Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

15 credits

Students are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. Students are guided to identify and take ownership of their personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.

Students are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme enabling students to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.

The Level 4 Personal Tutorial System (PTS) is integrated within this module, and timetabled tutorial sessions provide an opportunity for regular discipline-focused small-group discussion and debate to reinforce the key themes and practices of the taught programme. Professional and personal development skills are reflected throughout the module and the authentic application of the methods developed are highlighted in the taught curriculum.

Employability skills are explored in the PTS and students are challenged to consider the development of these skills horizontally between their Level 4 modules and vertically as they identify their learning pathway from Level 4 to graduation.

15 credits

The aim of this module is to provide a thorough background in engineering mathematics and equip students with the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The topics introduced will serve as basic tools for studies in many engineering subjects. This comprises algebra, functions, statistics and probability, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors.

Students will be empowered to understand and be able to use the language and methods of mathematics in the description, analysis and design of engineering systems. The emphasis is on using mathematical tools to solve engineering problems. The computing software used will typically include MATLAB and Excel.

15 credits

This module will introduce you to scripting in one of the most popular programming languages in industry, which is widely used for data processing, automation of tasks and more recently for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) specifically in the engineering industry.

The module has been designed to cover all the fundamentals of programming. It provides a valuable transferrable skill set that can be fed forward to provide the essential skills needed for scripting in other computer languages in further modules. It also provides the crucial foundations for you to investigate applications involving both ML and AI as you progress through the course.

15 credits

This module introduces mechanical engineering students to the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. The fluid mechanics section covers the fundamental properties of fluids along with the main basic conservation equations and their engineering applications. It also introduces the concept of dimensions and the SI units of measurement.

The thermodynamics section deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. A variety of topics of engineering and science are dependent on various thermodynamics concepts. You can find applications of thermodynamics everywhere, such as in an internal combustion engine or sitting in a room with the air conditioning.

The thermodynamics laws that govern the behaviour of various systems will be discussed in depth as you find applications in a variety of disciplines.

The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.

30 credits

The module introduces students to the fundamentals of structural analysis (statics and dynamics) and the mechanical behaviour of a broad range of engineering materials. The mechanics part provides an understanding of the behaviour of particles and rigid bodies while stationary and in motion.

Bodies such as trusses in equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters including force, moment, stress, or strain are defined and calculated. The analysis of structural components will be developed with theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary in the design of real structures. This section also introduces the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies with their engineering applications.

Material test methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various engineering materials. A selection of materials for engineering applications, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment.

The module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorial sessions and laboratory-based practical sessions.

30 credits

The principal aim of this module is to provide students with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic and professional practice needed to succeed during the course and attain professional status.

The module introduces the key aspects involved in planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures.

The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development. The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.

The module also involves the IMechE Design Challenge as a part of the curriculum, to provide the students with a flavour of how to work in teams to produce engineering artefacts that are capable of accomplishing tasks, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance the student's employability.

0 credits

This module is a zero-credit module designed to develop students' knowledge in the formula student competition and build a foundation of awareness for future use as part of the team. It covers basic elements of the competition itself, design and manufacturing techniques, as well as qualities that are desirable in a team project-based environment.

The module is pass/fail and has multiple assessment points in the form of quizzes and practical tests.

15 credits

This module will equip you with fundamental mathematical skills that are crucial for comprehending engineering subjects effectively. The topics covered in the module will serve as fundamental tools for studying various engineering subjects. You will be empowered to comprehend and use the language and techniques of mathematics in describing, analysing, and designing engineering systems. The primary focus is on using mathematical tools to resolve engineering problems, especially on mechanical systems, robotics, control systems, and signal processing.

15 credits

This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens your knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.

30 credits

Due to technological advancements, electronic and control system fundamentals play a vital role across many engineering disciplines. In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental principles of control system engineering.

This module also extends electronics teaching to more complex devices and methods for analysis of electronic circuits. You will learn how to model and analyse the behaviour of dynamic control systems. You will understand the concepts of stability and effects of the feedback loop in a control system. Furthermore, you will apply conventional control theory and more advanced artificial intelligence-based techniques to solve feedback control problems.

MATLAB will be used to reinforce the concepts learned in the module through simulation. This module is technical content rich to enhance analytical as well as employability skills across many engineering disciplines. Module content is delivered through formal lectures, which are supported by computing laboratory sessions along with tutorials and additional support material available on virtual learning environment. The assessment is through an in-class test, practical laboratory exercise and examination.

15 credits

Building on foundational knowledge from the Level 4 module, this module dives deeper into thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, exploring boundary layers, heat transfer and combustion.

For internal and external flows involving fluid and solid surface interaction, the boundary layer is an important concept used in particular to determine the drag forces. The main theory behind boundary layers and their engineering applications will be covered.

Heat transfer by conduction and convection will also be covered extensively with some example problems. Combustion which is important in many engineering devices such as boilers, furnaces etc. will be discussed in detail.

15 credits

This module covers the principles that govern the performance of deformable solids made from various materials under the action of different types of static and dynamic loadings. Design of solid components and structures learned in this module is of crucial importance for solving many engineering problems.

In this module, students build on knowledge obtained in Level 4 module Engineering Mechanics and Materials. The engineering students will be able to design solid components and structures by selecting appropriate materials and geometry. Students learn to compare strength of materials against internal stresses, deformation of materials against internal strains, and the response of the systems to dynamic loads.

Topics covered in this module include mechanical properties of materials, types of loading, plane-stress and plane-strain conditions, design of beams, torsion of shafts, and buckling.

30 credits

This module builds on the Level 4 module Engineering Design and Manufacture, and aims to deepen the knowledge of the mechanical engineers in design communication to British Standard BS8888, from reading engineering drawings to product design specification, design analysis, validation and optimisation.

The traditional design methods are supported by the CAD/CAE software to assist the students in solving and analysing engineering design problems. The digital modelling takes the students from the 2D conventional engineering drawing skills to 3D digital model using feature based and free form modelling techniques. The digital simulation covers two types of analysis, the engineering mechanism design and simulation, finite elements modelling (FEM) and analysis (FEA) using cutting edge solvers.

The second part of this module concentrates on the manufacturing stage of the engineering design process. The traditional design for machining and assembly methods are supported by the CAD/CAM software, assisting the students to optimise the design, machining and manufacturing cost. The digital manufacturing takes the students from the conventional methods to 3D digital machining simulation using feature-based recognition for CAD models.

The module is structured so that more than 50% of the teaching time is focused on CAD/CAM/CAE hands-on workshop sessions and practical manufacturing workshops. Core factual material is provided via Canvas with keynote lectures used to explain concepts of mechanical design, CAD/CAM/CAE and manufacturing techniques.

30 credits

This module is a core module for Mechanical Engineering (Automotive) BEng students and forms a strong foundation for team-based design work. Industry-standard software and design principles are taught alongside a project-based assessment regime to produce robust and quality outputs, which will help prepare students for Level 6.

Each year will involve a different automotive subsystem design, towards which students will work in groups to produce a technical report covering design, CAD, cost and manufacturing details. British standards will be applied to prepare students for industrial practice and increase employability in the engineering sector. A design report and group presentation are used as assessment methods with regular project reviews to help develop ideas and best practices.

15 credits

The module introduces basic principles of automotive suspension and chassis systems of modern vehicles and race cars. It is delivered through a project-based approach, including lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.

The module starts with the dynamics of high performance road vehicles and race cars, relating quantitative data to power and efficiency performance characteristics. It also introduces elements of suspension and chassis design. Apart from component identification, emphasis is put on preliminary calculations related to the introduced systems.

15 credits

The module introduces the basic automotive systems of modern vehicles and race cars. It is delivered through a project-based approach, which includes lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. The module introduces Internal Combustion (IC) engines and electric powertrains, as well as autonomous vehicle technology.

It also introduces elements of design and simulation of these systems and optimisation for both high performance and high-efficiency applications. The systems will be reviewed from a theoretical and mathematical basis, in conjunction with practical laboratory exercises for validation and further reinforcement of working principles.

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This module gives students an in depth understanding of various elements of electric vehicle technology and design. Emphasis is placed on design practices used in batteries, motors and invertors at automotive industry standards. Modern and emerging technologies are explored in this module and create a strong foundation for students wishing to enter into an electric vehicle design position.

In additional to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on empirical, hands-on learning, providing students with a set of skills that will enhance their employability. The learning is supported by practical exercises in the automotive lab where outputs of the aforementioned elements are measured and optimised. Practical exercises in the automotive lab encourage collaboration and foster resilience, as students work to measure and optimise outputs. These exercises also promote self-awareness, as students recognise their strengths and areas for improvement.

Emerging technologies explored in the module foster adaptability and a questioning mindset, preparing students for the rapidly evolving electric vehicle industry. The focus on industry standards and hands-on learning instils an enterprise mindset, preparing students for real-world engineering challenges.

30 credits

The module is structured in a way to develop an understanding of the different stages in the lifecycle of a designed product, for example, from inception, through design and manufacturing, then into service and finally retirement.

This module aims to help students develop an understanding of these stages in a product lifecycle and processes need to be undertaken in these stages and their interrelationships. This module will also aim to help students develop a fundamental understanding of product lifecycle from a business and organisational perspective. Case studies are used to illustrate the application and relevance of taught concepts.

Students will be asked to work in a team to perform a comprehensive product lifecycle analysis, using the knowledge learnt in this module as well as applying the knowledge acquired in pre-requisite modules. This will enable students to develop a set of kills to enhance their employability prospect in this demanding area. 

Core factual materials are provided via Canvas with keynote lectures.

30 credits

The MEng Team Project is a module which runs throughout the final year of all MEng programmes in the School of Engineering. It provides a capstone element to the course by providing an opportunity for students to work on a major engineering design problem in a team in a way which closely parallels a real-world project. The groups are assigned to a particular project which has an outline project description, specification, or customer requirements provided by the teaching team. It is group's job to develop the specification in detail, to convert it to a technical specification and then carry out the tasks necessary to complete the project. This module provides an opportunity for students to further develop academic skills delivered earlier in the programme. In order to successfully complete the module, students must establish a plan and work schedule, perform the technical tasks necessary to fulfil the plan, monitor progress, manage the team activities, hold and minute formal team design meetings, and resolve any problems that arise. The module is delivered primarily through weekly formal design meetings and regular informal meetings.

15 credits

The module introduces fundamental concepts and methods in Machine Learning and discusses their applications in smart mechatronic systems. Students are firstly introduced to classical methods before they are taught modern, state-of-the-art AI approaches. The module is taught in a practical fashion and therefore some knowledge of a programming language is required.

This Machine Learning module, through its practical focus on smart mechatronic systems, empowers students with digital competency and creative problem-solving skills. Engaging with both classical and state-of-the-art AI approaches cultivates a questioning mindset and adaptability.

The coursework encourages collaboration and resilience as students tackle complex real-world problems like autonomous driving. Regular feedback promotes self-awareness, and an enterprise mindset is fostered through real-world problem solving.

15 credits

This module builds upon previous knowledge students learnt about additive manufacturing and aims to deepen their knowledge of this subject area. This module will cover advanced knowledge of additive manufacturing with a particular focus on design for additive manufacturing practices. The fundamentals of additive manufacturing will be briefly revisited at the beginning of this module for students who do not have previous knowledge of additive manufacturing.

During the delivery of the module, students will get hands-on practice in preparing designs for additive manufacturing. Towards the end of the module, students will be asked to apply design for additive manufacturing strategies to design, optimise, prototype and test solutions for an engineering design task.

By learning this module, students develop an in-depth understanding of additive manufacturing, carrying out design solutions enabled by additive manufacturing and validating them, helping them get prepared for industry.

15 credits

Structural integrity and failure assessment deal with the ability of a structure to withstand a designed structural load without failure and includes forensic study of past structural failures to prevent failures in future designs. This module covers study of engineering structures and components under monotonic and cyclic mechanical loading, and harsh environments. It integrates aspects of stress analysis, materials behaviour, and the mechanics of failure into the engineering design process.

The students are provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in structural integrity assessment cases involving failure mechanisms such as brittle and ductile fracture, low- and high-cycle fatigue, and corrosion. The module will review key theoretical aspects of stress analysis, linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), and metal fatigue and it builds on the knowledge gained in the second year Solid Mechanics and Vibration module to extend further students' knowledge and skills in structural integrity analysis.

This module is primarily delivered through lectures supported by tutorials. Course materials are available via canvas where appropriate.

15 credits

This module introduces classical control system analysis and design concepts. Time domain design methods are followed by frequency domain design methods. Although the module mainly deals with continuous-time systems, the discrete-time systems are also discussed.

In addition to the fundamental concepts, the focus of this module is analytical and numerical problem-solving, providing students with a set of skills that will enhance their employability. The module promotes creative problem-solving through an emphasis on analytical and numerical problem solving related to control systems. Digital competency is fostered by the use of simulation tools such as MATLAB & SIMULINK. Adaptability is nurtured as students navigate between time and frequency domain design methods and different types of control systems.

Through interactive tutorial sessions and lecture discussions, the module encourages a questioning mindset and collaboration, allowing students to deepen their understanding and solve complex problems together. Regular assessments and feedback cultivate resilience and self-awareness as students gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.

The module content is delivered through formal lectures, which are supported by computing laboratory sessions along with tutorials and additional support material available on virtual learning environment.

15 credits

This module gives students an in-depth understanding of vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics. Emphasis is placed on the use of industry standard software tools to help with the analysis of whole vehicle dynamic behavior and aerodynamics. The research and professional practice undertaken by the academic staff involved in the delivery is a strong feature of this module.

In addition to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on empirical, hands-on learning, providing students with a set of skills that will enhance their employability. The learning is supported by practical exercises in the wind tunnel where students' empirical methods are used for quantifying air flows, both internally and externally and the software simulation approach.

A range of transferable skills gained in this module is aimed to help with the work on the final project and extra-curricular activities available within the School. Empirical learning and practical wind tunnel exercises further nurture adaptability, equipping students with a set of diverse skills applicable to the dynamic automotive industry.

The focus on practical skills and empirical methods, combined with the use of professional-standard software, fosters an enterprise mindset, preparing students for real-world industry challenges.

15 credits

This module focuses on using advanced management techniques, including simulation and business modelling, in an engineering company to maximise the utilisation of its finite resources in order to become more competitive. These techniques include discrete event simulation, business modelling, linear programming, and human resources optimisation, with the main aim to improve the company's overall operational efficiency, competitiveness and profit.

The intended module topics cover both local and global horizons of running a successful business by teaching companies they may benefit from using simulation techniques in streamlining their operations and resource deployment through a benchmarking process. Through extensive hands-on practical, students will learn how to use a sophisticated simulation software to improve resources utilisation in different business scenarios.

Throughout the module, students will benefit from the balanced diet of not only understanding the theoretical techniques of management skills, but also to apply the knowledge they gain and evaluate the results through developing complex business simulation models, therefore enhancing their employability potentials.