Precision Engineering – BEng (Hons)

This module introduces the learner to ‘Microsoft Office 2016’ computing applications including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Access and MS Project. Learners will start with basic applications and then progress through to an advanced level. The learner will develop a knowledge of how to apply the software to useful engineering applications such as formal report writing (laboratory), charting engineering data, producing equations and creating a technical database.

Students will be assessed on their learning by a variety of strategies including Continuous Assessment, Project and Course Work, Examinations and Moodle based assignments. Continuous assessment is worth 40%, Christmas exam is worth 20% and the final exam is worth 40%.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and a working knowledge of the engineering technology and materials used in industry.

Develop a recognition of the basics of engineering mathematics and use them to solve practical engineering problems.

To develop an understanding of the basic laws of physics and their application to engineering.

The use of computer aided design (CAD) systems in industry has become an essential part of the modern working environment. It is used at all stages of the design period, from conceptualisation and production of working drawings to the production of virtual reality images, prototypes, and final products. This unit aims to further candidates understanding of the CAD Parametric Modelling environment, in terms of hardware, software and physical surroundings, and the concepts of mechanical engineering design that accompany this environment. It will explore the typical composition of a CAD Parametric Modelling systems and Health and Safety matters that are associated with safe working practices.

This module in Engineering Technology and Maintenance introduces the learner to advanced technologies, procedures and techniques as used by the modern mechanical or manufacturing engineer. The module has four main elements including metrology, material science, manufacturing processes and maintenance. All four elements are predicated upon safety and ethical considerations as required by a code of good practice.

The workshop content forms a very important element of this module and the material given in the lecture is positively reinforced in the workshop setting. Learners will utilise practical workshop activities to create parts, assemblies and projects to industry standards. The use of metrology laboratory work create the opportunity of the student to self-assess the quality of their work. This learning is supported through the linking of lectures to this coursework, assessments and development of problem based learning and experiential learning.

The aim of this module is to develop a knowledge of the fundamental principles of machine mechanics and dynamics of industrial machinery, to the learner who already has an introduction to engineering science. Knowledge gained from this module will provide the learner with the analytical capability to solve practical and relevant industrial mechanical engineering problems.

As part of this module the learner will apply the principles of mechanics to construct and solve mathematical models which describe the effects of force and motion on a variety of structures and machines that are of concern to engineers in the manufacturing industry. The methodical approach to machine mechanics will develop the learner’s ability to carry out coursework through logical thinking and effective communication and represent work in a clear, logical and concise manner; all of these skills are important to engineers in the precision industry.

Strengthen the knowledge of mathematical fundamentals with the aim of solving more complex practical Engineering problems. Developing programming, debugging and engineering computation skills using software such as Visual Basic in Excel.

This module is an introduction to the principles of six sigma and metrology standards to the learner with no prior engineering experience. The principles of geometric tolerancing, gauge repeatability and reproducibility are introduced and its relationship to precision machining processes is confirmed through practical coursework. The learner will use appropriate measurement methods and instruments for linear and angular measurements and geometrical parameters including surface finish, squareness, parallelism, roundness etc.

The aim of this module is to advance the CNC knowledge and skills of the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of CNC machining. The learner will develop a greater depth knowledge in current CNC tooling technology and quality standards, analyse tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency. The learner will program, set-up, and operate CNC mills and lathes.

This module introduces the learner to adcanced six sigma tools appropriate for the precision machining industry and other regulated manufacturing environments such as medical device, aerospace and automotive. The statistical aspect of the module uses techniques for analysing multiple production systems with the aims of identifying critcal underlying factors and how they interact with other variable in the system. This will enable the learner to develp process optimisation plans using design of experiments. On completion of this work the learner will also have gained the knoledge to employ methods for maintaining improvements so that they can be sustained ober a prolonged period of time.

This module introduces the learner to statistical techniques for performing advanced process optimsation. The aim of this modules is to broaden the learners statistical knowledge in process improvement methodologies applicable to the precision machining industry but also in other industries in particular pharmaceutical manufacturing. The design of experiments section of the module details tools which are frequently used in tese industries to control the implementation of process changes and improvements.

The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.

The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.

This module aims to develop the learner’s ability to apply their technical skills and knowledge to complete an individual technical project. There may be capacity for the individual project to focus on a pre-existing group project, where the focus of the project may be in such areas as characterisation and test of an assembly, product improvements, risk assessment or any other relevant topic agreed between learner and supervisor.

This module also incorporates professional development, which aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare for employment. Transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.

This subject aims to improve the learners knowledge and understanding of materials used by engineers. Learners will apply relevant mechanical equations to practical problems, components and case studies. Learning is enhanced with the use of a material selection software package, (CES Edupack for example). Learners will also analyse mechanical components that are exposed to complex loading. This module will enhance their learning from the Fluids & Mechanics module in Yr 2 and coincide with the Applied Mathematics module in Yr 3. This module is semesterised. Mechanics and Failure Analysis will follow on from it in Semester 2.

This module aims to improve the learner’s knowledge and understanding of process planning in a precision engineering environment.

The learner will develop a knowledge of modern manufacturing processes through the completion of coursework in a practical workshop environment and will critically analyse the strategic usage of the manufacturing processes for specific components to increase the manufacturing efficiency, productivity and profitability of modern precision engineering industries. The module will also discuss the integration of manufacturing techniques to the learner with focus on the precision engineering industry. The role, implementation and monitoring of process planning in a modern precision engineering industry is analysed.

This module develops the knowledge, understanding and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes in engineering. Additive manufacturing is a collection of technologies that used CAD data to produce 3 dimensional physical models and parts through an additive process typically using polymers or metal materials. The learners will evaluate and develop strategies for the production of parts using new technologies and processes to create new components and systems to replace or complement existing manufacturing processes. A clear understanding of the additive manufacturing market and the opportunity to develop new applications forms part of this module.

This module aims to develop learners research and evaluation skills through an enquiry based approach project and draws upon the knowledge, skills and competence gain in the previous years of study.

The learners will develop research skills and the ability to work independently to produce an applied research report in accordance with pre-determined formats, standards and ethics. The topic selected must be directly relevant to the programme of study being undertaken and aligned to an industrial topic preferably in collaboration with a partner company. The student is required to produce a thesis to provide an exhaustive, critical and in-depth analytical study of the specific area of interest.

This module in advanced machining integration presents in great detail latest technologies and future technologies for CNC machining management. This module also involves the analysis of the automated handling of components throughout the stages for manufacture while ensuring component identification and verification are achieved for adhering to quality requirements. The learners will gain a detailed knowledge on metal swarf, chips, hazardous particle extraction and coolant management.

This module on design for manufacture and assembly investigates the techniques which are used to minimise product cost through the implementation of design and process improvement. Through the analysis of industrial case studies, the learner will implement the principles of design for manufacture and assembly within a controlled environment. Students will also learn about Design for Six Sigma and sustainable manufacturing and the integration of these into industry.

This module involves an in-depth study of both traditional and novel material types. It will examine both established and developing methods of manufacture and use material selection software packages to enable learners to optimise material and process selection of industrial products.

This module provides the learner with an introduction to formal project management methodologies and the project management environment. Utilising active learning strategies, the module develops the learner’s knowledge and skills in the various tools and techniques for effective project management outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The module also provides a platform for the learner to investigate their own personality type, and to develop a deeper awareness of the effects of different personality types on the project team.

This module also introduces the learner to situational project management through multiple choice questions, which are in line with the Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation assessment method.

The module adopts both theoretical and active learning. The learner applies analytical tools developed in the programme to make observations and critically analyse case studies that are industrial in nature.

The learner creates a formal project report utilising Advanced Word, Excel and MS Project and is provided with the opportunity to develop their presentation skills as they present work throughout the semester. This module aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare for employment, including creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills.

This module will introduce the learner to the tools required to define and conduct a lean manufacturing project in an industrial environment. The tools will enable a learner to analyse a production process, identify areas which have potential for improvement, define and complete projects. It will also compare the lean manufacturing philosophies for process improvement with Six Sigma, which is another widely used process improvement methodology. These two process improvement techniques are two of the most popular that are being implemented in the manufacturing and service industries.

This module will give learners a detailed knowledge of the mechanics of materials, how they degrade and fail. They will gain a detailed insight intothe current industrial testing methods that are required to obtain material properties and measure their response to degradation and failure.

With the increase demand in the precision machining industry, the demands on the quality systems employed by companies have also increased correspondingly. This module will focus on setup and management of quality systems within a high tech manufacturing organization primarily focusing on the medical device, automotive and aerospace industries.