Introduction to Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science (AMES)

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• The technical background of mechanical engineering science in selected areas to permit study of the current literature, identification of gaps and in information and changing nature of AMES in specific fields as well as the need to gain new knowledge through further study and teamwork in your professional field.
• The fundamental scientific and technical aspects of selected themes in AMES
• Specific techniques with application to your own research and advanced scholarship.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Make decisions and arrive at solutions in complex situations
• Recognise the limitations of your present knowledge and gain new knowledge through further study and teamwork in mechanical engineering science
• Communicate fluently through oral and written professional presentation of research project information.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate practical laboratory skills associated with specific themes of mechanical engineering science.
• Demonstrate skills in literature search, technical writing, research planning and preparation for the full-time work on a research project.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Synthesise and Analyse information and ideas, and apply creative and original thought in order to propose appropriate new solutions to complex problems.
• Identify challenging research project and plan to its completion in AMES remits.

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• C1/M1 In the longitudinal strength assignment the students undertake the core mechanical engineering from fundamentals to most recent progress. The students must complete the four fundamental knowledge assessments relevant to each theme and additional depth in each theme assessment which guide reading material for each of the "current issues". C3/M3 For both the Fundamentals and Current Issues Assignment the students demonstrate their understanding of Computational Engineering Design theory and apply creative and original thought to propose appropriate new solutions to complex problems. C4/M4 For part of Current Issues, Oral Presentation and the Proposal written report assignment the students should develop oral presentation skills and literature surveying skills of technical material. The technical background of mechanical engineering science in selected areas permits the study of the current literature, identification of gaps in information and the changing nature of Engineering, and the need to gain new knowledge. C12/M12 Key laboratory skills associated with specific themes of mechanical engineering science are assessed in the Lab of Mechatronics, Engineering Materials to investigate complex problems. C15/M15 For the Engineering Management assessment the students need to define the Business Model of the chosen Project. Peer review is used for Self and Peer Assessment to aid the marking process.

• Introduction: An introduction to the MSc, the Module and its Assignments, and the MSc Project. (1 Lecture).
• Information Skill Session: Hartley Library (2 hours).
• Themed Lectures (6 Lectures): an overview of each theme through introducing related research topics from associated research groups, respectively.
• Fundamentals Lectures (6 Lectures): providing fundamental knowledge required for the 6 themes, respectively.
• Engineering Materials Theme---fundamentals (crystalline structures, defects, diffusion, etc.); mechanical properties, microstructures and control, failure and fracture mechanics, non-metal materials.
• Mechatronic theme---Motors and drives; key control systems.
• Computational design theme—CAD, FEA, engineering design, design validation and verification
• Advanced tribology theme—lubrication, friction, deformation, coatings, wear.
• Biomedical engineering theme—Biomechanics, Biomedical implant, Biomaterials.
• Propulsion and Engine Systems Engineering---Thermodynamics, heat transfer, condition monitoring, noise control etc.
• Current Issues in Mechanical Engineering Sciences (6 lecturers). Guided reading material (for example a recent review paper) is given for each of the "current issues" to give additional depth in each theme.
• Practical Laboratory Skills (12 lab hours):

o Biomedical engineering lab (3 hours)

o Advanced tribology lab (3 hours).

o Engineering Materials lab (3 hours).

o Computational engineering lab (3 hours).

• Presentation skills (2 Lectures):

o Provide guidance for written presentation of project proposal assignment as well as oral presentation skills.

o Additionally, the student is encouraged to attend optional Group research Seminars organised by the Research Groups. This option may help in the preparation of the Proposal assignment by giving ideas and make contact with other academics and researcher.

• Oral Presentations of students’ selected topics (8 hours)

Oral presentation, feedbacks and discussion tutorial.

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Specialist themed talks
• Designed lab exercise.
• Class discussions.

Learning activities include

• Access to exam question bank.
• Directed reading.
• Coursework assignment: Preparation and submit answers to questions based on “fundamental in..” lectures.
• Coursework assignment: Preparation and submit answers to questions based on “current issues” lectures reading materials – to develop literature surveying skills and presentation skills.
• Coursework assignment: An oral presentation to peers/the Lecturer (and question time) – to develop literature surveying skills and oral presentation skills of technical material.
• Coursework assignment: preparation of formal proposal - to propose a research project which may result in the MSc
• Project if a interested/willing academic supervisor is found. This may also give the opportunity to develop the area further into a PhD project after the MSc.
• Lab assignments.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Laboratory Assignment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Written feedback will be given to individually marked courseworks. Oral feedbacks will be given for lab assignments. Oral and written feedbacks will be given to literature survey and oral presentations. General feedback will also be provided throughout the course, within lectures or communication via Blackboard, email and personal appointment with the module tutors.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

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.