Learning about Engineering Disasters while Enhancing Communication Skills
First and second year Civil Engineering students in the School of
Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University of Belfast (QUB)
participated in a Disasters and Hazards Exercise on 13-15 December
2016, which was sponsored by Henry Brothers (Magherafelt) Ltd.
This student–based learning exercise was developed by Professor Allen
Jennings at QUB in 1994. Over the past 22 years, disasters have been
used in this event to identify hazards and determine technical and human
causes. Impacts on civil engineering practice are also examined, so that
students learn to appreciate the responsibilities of engineers and other
professionals. Students were placed into groups and investigated three
disasters and their associated hazards. The groups were advised during
consultation sessions with engineering faculty, external practising engineers,
health and safety professionals in the engineering and construction industry,
and a representative from the Health and Safety Executive (Northern Ireland)
who bring a wealth of experience to the exercise. These meetings
ensured that the students understood the importance of their findings and
helped them focus on the activity. Students gave group presentations
and prizes were awarded to the best groups and best individual speakers.
The coordination of the event was led by Dr Debra Phillips.
Please contact d.phillips@qub.ac.uk for more details.