What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
MEng and BEng students take the same modules until Year 3 when the routes diverge. The MEng contains an extra year of advanced-level study.
Year 1
Year 1 provides a solid knowledge of the general technical and non-technical subjects that underpin mechanical engineering practices.
Core modules (both pathways)
Engineering Design and Professional Practice
30 credits
The principal aim of this module is to provide you with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic and professional practice needed to attain professional status. The module introduces the key aspects involved in: planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures. The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development. The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.
Some elements of the module are delivered as part of the personal tutor scheme (PTS). This assists your transition into Higher Education encouraging a sense of belonging within the Faculty and within your discipline. The PTS helps you to develop good academic habits and initiates effective team working within a project management and engineering design framework, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance your employability.
Engineering Mechanics, Structures & Materials
30 credits
The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies whilst stationary and in motion. Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters such as force, moment, stress, strain, etc. are defined and calculated. The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real world structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications. Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials. A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment. The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratories.
Engineering Mathematics and Computing Applications
30 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip you with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The module also introduces the use of computing methods in engineering. The mathematics part comprises algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors. The computing part covers the use of software for problem solving, visualisation and data representation. The emphasis is on using mathematical and computational tools to solve engineering problems.
Fluid Mechanics and Engineering Science
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and engineering science. Taught to mechanical, aerospace and civil engineering students, it will use this broad audience to enhance a collaborative learning environment. The fluid mechanics section will cover the fundamental properties of fluids and the main basic conservation equations used and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement. The engineering science section will consider subject areas relevant to each discipline. For mechanical and aerospace engineering students it will introduce thermodynamics and electrical engineering and for civil engineering students it will consider soil mechanics. The thermodynamics topic covers the key concepts of system, work, heat and the main thermodynamics laws with special reference to their engineering applications. The electrical engineering section covers the basic concepts and electrical quantities such as charge, current, resistance, voltage, power and energy before looking at fundamental electrical components and how they can be incorporated into both AC and DC circuits. The soil mechanics topic will introduce the fundamental properties of soils and their essential aspects.
Year 2
Year 2 introduces more focused studies, covering specialist subjects such as applied mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics, control and computing. You will have the opportunity to extend your mathematics and project-management abilities.
Core modules (both pathways)
Electronic Systems, Control and Computing
30 credits
This module builds deals with advanced electronic systems and concepts from classical control, including feedback control systems and analysis of their response and the effects of the feedback loop. The content of this module is informed by the research performed by the teaching team. In order to improve your employability, a range of engineering programming tools are used to model and analyse the performance of engineering systems, enabling learning of the functionality of control analysis and design software.
Engineering Design, Materials and Manufacture 2
30 credits
This module deepens the knowledge of the mechanical engineers in design communication to British Standard BS8888, from reading engineering drawing to product design specification and optimisation and validation; supported by the CAD/CAE software in analysing and solving engineering design problems. 3D digital modelling techniques are used.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Produce alternative design concepts to solve a given problem, with analysis validation and carry out detail design to comply with current British Standards.
- Specify and select appropriate engineering materials for a particular design application.
- Use appropriate CAD/CAE tools for the design to create an effective mechanical model and system and simulation and analysis
- Apply DFMA, Bale Engineering and value analysis techniques to optimise design cost.
- Use appropriate CAM tools to simulate the parts machining time optimisation.
- Appraise design solutions from the perspectives of cost function, quality and manufacturability.
Engineering Project Management
30 credits
The module includes principles and commercial practices for the management of engineering projects and related wider business operations. The nature of project engineering and business management is considered in the context of quality, time, risk and sustainability aspects. The module is contextualised for mechanical and automotive professionals to promote and broaden knowledge of how companies and organisations work in the project and business environment. This module continues effective team working as well as developing interpersonal skills.
Core modules specific to Mechanical Engineering pathway
Thermofluid and Mechanical Systems 2
30 credits
This module goes into greater depth to the first year's module, to extend the knowledge of thermolfluids and mechanical principles as well as identify and develop the skills required in analysis and problem solving relating to the design of thermofluid systems and mechanical components.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Analyse and use power, refrigeration and heat pump cycles, including vapour, air standard and gas cycles.
- Describe laminar and turbulent boundary layer flows, and calculate associated loss factors and friction losses.
- Explain heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection and radiation) and combustion processes in the context of their engineering applications.
- Analyse complex stress problems involving combined bending, shear, torsional and axial loading and apply theories of strength, buckling, asymmetric sections, determinate and indeterminate frameworks to engineering design problems.
- Derive and solve mathematical models for vibratory systems with one and two degree of freedom.
- Apply appropriate analytical techniques and methods to the solution of typical thermofluid and mechanical system problems.
Core modules specific to Automotive pathway
Automotive Systems 1
30 credits
The module introduces basic automotive systems of modern vehicles and race cars. It is delivered through a project-based approach, including lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. It also introduces elements of design and structural analysis of a chassis, while it discusses the current trends in vehicle manufacturing, as well as in emerging electric, hybrid and alternative fuels vehicle technology. Similar systems found in high performance cars are also examined.
Year 3
Year 3 comprises core engineering topics and advanced mechanical engineering modules, plus a strong focus on independent and group project work. You will gain an understanding of the business world. MEng students will continue to deepen their knowledge in areas such as computer-aided design and mathematics.
Core modules (both pathways)
Individual Project
30 credits
This module is a core module in the MEng and BEng Mechanical Engineering programmes and forms a capstone experience for the course. This major project is undertaken throughout the final year of the BEng programme and Stage three of the MEng programme, allowing you to research and study in depth a topic in mechanical engineering which is of personal interest. The module will involve analysis and evaluation and for the student to demonstrate organisational capability and communication.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Propose and plan an individual research, design or experimental project setting realistic project goals and milestones thus illustrating an understanding of a range of issues pertinent to the task.
- Critically review current literature.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and defend the planning, methodology and outcome of an individual project through graphical and oral methods including a poster presentation and a short oral presentation of the work demonstrating command of grammar, vocabulary and style appropriate for a professional audience.
- Structure a report to convey complex information in clear English providing a description of work undertaken, a synthesis of the data collected and present a logical discussion of the processes, results and conclusions, demonstrating throughout a command of grammar and style. Referencing different sources accurately and in line with standard conventions illustrating the links between information, data and the outlined task.
- Work independently in a professional manner adhering to the University's codes and regulations. You will be able to identify, justify and use methods of analysis, enquiry and production which are appropriate to the project.
Computational Methods in Engineering and Control
30 credits
This core module combines elements of analytical techniques and computational methods used in solving engineering problems. The analytical techniques concern Structural Mechanics, Thermofluids, Multidegree of Freedom Vibrating Systems and Multivariable Control Engineering. The computational methods concern the analysis of a structure using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA), the analysis of internal and external flows, as well as heat transfer, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), modelling and simulation of multidegree of freedom vibrating systems using MATLAB/SIMULINK, and the analysis of multivariable control engineering for mechanical/electromechanical systems using Experience Controls App and MATLAB/SIMULINK. To this end, this core module also includes the use of industry-standard software and High Performance Computing (HPC) for the analysis of basic engineering systems.
Core modules specific to Mechanical Engineering pathway
Thermofluid and Mechanical Systems 3
30 credits
This core module is designed to extend your knowledge of the analytical techniques of fracture mechanics, stress analysis and thermofluid to analyse and design engineering structures and systems.
This module builds on the knowledge gained in the second year Thermofluids & Mechanical Systems 2 module to extend your knowledge and skills in structural analysis based on fracture mechanics and fatigue. Simulation will be used to give a practical introduction to the finite element analysis (FEA) method for structural analysis. Thermofluids mechanics aspects involving conversion and transfer of energy such as turbomachines (pumps, turbines...) and heat exchangers will be discussed. The module also provides a further understanding of numerical methods employed in fluid flow and heat transfer analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorials. Course materials are available via Canvas where appropriate.
Core modules specific to Automotive pathway
Business Management and Group Project
30 credits
This module gives you an opportunity to work as a member of a design team on an Aerospace/Mechanical/Civil design project. It also further develops your broader understanding of the business context of engineering activities. It will develop a set of skills and techniques which will prepare you for employment.
Automotive Systems 2
30 credits
This module introduces industry standard software for structural and flow simulations, related to the design of typical commercial vehicles and race cars, as well as to the optimised design of automotive systems and/or motorsport components.
Year 4 - MEng only
The final year of the MEng course will continue to deepen and broaden expertise. A strong emphasis is again on independent learning, as well as an industrially focused group project.
Core modules (both pathways)
Integrated Design Project
60 credits
This core module, undertaken throughout the final year of the course, provides a capstone element. It gives students the opportunity to work on a major engineering design problem, in a team, in a way which closely parallels a real-world project. It also provides an opportunity for students to further develop academic skills gained earlier in the programme.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Generate an industrially relevant design from initial specification through the detailed design stage, to the optimised solution.
- Manage and participate in the design process, devising an effective plan of approach with appropriate time scheduling.
- Participate in meetings as a team member, secretary or chairperson, produce minutes and keep a properly-maintained log book.
- Effectively defend a technical design via a presentation to an academic audience and industrial audience.
- Produce a final technical report to a professional standard.
Core modules specific to Mechanical Engineering pathway
Advanced Stress Analysis and Materials
30 credits
This module is designed as an advanced option to extend your knowledge of the analytical techniques of stress analysis, plasticity theory and some of the more advanced theories behind finite element analysis.
The module also investigates properties of a range of modern materials and associated advanced manufacturing processes with a
view to broaden your knowledge and skills when selecting a material for a complex engineering application. Use of case studies from extensive research activities of the academic staff is a main feature of this module, introducing you to career opportunities in industrial research and development.
Computational Fluid Dynamics for Engineering Applications
30 credits
This option module is designed for students in mechanical engineering and allied subject areas to be able to extend existing knowledge and skills of relevant computational techniques and advanced mathematics developed at undergraduate level. Emphasis is placed on the solution to fluids problems in a realistic mechanical engineering context.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
- Define and analyse simple engineering fluid flow problems using the Navier Stokes equations. Simplify flow problems and solve them.
- Construct appropriate solid models for CFD analysis, set up the solution domain and generate suitable surface and volume grids via meshing tools.
- Understand both flow physics and mathematical properties of governing of Navier Stokes equations and define appropriate boundary conditions.
- Use CFD software to model flow problems of relevance to mechanical engineers. Analyse the results and compare with available data.
Core modules specific to Automotive pathway
Control Systems with Embedded Implementation
30 credits
This module encompasses a range of related fields, such as control and embedded implementation. It introduces classical design and tools for analysis of control systems. Time domain design methods are followed by frequency domain design methods. Although the module mainly deals with continuous-time systems, the discrete-time systems are also discussed. This is followed on by implementation, where sensors and actuators are introduced.
The learning is supported by practical exercises where students design and implement embedded control systems using computer-aided design tools and embedded microcontroller-based systems including real-time industrial computers. In addition to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on implementation, providing students with a set of skills that will enhance their employability. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the School.
Automotive Aerodynamics and Structural Analysis
30 credits
This module gives students an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics. Emphasis is placed on the use of industry-standard software tools to help with the analysis of whole vehicle dynamic behaviour and aerodynamics. The research and professional practice undertaken by the academic staff involved in the delivery is a strong feature of this module. In additional to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on empirical, hands-on learning, providing you with a set of skills that will enhance your employability. The learning is supported by practical exercises in the wind tunnel where your empirical methods used for quantifying air flows, both internally and externally and the software simulation approach. A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the school.
