The module aims to provide a strong foundation for further study by exploring the application of engineering fundamentals to problems in the context of automotive engineering and the design, development and manufacture of vehicles. The module  consolidates and develops your understanding of key engineering fundamentals including thermodynamics,mechanics, and electrical engineering principles. You will apply your knowledge and understanding to the solution of well-defined problems. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Fundamentals of thermodynamics 

• Mechanics of solid and fluids

• Electrical engineering principles 

• Automotive engineering fundamentals 

The module will be delivered through a combination of lecture, tutorials and laboratory classes . 

This module will introduce you to the principles and practice of aerospace and automotive engineering design and the properties and characteristics of key materials and manufacturing processes used in the sector.  

You will study design methods, product definition and materials and process selection and use their knowledge to solve problems in a project-based learning scenario. We will consider the broader context in which engineers make decisions, including environmental, societal, regulatory and risk factors.  

The module will give you a practical appreciation of materials and engineered products through laboratory classes, reverse engineering exercises and the manufacture of industry-typical products. 

You will study topics such as:  

• The design process 

• Product definition and engineering drawing 

• Computer aided engineering 

• Families of engineering materials and their characteristics 

• Properties of materials under mechanical loading and the effect of service life on performance. 

• Manufacturing processes 

• Material and process selection 

• Workshop practice 

• Reverse engineering 

• H&S risk management

This module  aims to build a strong mathematical foundation which can then be applied to engineering problems. The module develops understanding and confidence with mathematical concepts and their correlation to engineering principles. You will become confident in applying mathematical techniques to solving problems in an engineering context.  

You will study topics such as: 

Mathematics: 

• Linear and matrix Algebra 

• Differentiation & Integration

• Vectors

• Complex Numbers 

• Differential Equations

• Numerical Techniques

Fundamentals of Mechanics: 

• Kinematics 

• Statics and Dynamics

The module will use a mixture of lectures, tutorials and lab sessions 

In this module you will develop the professional and personal skills necessary for your future career as a graduate engineer. You will learn about the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering practices and the importance of sustainable design and engineering. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own employability and the steps you need to take in order to secure a work placement or graduate role. 

The module will be delivered and assessed through engagement with and completion of employer-led and simulated projects. These will be selected to be topical and relevant to your course. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Sustainable engineering and its importance in industry

• The interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering projects

• The role of the engineers and engineering in society

• The importance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in modern engineering practices

• The attributes of an employable professional engineer

• Risk management and data security

In this module, you will build on the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and electronic and electrical engineering. The module will further develop your knowledge and understanding in these areas, as well as providing the opportunity to apply the tools, techniques and analytical methods from other modules to the solution of broadly-defined engineering problems.  

Through teaching materials, timetabled sessions, assessment and directed study, you will be encouraged to explore and appreciate the connection between engineering fundamentals and their application in automotive engineering. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Thermodynamics and heat transfer 

• Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics 

• Applied solid mechanics 

• Control theory 

• Power electronics 

• Analogue to digital conversion 

• Programming 

This module builds on the learning in the previous year and aims to equip you with knowledge of relevant numerical techniques and computational skills for the solution of broadly-defined problems in aerospace and automotive engineering applications. The module will also encourage you to apply your knowledge in the implementation of programming techniques using industry-standard software. 

You will study topics such as:  

• Iterative methods for the solution of non-linear systems of equations

• Algorithm stability requirements, convergence analysis

• Numerical solution of differential equations with initial values

• Finite difference method and finite element methods

• Numerical integration  

• Polynomial approximation

• Introduction to CFD/FEA simulations on relevant software

• Introductory programming and implementation of numerical techniques

This module will introduce you to the systems engineering philosophy and the fundamentals of systems engineering theory. These concepts are brought together with the theory you’ve learned in other modules to apply a structured approach to solving broadly-defined engineering problems.  

Industry-relevant tools and techniques used for systems design are adopted throughout. This reinforces the importance of the systems engineering approach in sectors such as aerospace and automotive which involve the design of complex systems. 

The module is delivered using a project-based learning approach incorporating industry-relevant case studies. 

In this module, you will study topics such as: 

• The design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system

• The ‘SIMILAR’ process in systems engineering (State the problem, Investigate alternatives, Model the system, Integrate, Launch, Assess, Re-evaluate) and its application

In this module, you will begin to consolidate your learning and apply it to the design and specification of vehicle components and sub-systems, while also developing knowledge and understanding of the theory which underpins such systems. 

Alongside this, you will establish the fundamentals of vehicle performance and be introduced to some of the factors which influence it. 

The module will include a significant applied project-based learning element. This will provide an opportunity to apply and develop your skills as a professional engineer and reflect on your development needs in preparation for undertaking a placement or graduate employment. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Vehicle technology 

• Brake systems 

• Suspension systems 

• Steering systems 

• Transmission systems 

• Electrical systems 

• Vehicle component design 

• Introduction to vehicle performance 

The module aims to advance your knowledge and understanding from previous modules and apply it in a holistic manner to the study of vehicle structures, dynamics and propulsion systems.  

You will be encouraged to solve complex automotive engineering problems by selecting and applying appropriate experimental, mathematical and computational techniques. In doing so, you will also be expected to identify and refer to relevant and current literature to further your knowledge and support your findings. 

You will study topics such as:  

• Vehicle dynamics and vibration 
• Structural analysis 
• Propulsion systems:
• Internal combustion 
• Electric 
• Hybrid 

Your individual final year project is the apex of your academic journey, offering a platform to apply the wealth of knowledge and skills gathered throughout your degree to real-world linked problems. This module requires your creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to navigate new material independently in whichever field you choose to specialise in. 

This module allows you to: 

• Undertake in-depth research in a topic of your choosing

• The opportunity to work alongside cutting-edge researchers 

• Create a body of work that can support you into further study, or work in a field that interests you

Develop solid foundations for undertaking a self-managed academic research project. On this module you will develop the skills and understanding you will need to complete your dissertation project to the highest level. Through lectures, guided reading and one-to-one discussions with your project supervisor you will design a design a path through to successful completion of an extensive research project including developing the project management skills you will need to achieve this. 

You’ll study topics such as 

• The life cycle of a project 

• Reviewing academic literature 

• Quality management 

• Project management techniques and tools 

• Research ethics 

• Intellectual property rights 

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of vehicle styling and design, giving consideration to aesthetics, aerodynamics and vehicle packaging and the tools and techniques used by engineers and designers. The design of vehicles is also considered in the wider context of vehicle production and manufacture and its associated engineering, business, regulatory, societal and environmental factors. 

A key element of the module is inclusion of project-based learning which provides you with the opportunity to take your learning from this module, integrate it with knowledge and experience gained across the course and apply it to the solution of complex automotive engineering problems. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Vehicle styling, aerodynamics and CFD 

• Vehicle Production 

• FMEA and quality systems 

• Commercial and automotive industry considerations 

• Legislation 

• Automation, inspection and assembly 

• Design and prototyping  

This module aims to give experience in the practice of engineering and related disciplines at a professional level. It involves planning, managing, executing and reporting a programme of work which will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical and computational work together with a review of relevant previous work in the field.  

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Approaches to managing complex technical projects 

• Effective teamwork and management 

• Planning and coordinating a team-based activities 

• Roles in a team 

• Critical reflection 

Module Aim:  

This module provides an in depth understanding of principles methodologies and tools used for creating and analysing complex multidisciplinary systems using a structured systems-based approach. 

This approach is relevant to a wide range of sectors such as aerospace, food, rail, automotive and business systems. New and emerging technologies will also be introduced from both research and industrial fields demonstrating the current state of the art and advancement to the discipline area.  

Indicative content:  

• Identifying, understand and define complex engineering problems. 

• Identifying system goals and constraints 

• System modelling and simulation 

• System architecture design principles 

• Integration strategies and techniques 

• Verification and validation processes 

• New and emerging technologies 

Through successful completion of the module the following AHEP4 learning outcomes will have been achieved.  

M3, M4, M5, M9, M17 

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of current and future trends in vehicle technology and propulsion systems as manufacturers seek to reduce the environmental impact of cars and goods vehicles. The module will consider the context in which this change is occurring and the regulation and legislation affecting the automotive industry. More in-depth analysis will be made of the propulsion systems studied previously, while additionally, fuel cells, solar cells and other emerging technologies will also be examined and critiqued. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Legislative and societal considerations driving the development of more environmentally benign and sustainable vehicle technologies 

• Developments in hybrid and battery vehicles 

• Fuel cells 

• Solar power 

• Bio and sustainable fuels 

• Regenerative braking technology 

• Control systems 

• Chassis-propulsion system integration and packaging considerations