Mechanical Engineering with Energy - BEng

Program Overview

The program emphasizes practical learning through state-of-the-art laboratories and industry visits, with graduates able to pursue roles in energy management, utilities engineering, and field service.

Program Outline

Mechanical Engineering with Energy – BEng - TUS

Degree Overview:

This program offers a unique blend of career opportunities, personal fulfillment, and the chance to make positive impacts on the world by addressing energy challenges. It is ideal for students interested in the intersection of mechanical engineering and energy technology, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to address contemporary energy demands facing Industry, including sustainability and environmental considerations. Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, including energy production, renewable energy, HVAC systems design, and more.

Outline:

Year 1

• Semester 1:
• Communications for Manufacturing 1.1:
Develops interpersonal skills, focusing on conversation, active listening, and body language. Improves knowledge of learning and helps develop skills for lifelong learning. Includes theoretical, practical, and empirical material.
• Mechanics 1.1: Introduces basic concepts of engineering mechanics related to simple engineering systems.
• Processing of Engineering Materials and Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.1: Introduces drawing, machining, and safety.
Develops skills to draw, read, and interpret engineering drawings. Introduces CAD software for producing drawing templates. Covers current standards in engineering drafting practice in both manual and computer-aided drawing. The workshop component develops safety skills, safety awareness, machine tool milling and turning skills, and assembly of engineering components.
• Mathematics: Provides a foundation in mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, and Automation & Robotics.
• Semester 2:
• Communications for Manufacturing 1.2:
Continues to develop communication skills, focusing on presentation skills, academic writing styles and structures. Students work extensively with Excel, including creating and manipulating formulae and graphs.
• Electronics Technology 1: Introduces electronics.
Theory is taught through lectures, supported by lab-based activities. Students acquire skills to identify components, perform calculations, build, and test simple circuits.
• Mechanics 1.2: Expands knowledge of solid mechanics with work on friction, simple machines, work power energy, linear and angular motion.
• Processing of Engineering Materials 1: Introduces modern engineering processes.
Covers the processing of polymers, metals, ceramics, and glasses. Students gain hands-on experience using a range of polymer processing equipment.
• Engineering Workshop and Graphics 1.2: Provides hands-on experience with safe mechanical workshop practices.
Covers the importance of safety within a workshop environment and knowledge of machine tools associated with workshop practices. Develops skills and knowledge of current standards in engineering drafting practice in computer-aided design.
• Mathematics 1.2: Provides a foundation in mathematics required for the study of Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, and Automation & Robotics.

Year 2

• Semester 1:
• Sensor Systems 2:
Introduces various sensors that can be applied in process control, automated, and robotic systems.
• Mechanics 2.1: Concentrates on statics, the branch of mechanics concerned with analyzing loads on physical systems in static equilibrium.
Develops skills and knowledge of current standards in drafting practice in 2D computer-aided drawing.
• Materials 2: Broadens understanding of crystalline and amorphous materials, building on the knowledge foundation attained in the first year.
• Engineering Economics: Helps students interpret simple financial statements used by companies to reflect performance.
Provides tools to appraise simple projects in terms of cost and benefit. Emphasizes the importance of cost reduction and ethical issues associated with financial management.
• Mathematics 2.1: Provides a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer Engineering problems.
• Semester 2:
• Control and Power Technology 2:
Introduces the concept of a control system and its various elements, examining system behavior. Introduces pneumatics as power sources and its applications. Introduces the programmable controller through simple examples and programs. Provides an understanding and knowledge of the theory of electrical circuits covering both a.c. and d.c. industrial installations.
• Mechanics 2.2: Builds on basic concepts of mechanics of machines.
Examines the response of bodies or systems of bodies to external forces.
• Power Generation Project 2: Provides a team-based hands-on experience developing a power generation system converting potential and kinetic energy through mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Emphasizes the practical development of multidimensional skills required for the role of a mechanical engineer.
• Renewable Energy Technologies 2: Develops a practical, theoretical, and empirical appreciation of renewable energy streams, along with its technological systems of conversion and utilization.
• Renewable Energy Thermodynamics 2: Encapsulates a practical and theoretical study of thermodynamics and fluids when applied to renewable energy technologies.
Develops comprehension through an integrated and applied approach and the ability to solve defined problems within this domain. Includes theoretical, practical, and empirical material.
• Mathematics 2.2: Provides a deeper understanding of mathematical methods as applied to Mechanical and Polymer engineering problems.

Year 3

• Semester 1:
• Statistics and Lean Sigma 3:
Provides Engineering Students with statistical tools required for evaluating process performance with the intention of making improvements and maintaining control.
• Mechanical Systems Design 3: Covers stress analysis of engineering design problems.
Uses mathematical tools to solve design problems involving compound structures, non-uniform cross sections, mechanical and thermal stresses.
• Control & Power Technology 3: Builds on prior knowledge of control systems by undertaking a deeper analysis of multi-ordered system response characteristics.
Builds on prior knowledge of programmable controller systems and applications. Provides knowledge and understanding of power electronic converters and various types of electrical generators.
• Combined Heat & Power 3: Enables learners to achieve an understanding of combined heat and power systems to critically evaluate their utilization from a technical, economic, and environmental perspective.
• Battery Technology 3: Introduces the basic principles of operation of electrochemical cells.
Describes important operating characteristics of batteries.
• Mathematics 3: Introduces problem-solving using Laplace transforms, linear programming, matrices, and statistics.
• Semester 2:
• Project Evaluation and Management 3:
Enables students to critically evaluate project proposals, plan and manage their own projects, and participate in industrial projects.
• Industrial Placement 3: Forms an integral part of the degree program.
Learners must complete the requisite industrial experience with a suitable commercial body for a minimum period of 24 weeks. A student may extend this period by mutual agreement with the company/host. Throughout this period, learners will work on the preparation of an evidenced-backed portfolio. On completion of this work experience, learners will be assessed by a number of methods including reports, presentations, poster presentations, and interviews.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Projects and case studies
• Group work
• Guest lectures
• Examinations
• Portfolio work
• Integrated assessments

Teaching:

The program emphasizes practical learning, with almost 50% of the time spent in state-of-the-art laboratories developing practical engineering skills. The other 50% is dedicated to engineering theory and its application. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Projects and case studies
• Group work
• Guest lectures

Careers:

Upon graduation, students can pursue promising employment prospects in mechanical, manufacturing, and energy engineering roles, spanning regional, national, or international spheres. Potential career paths include:

• Energy management
• Utilities engineering/management
• Renewable energy technologist
• Design & production technician
• Plant maintenance technician
• Field service
• Quality control
• CAD drafter

Other:

• Students visit industrial partners to experience the role of a mechanical engineer.
• Students operate high-end technical engineering equipment in cutting-edge engineering laboratories.
• Students develop the ability to critically appraise mechanical engineering systems, identify areas of potential improvement, bring about corrective action, and suggest and implement alternative solutions.
• Students learn about environmental loadings of processes/plants and are committed to its reduction in terms of the product, materials, or process.
• Students improve teamwork and communication skills by working in small teams on problem-solving and projects.
• Students develop an ethical awareness with regard to the engineering profession and environment.
• Students gain valuable work experience in the third year by completing a six-month work placement.