Year one core modules

• Applied Software

  This is an introductory module in software development for real time and non-real time applications. The student will learn the basic constructs of a high level language (such as 'C' or Visual Basic) and its syntax. Short programs will be demonstrated to enable the student to grasp the concept of 'programming' and the student will be asked to write simple programs in order to assimilate the new concepts and demonstrate the ability to write original programs. Techniques to design, develop and test software will be studied and the student will use commercial integrated development environment for software development. Consideration of hardware requirements to run real time and non real time software will be covered at an introductory level. The module is assessed by coursework assignments based on short reports, computer demonstration, and in-class tests. This combination of assessment methods aims to enhance communication skills and avoids plagiarism. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their assignments and to work in their own time as well as during the timetabled classes. Successful completion of this module will increase students' employability, as they will acquire industry standard skills directly applicable to real world projects.

• Introduction to Engineering Materials

  This module is designed to introduce students to the structure and properties of a range of engineering materials. It includes a review of typical load extension curves and their interpretation and the student will carry out tensile tests on engineering materials to support and extend the classroom teaching. The module also contains an introduction to the atomic structure of metals and non metals as a lead into an understanding of the factors that influence the physical properties of materials. Alloying of metals will be explored via equilibrium diagrams and structure will be determined from given information. This module will develop the students' skill of gathering and interpreting scientific information via a series of laboratory experiments. This will involve the use of metallurgical inspection equipment as well as common testing equipment. The module is supported by a well equipped metallurgical laboratory serviced by technical staff. The module will be assessed through an open book examination and laboratory reports on the experiments undertaken in the metallurgy laboratory.

• Learning and Skills Development for HE and Work

  Students entering Higher Education will need specific study skills to enable them to maximise their learning potential and take advantage of opportunities available both in the academic setting and the workplace. Students will enter with different levels of skills and experience and may approach the module in a variety of ways. The module is intended to be both preparatory and supportive building a strong foundation for learning and later development. The module delivery will be organised to develop and underpin Level One study skills in the first half of the semester with the focus moving towards individual formative support towards the end of the semester. Students will develop and maintain a reflective learning log/blog to support this module and their continuing studies, the reflective log/blog to be used as the basis of tutorial work and formative assessment. This work will also provide evidence for the beginning of a Personal Development Planning Portfolio that will be built upon by the student over the next two years of their studies. Students will be expected to meet with their personal tutors to review their progress and actively seek out a mentor within the university community or workplace.

• Manufacturing

  This module is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of manufacturing and joining processes. It particularly gives the insight to the need of selecting the most appropriate manufacturing process in terms of technological feasibility and cost for a component. It explores the necessity to ensure, where possible, that the component design can be manufactured most efficiently and economically by a chosen technology. The students will be introduced to modern equipment such as CNC machine and will have the opportunity to plan and make a component or product. Typical machine processes such as milling and turning will be introduced. Students will conform to the regulations relating to safe workshop practice. About fifty per cent of the module will be based on practical design, plan and manufacture of a component or product. On the practical side, students can work either as a group or individually depending on the complexity of the product they make. But the final report is to be an individual work and includes critical evaluation of the product design, generation of alternative manufacturing processes and final recommendations. Assessment is by coursework only.

• Mathematics for Technology 1

  This module is essential for the student who needs a solid background in mathematical techniques and analysis in order to pursue a degree programme in technology or engineering studies. The module will help students to assess their existing mathematical skills and sympathetically enable them to remedy any basic deficiencies. It will then develop the core mathematical skills, knowledge and techniques needed in order that elementary scientific and engineering problems may be solved. Matrices and determinants, and their use in solving simultaneous equations are introduced. Problems involving elementary probability theory are solved. In the complex plane, de Moivre's theorem is introduced and used to find powers and roots. The techniques of calculus - differentiation and integration - and their applications are introduced. Numerical integration is explored. This module will be assessed by a combination of in-class test and formal examination.

• Mechatronics

  This module provides the student with an introduction to the analysis and design fundamentals of basic electronic systems in mechanical and electrical engineering. The module will review circuit fundamentals that are related to basic building blocks for analogue/ digital circuit design and mechanical science. Analogue devices comprising various forms of diode, transistor and integrated circuits will be introduced and their equivalent circuit models will be explained for circuit design. Number systems and Digital Devices such as logic and memory elements will be established and various techniques explained for design simplification. Mechanical and electrical actuation systems will be introduced which discusses various forms of mechanisms. Peripheral Interface Controllers are also established. The principles of operation of all circuit elements are covered by lecture, tutorial and computer simulation. Students carry out a group(s) assignment on the Joystick project which is designed to satisfy Engineering Applications 1 of the Engineering Council. Students are required to submit an individual report based on their findings. Assessment is by coursework and exam.

Year two core modules

• Applied Mechanics

  This module aims to give the students a broad range of competence in applied mechanics. Emphasis will be on application and not rigorous derivation of formula. Applied Mechanics is the study of the static and dynamic of particles and rigid bodies under the influence of forces. It is a fundamental theory of physics ever since the formulation by Newton and takes central part in applied mechanics. In this module worked examples enable the students to become familiar with, and to grasp important concepts and principles in applied mechanics for example pin-jointed frames and beams with various support systems, frictional motion on dry plain and inclined surfaces, and concept of shear force and bending moment diagram. The mathematical approach is simple for anyone with prior knowledge of basic maths and/or applied mathematics. The module assessment will be by two hours examination 100% weighting. Students have access to the full resources of the university and may use any facilities by arrangement with the relevant member of staff.

• Engineering Principles

  This module introduces the fundamentals of engineering principles, encompassing applied mechanics and electrical technology. It is intended to provide a sound theoretical basis for the analysis and synthesis of mechanical and electrical systems. The module will review mechanical and electrical circuit fundamentals, comprising static/dynamic systems and electrical engineering laws/theorems. Basic static systems such as moments of force, simple structural analysis and friction problems are introduced. Dynamics relating to Newton's laws of motion are also discussed and applied. Kirchoff's current and voltage laws will be developed intuitively and verified experimentally. Thevenin's and Norton's theorems will be introduced together with the concepts of maximum power transfer. Computer based packages will be integrated into the course. AC circuit theory will be developed initially in terms of phasor diagrams and then extended using complex number notation. Students carry out their assignments from a defined specification and are required to submit an individual report based on their findings. Assessment is by coursework and exam.

• Materials and Processes

  This module develops the learning outcomes covered in Introduction to Engineering Materials and reviews the use of equilibrium diagrams as an aid in predicting the structures of binary alloys under equilibrium cooling conditions. The module includes the atomic structure of engineering materials in predicting their behaviour in terms of physical and mechanical properties. Equilibrium and non equilibrium structure of metals will be investigated in the laboratory in order to predict long term behaviour. The use of metals and non metals under repeated loading cycles, the fracture toughness and creep resistance will be explored in order to design components able to withstand a variety of service requirements. The economics of manufacture will cover the most optimum method of manufacturing with engineering materials and the effect of the processing on its structure. The module includes laboratory experiments where the student will be using a variety of test equipment and will be expected to complete full technical reports as part of his assessment. A technical visit will also form part of the module in order to witness industrial design processes and testing procedures. The module will be assessed via an end examination and technical reports on the laboratory experiments.

• Mathematics for Technology 2

  Building on the mathematical methods acquired in Mathematics for Technology 1, this module provides essential mathematical knowledge and techniques for the study of engineering and technology-based disciplines. Dimensional analysis provides a tool for checking the validity of equations, whilst linear regression enables the finding of a linear 'best-fit' to data. Numerical techniques for solving equations are explored. Common probability distributions are introduced. Methods for the solution of first and second order differential equations are established and students are introduced to Laplace transforms. The concept of Fourier series representation of simple periodic waveforms is introduced. In learning these new techniques, students are encouraged to use a mathematical software package to provide a check on their solutions and to further their understanding. The module will be assessed by exam and in class test.

• Statistics and Process Quality Assurance

  This module provides the student with the knowledge and confidence to use sound statistical techniques and statistical process control in industrial applications for process control and problem solving. The module will also give an appreciation of the wider aspects of quality management that are vital to the survival of all organisations. Assessment is by examination and assignment.

Year three core modules

• Computer Aided Engineering

  This module is designed to introduce the student to computer aided engineering as applied in industry with emphasis on the analysis, manufacture and test of a simple component. The module is predominantly 'hands on' and employs industry-standard software. Assessed by assignment only.

• Project Management for Technologists

  This module is about the planning and control of projects. It covers aspects of planning, operations research techniques, scheduling, quality, people and management skills. The major purpose is to get the student thinking about the variety of techniques available that could be used for the control of projects and to give insight to the theoretical underpinning concepts of these techniques. It gives the student the opportunity to take time out to reflect on just what these issues are and what future developments might be envisaged, both in specific work place context and in a general professional development context. Assessment will be by coursework and examination.

Year two optional modules

• Computer Aided Solid Modelling

  This module builds on previous CAD experience to create more complex solid part models and consider advanced aspects of CAD. It looks at assemblies made up of a number of parts and sub-assemblies. One of the key elements will be the use of feature-based parametric modelling technique which automates the design and revision procedures by the use of parameters. The module introduces the methods for modelling sculptured surfaces that are seen in plastic mouldings and transition elements. Moving parts in an assembly are checked with animation and their mechanisms are analysed. The assembly, normal or exploded, are produced with parts list and ballooned references in 2D views. The module is assessed by an assignment and time constrained 3D modelling. The assignment includes a design of a product, computer modelling of the component parts in 3D, assembling the product, analysing the product, producing 2D technical drawings with parts list and ballooned references, and compiling a report. The time-constrained phase test includes 3D assembly modelling, rendering and basic analysis.

• Design Methods and Technology Project

  This module is essentially a mini project where students undertake to design some artefact, eg: electronic hardware, software, multimedia production, website etc. The management of the project is in itself a core element and students are expected to produce a formal specification using sound design methods, a time plan and progress indicator. Students will also be expected to produce a number of alternative designs that meet the specification, select the most appropriate design using recognised techniques and carry out design reviews. Students have a free hand at choosing the subject of the project, but close supervision is provided in order to limit over-ambition or to raise the level as appropriate. The lecturer acts as Project Supervisor and assessor as well as a mentoring resource throughout the execution of the project. Two vivas are held at key stages in the project and progress is assessed against the project plan. A logbook is the essential piece of evidence to demonstrate work-in-progress at the vivas. A final report and presentation to the rest of the class are the other assessed outcomes. Students have access to the full resources of the university and may use any laboratory facilities by arrangement with the relevant Lab Technician. At the early stage of the module, guidance is given about design methods and project planning, then students will work independently and may use the lecturer as a resource and mentor if they so wish. Assessment will be by coursework.

Year three optional modules

• Modelling and Simulation for Operations Management

  This module provides students with the tools and techniques to analyse the supply chain, using a computer simulation system. It covers the need for advanced analysis tools in the manufacturing industry as the pace of change is accelerating and the competition is getting tougher. It compares common supply chain decision support systems that include back of the envelope calculation, use of spreadsheets, queuing theory and simulation. The ability of simulation to represent systems with stochastic nature and its ability to see the system as a whole, considering the relationships and interactions between elements and the embedded logic is discussed. Simulation software is used to build valid shop floor models which may be subjected to varying influencing parameters. The output from the simulation models is used to assess performance. The performance of a supply chain can then be predicted and optimum operating conditions determined. The module is assessed by a comprehensive coursework and an oral presentation. The coursework is project based and includes defining and properly describing a supply-chain problem, building a representative simulation model for an existing system and verifying/validating the model, and finding a solution to the problem by analysing the simulation outputs. The students are encouraged to use relevant projects from their work area. Students will give oral presentations near the end of the module delivery.

• Stress and Dynamics

  The main purpose of this module is to provide the students with a clear and thorough presentation of the theory and applications of engineering mechanics which builds on the material covered in the prerequisite module Applied Mechanics. To achieve this objective, the instructor will deal with the subject of statics first in which the principles are first applied to simple, then to more complicated situations. Most often, each principle is applied first to a particle; in some instances a rigid body application of the coplanar system of forces will be demonstrated. Analysis of forces acting on particles and rigid bodies in static equilibrium; equivalent systems of forces, centroids and moments of inertia; are some of the examples of the static studies that will be covered. The subject of dynamics is presented following statics in which the kinematics of particles is discussed followed by the discussion of particle kinetics (equation of motion). The concept of the particle dynamics are then summarised in a review section and the students are given the chance to solve a verity of problems to complement the tutorials. It should be realised that at the discretion of the instructor, some of the material may be presented in different sequence with no loss of continuity. Analysis of particle and rigid body dynamics in two dimension, concept of dynamic equilibrium and techniques of solution, including energy methods; introduction to vibrations are some of the examples of the dynamic studies that will be covered.

• Thermofluids

  This module is very conceptual, being based upon two laws which are really a statement of observation. In addition the theoretical development requires the manipulation of some fluid properties which have no physical presence. But, at the same time it is a very practical subject. It enables the energy transfer to be determined in many useful thermal systems with some degree of confidence In preparing this module, care has been taken to ensure that the end result is an integrated work because the module requires the combination of the basic principles of thermodynamic/heat transfer and fluid mechanics, not a module that half is thermodynamic/heat transfer and the other half fluid mechanics. The examination of thermal system enables this to be achieved. Methods will be proposed for predicting how much energy in the form of work and heat is available in the components that make up common thermal system. In this module worked examples enable the students to become familiar with, and to grasp important concepts and principles in fluid mechanics such as mass, energy and momentum. The mathematical approach is simple for anyone with prior knowledge of basic maths and physics. Initially incompressible Newtonian fluids and single phase is considered followed by compressible and non-Newtonian fluids with introduction to mass transfer and computational Fluid Dynamics method (CFD). Analysis of mass and mass transfer, work transfer in non-flow process, heat transfer in non-flow process special characteristics of work and heat transfer in flow and non-flow process are some of the thermofluid studies that will be covered.