BEng (Hons) Energy Engineering

Key details

BENG (HONS) ENERGY ENGINEERING

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Engineering

UCAS course code

H800

Entry Requirements

BBB

Duration (years)

As the demand for alternate energies grows, so does the demand for the experienced Energy Engineering graduates with a strong connection to the industry.

The course is backed by the East of England Energy Group and was established in collaboration with major energy industries. 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 an impressive network that will enrich your learning experience.

About

Investment in alternative energies is at an all-time high, and that includes a strong industry focus on the next generation of engineers. Interaction with industry is a key component of this course, which opens significant career pathways and focuses on the sustainable future of energy production, usage and supply. On this course you will apply your skills to increase efficiency and further develop sustainable sources of energy, building operations and manufacturing processes.

East Anglia is a significant region for energy engineering, and you’ll see the benefits of our connections with local industry from the very start of your three-year course. We place a strong emphasis on ‘soft skills’- building your network through, site visits and opportunities for short-term internships and placements facilitated by our SELECT interview scheme. Our close partnerships with major engineering companies encourages and promotes innovation and has shaped the design and delivery of the course.

Our Energy Engineering courses are tailored to the sector and accredited by the Energy Institute. Graduates are highly employable, becoming the engineers the energy industry needs, immediately and for the future.

Each of our engineering courses follows an integrated programme structure for the first year. This is designed to provide you with a broad insight into the incredible potential of Engineering as a discipline. In your second year you will focus more closely on Energy. You will have access to resources from UEA Schools like Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences and Mathematics, so that your learning is limitless.

This course is for those students with an interest in the sustainable future of energy production, usage and supply. 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 and graduate as a highly employable and well connected individual.

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IET Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

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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. We're aware that you might prefer to demonstrate your learning in different ways, so our variety of assessment methods are designed to give you opportunities to shine whatever your preference. Types of assessment include written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches and traditional examinations.

Structure

In your first year you’ll take on projects which will give you a grounding in engineering mathematics and principles, supported by a broad introduction to energy. Engineering Principles and Analysis will allow you to study a number of more focused engineering disciplines.. Introductions to mechanical, electronic and electrical and energy engineering are delivered through lectures, fieldwork, and design-and-build tasks.

After these introductions you’ll be given the flexibility to change your degree path based on what you’ve learnt. You can choose your preferred path at any point before the start of your second year or, with appropriate module choices, further delay the decision until the end of your second year.

Teaching and Learning

Your Energy Engineering course will combine lectures, workshops and tutorials. You’ll be asked to apply the knowledge you’ve gained to a research problem, a series of questions, or a design problem. By applying your knowledge you will gain a deeper understanding of the material, helping you to retain what you’ve 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. This 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 complex 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, giving you the opportunity to develop your networking abilities and make professional contacts.

By combining excellence in teaching with industry 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 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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Open Days

Assessment for Year 2

Structure

Year 2 will build on the foundations of your first year, exploring design in greater depth and using renewable energy examples to illustrate advanced principles. You will bring your energy expertise to the multi-disciplinary team design exercise.

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

Teaching and Learning

What’s more, we’ll provide you with multiple opportunities to connect with industry, giving you the opportunity to develop your networking abilities and make professional contacts.

By combining excellence in teaching with industry 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

Structure

Study of the electrical grid, nuclear power and solar energy continue in parallel with your individual project which will be a major focus of your final year. The individual project is your chance to pursue a depth of knowledge in an area of energy engineering that fascinates you most – and in which you aspire 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

What’s more, we’ll provide you with multiple opportunities to connect with industry, giving you the opportunity to develop your networking abilities and make professional contacts.

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

Independent study

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

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.

ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PRACTICE

Code ENG-4007Y

Credits 40

Through this module you will explore the wider context of engineering activity and be introduced to engineering design. You will understand the varied roles and considerations of professional engineers through the pursuit of themes linked to sustainability, professional conduct and innovation. Furthermore, you will be exposed to the technological and digital innovations in engineering practice, considering visual and graphic communication, mathematical processing and data analysis. You will develop communication, research and estimation skills in support of real-world design challenges. Through building, iterative testing, laboratory activity and learning from failure, you will learn how to become a critical thinker and reflective engineering practitioner.

ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES AND ANALYSIS

Code ENG-4008Y

Credits 60

This module will allow you to explore the fundamental theories that underpin engineering, spanning the disciplines of fluids, thermodynamics, hydraulics, materials, structures, mechanics, circuitry and electronics. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to identify engineering opportunities, to analyse the performance of engineering components and to support the engineering design process.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT

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. Students will also apply their knowledge to propose, design and evaluate renewable technology solutions in order to meet performance, cost and emissions reduction targets within the coursework exercise, also involving 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).

MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS B

Code MTHB5010A

Credits 20

Matrix algebra: Introduction to matrices. Systems of linear equations. Solving systems of linear equations using elementary operations. Matrices and systems of linear equations. Gaussian elimination, row echelon form and back-substitution. Reduced row echelon form; use of rank to distinguish cases of no solution, unique solution, infinitely many solutions. Matrix inversion. Determinants. Linear independence, calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Numerical methods: Numerical methods for solving matrix systems. Iterative methods including Jacobi iteration and Gauss-Seidel iteration. Convergence criteria. Interpolation. Numerical differentiation and integration. Numerical integration of ODEs. Elements of programming in Python (or Matlab): Defining and manipulating variables. Arrays. Data input and graphics output. Functions. If/Then statements and For loops. Programs implementing numerical methods for systems of linear equations, nonlinear equations and integration of ODEs. Fourier series and Fourier transforms: Introduction to time series. Frequency domain. Definition and properties. Examples of transforms. Techniques for inverse transforms. Application to integral equations. Application to linear ODEs and PDEs Second-order partial differential equations: Basic concepts and definitions, wave equation, heat conduction equation, Laplace's equation. The method of separation of variables. Application of this method for solving initial/boundary value problems associated with the aforementioned P.D.E.'s. D'Alembert's solution for the wave equation. Application for solving initial value problems for the wave equation on infinite and semi-infinite domains.

MECHANICAL CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS

Code ENG-5006Y

Credits 20

This module will build on the fundamental theories covered in the first year in the mechanical engineering disciplines of materials, mechanics, structures, fluids and thermodynamics, explaining how basic principles are exploited and developed into working devices and processes which underpin engineering solutions.

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.

ELECTRICAL POWER ENGINEERING

Code ENG-5005Y

Credits 20

The module aims to cover a range of different principles and topics related to electrical power engineering including: • Three phase systems • Generation systems: Introduction, basic principles, magnetic fields, windings, torque production, equivalent circuit, synchronism, active and reactive power control, generator construction, generator operating chart • Transmission systems Introduction and principles, per unit systems, reactive power management • Power Electronics systems; Introduction and principles of electric power conversion including AC/DC and DC/AC power converters.

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Open Days

Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING MAJOR PROJECT

Code ENG-6008Y

Credits 40

This module allows you independently to select and explore a topic of project study of particular interest to you and linked to your programme pathway. Projects can involve design, research, experimentation, computation and other activities. Where possible, projects will be linked to an industrial partner. The technical content will build on the study of previous years, while the module will embed new project management, risk assessment and communication skills.

ELECTRICAL DRIVES AND ENERGY STORAGE

Code ENG-6009B

Credits 20

This module will provide the students with a wide range of knowledge, learning and skills in electrical machines, power electronics drives, and energy storage systems for various current and emerging applications in our industry for example electric vehicles, renewable power generation and energy storage systems. The delivery of the learning objectives will be through a combination of theoretical, analytical, computer simulation and experimental lab activities.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING

Code ENG-6010A

Credits 20

This module addresses the engineering and technical aspects of solar energy, covering solar energy resource availability, solar energy conversion systems, photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal collector systems, and other solar energy applications in the industrial, domestic, transport and agricultural sectors. You will obtain advanced knowledge on the estimation of solar radiation through models and solar radiation databases for any site and surface geometry, shading analysis, the optimum and cost-effective design, performance analysis and sizing of PV systems and solar thermal collector systems, and their integration in buildings. In parallel, you will develop software skills in the above topics and practical skills in PV cell/module characterisation, performance and degradation analysis in the laboratory.

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Code ENG-6011B

Credits 20

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of this key energy sector. It addresses the technical and financial aspects of nuclear power, offering a comprehensive grounding in the underpinning science, engineering and safety features, along with relevant nuclear regulators and policy. Students will develop knowledge and insights as well as analytical and modelling skills, in addition to skills that are transferable into future or current work settings, such as management of time and information, report writing and the deployment of critical reasoning and independent thinking.

Optional B Modules

(40 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.

SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING

Code ENG-6010A

Credits 20

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Code ENG-6011B

Credits 20

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.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

BBB/ABC, or BBC with an A in the Extended Project, including grade B in Mathematics and one other Science subject. Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element.

T Levels

No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.

BTEC

DDM in a relevant Engineering related subject, excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.

Scottish highers

AABBB including 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, 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%, including grade 7 in 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 Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or 5 and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Science A Levels must include a pass in the practical element.

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering must be studying either Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics OR Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. Grade Distinction will be required in these modules.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BEng Engineering with a Foundation Year .

INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

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

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

Alternative Entry Requirements

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.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

Academic English at INTO UEA

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a 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 on your UCAS application.

Intakes

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

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IET Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

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Ask a Student

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UNIVERSITY TASTER EVENTS

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UEA Award

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Course Reference Number: 4479198

BEng (Hons) ENERGY ENGINEERING