Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics, MEng – (B.Eng.)

Contents

Levels 1 and 2 are common to all the mechanical engineering courses and aim to give you a strong grounding in engineering sciences. You will take a module which includes hands-on workshop practice and transferable skills training.

In the latter part of the course, you will take specialist modules in aircraft aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural analysis for aeronautical applications and flight mechanics. As specialisation occurs at Level 3 you will be able to switch courses up to the end of Level 2.

If you progress to the MEng programme you will, in addition, take Level 4, which represents one further year of study.

Languages

Language options are available in the final year of the MEng. Several levels of ability are catered for in French, German, Spanish and Italian.

Design

Design is an integrating subject in that it brings together all the academic disciplines in order to solve typical engineering problems. It is project-based, and often involves working in small groups. This work develops, not only your engineering ability but also your communication and graphics skills.

Typical Modules

Level 1 Core

* Fundamentals of Solid Body Mechanic
* Fundamentals of Thermofluids
* Analytical Methods and Skills
* Design, Materials and Manufacturing
* Communication, Management and Practical Skills
* General Principles of Mechanical Engineering

Level 2 Core

* Solid Body Mechanics
* Thermofluids
* Modelling, Control and Microprocessor Applications
* Computer Aided Design and Manufacture
* Mechanisms, Simulations and Computer Graphics

Level 3 Core

* Major Project
* Fundamentals and Applications of Numerical Modelling
* Business and the Environment
* Analysis of Aircraft Structures
* Aerodynamics, Propulsion Systems and Flight Mechanics
* Aircraft Airworthiness, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Methods

Level 3 Options

* Analysis of Vehicle Structures
* Aerodynamics and Internal Combustion Engineering
* HVAC Systems
* Electrical Systems for Buildings
* Racing Vehicle Design, Performance and Legislation

Level 4

* Major Group Project / dissertation
* Strategic Management and Enterprise
* Research Planning, Methodology and Innovation
* Advanced CAD and Numerical Modelling
* Advanced Thermofluids
* Advanced Solid Body Mechanics



Teaching and LearningOur philosophy

The ethos of the School of Engineeringand Design stems from the initial formation of the University as a technological institution in the mid-1960s. Until very recently, all students on the mechanical engineering degree programmes were sandwich students.

This is still the preferred option, although the increase in student numbers in the last few years has unfortunately not been matched by an equivalent increase in industrial placements available. Also, some students prefer to proceed with a straight-through academic programme.

Our philosophy is thus to underpin the industrial experience base of mechanical engineering with a rigorous and relevant programme of studies of the fundamental principles and their applications.

In addition to its teaching programmes, we maintain an active research environment, having achieved a Grade 4 in our last research assessment exercise.

Hours

In Level 1 contact between students and academic staff is relatively high at 17 hours per week to assist you to adjust from school/college to university life. As the course progresses the number of contact hours is steadily reduced as you undertake more project-based work.

How will I be taught?

Lectures

These provide a broad overview of the main concepts and ideas you need to understand and give you a framework on which to expand your knowledge by private study.

Laboratories

A staff to student ratio of 1:6 is normal here. Practicals are generally three-hour sessions in which you can practice your observational and analytical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts.

Design Studios

In a studio you will work on group projects with guidance from members of staff. You may be required to design and produce an artefact or develop a solution to an engineering problem. These sessions allow you to develop your intellectual ability and practice your teamwork skills.

One-to-one

On registration for the course you will be given a personal tutor whose role is to be available to provide academic and pastoral support during your time at university.

You will get one-to-one supervision on all Level 3/4 project work.

If you go on an industrial placement you will also be allocated an industrial tutor who will help you achieve the training objectives necessary to satisfy the requirements for Chartered Engineer status of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. You will also be visited by a member of the academic staff, usually your personal tutor, to monitor the progress of your training.

AssessmentLevel 1 does not count towards your final degree mark but you have to pass this year to continue with the course. Students wishing to transfer from the BEng to the MEng must achieve at least 60% at Level 2.

Several methods of assessment are employed on the course. There are written examinations at the end of each term but work is also continuously assessed throughout. You will undertake projects, assignments, essays, laboratory work and short tests.

Project work is commonplace and is usually completed in groups to imitate the everyday experience in an engineering firm where specialists must pool their talents to design a solution to some problem.

In this situation you can develop your management and leadership skills and ensure that all members of the group deliver their best. Group members share the mark gained, so it is up to each individual to get the most out of everyone else.