UNIVERSITY of Bradfordschool of Engineering and Informatics

UNIVERSITY of Bradfordschool of Engineering and Informatics

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Engineering and Informatics

School of EngineeringProgramme title:MSc Mechanical Engineering

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final and interim awards: / Master of Science (MSc)/Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)/ Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / Mechanical Engineering
non-accredited award:
MSc Engineering (Mechanical)
Programme accredited by:
Relevant subject benchmarks / Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Engineering (MEng)
Duration: / 1 year full time
UCAS code: / N/A
Date produced: / November 2006
Last updated : / October 2013

Introduction

Engineering is fundamental to the economic and social prosperity world wide. It is a “people serving” profession whose activities not only manage humankind’s environment but also create that environment itself. It requires well-qualified and motivated students who seek to be the future leaders within their profession. Your studies at Bradford will be a foundation for life aimed at developing an appreciation of technical and managerial principles and competence in their application using a wide range of personal and professional skills.

The Master of Science (MSc) degree programme in Mechanical Engineering is designed to the needs of the 21st Century mechanical engineering related industries.. The core modules will provide you with advanced understanding in solid mechanics, computer modelling and simulation, design analysis and design methodologies. The range of optional modules allows you to either develop a specialism in one of a number of thematic areas, (i) control engineering, robotics/mechatronics, (ii) Manufacturing Engineering, (iii) quality, reliability and risk management or, alternatively, to select from across a selection of these themes to build up a portfolio of expertise across a number of these themes. The project modules will develop your research and project management skills whilst undertaking in-depth study of a particular topic. The major MSc dissertation project is usually linked with on-going research within the School of Engineering and Informatics. The School places emphasis on both teaching and research, believing them to be mutually dependent. We have particular research strengths in Mechanical Dynamics and Control (especially machine tool dynamics and control and vehicle dynamics and control); Automotive Engineering (especially engine mapping and calibration, turbo-charger testing, quality engineering in system and component design and manufacture); Materials Engineering (including the creation of tailored materials e.g. powder metallurgy, composites, and polymers, recycling); in-line monitoring and control of manufacturing processes; Computer Modelling and Design (creation, virtual testing and prototyping). We conduct this research jointly with many companies including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Cummins, and their supplier bases, Autodesk Moldflow, Netlon, Surgical Innovations.

The MSc will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng, will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

With reference to teaching and learning, the School aims to produce postgraduates who aspire to challenging careers in industry, commerce and the public sector or to developing their own enterprises. Postgraduates will be able to move directly into responsible roles in employment with a minimum of additional training. These aimsare achieved by

  • Providing a supportive, structured environment in which students are encouraged to develop independent learning skills;
  • Developing subject knowledge and understanding, developing discipline skills and developing personal transferable skills, to enable graduates to pursue programmes of further study, or to move directly into responsible employment.

Programme Aims

The programme is intended to:

  • to give technical depth across the discipline of Mechanical Engineering and its applications,
  • to provide breadth to encourage innovators of mechanical systems,
  • to facilitate exposure to other engineering disciplines,
  • to develop and enhance research skills. Upon graduation you will have the capacity for meaningful interdisciplinary interaction, a leadership role, and professional growth, which may include Chartered Mechanical Engineer (CEng) status.

Programme Learning Outcomes

At a PG Certificate and/or PG Diploma level (and dependent upon options selected), you will be able to:

LO1.Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced level knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering to optimise the application of existing technology and to produce innovative uses for emerging technology to develop products / processes.

LO2.Provide technical expertise in theoretical, computational, and practical methods to the analysis and solution of mechanical engineering problems, particularly in design, dynamics, material selections, solids, mechatronics, control, computer aided engineering.

LO3.Demonstrate leadership in meeting the technical and managerial requirements for effective project implementation.

LO4.Apply the tools and disciplines required in interdisciplinary competitive design.

LO5.Apply computational and simulation methods used to optimise designs and processes for reliability and robustness of mechanical systems.

LO6.Demonstrate an appreciation of business and management practices that are relevant to engineering and engineers.

LO7.Apply engineering principles and inter-personal skills to the critical analysis of multi-disciplinary problems in order to create innovative solutions to non-routine problems.

LO8.Identify an area for further detailed investigation, design and experimental programme, utilise research skills to critically evaluate and interpret newly developed data.

LO9.Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research.

LO10.Integrate and evaluateinformation from a variety of sources.

LO11.Take a holistic approach in solving problems and designing systems, applying professional judgements to balance risks, cost, benefits, safety, reliability and environmental impact.

LO12.Work in groups in order to meet shared objectives.

LO13.Use problem solving strategies to develop, monitor and update a plan for the solution of both technical and personnel contributions to meeting organisational need.

LO14.Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open mindedness and in the spirit of critical enquiry.

LO15.Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development and in a wider context throughout your career.

At MSc level (and dependent upon options selected), and including all of the above, you will be able to:

LO16.Select, design, plan and manage a self-directed research-informed project, demonstrating a critical analysis and evaluation of relevant material and the ability to apply relevant skills and research methodologies in the production ofan advanced report.

Curriculum

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study period
ENG4080M / Engineering Vibration / C / 10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4050L / Interdisciplinary Competitive Design / C / 10 +10 / 7 / Semester 1 and 2
ENG4029M / Design Optimisation / C / 10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4037M / Computer Application of Numerical Methods / C / 10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4051D / Mobile Robotics & Wireless Sensors / O / 20 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4049L / Control Systems Design / O / 10+10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4087M / Manufacturing Planning & Control / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4082M / Manufacturing Systems Simulation / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG4090M / Materials & Manufacturing Processes / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 1
ENG3076M / Materials Failure Analysis / O / 10 / 6 / Semester 1
ENG3048M / Six Sigma for Business Excellence / O / 10 / 6 / Semester 1
ENG4025M / Finite Element Methods / C / 10 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG4073M / Advanced Solid Mechanics / C / 10 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG4122D / Advanced Project Skills / C / 20 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG4064M / Sustainable Energy / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG4084M / Environmental Computational Fluid Dynamics / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG4072M / Risk Management / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG4086M / Advanced Manufacturing Technology / O / 10 / 7 / Semester 2
ENG3049M / Reliability Engineering / O / 10 / 6 / Semester 2
ENG4013Z / MSc Project / C / 10 / 7 / Semester 3

Notes to the Curriculum:

Only 20 credits of Level 3 modules can be taken as part of the Masters programme

Students who have studied any module as part of an undergraduate programme at the University of Bradford may not take these again. Substitute modules must be selected in consultation with the Programme Director.

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the programme. The strategies and methods implemented are:

  • The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage you in developing your knowledge and understanding of the programme include formal lectures (including those from Visiting Lecturers), case studies, tutorial exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning and individual and group work. Assessment is by means of written examination and by both analytical and experimental coursework.
  • The methods implemented in developing your intellectual skills include engaging with them during tutorial exercises, case studies, practical demonstration and supervised research or project work. The methods of assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations, analytical and experimental coursework and more particularly in your MSc dissertation project.
  • The methods implemented in developing your practical skills include demonstrations and practical work linked to the taught modules. You will also design and operate equipment and use control and measuring instruments under supervision during the initial phase of your research project. The methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work linked with the taught modules. Also a large part of the mark of the MSc dissertation will be attributed to the Experimental Method and Equipment and the Presentation and Discussion of Results.
  • The methods implemented in developing the students’ transferable skills are implicit in the programme. The University of Bradford is well known for attracting students from a wide variety of background, experiences and countries. This, and the learning facilities available to all students, provides the conditions for students to develop and manage their learning. The University of Bradford modus operandi, Making Knowledge Work, is embedded in the philosophy of this programme, particularly in the area of Engineering and Informatics, which is well equipped with practical and computational facilities. Multi-disciplinary Group project work assists in the development of team working skills – these are essential skills skill sought by many employers. The methods of assessment of transferable skills are built in the structure of the examinations, case studies, laboratory demonstrations and research or project work.

Assessment Regulations

Whilst this Programme conforms to the general principles set out in the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the link below, ,thefollowing exception(s) apply to these regulations:

  1. The MSc project must be passed at 1st attempt
  1. To gain an accredited MSc award, 160 credits must have a minimum mark of 50% with the remaining 20 credits with marks at a minimum of 40%.

This requirement can be met with supplementary assessment (on one occasion only) in any number of taught subjects. You may therefore re-sit a module that has a mark in the 40% to 50% range for the purpose of remaining on the accredited award.

If the above requirement is not met, but the University’s postgraduate regulations are complied with, then a non-accredited MSc Engineering (Mechanical) will be awarded.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:with respect to the proposed programme, we specifically require that all applicants havea second-class Honours degree or equivalent in relevant discipline.Candidates who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in a related area are considered on an individual basis.

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.

Learning Resources

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.

Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and programme-related materials this way.

Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

Learning resources located within the School of Engineering and Informatics utilised by Mechanical and Automotive engineering students include:

  • A central workshop that supports the School’s teaching, research and commercial activity. The workshop normally manufactures small to medium size items of equipment for teaching and research. It is well equipped with modern CNC machine tools. Students also have access to a well-equipped student workshop.
  • A Mechanics of Materials Laboratory containing facilities to conduct experiments in bending, torsion, shear and multi-axial loading.
  • An automotive laboratory equipped with appropriate tools and hoists. The facilities available to students include a Rototest chassis dynamometer (£125k). Students have access to various test vehicles (both IC and Electric) which are used for teaching and project work. The co-located HYPER C laboratory houses 5 engine dynamometers, including a 500kW facility capable of testing commercial vehicle Diesel engines and an electric motor dynamometer. These dynamometers are equipped with “state-of-the-art” sensor technology for data collection and are complemented by exhaust gas and exhaust particulate analysers.
  • The Polymer IRC laboratories provide advanced experimental facilities for both Undergraduate and Masters level project work. Equipment comprises various injection machines equipped with “state-of-the-art” in-line process monitoring apparatus, micro-moulding machines, Extrusion and film production machines. Materials testing equipment and specialist modelling and simulation software.
  • A combined Fluid mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory containing various undergraduate experiment rigs and a serviced pumped area for large-scale hydraulic investigations.
  • The school has five computing laboratories (229 personal computers). Here you will have access to specialist design and analysis software used in teaching as well as general office software (i.e. Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel), email, Blackboard (The University’s Virtual Learning Environment used by the School’s Academic Staff to provide access to materials which support your learning – e.g. Notes, Videos) and browser facilities.WiFI access is widely available across campus.

Student Support and Guidance

Programme Team

Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.

Students’ Union

We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of programme representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.

The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.

Employability and Career Development

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.

Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site

Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website