Mechanical Engineering

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Design and Practice II (double)

  This module places a strong emphasis on utilising modern computer technology, including computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages, to create solid models, conduct simulation analyses, and ensure designs are fit for purpose. By actively engaging with the integrated design environment and collaborating with peers, you will acquire invaluable skills in engineering design, problem-solving, and effective communication.
   
  As you progress through this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the engineering design process and its practical application in real-world contexts. You will learn to select and utilise appropriate industrial components, making informed decisions that contribute to the overall success of your designs. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, you will gain valuable experience working with others to produce design prototypes, simulating real-world scenarios encountered in professional engineering practice. 

• Materials Engineering

  This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of materials used in mechanical engineering, with a focus on selection, design, manufacturing optimization, and environmental impact assessment. You'll delve into the specifics of metals and polymer composite materials, gaining valuable insights into their structure, properties, and manufacturing processes.

  By the end of this module, you'll have the underpinning knowledge and comprehension necessary to make informed decisions about materials selection for engineering applications. You'll explore how the structure and properties of materials are influenced by their manufacturing processes, leading to optimized performance in real-world scenarios. Additionally, you'll gain an understanding of the factors and processes involved in material degradation, enabling you to evaluate and account for these factors in your design work.
   

• Engineering Mathematics and Modelling II

  This module places significant emphasis on the solution of differential equations using both analytical and numerical methods. You will develop the skills to formulate and solve ordinary differential equations, employ advanced techniques of matrix algebra, and utilise numerical techniques to solve various engineering problems. Furthermore, you will learn to effectively describe and analyse engineering systems using the language of mathematics and employ mathematical software to perform numerical computations.
   
  By the end of this module, you will gain a deeper understanding of the role of calculus in engineering applications. Through the study of differential equations and matrix algebra, you will acquire advanced problem-solving techniques that are essential for addressing real-world engineering challenges. 
   

• Stress Analysis

  In this module, you'll delve into the intricacies of static stress analysis using closed-form solutions derived from fundamental principles. You'll also explore how this understanding relates to failure criteria and the material properties of the component. Practical application of theories will be facilitated through a hands-on laboratory session, offering a real-world context to the learned concepts.

  Through this module, you'll gain a profound ability to calculate stresses, strains, and deflections in beams undergoing bending and torsion. You'll be adept at determining various stress components like principal, octahedral, hydrostatic, and deviatoric stresses in three-dimensional components. This skill set will enable you to evaluate the strength and deformation suitability of a diverse range of components under static loading conditions. 
   

• Thermo-Fluids

  In this module, you will gain an introduction to the fundamental principles of environmental engineering. You will explore the interactions between human activities and the environment, focusing on topics such as water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, solid waste management, and environmental impact assessment. Through theoretical studies and practical exercises, you will learn about the design and operation of environmental engineering systems and the importance of sustainable practices to protect and preserve the environment.

  By engaging with this module, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental engineering principles and their applications. You will gain the necessary knowledge to assess environmental issues and propose sustainable solutions for water, air, and solid waste management.
   

• Materials Engineering

  This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of materials used in mechanical engineering, with a focus on selection, design, manufacturing optimization, and environmental impact assessment. You'll delve into the specifics of metals and polymer composite materials, gaining valuable insights into their structure, properties, and manufacturing processes.

  By the end of this module, you'll have the underpinning knowledge and comprehension necessary to make informed decisions about materials selection for engineering applications. You'll explore how the structure and properties of materials are influenced by their manufacturing processes, leading to optimized performance in real-world scenarios. Additionally, you'll gain an understanding of the factors and processes involved in material degradation, enabling you to evaluate and account for these factors in your design work.
   

• Engineering Dynamics

  This module is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of dynamic mechanical systems. The focus includes mechanical vibration, control systems, and the performance evaluation of single-degree-of-freedom systems, as well as first and second-order systems. Additionally, you'll explore the kinematics of mechanisms, gears, and epicyclic gears. The coursework is enriched with practical laboratory exercises, providing hands-on experience to complement theoretical learning. 

  By the end of this module, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyse the dynamic performance of mechanical systems. 

Year 3 (optional placement year - compulsory for sandwich year students)

Optional modules

Year 4 (or year 3 if no placement)

Compulsory modules

• Engineering Project (double)

  This module aims to provide you with a platform to delve deeply into a practical engineering issue, fostering a comprehensive understanding of real-world problem-solving. You will undertake a substantial project that goes beyond the scope of your previous coursework, allowing you to solidify your knowledge and hone the skills you've acquired during your studies. 

  Throughout the module, you will be required to meticulously document your project's journey, from its inception to its completion, in a comprehensive report. You'll learn to prepare effective project plans and Gantt charts, crucial tools for organising and executing the project in a systematic manner. Your ability to critically evaluate engineering practices through in-depth analysis of published literature will be nurtured. You'll also learn to apply a diverse range of both innovative and established techniques to address complex engineering problems, showcasing your problem-solving prowess.
   

• Management, Ethics, Energy and Sustainability

  This module is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges that intersect business, society, and sustainability. With a specific focus on the automotive, transport, and general engineering sectors, this module delves into critical topics such as project management, leadership, energy, environmental concerns, sustainable engineering, ethics, and social aspects of employment.

  By the end of this module, you'll possess a holistic perspective on business practices and their impact on the triple bottom line: economic, social, and environmental aspects. You'll learn to craft effective business plans, making compelling arguments that incorporate sustainability principles, echoing the shift towards a circular economy.
   

• Advanced CAD/CAM

  In this module, you will learn to use cutting-edge design and manufacturing software to produce computer-generated solid models of engineering components, as well as analyse them to determine their manufacturability. You will also learn how to simulate various machining processes and produce lathe and milling cutting paths for use in NC machine tools. This knowledge is applicable to various engineering disciplines.

  Through this module, you will develop a range of skills with a strong foundation in advanced CAD/CAM techniques and you will be well-equipped to pursue a successful career in engineering. 
   

• Advanced Stress Analysis

  This module will elevate your understanding of stress and strain conditions with this module. You’ll learn to use theoretical methods to calculate elastic stress distributions and elastic-limit loads for typical mechanical engineering components. You’ll also delve into residual stresses and strains arising post-yield. 

  As you progress through the module, you'll become adept at assessing the strength and deformation appropriateness of components exposed to static and dynamic loads. You'll also learn to identify the limit points for tensile bars and thick-walled pressure vessels, along with grasping the concept of residual stresses and strains post-yield and unloading. Additionally, you'll gain the skills to determine critical rotational speeds for axisymmetric components. 
   

• Electronics and Control Engineering II

• Advanced Dynamics and NVH

  This module is designed to consolidate and extend your knowledge of mechanical systems. You will address a number of key concepts, primarily dealing with Multiple Degree of Freedom (MDOF) systems but also including shock response analysis, structural vibration analysis, vibration measurement principles, and the fundamentals of Noise, Vibration and harshness (NVH). 

  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of MDOF systems, applying Newtonian mechanics principles. You’ll also improve your research literacy by conducting free vibration analysis using a matrix approach. The module’s multi-faceted learning framework integrates theoretical problem-solving with practical application of your learning, providing you with a sound understanding of Advanced Dynamics and NVH. 

Year 5 (MEng)

Compulsory modules

• Group Design Project

  In this module, you’ll collaborate closely with research, industrial, or commercial partners for real-world project experience.

  This module equips you to apply theory to real-world scenarios, solving intricate Mechanical and Automotive Engineering problems. You’ll develop advanced problem-solving skills, employ research methods, and embrace project management techniques. As a team, you’ll tackle complex challenges, critically analyse methods, and present innovative solutions that reflect industry standards and collaboration.

• Engineering Business Management

  This module is designed to equip you with the essential management skills and knowledge necessary for success in the engineering industry. The focus lies on key areas such as project management, leadership, team building, motivation, and legal considerations. While the automotive and motorsports sectors are emphasised, the knowledge and skills gained are widely applicable across the broader engineering landscape.

  Upon completion of this module, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of management practices vital in engineering contexts. You will develop a systematic comprehension of the prerequisites for crafting a successful business plan within engineering domains. Additionally, you will master the skill of presenting compelling business plans to potential stakeholders. This involves proposing well-reasoned strategies for organizations seeking industry funding
   

• Advanced Strength of Components

  In this module, you'll delve into the intricate world of fatigue and fracture analysis. You'll learn to predict failure conditions, estimate component life, and enhance designs' resistance against such failures. From establishing fatigue strength-life relationships to conducting advanced fatigue analyses using FEM, you'll gain the skills to assess components under various loading scenarios. With a focus on safety and reliability, you'll also explore fracture prediction for cracked components and develop strategies to bolster designs against fractures.

  By the end of this module, you'll possess the skills to establish fatigue strength-life relationships tailored to different surface finishes, loading scenarios, sizes, and notch sensitivities.
   

• Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design 1

  In this module, you'll elevate your engineering design skills to an advanced level. Guided by the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), you'll tackle complex interdisciplinary design challenges. A dynamic learning environment nurtures your ability to approach complex challenges with innovative solutions. 

  Through problem-based learning and critical analysis, you'll refine your ability to systematically approach design, critically assess existing literature, and apply TRIZ principles. Collaborating with peers from various disciplines, you'll improve your communication skills, innovate designs, and ensure ethical and professional standards.
   

• Composite Design and Impact Modelling

  This module explores material, component, and structural responses to medium to high impact events in this module. Dive into crashworthiness design, testing, and modelling for motorsport and automotive vehicles, with a focus on using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to predict crash effects. The module establishes the theory behind explicit numerical modelling to assess the validity of numerical results.

  By the end of this module, you'll exhibit a profound and methodical grasp of material behaviour, explicit FEM, and the design, manufacture, and testing of impact-resistant vehicles and structures. Your ability to select, evaluate, and justify manufacturing processes aligned with your design criteria will be evident. Additionally, you'll be able to critically appraise design concepts, handling incomplete or contradictory data with expertise.