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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Mechanical Engineering

(BEng) Mechanical Engineering

Entry for 2021

FHEQ level

This course is set at Level 6 in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to produce engineering graduates who are equipped for success in a wide range of graduate careers; from those that require expertise in mechanical engineering directly, such as in the energy, automotive, transport, marine, construction and aerospace industries, to the many that require numerate graduates with a good understanding of project management, an ability to work effectively in teams and with excellent personal communication skills. The structure of the course reflects the need for broad-based knowledge as well as in-depth skills. Design is an essential component and spans specification, conceptual development, design embodiment, final design, manufacture, marketing and sales. All these factors are brought into play through group projects, in which students are expected to function as design teams, capable of interacting with 'clients' and presenting their work to a professional audience. A distinctive characteristic of the course is the general engineering focus of the first year, which aims to provide a solid foundation of engineering knowledge to equip the graduate for work in multidisciplinary teams.

Course learning outcomes

1. (SM1b) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in mechanical and related engineering disciplines, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies

2. (SM2b) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in mechanical and related engineering disciplines and to enable them to apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems

3. (SM3b) Able to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of mechanical and related engineering disciplines

4. (EA1b) Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes

5. (EA2b) Able to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques

6. (EA3b) Apply quantitative and computational methods in order to solve engineering problems and to implement appropriate action

7. (EA4b) Demonstrate understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated systems approach to solving engineering problems

8. (D1) Demonstrate ability to evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics

9. (D2) Able to investigate and define the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standardsintellectual property; codes of practice and standards.

10. (D3b) Ability to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain and quantify the effect of this on the design.

11. (D4) Able to apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal.

12. (D5) Demonstrate ability to plan and manage the design process, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes.

13. (D6) Able to communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.

14. (EL1) Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and a knowledge of professional codes of conduct.

15. (EL2) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes

16. (EL3b) Knowledge and understanding of management techniques, including project management, that may be used to achieve engineering objectives

17. (EL4) Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate

18. (EL5) Awareness of the relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health & safety, contracts, intellectual property rights, product safety and liability issues

19. (EL6b) Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, and of risk assessment and risk management techniques

20. (P1) Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, application and development of technology, etc.)

21. (P2) Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products

22. (P3) Able to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills

23. (P4) Able to research and use technical literature and other information sources.

24. (P5) Demonstrate awareness of the nature of intellectual property and contractual issues.

25. (P6) Demonstrate understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards.

26. (P7) Demonstrate awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement

27. (P8) Able to work with technical uncertainty.

28. (P11b) Understanding of, and the ability to work in, different roles within an engineering team

29. (G1) Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities

30. (G2) Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD

31. (G3b) Plan and carry out a personal programmes of work, adjusting where appropriate

32. (G4) Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader

Full-time course composition

YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
1Autumn SemesterCoreElectrical Circuits & Devices (H6098)154
  CoreEngineering Maths 1A (H1033)154
  CoreMaterials and Manufacturing Processes (H7106)154
  CoreProgramming for Engineers (H1038)154
 Spring SemesterCoreEngineering Maths 1B (H1034)154
  CoreEngineering Mechanics (H1028)154
  CoreEngineering Thermodynamics (H3052)154
  CoreTechnical Drawing and Computer Aided Design (H7131)154
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
2Autumn SemesterCoreDesign for Manufacture (H7104)155
  CoreEngineering Fluid Mechanics (H1029)155
  CoreEngineering Mathematics 2 (H1042)155
  CorePrinciples and Applications of Strength of Materials (H7102)155
 Spring SemesterCoreElectromechanics (H7133)155
  CoreNumerical Modelling and Engineering Simulations (H7137)155
  CoreProfessional and Managerial Skills (H1041)155
  CoreSystems Analysis and Control (H6104)155
YearTermStatusModuleCreditsFHEQ level
3Autumn SemesterCoreBusiness and Project Management (H7095)156
  CoreDesign of Mechanisms and Machines (H7110)156
  OptionDynamics of Machines & Vehicles (H7092)156
  Low Emission Vehicle Propulsion (H3051)156
 Autumn & Spring TeachingCoreIndividual Project (H1043)306
 Spring SemesterCoreHeat Transfer (H3055)156
  OptionElectrical Drive Systems (H6097)156
  New Generation Vehicle Technology (H7109)156
  Smart Interactive Sensing Systems and Applications (H7128)156
  Sustainability in Engineering (H7136)156

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 (67) 8195

School Office opening hours: School Office open Monday – Friday 09:00-15:00, phone lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00
School Office location [PDF 1.74MB]