionals in structural and geotechnical engineering that can carry out their professional activity worldwide;
- Provide students with the means to develop skills and deepen knowledge in the innovation and sustainability of structures;
The Master's Program in Structural Engineering has a strong curricular component of integrative projects (one per semester), which aim, in addition to developing technical and scientific skills, to form professionals with high behavioural skills, such as the ability to integrate knowledge of different areas, oral presentation, argumentation, leadership and teamwork.
The first three semesters are devoted to coursework and the fourth semester is dedicated to the preparation of the master's thesis.
Key learning outcomes
1. Analyse complex structural problems using analytical, numerical or physical models;
2. Design structures based on the general use of existing materials and structural systems;
3. Implement and coordinate all working phases of a structural project;
4. At a specialisation level: Design structures considering the risk assessment, safety and reliability; Promote sustainability and efficiency in structural design, through lifecycle assessment and the adoption of innovative materials and systems; Select and adopt innovative materials and structural systems that lead to greater sustainability and efficiency; Implement intelligent monitoring systems and self-responsive strengthening strategies, envisioning the demand for increasing performance of structures; Analyse and design structural solutions in specially complex and unfavourable geotechnical risk contexts.
5. Ability to work in team or in self-management and to develop individual and professional work in the field of structural engineering;
6. Ability to plan and implement interdisciplinary projects;
7. Ability to solve problems in new and unfamiliar environments;
8. Ability to apply, produce and evaluate scientific knowledge in the field of structural engineering.
Access to higher education
This Master’s programme provides basic training to carry out a course of 3rd cycle (PhD) in the same scientific area, or other áreas.
Careers
Masters in Structural Engineering will be able to exercise technical or leadership and technical management functions in the areas of Structural Engineering and in a vast domain of related areas, in Municipal Councils and other State bodies, or in Companies in the following sectors: Civil Construction; Structures Design; Engineering Consulting; Inspection and Diagnosis; Repair and Reinforcement; Rehabilitation and Restoration; Maintenance and Operation. They can also perform technical or technological leadership roles in companies from emerging areas in high affinity, knowledge-intensive areas, such as metalworking, aeronautics/aerospace, biomechanics, maritime structures for energy or aquaculture, Ports, Risk Management and Resilience, Critical Infrastructures , among others.
