Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year

Studied in both trimester one and trimester two, these modules will provide an introduction to mathematics and its application to engineering. Module content is designed to help you understand and apply mathematics in engineering. Topics include algebra, trigonometry, functions, geometry, vectors, complex numbers and calculus.

Module content will introduce the concepts of power and energy within the context of engineering systems and conservation. You’ll learn the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and the technologies which can generate energy and power for domestic and commercial consumption.

This module will help you to develop study skills to suit your individual learning style. Module content also provides an introduction of computer systems hardware and software.  As you develop your range of study skills, you’ll learn how to apply IT when communicating data analysis.

You’ll be introduced to the basic concept of mechanics. You’ll learn about the principle of stress and strain, solve problems in statistics and build knowledge for problems associated with simple beams. 

Module content will provide you with an understanding of the basic units used in engineering and their practical significance.  You’ll learn to apply engineering analysis to design experiments and develop skills in producing technical reports.  You’ll also build a range of engineering measurement and computational analysis skills.

You will build on the engineering mathematics module from your first year by developing advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis. This will enable you to tackle more advanced engineering problems. Subjects covered include partial differentiation, determinants and matrices, vector analysis

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 the micro-structure 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 AC or DC supplies.

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.

You'll be introduced to project management techniques, particularly in project planning, organisation and control. You will develop an understanding of project timings and resource allocation and a broad understanding of quantitative methods used for decision making in industry. You will gain experience in the interactive nature of engineering, including business and commercial influences, and effectively communicate the outcome using computer software and presentations.

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of structural behaviour and the nature of stress and strain and provide you with a foundation in engineering dynamics, allowing you to tackle simple engineering problems, and preparing you for subsequent modules.

You will be introduced 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.

You will build on the engineering mathematics module from your first year by developing advanced knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis. This will enable you to tackle more advanced engineering problems. Subjects covered include partial differentiation, determinants and matrices, vector analysis

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.

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.

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.

Become proficient in the application of theory of beam deflections, instability, three dimensional stress analysis and criteria for strength. You will develop an understanding of the Direct Stiffness method, the nature of elastic stability, the need for failure criterion and the nature of plastic strain.

You will extend your knowledge and experience in robotic design via the writing of clear and concise specifications, the generation and presentation of concepts, performing appropriate calculations and selecting suitable materials, actuators, sensors and computer hardware and software. The module provides additional computer systems skills and applications of CAD and IT in support of communication and the analysis and presentation of data.

You will develop key skills in both written and oral communication, group dynamics, interview skills and the running and reporting of formal meetings. The module provides additional computer systems skills and applications of CAD and IT in support of the communication, analysis and presentation of data.

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.

You will be introduced 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.

Explore finite element analysis as a tool for the solution of practical engineering problems. You will become aware of the principles of finite element analysis, learn how to construct an appropriate finite element model of a physical system, and know how to interpret the results of the analysis.

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.

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.

A vital part of your career preparation, whether in industry or research, is to complete an individual project. Your final project will be based on an engineering theme of industrial relevance.