COURSE IN DEPTH
Year One
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Engineering Principles 1
20 credits
The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the next module in the theme, Engineering Principles II, and then on to the second year of a range of engineering degrees.
As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects. The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science.
Mathematical Modelling 1
20 credits
Mathematics plays a key role in establishing and grounding the skills of an engineer, and the ability to communicate the ideas of engineering that are expected of an engineering graduates.
The primary aim of this module is to provide the fundamental mathematical knowledge and techniques needed in order to enable you to use and apply such mathematical techniques for the evaluation, analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems. Application of these data sets has to include their interpretation both to and from the mathematical language. In addition, this module will introduce students to mathematical modelling software package. This will be used to plot, annotate basic signals and write simple programs to compute mathematical problems.
This module will develop your ability to both work on and communicate engineering realities to a wider audience, at a professional standard.
Engineering Practice
20 credits
The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress to the next module in the practical theme, Practical Skills II, and then on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.
The subject material will be delivered in three coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical and electrical laboratory exercises, a second PC-based stream will include use of software to support project planning, communication and analysis and the third, a project space where you have the opportunity to integrate learning from across all elements of the semester.
Engineering Principles 2
20 credits
The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the second year of a wide range of engineering degrees.
As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects. The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science. Each stream will be delivered as a 1 hour lecture followed by a 1 hour small group tutorial giving 4 hours contact.
This module will interact with modules in the other two themes in the common first year in that it will rely on knowledge of mathematical techniques developed in the maths/professional skills theme and will provide theoretical underpinning for the experimental activities in the practical theme.
Mathematical Modelling 2
20 credits
This module will focus on introducing and building on well-established techniques for mathematically modelling dynamic systems (systems of interest for engineering) for contextualised engineering applications. The module will include an introduction to sophisticated signal analysis technique, Fourier series which is used to transform time-domain signals into their frequency spectra. The module is structured to include a mixture of lectures, tutorials and PC-based laboratories. The lectures will formally introduce material, in tutorials students will work through questions with tutor. The PC laboratories will involve using mathematical modelling software packages to implement mathematical operations.
Integrated Engineering Project
20 credits
The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.
The subject material will be delivered in three coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical and electrical laboratory exercises, a second PC-based stream will include use of software to support project planning, design, communication and analysis and the third, a project space where you have the opportunity to integrate learning from across all elements of the semester
Year Two
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Operations Systems
20 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of the analysis, design and planning of manufacturing and other operating systems, and also an opportunity to investigate and select alternative strategies for the planning, scheduling and control of manufacturing and other operating systems.
The module also covers the quality systems, tools and techniques available to an organisation.
Quality Systems
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the tools and techniques used in quality systems. Topics include Process Improvement, Process Capability, Improvement Techniques, Quality by Design, Mapping Techniques, Quality Costs, TQM and Standards (ISO 9000 etc).
Design and Materials
20 credits
The module provides you with the opportunity to learn about design, sustainable development, teamwork and communication whilst contributing towards real international development projects.
You will also gain the ability to communicate design ideas and practical details, to evaluate and apply both tangible and subjective feedback, and to conceive, design, implement and operate practical solutions to design opportunities.
It is anticipated that the project vehicle for this module will be the Engineers without Borders Design for People Challenge.
Leading Engineering Endeavour
20 credits
An interdisciplinary module, you will work with students from all fields of engineering to develop skills in engineering leadership and experience creating a purposeful vision and delivering on that vision. This will set the professional skills for business in context by combining your technical course-specific knowledge with professional skills. It is proposed that the vehicle to deliver this will be the biomimicry global design challenge.
Design and Manufacture
20 credits
This module develops your research skills, idea generation techniques, and ability to create CAD models and manufactured components.
You will also gain the ability to communicate design ideas and practical details, to evaluate and apply both tangible and subjective feedback, and to conceive, design, implement and operate practical solutions to design opportunities.
Manufacturing Automation and Control
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of and practical experience in the techniques used in controlling manufacturing applications. Topics include inspection, machine tool control, flexible and dedicated automation, and work holding systems, supply of power and services and health and safety issues.
Year Three
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Advanced Manufacturing
20 credits
If you are intending to work in a manufacturing environment you will need to develop an understanding of the techniques used in Computer Aided Manufacture of components and products. You will also require a working knowledge of the application of CAM and simulation technologies to form complete integrated systems for product manufacture. Topics include CAD, CAM and CNC data forms, simulation of machining operations, manufacturing cells, calibration, measurement and testing, 3-D System simulation; assembly systems; post processor configuration and application; advanced process simulation and product development.
Advanced Materials
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for you to investigate the world of new materials and their industrial application through a combination of taught content and both practical and theoretical research project work. It is anticipated that guest lectures will provide industrial focus to this wide-ranging subject. It is proposed that a mini-conference will be held at the end of the module, offering opportunities for you to present your findings to academics, your peers, and industrial contacts.
Operations Management
20 credits
The module provides you with an understanding of the factors which control and constrain the performance of manufacturing and other operational systems including topics such as Risk Analysis and Decision Making Process, Material Flow Analysis, Maintenance and Replacement, Development of a Manufacturing Strategy.
Product Lifecycle Management
20 credits
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) considers products and associated systems from concept to reuse, including design, manufacturing processes and routes, and production management, and places them in a global context which includes sustainability and climate change. This form of systems engineering is focused on meeting all requirements, primarily meeting customer needs, and coordinating the systems design process by involving all relevant disciplines. The core of PLM is in the creation and central management of all product data and the technology used to access this information and knowledge, and this module will help you become proficient in the philosophies, tools and techniques you will need to achieve this coherence. PLM as a discipline emerged from tools such as CAD, CAM and PDM, but can be viewed as the integration of these tools with methods, people and the processes through all stages of a product’s life. It is not just about equipment, material processing and software technology but is also a business strategy. This module has a strong emphasis on the environment and on sustainability of business.
Individual Honours Project
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Year Four
In order to complete this programme a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Group Integrated Master’s Project
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed group project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, your group will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your group’s topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
Advanced Materials and Manufacture
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for you to investigate the world of new materials and to develop an understanding of the techniques used in Computer Aided Manufacture. This will be set in the context of industrial applications and delivered through a combination of taught content and both practical and theoretical research project work.
Principles of Project Management
20 credits
Project management is the application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the project objectives (PMBoK, 6th Ed. (2012). Project management is key to delivering strategic value within an organisation and it involves far more than a time plan, a budget and a risk register. Projects can range from construction of a new building to the launch of new product, or outsourcing previous in-house functions, to the re-engineering of products, services and processes. This module will deal with the two main stages of any project: PLANNING and IMPLEMENTATION.
Seven techniques are identified as being applicable to one or both of these: PRINCE II, Activity networking (Work breakdown schedules), Project Financial Appraisal, Earned Value Method of Project Cost Control, Risk Identification and Assessment, Break-even analysis and Use of Computer Software for project planning and Control.
Reverse Engineering
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the tools and techniques you require to assist in developing skills and expertise in the reverse engineering process. The module also provides you with an understanding of, and practical experience in, the techniques used in prototype manufacture.
Resource Management
20 credits
This module will focus on resource management and its effective deployment and allocation to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for organisations. Two main resources will be considered: HUMAN and FINANCIAL; without which, organisational success cannot be guaranteed.
You will be introduced to theoretical concepts underpinning resource development and deployment such as, human capital development, change management, motivational theories, learning organisations, financial methods, investment appraisal, budgeting, alongside financial and management accounting.
