Electro-mechanical Engineer BEng (Hons)

Peterborough

Modules

Maths for Engineering

This module will introduce you to the problem-solving process and equip you with the mathematical tools engineers need to address technical problems. Mathematics is one of the languages of engineering and you’ll develop the fundamental skills required to use mathematics to model physical phenomena and to solve applied technical problems. You will learn to manage and interpret quantitative data using statistical and digital tools.

Introduction to Engineering and Design

This module aims to develop an understanding of engineering as a solution-creating activity and the role of engineers in industry and as professional members of society. You’ll become familiar with the Engineering Council's Standard for Professional Engineering Competence which is the cornerstone of continuing professional development (CPD) for engineers to be recognised professionally. The module also stresses the importance of computer-aided engineering (CAE) software in modern engineering practice.

Workplace Project - Health, Safety, lnclusivity and Risk Management

You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of health, safety and risk management in the workplace and how this relates to equality, diversity and inclusivity. The project-based nature of this module introduces you to common law rules and duty of care in relation to health and safety at work in a practical way, and the effects of these on workplace practices and social norms.

Fundamental Engineering Science

This module provides a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of engineering science and its application. You’ll develop your knowledge in four main areas: mechanics, materials science, hydraulics and electrical principles and will apply theory to real-world engineering problems, with a focus on problem-solving and critical thinking.

Electrical Principles with Control and Instrumentation

You’ll be introduced to the principles of closed loop control systems and feedback strategies: block diagrams, root-loci, Bode diagrams, Nyquist plots: methodologies of classical control with applications to Electrical, Mechanical and Mechatronics systems. You will explore the modern use of electronics, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, motors, signal conditioning and processing, digital data acquisition in controller design and the essentially analogue / digital nature of the systems under control.

Static Mechanics and Dynamics

You’ll develop the theoretical knowledge and practical techniques required to model problems encountered with static and dynamic systems. You will explore the concepts of equilibrium, force decomposition and free body diagrams before moving on to Newton's laws of motion and dynamic systems.

Power Electronics

Power Electronics have seen significant growth in areas of application over the years especially in the areas of renewable energy, electric vehicles, railways, manufacturing and numerous power conversion systems. Throughout this module, you will develop an understanding of switch mode operation of power semiconductors, their application in power electronics converters, and demonstrates application of converters in DC and AC motor drive applications obtaining energy efficient drives. This module will help you to understand Power electronic conversion techniques, including the basic converters (DC/DC, AC/DC and DC-AC) and their power switching and control methods.

Workplace Project – Product Development and Quality Improvement

Improving existing and/or creating new products or services is key to the long-term survival of engineering businesses. Tough competition, ever-changing technologies and short product life cycles require an informed approach to the management of new or existing product development for enhanced functionality, quality and commercial success. Therefore, this module will equip you with practical, hands-on skills that are guided by scientific theory and industrial methods to create better quality products that are competitively placed, concentrating on management of the processes of product design, development and quality assurance from the concept stage to in service.

Thermo-Dynamics and Fluid Mechanics

In this module, you’ll combine the basic principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics and apply them to practical engineering problems. For heat transfer, you'll gain understanding of heat transfer mechanism, including conduction, convection and radiation. Additionally, you will be introduced to the analytical aspects of engineering thermodynamics, such as interpret the behaviour of working fluid in a heat engine and in a refrigeration machine.

Electro-mechanical Systems Design

In this module, you’ll explore in-depth various aspects of electro-mechanical system design such as system modelling, simulation, analysis, design, and optimisation. You’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the mechatronics approach to systems design, automation concepts and the use of model-based design approach for the development of multidisciplinary electro-mechanical systems. Different actuation systems will be also introduced to develop a complete understanding of how various components of mechatronics system work together, including concepts related to mechanism, hydraulic and pneumatic actuation systems.

Digital & Embedded Systems

You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of a microprocessor system and its relation to the design of modern digital systems. Hands-on programming and simulation of the operation of a commercial microprocessor will be an integral part of this module. You’ll learn about different microprocessor architectures, real time and non-real time hardware and software requirements for embedded microcontroller systems.

Robotics

In this module, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the robotic systems that are utilised in range of fields such as manufacturing, space/aerospace, automotive, healthcare, agriculture etc. You’ll explore in-depth, the operation principles, robotic sensor technologies and safety standards of mobile robots and industrial robo manipulators. We will also introduce the development of robotic manipulators and mobile robots for various applications by integrating kinematic modelling, mechanism design, path planning and navigation techniques and will examine future trends in designing robot manipulators and mobile robots for industrial and medical applications.

Software Engineering

You will develop software for the real time and non-real time applications, learn the basic constructs of a high-level language (such as "C" or C# or C++) and its application. You’ll gain the experience of going through a standard development process: from setting requirements through to design, implementation, testing and maintenance. The unit also covers program design, structure, and syntax through project activities.

Workplace Project - Managing and Implementing Change

Managing change and dealing with its consequences is commonplace for many organisations. This module provides you with opportunities to understand the drivers, risks, consequences and responses associated with change. It develops personal competencies through hands-on experience of change management in the workplace using relevant methods, tools and techniques to achieve a positive outcome. You will explore the theory of how an individual, team, organisation and leader are each affected by change and methods to which this can be mitigated for the benefit of businesses.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The module will review the fundamentals that relate to electrical principles, analogue and digital circuit design. Analogue circuits comprising various amplifier classifications will be introduced, and their theoretical models will be explained for circuit design. The analogue section also includes an introduction to active filters and Bode plots, an essential ingredient for electronic circuit design. The phase lock loop and its applications are also discussed. Advanced combinational logic design is introduced together with synchronous counter design comprising various forms of memory elements. The fundamentals of sequential logic design is discussed and explained by well-established design rules.

Group Design Project

You’ll develop the skills required to design a product and processes working as part of a design team. You’ll consider marketing elements, cost and payback period, technological obstacles, ethical, regulatory and legal elements of the product and processes and the end user needs to develop a design thinking framework and produce product design and process brief. You’ll learn to carry out detailed design methods and design for manufacture and assembly. You’ll use 3D design software and printing to rapid prototype the final product. Product lifecycle management, sustainability and environmental issues, adaptability to market change, intellectual property, and innovation management are part of materials covered in this module. You’ll work in teams and learn to co-ordinate your individual skills and abilities and develop skills in leadership, communication, and creativity. You’ll take responsibility for your contribution to the outcome and demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team.