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LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Programme Specification
Mechanical Engineering - B.Eng
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of
the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be
expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning
opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found
in Module Specifications and other programme documentation and online at
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/
The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University and
may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Awarding body/institution; Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different); As above
Details of accreditation by a IMechE
professional/statutory body;
Name of the final award; B.Eng. or B.Eng. DIS
Programme title; Mechanical Engineering
UCAS code; H300, H301
Date at which the programme July 2003
specification was written or
revised.
1. Aim of the programme:
To provide a fully accredited honours degree course in the field of mechanical
engineering which satisfies the needs of industry for high quality graduates
who have a strong academic background combined with outstanding
integrative skills.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal
reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
The National Qualifications Framework
QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering
SARTOR 3 Engineering Accreditation
I.Mech.E Accreditation report from accreditation visit 2/5/02
The formation of Mechanical Engineers, Educational Base, I.Mech.E. 1999.
Loughborough University Learning and Teaching Strategy
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3. Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, students should have acquired a broad base of
engineering knowledge and experience. They should be self reliant and able
to contribute well in team situations. They should have the ability to apply
engineering principles effectively in a commercially aware industrial
environment. More specifically:
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of this programme, graduates should be able to
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
relevant mathematical methods and the principles of engineering science as
applied to mechanical engineering systems;
a number of specialist engineering science disciplines
the role of information technology in providing support for mechanical
engineers
engineering design principles and techniques.
characteristics of engineering materials
management and business practices appropriate to engineering industry.
the professional and ethical responsibilities of engineers and engineering
designers.
Skills and other attributes:
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
interpret numerical data and apply mathematical methods to the analysis of
engineering design problems
use the principles of engineering science in developing solutions to
practical mechanical engineering problems.
analyse systems, processes and components.
solve mechanical engineering problems.
select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of engineering problems.
create new engineering components and processes through the synthesis
of ideas from a range of sources.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
apply numerical modelling methods and/or appropriate computational
techniques to engineering problems
use appropriate computer software and laboratory equipment;
research for information
prepare engineering drawings computer graphics and technical reports and
give technically competent oral presentations;
demonstrate basic organisational and project management skills.
c. Key/transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to
demonstrate a high level of numeracy;
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apply creative and structured approaches to problem solving;
communicate effectively through written, graphical, interpersonal and
presentation skills;
design and implement basic computer based information systems;
work independently;
work in a team;
organise and manage time and resources effectively;
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable the above
outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
Acquisition of the above knowledge and understanding is through a
combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, co-operative projects with
industry, internal group and individual projects, practical laboratory work,
industrial training (DIS students only) and coursework assignments.
Assessment is through a combination of written examinations and assessed
coursework. Coursework assessment varies from module to module and
includes the evaluation of laboratory reports, technical reports, problem
solving exercises, design portfolios, manufacture of prototypes, computer
assisted assessment, oral presentations and viva-voce examinations.
4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards:
The B.Eng programme in Mechanical Engineering is offered as a full-time
programme three years or a sandwich programme of four years if taken with
the optional year of industrial training in year 3 between parts B and C of the
programme. The sandwich degree offers the additional award of Diploma of
Industrial Studies (DIS). Students study modules with a combined weight of
120 credits in each part (academic year) of the programme and each part is
taught in two 15-week semesters; weeks 13-15 being assessment weeks at the
end of each semester.
The programme structure is briefly described below and, in more detail in the
Programme Regulations. Details of Module Specifications can be found at the
following Web address:- http://aisu.lboro.ac.uk:8080/owa/w1002.main
modules are listed under the department primarily responsible for them, e.g.
module based in the School Module of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering are coded MM (previously MU = Manufacturing Engineering,
MC = Mechanical Engineering). The credit weighting of each module is
specified, 10 credits being approximately equivalent to 100 hours, on average,
of student effort.
Part A
Compulsory Subjects (120)
Engineering Mathematics (20)
Thermofluids (20) introducing. thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Engineering Mechanics (20) introducing statics, dynamics and strength of
materials.
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Materials Technology (10)
Electronics and Electrical Technology (10)
Design Communication and Manufacture (20) Introducing engineering
drawing standards, CAD and a major design/make project.
Engineering Insight (20) introducing study and communication skills, ICT
systems, business management, manufacturing processes, mechanical and
electrical measurement.
Part B
Compulsory Subjects (120)
Engineering Mathematics (10) building on part A
Thermofluids (20) extending thermodynamics heat Transfer and fluid flow
Engineering Mechanics (20) extending Mechanics of Materials and Dynamics
Control Engineering (10)
Electrical Power and Machines (10)
Application of Engineering Design (30) including an Industry Based project,
an internal project on the design and analysis of machine elements and the
further use of CAE
Engineering Computation (10)
Business Law, Finance and Quality (10)
DIS (optional)
See module specification MCI001 for a description of our accredited industrial
placement scheme that leads to the additional award of Diploma of Industrial
Studies.
Part C
Compulsory Modules (60)
Individual Project (40)
Product Innovation (10) product management and marketing
Computer Control and Instrumentation (10)
Optional Modules (60) from the following
Vibration Noise and Rotordynamics 1 (10)
Computational Fluid Dynamics 1 (10)
Design of Machinery 1: kinematics (10)
Finite Element Analysis (10)
Group Design Project (20)
Internal Combustion Engines (20)
Laser and Optical Measurement (10)
Materials Processing (10)
Materials in Service (10)
Heat transfer (10)
Welding and Joining Technology (10)
Tribology (10)
Laser Materials Processing (10)
Robotics and Control (10)
Metrology (10)
Polymer Engineering (10)
Computer Aided Engineering (10)
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Turbomachinery (10)
Design for Assembly (10)
Rapid Prototyping (10)
Study Abroad
Students may make arrangements to study at an approved overseas institution
for one semester in part C.
5. Criteria for admission to the programme:
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general requirements of the University
and of the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; typically the
requirements are:
A Level Qualifications
260 points from: minimum grade C in Mathematics and Physics at A level
plus a third A level or two AS levels.
Vocational A level (VAL)
260 points from a minimum of 18 units or any combination of VAL units and
AS or A level units.
BTEC:
Candidates Distinctions in mathematics and merits in all other subjects at level
3. Outstanding HND candidates may be eligible for second year entry.
Advanced highers: BCC from mathematics, physics and a third advanced
higher (or two highers)
International Baccalaureate: Total score of 30 points with a minimum 6 in
higher level mathematics and physics.
Selection procedures
Applicants are not formally interviewed. When we make an offer of a place
we encourage candidates to visit the university to meet staff and current
students and to tour the facilities. These can be one or two day's duration. Our
special overnight visits which incorporate an informal interview have proved
to be the best way to find out what living and studying in Loughborough is
really like.
6. Information about assessment regulations:
The method of assessment for each module is described within the relevant
module specification (see section 4 above).
Examinations are held in each subject for which an examination is required
in the assessment period at the end of the semester in which it is taught. At
the end of each year the results from examinations and coursework
assessment will be combined, as detailed in each module specification.
Percentage scores are calculated to one decimal place and then rounded to
the nearest integer.
The results for each module are compiled and considered by an
examination board, which awards credit for each satisfactorily completed
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module ( 40%). Students who achieve sufficient credit to meet the
assessment requirements of their programme regulations will be allowed
to proceed to the next year of their course.
Briefly, 100 credits are needed for progression in each year of a B.Eng
degree however, in addition, this programme demands that students achieve
a minimum standard of 30% in failed modules. This rule is applied to
ensure that students are not permitted to skip modules on which later
material may be based. Readers are directed to the programme regulations
(attached) for full details of this and the criteria for the award of a degree.
Candidates not meeting the criteria for progression will have the right to be
re-assessed on one further occasion and, for Parts A and B of the course, this
re-assessment may take place in the University’s Special Assessment Period in
early September or in the next academic year. Re-assessment in the Special
Assessment Period is not permitted for final year candidates or if less than 40
credits has been achieved.
Any candidate who, at the end of part A, achieves 120 credits with a calculated
minimum overall year average of 55% will be eligible for transfer to the M.Eng
programme in Mechanical Engineering. Upward transfer after Part A will only
be allowed in the case of exceptional performance.
7. Indicators of quality:
The course is fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. In
Teaching Quality Assessment, the School was awarded 23 points out of a
maximum of 24, confirming it as a leader in quality of teaching.
In the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) we achieved a grade 5; the
School is continually building on this achievement and is confident of
improving its rating in the future.
8. Particular support for learning:
Careers:
The Wolfson School employs a full time officer to offer advice regarding
careers and industrial placements. Also the University’s Careers Office run
timetabled tutorial sessions within the programme’s curriculum.
The Careers Service provides a continuous service for students seeking careers
guidance and help with job-search techniques, together with a library of
careers resources. Careers Service are involved with students and parents
from recruitment and induction onwards. In the UK Graduate Careers Survey,
sponsored by the Times Newspaper, Loughborough University Careers
Services was rated top of the league. Over 11000 finalists from 25 leading
Universities were interviewed and the Careers Service at Loughborough
achieved the joint highest score with 79% of students rating the service as
good or excellent.
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Library:
The University Library (The Pilkington Library) provides technologically
advanced support for student learning in a purpose-built building. It holds a
stock of more than half a million volumes, monographs and an extensive
serials collection; numerous PC workstations (100+); networked printing
facilities and self-service photocopiers. The Library is also a designated EDC
(European Documentation Centre). The computerised library catalogue
(OPAC) is available on-line, as are electronic versions of reading lists.
Opening hours are lengthy and there is on-line access to subject-specific data
bases and networked CD-ROMs from networked labs and study bedrooms on
campus. The Library organises self-guided tours for First Year students, and
presentations from librarians are an integral part of the postgraduate research
methods and design module. User support is also available from staff at the
Library help-desk, via printed and online guides and through a series of
'Lunchtime in the Library' training sessions. There are a variety of study
environments in the Library, including individual and group study desks,
private carrels and group study rooms.
Computing Facilities:
The School has installed many computers to enhance the extensive central
facilities provided by the Computing Services (see below). The additional
facilities provided by the School fall into two general categories:-
Group 1 – Computing services primarily intended to support teaching
activities. Access to these machines is limited only by timetabled
teaching/tutorial requirements.
Group 2 – Computers intended to support research in the School, but to which
students have access whilst undertaking certain electives and/or by prior
arrangement with their project supervisor.
Group 1
The School has many PCs that are used to support its teaching activities by
exposing students to relevant applications software. The largest concentration
of these is in the PC Rooms TW/1/15 and T/2/10. All of these computers use
Microsoft Windows NT. The two CAE Rooms (TW/1/14 and T2.09) house
Engineering Workstations that are used extensively to support CAD and CAE
teaching. These workstations use the UNIX operating system with the
Common Desktop Environment as windowing systems. A further substantial
group of workstations and PCs have been installed in the Design Projects area
as part of an Engineering Faculty initiative.
Group 2
The majority of the computer based research in the School is done on similar
Sun Microsystems and Windows NT workstations. Those students opting for
projects closely allied to these research projects in their final year should
therefore already be familiar with this type of facility.
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Computing Services provides the University IT infrastructure, and works in
close collaboration with Faculty IT Co-ordinators and Departments' IT
Support Specialists in maintaining staff PCs and departmental networked
laboratories. There is a dedicated server for web based teaching support, the
LEARN server, accessible both on and off campus; each member of staff is
able to edit web pages on this server relating to their own modules.
Learning and Teaching Development:
Learning and Teaching Development (LTD) is the University's centre for
teaching and learning innovation providing support for teaching, learning and
assessment by acting as a reference service for students for learning and study
skills. It works with tutors seeking to help particular students as well as
providing general guides on studying, learning and assessment.
Staff Development:
Staff Development (SD) provides continuing professional development in
teaching and other skills. Probationary staff attend a full programme of SD
courses and, in their third year, the Quality Assessment Unit assesses their
teaching through direct observation and a portfolio. Accreditation for this
process has been awarded by the Institute for Teaching and Learning (ILT).
Permanent staff take refresher courses and investigate new developments in
teaching through SD courses.
Counselling Service and English Language Study Unit:
The Counselling Service and English Language Study Unit are able to support
individual students in resolving problems and in improving communication
skills for international students.
Faculty of Engineering Teaching and Learning Support Centre:
The Faculty of Engineering Teaching and Learning Support Centre supports
the implementation of innovative Teaching and Learning Methods into the
curriculum, within the Faculty of Engineering, via the use of appropriate
technologies. The Centre provides a focus for computer based learning and
teaching activities in the Engineering Faculty, unlimited advice on Computer
aided learning/assessment and distance learning materials, a limited amount of
free software development time, and help to secure funding and manage
projects relevant to learning and teaching
The Mathematics Learning Support Centre:
The Mathematics Learning Support Centre, based in the Department of
Mathematical Sciences, provides a range of services designed to support any
undergraduate student in the University in their learning of mathematics. In
particular it aims to help students in the earlier stages of their studies who
might benefit from resources and tuition over and above that normally
provided as part of their programme.
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Disabilities & Additional Needs Service:
The Disabilities & Additional Needs Service (DANS) offers support for
students including adaptation of course materials into Braille/large
print/tape/disk/other formats; organising mobility training; BSL
interpretation; provision of communication support workers; notetakers in
lectures/tutorials; assessment of specific support, equipment and software
needs; individual/small group tuition for students who have dyslexia;
representing students’ needs to academic and other University departments;
organising adapted accommodation to meet individual needs; helping to
organise carers to meet any personal care needs; organising appropriate
support for students who have a mental health problem.
DANS has links with the RNIB Vocational College, Derby College for Deaf
People and the National Autism Society to offer effective support to students
at the University. It regularly takes advice from other national and local
organisations of and for disabled people.
Where a student has complex support or accommodation needs, contact with
DANS is strongly advised prior to application.
9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning:
The University has a formal quality procedure and reporting structure laid out
in its Academic Quality Procedures handbook, available online at:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/central_admin/policy/academic_quality/content
s.html and directed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching). Each Faculty has
an Associate Dean for Teaching responsible for all learning and teaching
matters. For each Faculty there is a Directorate (responsible for the allocation
of resources) and a Board (responsible for monitoring quality issues within
each department). Support is provided by the Staff Development Unit and the
Quality Assessment Unit. Student feedback on modules and programmes is
sought at regular intervals, individual programmes are reviewed annually, and
Departments review their full portfolio of programmes as part of a Periodic
Programme Review (every five years).
Minor changes to module specifications are approved by the Associate Dean
(Teaching) on behalf of the Faculty Board, and ratified by the University
Curriculum Sub-Committee in accordance with the University's quality
procedures. Major changes are formally considered by the University
Curriculum Sub-Committee.
All staff participate in the University's staff appraisal scheme, which helps to
identify any needs for staff skills development. Both probationary staff and
those seeking promotion to Senior Lecturer are subject to a formal teaching
evaluation scheme, administered by the Quality Assessment Unit and
accredited by the Institute for Learning and Teaching.
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