| Unit name | Engineering Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | MENG10004 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Peel |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
A-level standard in Maths and Science, or equivalent |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
This unit will provide a coherent introduction to the fundamental knowledge and problem-solving skills required of an engineer. Students will be taught how to convert everyday language to specific engineering terms and express the underlying science. They will learn how to identify methods to solve problems and use mathematical techniques to calculate solutions of appropriate precision and accuracy. This will occur on two broad levels, albeit with considerable overlap:
• The detailed solution to domain specific problems of narrow scope, with an emphasis on accurate answers and rigorously correct methodology.
• The application of multiple methods to solve problems of broader engineering significance, likely including multiple - and even contradictory - requirements.
There will be an emphasis on dealing with uncertainty. Conceptually, this unit will sit between the mathematics units, that provide core skills, and the more design-oriented units that will make use of the methods taught here. Explicit links will be drawn between the different units to ensure students make the correct associations between material taught in different contexts. Topics for the unit will include: an introduction to mechanics, which will be applied to the loading of structures, the dynamics of bodies and the behaviour of fluids; the behaviour and selection of materials; the basics of thermodynamics; and the principles of electrical science.
1. Provide concise descriptions of key engineering terms and concepts and correctly identify when they apply to scenarios and problems.
2. Recall and apply fundamental mathematical techniques to more complex or layered problems of engineering significance.
3. Interpret problems and determine the correct path to the solution even when presented in an unfamiliar context.
4. Construct appropriate diagrams to aid in the solution of problems with clear annotations and supported by appropriate discussion.
5. Infer the assumptions and physical principles pertinent to a given engineering problem.
6. Execute calculations to determine quantities in correct SI units and present the results to an appropriate degree of precision.
7. Critique the solution to problems - accounting for simplifications, known limitations on methods and any experimental or observational data available.
The unit is assessed using a two-part summative assessment (ILOS 1-7). Each part will cover different aspects:
1. Technical assessment – focussing on accurate interpretation and solution of domain specific problems with a narrow focus. The emphasis will be on correct use of equations and units, accurate calculations and general rigour.
2. Design assessment – focussing on appropriate solutions to broad, often interdisciplinary, problems. There will be an emphasis on drawing together multiple strands of the course, making good engineering judgements and supporting them with solid arguments.
This is a pass/fail assessment and students will receive feedback on their performance.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MENG10004).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
