This module introduces the structured design process used to create engineering products.  This will be supplemented by learning how to create reliable, professional 3D CAD models. 

You will study topics such as: 

• The principles of Mechanical Engineering Design methods (a structured design process)

• Specification of Engineering elements supported by underpinning strength calculations

• 3D CAD modelling techniques using best practice to instil design intent 

• Robust 3D CAD solid model generation 

• Bottom up assembly modelling

• Orthographic projection drawings 

• CAD file management

This work experience module aims to develop  key knowledge and skills necessary to operate within an industrial engineering environment through two industrially inspired, applied projects. In addition to developing and practising important industrial and professional skills such as communication and project management, you will reflect on your knowledge acquisition and performance to develop a continued professional development (CPD) plan and create a CV ready for future placement and graduate job applications. 

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Management of projects 

• Management of engineering risk 

• Technical report writing 

• Practical workshop skills  

• Planning and recording continued professional development 

• Job applications and CV creation 

This module will introduce the study of the motion of solid bodies under the action of forces (Dynamics). You will study and apply engineering principles and concepts related to motion both in a straight line and in a curved path. In this module, you will also learn the basic principles of Thermodynamics, the branch of engineering science that deals with the relations between heat and other forms of energy.  You will further develop your mathematical knowledge together with laboratory, computational and analytical skills. Additionally, it will introduce you to a range of traditional and modern manufacturing processes at a preliminary level. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Newton's Laws of Motion

• First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics

• Combustion and heat engine cycles

• MATLAB and its application

• Primary and secondary manufacturing processes

This module introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of engineering sciences related to the behaviour and motion of solids and fluids that are subjected to forces. You will develop knowledge of maths topics and the mathematical skills required to analyse and solve simple engineering problems. Additionally, you will learn about engineering materials and their key characteristics. You will be supported in developing practical laboratory skills and the ability to write effective technical reports. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Forces, moments, static equilibrium 

• Stresses, strains and mechanical behaviour of engineering materials

• Properties of liquids and gasses, fluid statics

• Elementary fluid dynamics and fluid flow

• Arithmetic and algebra, introduction to calculus

• Types and properties of engineering materials and applications

Module Aim:  

This module, through an applied project, will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and develop engineering solutions that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs.  

Students learn to apply an integrated or systems approach to complex problems, evaluate environmental and societal impacts, identify and analyse ethical concerns, and adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice. 

Indicative content:  

• Identifying, understanding and defining the problem 

• Identifying system goals and constraints 

• Gain an appreciation of processor based system, sensors and programming. 

• Developing a solution that meets the system's goals and constraints 

• Evaluating the solution 

• Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts, while reflecting upon their career aspirations. 

This module builds upon concepts and practical approaches introduced at level 4 and will prepare you for sandwich placement and for level 6 project.    

Module Aim:  

This module aims to enhance knowledge on advanced concepts of dynamics and thermodynamics in the design and analysis of mechanical engineering components and systems as well as to build up the prerequisite knowledge and develop you to apply your knowledge for practical problems.  

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Plane kinematics of rigid bodies 

• Vibration and time response 

• Gyroscopic motion 

• Gas turbine and stream cycle  

• Heat pumps and refrigeration 

• Heat exchanger types 

This module is designed to strengthen your knowledge of the mechanics of solids and fluids gained during the first year and demonstrate its application to real engineering applications and systems. Additionally, it introduces control systems engineering, where you will practice applying control theory to the design of equipment. To support your learning, advanced maths topics and simulation software are introduced.  

You will study topics such as: 

• Stresses and strains in 3D 

• Mechanisms of structural failure 

• Mechanisms of heat transfer and heat exchangers 

• Matrix algebra and numerical methods 

• Closed-loop feedback control systems 

• Design and simulation using MATLAB and SIMULINK 

Module aim:  

This module will detail the purpose and specific application of key machine elements and mechanisms. Underpinning maths and engineering principles will be applied to determine the forces experienced by each component, which will be sized accordingly. The principles will be applied in the context of designing a typical engineering artefact. 

You will study topics such as:

• A structured design approach

• CAD software package used to produce layout sketches to test design ideas

• Use Standards 

• Develop free body diagrams 

• Calculate forces associated with components in a design 

• Balance of forces and power 

• Different types of power transmission 

• Select appropriate components for a design 

• Use CAD modelling package

This module builds on the science, mathematics and mechanical engineering principles threads running through the course. It aims to enable you to apply advanced engineering calculations and simulation techniques to support the design and analysis of complex, real-world engineering systems.  This will involve using the numerical tools of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA).  In the process, you will develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as general mechanical engineering competence.  

You will study topics such as: 

• Thermal and fluid machines and devices 

• Turbomachinery design, applications, and performance optimisation 

• Elastic-plastic structural analysis, fatigue, and fracture mechanics 

• CFD modelling and simulation 

• FEA modelling and simulation 

Your individual final year project is the apex of your academic journey, offering a platform to apply the wealth of knowledge and skills gathered throughout your degree to real-world linked problems. This module requires your creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to navigate new material independently in whichever field you choose to specialise in. 

This module allows you to: 

• Undertake in-depth research in a topic of your choosing

• The opportunity to work alongside cutting-edge researchers 

• Create a body of work that can support you into further study, or work in a field that interests you

Develop solid foundations for undertaking a self-managed academic research project. On this module you will develop the skills and understanding you will need to complete your dissertation project to the highest level. Through lectures, guided reading and one-to-one discussions with your project supervisor you will design a design a path through to successful completion of an extensive research project including developing the project management skills you will need to achieve this. 

You’ll study topics such as 

• The life cycle of a project 

• Reviewing academic literature 

• Quality management 

• Project management techniques and tools 

• Research ethics 

• Intellectual property rights 

Module Aim: This module will develop an understanding of reverse engineering hardware and software tools, and through examples, their use within the wider Computer Aided Design workflow. 

You will study topics such as:  

• CAD 

• Introduction to contact and non-contact metrology 

• Errors in scan data 

• Hierarchy of importance of areas of scanned geometry  

• Assessing scan to CAD inaccuracies 

• Integration of processed scan data into the CAD workflow 

• Optimisation of resultant geometry. 

• Use of Rapid Prototyping Technologies 

This module aims to give experience in the practice of engineering and related disciplines at a professional level. It involves planning, managing, executing and reporting a programme of work which will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical and computational work together with a review of relevant previous work in the field.  

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Approaches to managing complex technical projects 

• Effective teamwork and management 

• Planning and coordinating a team-based activities 

• Roles in a team 

• Critical reflection 

Module Aim:  

This module provides an in depth understanding of principles methodologies and tools used for creating and analysing complex multidisciplinary systems using a structured systems-based approach. 

This approach is relevant to a wide range of sectors such as aerospace, food, rail, automotive and business systems. New and emerging technologies will also be introduced from both research and industrial fields demonstrating the current state of the art and advancement to the discipline area.  

Indicative content:  

• Identifying, understand and define complex engineering problems. 

• Identifying system goals and constraints 

• System modelling and simulation 

• System architecture design principles 

• Integration strategies and techniques 

• Verification and validation processes 

• New and emerging technologies 

Through successful completion of the module the following AHEP4 learning outcomes will have been achieved.  

M3, M4, M5, M9, M17