Coursework

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Communicate scientific information effectively
• Apply problem solving techniques to familiar and unfamiliar problems
• Record, analyse and evaluate data effectively
• Use IT to support your learning
• Work effectively in a group
• Manage your own learning
• Apply mathematical methods to solve problems

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Discuss practical examples where the theoretical concepts developed in the other modules apply
• Computer Applications: Use a computer to solve engineering problems
• Communicate scientific information

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Computer Applications: Digital literacies and the use of common digital tools
• Good practice in recording and reporting experimental procedure and results
• Laboratory and measurement techniques

The topics covered depend on the Foundation Year pathway for which you are enrolled. Full details of the requirements can be found in the document ‘Required Coursework’ available on the Foundation Year Blackboard site.

All students undertake laboratory work:

• For students not taking a language pathway this covers topics from mechanical science, electricity and electronics and engineering principles.
• For students on language pathway A this covers topics from mechanical science and engineering principles. In addition students on this pathway undertake an extended language project.
• For students on language pathway B this covers topics from mechanical science and electricity and electronics. In addition students on this pathway undertake an extended language project.

All students complete 2 formal laboratory reports based on their practical work.

All students undertake work on computer applications. This involves work on digital literacies, use of online tools and an introduction to programming. A description of the computer applications work is provided as an annexe to this module descriptor

Computer Applications:

Weeks 1 – 4

Becoming a digitally literate student

• To introduce the use of Digital Literacies to support becoming a student in a digital age
• The use of digital tools for:

▫ Personal effectiveness in support of becoming an engineer.

▫ Communication to share, analyse, and present data.

▫ Collaboration tools for team working.

Weeks 5 - 14

Introduction to programming in Python

Weeks 15 – 24

Team project – building an e-learning app

Teaching and learning methods

Learning activities include

• Practical sessions
• Writing laboratory reports
• Self-paced study
• Extended writing exercises (language pathways only)
• Group work.

Teaching methods include

• Lectures,
• Tutorials/Workshops/
• Laboratories
• Self-paced courses

Computer Applications:

Learning activities include

• Practical sessions
• Programming exercises
• Self-paced study
• Project work
• Group project work.

Teaching methods include

• Lectures,
• Tutorials/Workshops/Computer labs

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Laboratory space and equipment. Foundation Year laboratory

Textbooks

Holzner, S. Teach Yourself Visual Basic.NET in 21 Days, Sams Teach Yourself.

Kircup, Les (1994). Experimental Methods. John Wiley & Sons.

Barrass, Chapman & Hall (1996). Scientists must write.

Assessment strategy

Referral Policy:

Referred students will be asked to complete a number of assessment tasks, which may include a laboratory examination during the supplementary exam session in August/September, sufficient to demonstrate they have achieved those learning outcomes not met on the first attempt.

Method of repeat year: Internally only.

In order to be able to repeat externally, you must have already attained a pass in this module (at least 60%).

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal