BEng Energy Engineering

Key details

BENG ENERGY ENGINEERING

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Engineering

UCAS course code

H800

Entry Requirements

BBB

Duration (years)

East Anglia is a significant region for energy engineering, and you’ll understand the benefits of our connections with local industry from the very start of your three-year course. You’ll get a taste of the many career paths energy engineering could open up to you through role-model meetings, site visits and opportunities for short-term internships and placements.

Our close partnerships with major engineering companies also enable us to support and encourage student innovation and the development of your networking skills. Both of which are critical to the sector and to ensuring we can deliver the engineers the energy industry needs today, and for the future.

All engineering courses within the School share an integrated programme structure during the first year to demonstrate the potential breadth of the discipline, after which you can elect to tailor the course or continue to pursue a broad-based approach. We work closely with other UEA Schools including Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences and Mathematics, so that your learning is informed by a range of expertise.

About

As the demand for alternate energies grows, so does the demand for Energy Engineering graduates. This course is backed by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGr).

The course was established as a result of strong support from industry, and these connections have shaped the design and delivery of our programme. Its content is tightly linked to the skills the industry requires, plus you’ll benefit from generous contact with industry to enrich your learning experience.

As well as gaining a solid grounding in the foundations of engineering as a wider subject, you’ll be introduced to the specifics of the different energy engineering by practicing energy engineers. So you’ll graduate expert in wind turbines, micro-hydro schemes, nuclear power, biofuels and more – and ready to pursue successful career in the sector.

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Course Reference Number: 1545477

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

Our assessment strategies are as varied as our teaching. In acknowledging the individual ways in which you might prefer to demonstrate your learning, assessment patterns are designed to present opportunities for you to shine through a variety of assessments across the programme.

Assessment examples include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Structure

In your first year you’ll take on small design projects to gain a grounding in engineering mathematics and principles, supported by a broad introduction to energy from practising engineers. Engineering Studies will allow you to study a number of more focused engineering disciplines. Introductions to mechanical, electronic and electrical and energy engineering are delivered through fieldwork, hands-on component assembly, CADCAM and case studies provided by visiting industrialists.

Teaching and Learning

Your Energy Engineering course will combine lectures, workshops and tutorials. You’ll then be asked to apply the knowledge you’ve gained to a research problem, a series of questions, or to a design problem. It is this application of knowledge that will ensure you gain a deeper understanding of the material and help you retain what you have learnt.

Throughout your studies you will develop skill sets in line with the guidance provided by the Engineering Council and our accrediting body, The Energy Institute. Which means you’ll graduate with the capabilities you need to get your career off to a flying start, including being an effective communicator, digitally literate, and capable of dealing with problems where you have insufficient data.

You’ll develop your communication skills through written reports, oral presentations and workshop discussions. And workshops will also give you time to develop digital skillsets in computer analysis and design.

What’s more, we’ll provide you with multiple opportunities to connect with industry, when you will be encouraged to develop your networking abilities and to optimise your exposure to our industrial contacts.

By combining excellence in teaching and encouraging your industrial connections, we aim to secure your success as you progress through your programme and beyond.

Independent study

Independent study will be guided by the requirements of your research projects, design work and small problem-solving exercises. You can expect to explore your module content widely, through which you will develop the independent learning skills so highly valued by employers.

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Assessment for Year 2

Assessment examples include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Structure

Year two will build on the foundations of your first year, exploring design codes of practice in greater depth and using renewable energy examples to illustrate advanced principles. For example, your basic understanding of wind turbine towers will not only encompass drag-induced forces and foundation stability, but also the aerodynamics of airflow past the turbines.

You’ll develop a thorough understanding of micro-hydro schemes by analysing pumps and turbines linked to pipe flow and networks. The study of grid storage will push your understanding of electricity further and your mathematical knowledge will be developed through more advanced material, including programming skills.

Teaching and Learning

By combining excellence in teaching and encouraging your industrial connections, we aim to secure your success as you progress through your programme and beyond.

Independent study

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Assessment for Year 3

Assessment examples include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Structure

Your individual project will be a major focus of your final year. Your supervisor may suggest suitable topics, but essentially this is your chance to become an expert in the area of energy engineering that fascinates you most – and in which you are likely to work.

Your exploration of your in-depth study will be one of the areas of learning that really differentiates you from other energy engineering graduates. At UEA, we aim for both depth and breadth in our teaching – and it shows in our graduates.

Teaching and Learning

By combining excellence in teaching and encouraging your industrial connections, we aim to secure your success as you progress through your programme and beyond.

Independent study

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This course is no longer recruiting for Year 1

Assessment for Year 1

Assessment examples include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING PRACTICE

Code ENG-4003Y

Credits 20

In Engineering Practice you will explore the role of the engineer operating in the modern world. You will experience what it is like to face the challenges of design. You will be encouraged to explore your creative design talent while also developing an awareness of issues relating to sustainability, health, safety and professional ethics. To help you communicate your designs, you will learn to produce professional technical drawings and engineers' sketches alongside 3D models using CAD software. Your industrial experience will grow through your participation in site visits in both semesters. In Semester 2 you will participate in an inter-university design challenge and apply your new skill sets in graphical, written and oral communication to a real project-based design. In this term you also explore the final pillar of Sustainability through an introduction to economics .

ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS AND MECHANICS

Code ENG-4004Y

Credits 20

This module utilises the mathematical concepts from the Mathematics for Scientists module in an engineering context, before complementing the material with practical mechanics to solve real-world problems. Over the first semester students are introduced to the vocational necessity of estimation in the absence of accurate data through a team-based competition, as well as the practical geometry and numerical methods which can be used when analytical techniques fail. This is supplemented by practical exercises in graphical presentation and data analysis which will contribute to the coursework element of the module. Teaching then concentrates on mechanics in the second semester, encompassing Newton’s laws of motion, particle dynamics and conservation laws before a final exam.

ENGINEERING STUDIES

Code ENG-4005Y

Credits 20

This module is designed to assist you in making an informed choice of career pathway and introduces you to a variety of engineering disciplines. You will get a hands-on introduction to electronic-electrical engineering, you will be exposed to a range of energy industry specialists and encouraged to develop your understanding of the UK and global energy mix. In addition to a brief overview of civil engineering you will be introduced to the basics of structural engineering and fundamental principles that civil and mechanical engineers use (structural frames, bridges, foundations, stresses, machine design), putting these in context. Permeating the delivery of the electronic-electrical and energy topics you will develop programming, simulation and practical problem solving skills using software e.g. MATLAB, Simulink, Arduino.

CREATIVE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Code ENG-4006Y

Credits 20

This module allows you to explore the development of digital technologies that have revolutionised engineering design and creative engineering practice. Through consideration of computer coding and digital tools, the aim is to promote your digital literacy and your ability to evidence this through the demonstration of appropriate applications. The early development of a digital skill-set, applied across a breadth of applications, will allow you to gain skills that you could use in industry placements during the summer vacations. The impact of digital innovation and disruptive technologies such as drones, 3D printing and the ‘Internet of Things’ will also be explored.

MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS A

Code ENV-4015Y

Credits 20

You will cover differentiation, integration, vectors, partial differentiation, ordinary differential equations, further integrals, power series expansions, complex numbers and statistical methods as part of this module. In addition to the theoretical background there is an emphasis on applied examples. Previous knowledge of calculus is assumed. This module is the first in a series of three maths modules for those across the Faculty of Science that provide a solid undergraduate mathematical training. The follow-on modules are Mathematics for Scientists B and C. Recommended if you have grade A*-C at A-level Mathematics, or equivalent.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Assessment for Year 2

Assessment examples include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN

Code ENG-5003Y

Credits 20

This module purposely fuses the boundaries conventionally constraining engineering designers, to enable you to fully explore the breadth of design principles and processes presented within a contemporary design challenge. Supported by a framework of integrated learning, you will continue to develop your ability to straddle the boundaries of creative design practice in the determination of holistic design solutions. Societal design challenges will add real-world context to problems posed as you explore the issues facilitating the realisation of revolutionary ideas in contemporary design practice.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Code ENG-5002B

Credits 20

This module builds on understanding in wind, tidal and hydroelectric power and introduces theories and principles relating to a variety of renewable energy technologies including solar energy, heat pumps and geothermal sources, fuel cells and the hydrogen economy, biomass energy and anaerobic digestion. You will consider how these various technologies can realistically contribute to the energy mix. You will study the various targets and legislative instruments that are used to control and encourage developments. Another key aspect of the module is the study and application of project management and financial project appraisal techniques in a renewable energy context.

ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS

Code CMP-5027A

Credits 20

A practical introduction to electronics, this module is structured to consider analogue electronics and digital electronics in turn. Topics you’ll cover include passive and active components, including op-amps, transistors, logic gates, flip-flops and registers. Circuits you’ll study include amplifiers, oscillators, modulators, combinational and sequential logic and state machines. You’ll spend much of your time doing practical work – underpinned by lectures – where you will build prototypes circuits, as well as designing and building Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

PROGRAMMING FOR NON-SPECIALISTS

Code CMP-5020B

Credits 20

You will be introduced to a number of programming concepts at the start of your programming career, using a modern programming language common to many digital industries, with specific focus on applications within STEM fields. We structure learning through lectures, delivering core materials, and tutor supported exercises to reinforce learning, and to prepare you for programming in your following studies.

DYNAMICS AND VIBRATION

Code ENG-5004B

Credits 20

You will build on the introductory material you gained in first year engineering mechanics. An appreciation of why dynamics and vibration are important for engineering designers leads to consideration of Single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, Equation of motion, free vibration analysis, energy methods, natural frequency, undamped and damped systems and loading. Fourier series expansion and modal analysis are applied to vibration concepts: eigenfrequency, resonance, beats, critical, under-critical and overcritical damping, and transfer function. Introduction to multi-degree of freedom (MDOF) systems. Applications to beams and cantilevers. MathCAD will be used to support learning.

CLIMATE CHANGE: SCIENCE AND POLICY

Code ENV-5003A

Credits 20

This module develops skills in the scientific and social scientific analysis of global climate change, using perspectives from natural sciences, science studies, and economics and politics. It first offers a historical perspective on how global climate change developed as a scientific and social object of inquiry. The course then gives grounding in climate and society relations, economic principles and the political science and governance of climate hazards, energy and greenhouse gas emissions. This module replaces ENV-2A69.

INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Code NBS-4101A

Credits 20

This module provides a foundation in the theory and practice of accounting and an introduction to the role, context and language of Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Finance. The module assumes no previous study of accounting and is aimed at non-specialists. It is designed as a standalone course for those students following a more general management pathway.

UNDERSTANDING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Code NBS-4106A

Credits 20

This module helps you to explore the dynamic and ever-changing world of business and provides insights into the managerial role. Understanding the Business Environment explores key environmental drivers and the basic functions of organisations. It is designed to provide essential core knowledge for Year 1 Business students on how organisations are managed in response to changes in the business environment and what is the role of its functional divisions in implementing strategic responses. In addition, the module also explores some of the current issues faced by organisations such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility and internationalisation. Core business theory is introduced in lectures and applied practically with the use of examples in seminars. By the end of this module you will be able to understand and apply key business concepts and a range of analytical tools to explore the business environment. Introduction to Business facilitates study skills development that is essential across all three years of the undergraduate degree by developing academic writing, presentation, team working and communication skills effectively.

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR

Code NBS-4109A

Credits 20

What is an organisation? What do we mean by management? How do you lead and manage people? In this module, you’ll have the opportunity to explore these questions and many more in the fascinating area of management and organisations. You’ll consider the social world of business and management and what it means in theory and in practice. You’ll learn about leading, managing and organising people in work settings and why that is critical to organisational effectiveness. You’ll also reflect on how you work in teams yourself. On successful completion of the module, you’ll have discovered key insights into the way that organisations exist in practice, and have the knowledge to understand them at a more conceptual level. You’ll also have had opportunities for self-reflection and personal learning.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

Assessment examples include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Compulsory Modules

NUCLEAR AND SOLAR ENERGY

Code ENG-6002Y

Credits 20

This module addresses the technical and financial aspects of nuclear power and solar energy, whilst letting you apply your knowledge from the Engineering Practice module to make ethical decisions incorporating health and safety risk assessments. Successful design of nuclear installations requires a detailed quantitative risk analysis within a regulatory framework that imposes high tolerances. Furthermore, you will obtain advanced knowledge and skills for the optimal design and performance analysis for cost-effective configurations of PV systems, solar thermal systems and hybrids to achieve sustainable development. Although these energies are considered cleaner, it is essential to consider the environmental impact and planning law, as well as changing the societal perception of both.

ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Code ENG-6001B

Credits 20

This module is highly practical and will allow you to study how electricity is generated and how it is distributed to users. The first part studies DC and AC electricity and looks at how RLC circuits behave through complex phasor analysis. The second part will give you the chance to study electricity generators, beginning with magnetism and Faraday’s Law. Synchronous and asynchronous generators are studied along with application to conventional power stations and to renewable generation (e.g. wind). You'll also look at transformers and transmission lines with a view to distribution of electricity. Voltage conversion methods such as the rectifier, buck and boost converters are examined and finally electricity generation through solar is covered. Your lab classes will build on material from lectures which in turn forms the basis for coursework.

INDIVIDUAL ENERGY PROJECT

Code ENG-6003Y

Credits 40

This module allows you to display your full talents and understanding of energy engineering principles through an extended piece of individual project work. This significant piece of work is worth 40 credits of the overall degree and runs over both semesters of the third year. The project will comprise research, design, implementation and practical elements. The subject of the project will be negotiated between you and a supervisor at the start of the module. The supervisor will then continue to support you in project management, report-writing and the applied design process throughout the assignment.

FOSSIL FUELS

Code ENV-6009A

Credits 20

You will be introduced to geological, economic and political aspects of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas and coal). These are used to discuss environmental concerns arising from the use of fossil fuels, and the potentially profound implications of future fuel scarcity on society. Some knowledge of Earth science and basic Chemistry will be expected.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

STRESS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

Code ENG-6006Y

Credits 20

Beginning with a revision of first and second year concepts of elasticity this module will consolidate an understanding of the relationship between stress and strain in a variety of contexts such as torsion, shear and bending of open and closed sections with applications in aerospace, wind engineering, bridge design and others. Analytical techniques such as Mohr’s circle will be covered and you will explore the way that design codes place practical limits on stress and strain such as in bolted and welded connections.

CONTROL SYSTEMS

Code ENG-6007A

Credits 20

Automatic control is essential in any field of engineering and science. Control systems are an integral part of robotic systems, manufacturing systems, self-driven vehicles and any industrial operation and household application involving control of temperature, humidity, flow, pressure, etc. A competent engineer should be familiar with the control theories commonly used nowadays and their practical application. In particular, this module is focused on the analysis and design of control systems based on the classical control theory. Among other topics, this module covers: -Systems modelling using Laplace transforms. -System identification. -Open-loop and closed-loop control systems and the importance of feedback. -Evaluation of systems stability and behaviour using different analysis tools like Bode plots, the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, the Root Locus method or Nyquist plots. -Design and tuning of different common types of controllers, like PID controllers and lead/lag compensators, to meet a variety of design requirements. -Digital control systems. -Programming and operation of PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and its use in automatic industrial systems. -Analysis and design of control systems using Matlab In order to reinforce the learning and engagement, different case studies of industrial applications from local companies are introduced and potentially a site visit.

ENGINEERING INDUSTRIAL PROJECT 1

Code ENG-6011A

Credits 20

This module provides you with an opportunity to gain valuable credit-bearing industrial experience. It comprises a 10-week minimum placement over the summer vacation and submission of inception, interim and final reports which are presented at an assessed viva in the autumn term. This module replaces a 20-credit option module in the following academic year. Where possible a distinct project element of the placement will be identified for which you have overall responsibility. The main objectives of the placement are to develop your understanding of real engineering industry, the importance of risk and commercial awareness, and how sustainability is addressed in modern engineering practice.

MODELLING ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES

Code ENV-6004A

Credits 20

Our aim is to show how environmental problems may be solved from the initial problem, to mathematical formulation and numerical solution. Problems will be described conceptually, then defined mathematically, then solved numerically via computer programming. The module consists of lectures on numerical methods and computing practicals; the practicals being designed to illustrate the solution of problems using the methods covered in lectures. We will guide you through the solution of a model of an environmental process of your own choosing. The skills developed in this module are highly valued by prospective employers.

THE CARBON CYCLE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Code ENV-6008A

Credits 20

What do you know about the drivers of climate change? Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the greenhouse gas that has, by far, the greatest impact on climate change, but how carbon cycles through the Earth is complex and not fully understood. Predicting future climate or defining ‘dangerous’ climate change is therefore challenging. In this module you will learn about the atmosphere, ocean and land components of the carbon cycle. We cover urgent global issues such as ocean acidification and how to get off our fossil fuel ‘addiction’, as well as how to deal with climate denialists.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

BBB or ABC including grade B in Mathematics and one other Science subject or BBC including grade B in Mathematics and one other Science subject with a A in the Extended Project

BTEC

DDM in an Engineering pathway. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration

Scottish highers

AABBB including grade A in Mathematics and one other Science subject

Scottish highers advanced

CCC including Mathematics and one other Science subject

Irish leaving certificate

2 subjects at H2 and 4 subjects at H3 including Mathematics and one other Science subject

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Mathematics and 12 credits in one other Science

European Baccalaureate

70% overall including 70% Mathematics and one other Science subject

International Baccalaureate

31 points including HL5 or SL6 in Mathematics and HL5 in one other science subject

GCSE offer

You are required to have English Language at a minimum of Grade C/4 or above and Mathematics at Grade B/5 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for this course, our partner INTO UEA offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a foundation programme. Depending on your interests and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering

Alternative Qualifications

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including speaking, listening, reading and writing) at the following level:

IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)

We will also accept a number of other English language qualifications. Review our English Language Equivalences here.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some students an interview will be requested. You may be called for an interview to help the School of Study, and you, understand if the course is the right choice for you. The interview will cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a convenient time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and to contact admissions@uea.ac.uk directly to discuss this further.

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 1545477

BEng ENERGY ENGINEERING