Mechanical engineers are an important part of our society. They are concerned with the development, installation and maintenance of engineering systems. These engineering systems cover a wide range of processes, particularly in the field of manufacturing. Whether it is silicone chips or jumbo jets that need to be produced, mechanical engineers are a key component to the process.
There is a strong management theme throughout this course that will prepare you for a career as a mechanical engineer. It will enable you to interact with a broad range of clients and employers from small business to large multinationals and government authorities.
With an excellent reputation and strong links with industry, this course will put you in good stead to become a successful professional mechanical engineer.
This course is an effective bridging programme for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for the BSc/BEng (Hons) and so can take this foundation year to bring thier Maths and Physics knowledge up to the academic level required for the BSc/BEng.
This course will develop your professional knowledge as well as design and analytical skills. You will gain awareness of social, legal and environmental issues that are all associated with the role of a senior engineer. You will study a broad range of engineering subjects that will give you the knowledge and skills to prepare you for a wide variety of engineering careers.
Year 1
Engineering Mathematics
An understanding and ability to use mathematics are essential skills for success in engineering. This module will review and expand on the following subjects: algebra, trigonometry, functions, geometry, vectors, complex numbers and calculus, with emphasis on their applications to engineering.
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Engineering Materials and Electrical Systems
In this module you will develop an understanding of the basic properties and applications of materials and of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. This will include learning about the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of materials, mechanisms of corrosion and corrosion protection, the principles of electronic and electrical engineering, and the response of electrical elements in circuits to d.c. or a.c. supplies.
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Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
You will develop an understanding of the basic concepts of engineering thermodynamics and be given a introduction to the subject of fluid mechanics. Skills in handing thermodynamic concepts enabling the definition and analysis of thermodynamic systems are vitally important to the mechanical engineer.
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Product Engineering
In this module you will gain an insight into the complete process for the design or engineering of products and services. You will learn to interpret and produce drawings to British Standards and develop skills in the manufacture process including machining, forming, joining, fitting, assembly and inspection and testing.
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Engineering Structures and Engineering Dynamics
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of structural behaviour and the nature of stress and strain. It will provide you with a foundation in engineering dynamics, allowing you to tackle simple engineering problems and preparing the you for subsequent modules.
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Manufacturing and Mechanical Group Design
This module will introduce you to a range of basic manufacturing processes and their application, enabling you to specify appropriate manufacturing techniques, taking into account quality, quantity and cost. You will work in groups throughout this module, building on your communication and team working skills.
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Year 2
Engineering Mathematics
This module will build on the year 1 module and develop more advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis, to enable you to tackle more advanced engineering problems. Subjects covered include partial differentiation, determinants and matrices, vector analysis, Laplace transforms and functions of a complex variable.
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Engineering Dynamics and Control Engineering
This module will provide you with an introduction to the design and analysis of both analogue and digital feedback control systems and the application of fundamentals in spatial kinetics and multi-degree of freedom vibrations. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of the analysis and solution of engineering problems in dynamics and robotics and the application of fundamentals in discrete event systems and their application to robotics and automation.
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Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
This module will further your knowledge of thermodynamic and fluid mechanic systems. You will learn thermodynamic analysis of systems employing phase changing fluids, appreciation of turbomachinery and reciprocating air compressors, the principles of heat transfer, the treatment of fluid mechanics to two dimensional low speed flow and one dimensional compressible flow, and the concepts of boundary layer theory.
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Manufacturing
Your understanding of manufacturing methods and current processes will be enhanced through this module, and you will be able to specify the most appropriate manufacturing method/process for a particular application taking into account quality, quantity and cost. You will also be introduced to computer simulation modelling and programmable logic controllers and their programming language.
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Structural Mechanics
Through this module you will become proficient in the application of theory of beam deflections, instability, three dimensional stress analysis and criteria for strength, and develop an appreciation of the direct stiffness method, the nature of elastic stability, the need for failure criterion and the nature of plastic strain.
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Quality and Risk Management and Mechanical Group Design
In this module you will be provided with a broad understanding of qualitative methods used for decision making in the manufacturing industry and an understanding of the role and function of quality, reliability and maintenance within an organisation. Through group work you will develop key skills in communication both written and oral, group dynamics, interview skills and the running and reporting of formal meetings.
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Year 3
Industrial Management and Project Preparation
This module has two main components. Industrial management in which you will be introduced to the commercial issues which must be addressed by engineering businesses, and the principles of quality management systems; and project preparation which will develop your ability to work independently, become competent in analysing and assessing the value of information, and develop effective communication skills both written and orally.
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Control Engineering and Dynamics, Robotics and Automation
You will be provided with an introduction to the design and analysis of both analogue and digital feedback control systems and the application of fundamentals in spatial kinetics and multi-degree of freedom vibrations. Subjects include encirclement theorem, Nyquist stability theorem, compensator design and spatial kinetics applied to machinery and robots.
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Finite Element Analysis and Structural Mechanics
Finite element analysis is an important and advanced tool of the engineer. In this module you will be taught the principles of finite element analysis. how to construct an appropriate finite element model of a physical system, and how to interpret results of the analysis. You will also be given practical instruction the use of an industry-standard finite element analysis program.
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Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
In this module you will be given an understanding of the internal combustion engine and the gas turbine and an introduction to refrigeration cycles. You will also expand your knowledge of heat transfer processes, fluid mechanics to viscous flows by examination of the Navier-Stokes equations, and compressible flow analysis to one and two dimensional flows.
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Manufacturing and Mechanical Group Design
You will extend your knowledge and experience in design: the writing of clear and concise specifications; the generation and presentation of concepts; performing appropriate calculations, selecting suitable materials, treatments and manufacturing processes; the development of the concepts into workable schemes and their communication in a form suitable for manufacture including dimensional toleranced scale drawings or sketches.
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Project
One of the most important parts of your preparation for your future career, whether in industry or research, is the undertaking of an individual project. Projects are based on particular engineering theme of industrial relevance.
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