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.
A fundamental aspect of an engineer's job is to address problems. This module will introduce you to the problem-solving process and equip you with the mathematical tools engineers need to address technical problems. You’ll learn to manage and interpret quantitative data using statistical and digital tools. You’ll also learn how to use trigonometry, geometry and vectors to address technical problems and will be introduced to calculus, the mathematics of change, and will learn to use this to solve basic engineering problems. You’ll become adept at using digital tools such as spreadsheets and coding to do the maths for you so they can focus on the problem-solving process.
This module introduces the fundamental principles of health, safety and risk management in the workplace and how it relates to equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI). The project-based nature of this module will introduce 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. The module will provide you with quantitative risk management training and teaches you about implementing new changes to workplace processes, policies and procedures to improve health, safety and EDI in the workplace.
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.
You’ll start this module looking at vectors and use this knowledge to understand Newton's law in basic mechanical problems. You’ll learn to relate this to the static analysis of a system and equilibrium leading to calculation of various stresses in a mechanical structure. The second part of the this module is designed to introduce the structure and properties of a range of engineering materials, with an insight in the atomic structure of metals and non-metals to understand factors that influence the physical properties of materials. It provides a review of mechanical behaviour of metals such as load extension curves and their interpretations.
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.
The great challenge facing today’s engineers is the achievement of 'net-zero' by 2050, meaning you’ll be involved in achieving net zero carbon emissions for most of your career. This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the latest technologies and innovations in the drive towards achieving net-zero. You will consider the technical aspects of the technology as well as the economic, environmental and ethical considerations and will explore renewable energy systems as well as clean hydrogen technologies. Sustainable materials are critical for achieving sustainability, and as a mechanical engineer, it is essential that apprentices are aware of the latest developments in sustainable materials science, including bio-based materials, recycled materials, and low-carbon footprint materials.
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.
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.
In this module, you’ll explore in-depth state-of-the-art manufacturing processes such as castings, mouldings, machining and additive manufacturing. You’ll develop the theoretical and practical skills to design and select suitable manufacturing processes for engineering structures and components via a combination of seminars and workshop/laboratory activities.
In this module, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the automation systems design, automation concepts, and use of sensor technologies for the development of automation systems for manufacturing applications. Different actuation systems will be also introduced to develop a complete understanding of how various components of automation systems work together, including concepts related to mechanism, electro pneumatic and hydraulic actuation systems. Also, significant focus is placed on safety standards and protocols, ensuring apprentices can design safe and compliant automation systems for industrial manufacturing applications. The module also introduces you to the concepts of robotics and human-robot collaboration in manufacturing.
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.
This module is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in engineering simulation and modelling. You’ll develop the essential competencies required to use industry relevant software packages to build complex models and simulate real-world engineering systems. The module will cover the most current and effective techniques being used to model and simulate complex engineering systems. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become a mainstay of engineering analysis and divides the domain of a problem into elements and then applies the numerical representations of the physical phenomena. You’ll apply these techniques to the specific areas of related structural analysis and fluid dynamics but will also have to opportunity to explore other areas of individual interest.
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.
The End Point Assessment (EPA) of an apprenticeship is the professional review of the competencies or attributes, defined by the relevant Professional Body (Institution), which have been achieved during the programme. Success in the EPA will lead to membership of a Professional Body (RICS, ICE etc). To successfully complete your apprenticeship EPA, you are required to submit a portfolio that will demonstrate and showcase how learning and work experience have been applied to achieve the competencies or attributes during the apprenticeship programme. The portfolio is a collection of evidence which will be built throughout the apprenticeship.
Successful completion of the End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final requirement that must be fulfilled to achieve the BEng (Hons) and the degree apprenticeship. The EPA is the review or assessment of your overall achievement of the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the standard. This module will prepare you for the EPA and the assessments associated with this module are the two elements that make up the EPA. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will have been uploading evidence to show how you will be achieving the KSBs and reviewing this process regularly with your workplace supervisor. During the workshops scheduled for this module, you will prepare the two elements of the EPA. The first element is a project report which is a significant and defined piece of work with real business application and benefit. The project must meet the needs of the employer's business and be relevant to your occupation and apprenticeship. The second element is a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence showing how they have achieved the KSBs.