You gain fundamental analytical knowledge and techniques to complete the core modules of higher national engineering programmes. It is a base for further study of analytical methods and mathematics, needed for the more advanced option modules. You use fundamental algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability, for the analysis, modelling and solution of realistic engineering problems at higher national level.

You investigate a number of mechanical and electrical scientific principles which underpin the design and operation of engineering systems. This is a broad-based module, covering both mechanical and electrical principles. You gain an overview which provides the basis for further study in specialist areas of engineering.

You are introduced to the necessary skills and principles which underpin a range of mechatronic systems. You examine small single component systems as well as larger systems integrating components from different engineering disciplines. You also look at the control concepts used in mechatronic systems and focus on system design and maintenance. The approach is broad-based, to reflect the fact that mechatronics is multidisciplinary and not confined to a single specialised discipline. You are encouraged to recognise a system, not as an interconnection of different parts but as an integrated whole. 

This module develops your ability to use the knowledge and skills you learn at work and on the programme to complete a realistic work project.

We integrate the skills and knowledge you develop in other modules on the course within a piece of work that reflects the type of performance expected of a working engineer.

This module introduces the concepts you need to successfully analyse engineering problems and apply the relevant numerical methods to solve advanced mathematical problems arising from engineering and technology. You are introduced to further techniques which are relevant to solving engineering problems. Topics include laplace transforms, matrices and solving partial differential equations using numerical methods.

We provide you with the knowledge and understanding of fluid power systems in modern industry by
investigating pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams, examining the characteristics of components and equipment, and evaluating the applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.

This module develops your knowledge and understanding of business improvement methodologies and techniques that can be applied in a variety of manufacturing situations. It provides you with an understanding of the principles of lead time analysis by using a range of processes. This includes using techniques to reduce set-up times for a particular application and presenting this improvement as a standard operating procedure. You also learn about the techniques employed in total productive maintenance (TPM) and using optimised production technology (OPT), and discuss the benefits.

This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the functions, structures and inter-relationships of an engineering business. It enables you to develop and apply the skills of costing, financial planning and control associated with engineered products or services.

The module also teaches you to appreciate the development of the fundamental concepts of project planning and scheduling that can be applied within an engineering organisation.

This module develops the theory from a basic understanding of simple digital techniques, to more practical and complex applications of both combinational and sequential logic. It includes using manufacturers' literature to design circuits and computer simulation to test and evaluate designs.

You improve your understanding of process control and automation in order to analyse, model and predict the behaviour of complex dynamic processes. You examine control system instrumentation systems with practical issues of signal transmission and accuracy. Advanced control strategies are also considered as well as techniques for the design, tuning and application.

You gain an understanding of a range of electronic devices and circuits used in modern electronic systems. The electronic circuits includes power supplies, operational amplifiers and digital circuits. You also loan a practical kit to allow you to design, build and test a series of circuits.

This module gives you a basic understanding of the physical fundamentals used in electrical engineering, together with specific techniques you need to determine the behaviour of electric circuits.

We cover the fundamentals of electrical circuit theory, analysis of electrical circuits, give you an understanding of simple analogue and digital circuits and an appreciation of their application to engineering problems.

We look at voltage, current, power, energy, resistance and impedance. Also magnetic fields and inductance, electric fields and capacitance, Kirchhoff’s Laws. We examine time varying voltages and currents, effects on inductors and capacitors, sinusoidal voltage and current use of symbolic notation.

You also study power, reactive power and apparent power, circuit analysis techniques, mesh and nodal analysis, transistors and properties of amplifiers.

Our primary method of teaching is lectures supported by laboratory sessions, tutorials, problem solving and directed learning.

You learn how to:

• understand and use key elements of electrical and electronic theory
• apply given tools in the solution of well defined electrical and electronic engineering problems
• apply numerical skills to simple electrical and electronic engineering problems
• use basic IT tools and specialist software to solve simple electrical and electronic engineering problems.

To extend the depth of your understanding of analogue electronics, especially in the context of integrated circuits, this module covers the interaction of circuit segments (loading), temperature dependence and device variability, and how to robustly design around these problems.

You use the ‘library’ of common configurations to build larger circuits and to see how integration and component matching facilitates complex general and application-specific circuits, with examples drawn from the variety of analogue devices currently available.

Laboratories enable you to perform analysis, simulation and synthesis of relevant circuit configurations, both using components on Breadboard and by simulation in SPICE.

The aim of this module is to give you an opportunity to experience the process of carrying out a design project. It will enable you to appreciate that design involves synthesising parameters which will affect the design solution.

This module develops your understanding of the concepts of measurement and test. In particular you develop the underpinning knowledge and skills required to perform complex measurement and test procedures.

This module develops your understanding of the principles of operation of optical fibre transmission lines, light sources and detectors, and their application to communication systems. You cover the basic principles of light transmission in optical fibres, the differing modes of propagation, and the types of fibre in common use. The physical properties and operating principles of a range of light sources and detectors are also covered. You consider the performance of complete fibre optic communication systems and the applications of optical fibres to other fields such as medical electronics.

This module investigates programmable logic controller (PLC) concepts and their applications in engineering. It focuses on the design characteristics and internal architecture of PLC systems, the signals which are used and the programming techniques. You produce and demonstrate a programme for a programmable logic device.

You are introduced to the basic concepts of project management within a school setting and build on the role of the project manager in managing project risk, teams and organisational change, addressing project management from feasibility to post implementation.

This module develops your understanding of the underlying technology involved in using electrical energy. It combines the underpinning knowledge of equipment which is found in a variety of applications with the design and calculation methodologies that are adopted by professionals in these areas.