The first year shares some modules with the department's other engineering degrees and will therefore give you a broad foundation in engineering science and design, manufacturing processes, material selection and behaviour, mathematics and management.
Core
Engineering Design and Design Project
This year long module introduces students to basic concepts and practice of design and manufacture with a semester long group and individual project. It includes the following topics:
- the process of design supported by practical design activities
- engineering drawing
- solid modelling and drawing generation
- machine elements
- group Design Project with Integrated Individual Element
- machine shop practical training
Student groups will undertake a different group design project in semester two aligned to their subject stream: Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or Product Design and Manufacture
Mathematics for Engineers
This module introduces a range of fundamental elementary mathematical techniques that can be applied to mechanical engineering, manufacturing and product design problems. It includes:
- the calculus of a single variable, extended to develop techniques used in analysing engineering problems
- techniques for solving selected first-order and second-order differential equations
- the algebra of complex numbers to provide a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems
- the complexity of solving general (large) systems of equations
- advanced differential and integral calculus of one variable
- first-order ordinary-differential equations
- algebra of complex numbers
- matrix algebra and its applications to systems of equations and eigenvalue problems
- functions and their properties
- vector spaces and their applications
- vector calculus
Statics and Dynamics
An introductory module covering analysis methods applicable to engineering design including:
- review of basic mechanics: vectors, units, forces and moments, Newton’s laws
- static equilibrium: force and moment analysis in design; frictional forces
- free body diagrams and Pin-jointed structures
- stress, strain and elasticity
- multi-axial stress-strain; thin walled vessels under pressure
- shear stress and torsion of shafts
- plane stress; Mohr's circle analysis
- beam bending: shear force and bending moment diagrams
- second moments of area of cross-sections
- bending stresses in beams
- linear and rotational motion: displacement, velocity and acceleration
- relationship between angular and linear motion
- newton's Laws for linear and rotational motion
- linear and Angular Momentum, including conservation of momentum
- work, energy and power, including kinetic and potential energy
- geared systems
- drive systems, including tangential drives and vehicles
- load characteristics and steady-state characteristics
- flywheel design
- static and dynamic balancing
Materials and Manufacturing
This year long module introduces students to the properties of materials, the main failure mechanisms which a designer will be concerned with (e.g overload, fracture, creep, fatigue) and core manufacturing methods used in engineering applications.
It includes the following topics:
- the role of materials and material properties in the design process
- the selection and use of materials
- the basic science underlying material properties and approaches to avoid failure of materials to provide the knowledge with which to design materials with better properties. For each property (or group of properties), a case study of practical design application will be addressed
- an introduction to manufacturing in the UK
- an introduction to high value – low volume and low value – high volume manufacturing processes including: casting, machining, moulding, forming, powder processing, heat treatment, surface finishing and assembly
- an introduction into additive manufacturing an introduction to manufacturing metrology
Industrial Design Professional Practice
This module provides an introduction to Industrial Design; a brief history of its leading practitioners, its impact on popular culture, the role of the designer, design methodology and ethical responsibilities of the designer.
The module also contains sessions teaching design project practice, graphical skills used in design, photography and the production of a portfolio of skills for the first year of your course.
Drawing for Design
This module will teach and develop skills in constructed and freehand drawing in perspective. It will teach you the rules of perspective drawing and basic pen control. You will develop their skills from sketching simple boxes to sketching complex forms with detail and contour lines.
You will progressively learn to add detail to their drawings and learn to draw quickly and neatly. You will be taught how light and shade can explain complex forms. You will learn how to use markers to add tonal work to sketches and to combine all these skills to produce sketch pages for design projects. The exercises will also help develop special awareness abilities and an appreciation of form.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 14 September 2021.
You will develop further design skills and commercial awareness in year two. There are several design projects throughout the year, complemented by modules in the areas of design techniques, manufacturing, ergonomics and business.
At the end of year two, you can opt to switch to the four-year MEng degree provided that you have obtained at least 55 percent in the end of year assessment. Alternatively, you can choose to remain on the three-year BEng degree.
Core
Materials in Design
This module aims to introduce students to methodologies for materials selection and process selection for design improvement. This module seeks to develop an understanding of the role of materials in the design of a range of components, from consumer goods to large scale structures.
Second Year Design Projects
This is a project based module for Product Design and Manufacture students in their second year. Through practical design work the students will be faced with the problems of managing different constraints and producing cohesive design proposals. The students will become familiar with the process of receiving design briefs, managing time and resources and presenting design solutions. You’ll spend 12 hours in practicals and eight hours in further activity sessions each week when studying this module.
Design Communication
Industrial Design and Professional Practice 2
Design for Manufacture
The aim of this module is to develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills in design for manufacturing and manufacturing and product development. It covers design for manufacturability, design for assembly, rapid prototyping and manufacturing, jigs and fixtures, process planning and group technology and design for cost. You’ll spend two hours in lectures and three hours in practicals each week when studying this module.
Second Year Group Design Project
This is a project based module for Product Design and Manufacture students in their second year. The module comprises an individual and a group design project. Through practical design work the students will be faced with the problems of managing differing constraints, possibly conflicting views and workload management to produce a cohesive design proposal. You’ll spend ten hours in practicals and four hours in further activity sessions each week when studying this module.
User Centred Research and Design
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on
You continue to develop design skills through project work and the modules studied become more in-depth. This includes a major design project undertaken in the final semester along with a dissertation.
Core
Industrial Design and Professional Practice 3B
Major Project Preparation
Materials and Manufacturing 3
RSA Design Projects
The module comprises of two projects. In the first project, students will be able to use ‘People Centred Research’ to find creative approaches to difficult problems. In the second project, students will be able to detail a simple product for manufacture by injection moulding. You’ll spend 12 hours in practicals and four hours in further activity sessions each week when studying this module.
BEng Major Design Project
This is a project based module for Product Design and Manufacture students in their third year. It is the final project of the BEng degree programme. The module comprises of one project, which develops and showcases the design skills of the student. This work will form the basis of the end of course exhibition. You’ll spend 20 hours working practically each week when studying this module.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the
module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on