FD (Engineering) Mechanical Engineering
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-16 | - |
Program Overview
The FD (Engineering) Mechanical Engineering program from the University of Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire College provides a practical and industry-focused education in mechanical engineering. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, graduates are equipped for a wide range of career paths in the field. The program is accredited by the IET and IMechE, ensuring industry recognition and employability.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The FD (Engineering) Mechanical Engineering is a 2-year full-time or 4-year part-time program offered by the University of Wolverhampton in partnership with South Staffordshire College.
This program provides students with a strong practical focus and a "knowledge then practice" approach to learning. This course allows students to apply their gained knowledge through various practical activities.
Objectives:
The primary objectives of this program are to:
- Develop students' independence, creative talent, and capacity for continuous professional growth and self-learning.
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and enterprising capabilities to practice engineering professionally, ethically, and sustainably.
- Provide students with a foundation for future progression to the undergraduate level and attainment of IEng or CEng status.
- Develop in students the transferable skills necessary to operate effectively in the industry, especially self-reliance, self-discipline, and collaboration skills.
- Equip students with the analytical and research skills necessary for mechanical engineering design, along with the ability to interpret results of testing and computer-based engineering analysis.
- Develop in students the ability to use and apply computer-aided engineering design techniques and manage modern technology competently.
- Enhance students' understanding of established principles in Mechanical Engineering and the limits of their knowledge.
- Enable students to critically evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solve problems and apply them in work contexts.
- Help students apply their knowledge and skills to new situations, including the workplace environment.
Description:
The FD (Engineering) Mechanical Engineering program offers a comprehensive approach to mechanical engineering education. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application through industry links and real-time case studies, this program ensures graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce. The program boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including mechanical and manufacturing laboratories, design and rapid prototyping suites, and access to the University of Wolverhampton Racing (UWR) project. Additionally, visiting speakers, external visits, and collaborative opportunities with employers and community organizations further enrich the learning experience and aid in the development of essential skills and attributes.
Outline
Program Content:
The FD (Engineering) Mechanical Engineering program covers a wide range of topics relevant to the field.
Year 1:
- Computer Aided Design (20 credits)
- Engineering Materials (20 credits)
- Engineering Mathematics I (20 credits)
- Engineering Science (20 credits)
- Industrial Work Based Engineering Practice (20 credits)
- Mechanical Engineering Principles (20 credits)
Year 2:
- Applied Instrumentation and Control (20 credits)
- Engineering Management and Quality (20 credits)
- Independent Work Based Research Project (20 credits)
- Materials Science and Manufacturing (20 credits)
- Solid Mechanics and FEA (20 credits)
- Thermodynamics and Fluids (20 credits)
Program Structure:
The program consists of a blend of theoretical instruction, practical laboratory work, and independent research project. Students engage in lectures, tutorials, workshops, group projects, and individual assignments.
Course Schedule:
The program runs on a two-semester system, with each semester lasting for approximately 15 weeks. Lectures and seminars typically take place twice a week, while lab sessions and tutorials occur once a week.
Modules:
Each module has specific learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Here's a summary of the modules offered:
Year 1:
- Computer Aided Design:
- Provides students with competence in CAD software application to solve design problems.
- Engineering Materials:
- Investigate the relationships between design, manufacturing, and material properties.
- Engineering Mathematics I:
- Equips students with fundamental mathematical knowledge for engineering problem-solving.
- Engineering Science:
- Investigate the principles of mechanical and electrical systems, forming the basis for future study.
- Industrial Work Based Engineering Practice:
- Allows students to work on engineering-related tasks within their organization, enhancing practical skills.
- Mechanical Engineering Principles:
- Covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and theory of machines to describe engineering system performance.
Year 2:
- Applied Instrumentation and Control:
- Provides deep understanding of control systems and applies analytical methods for system performance.
- Engineering Management and Quality:
- Introduces modern manufacturing methods and quality control concepts, considering finances and customer expectations.
- Independent Work Based Research Project:
- Enables students to investigate a practical workplace engineering problem, integrating theoretical knowledge.
- Materials Science and Manufacturing:
- Relates material structure to properties and their influence on performance, linking properties to processing/manufacturing methods.
- Solid Mechanics and FEA:
- Develops knowledge in solid mechanics principles and uses Finite Element Analysis techniques for structural analysis.
- Thermodynamics and Fluids:
- Provides comprehensive education in thermodynamics and fluids for mechanical engineers by integrating scientific principles with applications.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Examinations: Written tests assessing students' theoretical knowledge and understanding.
- Coursework: Assignments, projects, and presentations demonstrating students' applied skills and knowledge.
- Practical assessments: Laboratory exercises and practical tasks evaluating students' hands-on abilities.
- Independent research project: A research project requiring students to demonstrate their ability to investigate, analyze, and report on a realistic engineering problem.
Assessment Criteria:
Each assessment method has specific criteria that define how student performance is evaluated. These criteria typically focus on students' knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program employs various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and optimize student engagement. These methods include:
- Lectures: Interactive lectures delivered by experienced lecturers with strong industry experience.
- Tutorials: Small group sessions focusing on problem-solving, clarification of concepts, and personalized support.
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions using specialized equipment and software to develop practical skills.
- Laboratory work: Practical experiments and exercises to reinforce theoretical understanding and develop experimental skills.
- Independent study: Self-directed learning activities supported by online resources and library facilities.
- Group projects: Collaborative assignments involving teamwork and project management skills.
Faculty:
The program boasts a team of dedicated and experienced faculty members, including lecturers, technicians, and industry professionals.
Unique Approaches:
The program utilizes several unique approaches to enhance the learning experience, including:
- "Knowledge then practice" approach: Emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge through practical activities.
- Industry-led curriculum: Developed in consultation with industry partners to ensure program relevance and employability.
- Real-time case studies: Utilizing authentic industry challenges to provide students with real-world problem-solving experience.
- Open live project workspace: Access to UWR projects for hands-on experience in collaborative engineering design.
- Accredited by the IET and IMechE: Providing graduates with recognized industry qualifications.
- Flexible delivery: Offered full-time or part-time to accommodate various student needs.
- Strong links with local employers: Enabling opportunities for work placements, internships, and graduate employment.
Careers
Career Paths:
This program prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths in the mechanical engineering industry. Potential job roles include:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Development Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Maintenance Engineer
- Technical Sales Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Quality Control Engineer
- Research and Development Engineer
Career Opportunities:
Graduates from this program are highly sought after by various industries, including:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Power generation
- Oil and gas
- Construction
- Medical technology
- Robotics and automation
Career Outcomes:
The program boasts a high graduate employability rate, with many graduates securing jobs in their chosen field within six months of completion.
Other
Location:
The program is primarily delivered at the South Staffordshire College Cannock Campus, with additional resources and facilities available at the University of Wolverhampton's Telford Campus.
Accreditation:
The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE).
Additional Information:
For more information on this program, visit the University of Wolverhampton's website or contact the program leader directly.
