BEng (Hons) - Mechanical Engineering

Year one

At Level 4, the emphasis is on helping you become independent in your learning. You will design engineering artefacts through standardised engineering science and mathematics application. You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of engineering science and solve well-defined problems.

• Engineering Design
  In this module you will explore the tools and techniques of engineering design. You will be introduced to visual communication, the principles of metrology, and be trained in the safe use of a manufacturing workshop. You will put your new skills to use in the design, manufacture, and testing
• Integrated Engineering
  This module will give you practical experience of delivering engineering design projects via problem-based learning, and will support your transition to university life and studies. You'll be introduced to the broader context of engineering, including the social, ethical and environmental aspects.
• Mathematics and Computing
  As an engineer, you will describe real-world systems using mathematics and analyse problems using computer simulation and modelling. In this module, you will begin your exploration of these subjects to understand how and why mathematics is essential in manufacturing engineering.
• Principles of Materials and Manufacturing
  This module will introduce the fundamental properties of engineering materials, how they are manufactured, and how both aspects affect each other. In learning about these issues, you will gain confidence in making and justifying an engineering decision when no single correct answer exists.
• Mechatronic Principles – Electrical
  You will develop your knowledge and understanding of electrical principles and analyse signals, circuits and simple devices using various techniques.
• Mechatronic Principles – Mechanical
  This module will introduce you to mechanical concepts which deal with machine construction, design, and use. You will develop a fundamental understanding of aspects of mechanical engineering in statics, kinematics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials.

Year two

At Level 5, the emphasis is on building your confidence. Problems become more broadly defined and can involve various factors and constraints. In performing your analysis, and developing your designs, you will draw on your new knowledge from across levels 4 and 5.

• Applied Materials and Manufacturing
  This module builds upon your knowledge of materials properties and demonstrates how materials selection influences the design and manufacturing process. You will learn about the planning of standard manufacturing processes, which includes the use of computer-controlled machines.
• Applied Mechatronics – Electrical
  You will broaden your knowledge of electrical power supply and the electrical machines that are relevant to manufacturing environments. You will also be introduced to the principles of classic and industrial control.
• Applied Mechatronics – Mechanical
  You will build upon your previous learning in statics, mechanics and dynamics and apply this knowledge to the automated machines used in advanced manufacturing environments. You will also learn about industrial control. This will enable you to study more advanced real-world systems in year three.
• Digital Manufacture
  This module explores current and future practices in manufacturing engineering organisations. You will be introduced to the organisation of engineering business, the core technologies of digital manufacturing and potential future trends, as well as add to your knowledge of formal project management.
• Integrated Engineering 2
  This module allows you to integrate your learning from across level 5 in a simulated professional environment. You will engage in two substantial projects as part of a team to solve real-world manufacturing engineering problems where no single solution exists.
• Mathematics and Modelling
  You will develop your ability to apply more advanced mathematical techniques in a range of realistic engineering problems. You will also develop an understanding of numerical techniques and use them in modelling and simulation real-world problems.
• Year in Industry (Optional)
  This module relates to one of the most exciting parts of your degree, your sandwich year work placement. This is a year-long, optional period of paid industrial training which gives you the opportunity to apply all the knowledge you have developed during your studies and discover the working world.

Year three

At Level 6, engineering problems become complex. You will be creative and resourceful in applying engineering science and new technologies to resolve wide-ranging problems and conflicting requirements and constraints. You will work on real-world projects, and your solutions will have immediate commercial value.

• Advanced Manufacturing Systems
  You will expand your knowledge of contemporary manufacturing technology, which includes state-of-the-art computing. You will develop the analytical ability and technical skills to integrate manufacturing software, hardware, and controls into modern manufacturing systems.
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
  You will explore leading-edge technologies involved in manufacturing processes, including contemporary issues in manufacturing engineering research. This includes advanced topics in metrology, additive layer manufacturing, and applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing processes.
• Advanced Instrumentation and Control
  You will gain in-depth knowledge of the requirements and challenges of integration of automated systems, and how to control their operations within the manufacturing environment. This will include mathematical modelling to represent electro-mechanical systems within the overall manufacturing system.
• Integrated Engineering Project
  You will undertake a substantial and independent piece of research into a topic of your choice. This project will enable you to integrate the knowledge you have gained throughout your degree in a creative way to solve a real engineering problem, and enhance your employability skills.
• Operations Management
  You will build upon your previous learning in Digital Manufacturing by exploring the theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches to managing manufacturing operations. In addition, you will learn how to apply your knowledge towards improving and transforming business operations.