BEng ENGINEERING WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

Code MTHB3001A - (20 Credits)

Taught by lectures and seminars to bring students from Maths GCSE towards A-level standard, this module covers several algebraic topics including functions, polynomials and quadratic equations. Trigonometry is approached both geometrically up to Sine and Cosine Rule and as a collection of waves and other functions. The main new topic is Differential Calculus including the Product and Chain Rules. We will also introduce Integral Calculus and apply it to areas. Students should have a strong understanding of GCSE Mathematics.

Code MTHB3002B - (20 Credits)

Following MTHB3001A (Basic Mathematics I), this module brings students up to the standard needed to begin year one of a range of degree courses. The first half covers Integral Calculus including Integration by Parts and Substitution. Trigonometric identities, polynomial expressions, partial fractions and exponential functions are explored, all with the object of integrating a wider range of functions. The second half of the module is split into two: Complex Numbers and Vectors. We will meet and use the imaginary number i (the square root of negative one), represent it on a diagram, solve equations using it and link it to trigonometry and exponential functions. Strange but true: imaginary numbers are useful in the real world. The last section is practical rather than abstract too; we will be looking at three dimensional position and movement and solving geometric problems through vector techniques.

Code PHY-3011A - (20 Credits)

In this module you will begin your physics journey with units, accuracy and measurement. You will then progress through the topics of waves, light and sound, forces and dynamics, energy, materials and finish by studying aspects of electricity. The module has a piece of coursework which is based around PV cell technology.

Code CHE-3004A - (20 Credits)

A module designed for you, if you are on a Science Faculty degree with a Foundation Year. You will receive an introduction to the structure and electronic configuration of the atom. You will learn how to predict the nature of bonding given the position of elements in the periodic table and therefore. You will be introduced to the chemistry of key groups of elements. You will become familiar with key measures such as the mole and the determination of concentrations. The module includes laboratory work. No prior knowledge of chemistry is assumed.

Code CMP-3002A - (20 Credits)

In taking this module you will learn about a wide range of topics that are fundamental to computing science. You will study areas such as history of computing, the binary system, logic circuits, fetch and execute cycles as well as components that made up of modern computer systems. Internet related technologies will also be covered. In the practical work for the module you will use a range of tools and techniques appropriate to the topic being studied.

Code CHE-3003B - (20 Credits)

A course in chemistry intended to take you to the level required to begin a relevant degree in the Faculty of Science. The module will help you to develop an understanding of: reactions of functional groups in organic chemistry; basic thermodynamics; spectroscopic techniques; transition metal chemistry and practical laboratory skills.

Code CMP-3006B - (20 Credits)

This module follows on from Foundations of Computing 1. You will learn about a further range of topics that are fundamental to computing science. You will study areas such as database design, accessing databases via dynamic websites, an introduction to machine code, machine learning and an introduction to higher level languages.

Code MTHB3003B - (20 Credits)

This module extends material beyond Basic Mathematics I and Basic Mathematics II, and takes the most useful topics from the equivalent of the Further Maths A-level syllabus: - Simple common sets. - Notions of mathematical rigour and proof by induction. - Ideas of function such as f(x)=(ax+b)/(cx+d) for curve sketching, including identifying asymptotes. - Trigonometric functions and corresponding identities, including graph sketching aided by the derivative as the slope of a curve. - The hyperbolic functions sinhx, coshx and tanhx. - The Maclaurin Series Expansions. - Matrices and determinants (2x2 and 3x3) and their link with vector-cross-product. Examples of matrix-transformations of the plane and of space. - Separable variable first-order differential equations for modelling the motion of objects (once Integration has been covered in Basic Mathematics II). E.g. a car decelerating within a specified breaking distance; a body falling with air-resistance. All this has proved to set up students well for what follows in the degree course.

Code PHY-3010B - (20 Credits)

This module follows on from Introductory Physics and continues to introduce you to the fundamental principles of physics and uses them to explain a variety of physical phenomena. You will study gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, radioactivity and energy levels. There is some coursework based around the discharge of capacitors. The module finishes with you studying some aspects of thermal physics, conservation of momentum and simple harmonic motion.

Code ENV-4015A - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-4007Y - (40 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-4008Y - (60 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-5004B - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-5003Y - (20 Credits)

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.

Code CMP-5020B - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-5002B - (20 Credits)

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.

Code NBS-4101A - (20 Credits)

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.

Code NBS-4106A - (20 Credits)

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.

Code NBS-4929A - (20 Credits)

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

Code ENG-6007A - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-6001B - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-6008Y - (40 Credits)

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.

Code CMP-5013A - (20 Credits)

Study the organisation of system software and the underlying hardware architecture in modern computer systems. The role of concurrent operation of hardware and software components is emphasised throughout this module. Central concepts are reinforced by practical work in the laboratory. The architectures portion of the module focuses on the components of a processor, including the registers and data path, and you will explore concepts such as instruction fetch cycles, instruction decoding and memory addressing modes. The operating systems component focuses on how the system software manages the competing demands for the system hardware, including memory management and disc and processing scheduling.

Code ENG-6002Y - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENG-6006Y - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENV-6004A - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENV-6008A - (20 Credits)

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.

Code ENV-6009A - (20 Credits)

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.