Module overview
This module provides comprehensive coverage of the main features of railway engineering and operations, including topics ranging from system planning through to the impacts of noise and vibration. During the module students will develop an appreciation of the distinctive features of engineering in the railway context, while also making links with more general engineering and transport planning practice. The module will combine theoretical analysis with practical applications to allow students to understand how railway engineering and operational principles are used in the real world. The module takes advantage of the University of Southampton’s substantial experience and expertise in railway research, and will make use of case studies based on recent and ongoing research projects.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Describe key features of railway infrastructure design and engineering.
- Critically assess the key engineering and operational constraints on railway operations on a given corridor.
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different models of railway structure and regulation.
- Identify appropriate features and characteristics for railway rolling stock intended to operate different service types.
- Identify appropriate Human Factors methods for the design and evaluation of railway operations and processes.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- The use of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
- Collating, synthesising and prioritising information.
- Learning, studying and researching independently.
- Reporting your work effectively.
- Time management.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Principles and practice of railway signalling systems.
- Railway station and interchange design.
- The role of human factors in railway operations and safety.
- The design and engineering of railway rolling stock.
- Key aspects of rail vehicle dynamics and the wheel-rail interface.
- The design and engineering of railway track and supporting infrastructure.
- The railway timetabling process.
- The distinctive features of railway systems
- Different models of organisation, regulation and governance for rail systems.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Make use of methods for calculating rail capacity utilisation.
- Apply the elasticity-based model for rail demand forecasting.
- Interpret and use railway timetabling charts.
Syllabus
This module provides a detailed overview of the engineering and operation of railway systems, providing students with the background knowledge required for a range of careers in the rail industry. A focus on a small number of case study routes will provide a common thread through the different teaching sessions, with a similar approach used for the coursework assignment. Contact time in the module will include the following sessions, with each session including a mix of different delivery modes as decided by individual lecturers in consultation with the module lead:
1) Introduction to Rail Systems and Rail System Planning
2) Track and Sub-Base Engineering
3) Earthworks, Bridges, Tunnels, and Power Systems
4) Noise, Vibration and Vehicle Dynamics
5) Rolling Stock and Propulsion Systems
6) Signalling Systems
7) Capacity, Timetabling and Traffic Management
8) Station and Interchange Design
9) Organisation, Regulation and Governance
10) Human Factors and Safety
11) High Speed Rail
12) Light Rail
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
A mixture of classroom-based teaching and learning methods will be used, including lectures, group activities and class discussions. These will be supplemented by formative tests available through Blackboard, self-study, and a field trip to a local rail facility (subject to permission from facility managers).
Type | Hours |
---|---|
External visits | 3 |
Completion of assessment task | 70 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Follow-up work | 10 |
Lecture | 27 |
Wider reading or practice | 30 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Ongoing formative assessment opportunities will be provided via a series of online quizzes made available via Blackboard, which will allow students to gain feedback on their knowledge and understanding of each key topic, and identify areas where they may need to revisit the course material in order to improve their understanding.
Summative assessment will comprise a case-study based coursework assignment (100%). This will involve students putting together a feasibility study for the construction of a new rail route, based on a set of ‘mini-assignments’ linked to specific course sessions.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Continuous Assessment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External