SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FOUNDATION
STUDIES
From: L.R.
Mustoe, Programme Director 24
January 2005
This is the thirteenth Annual Report on the Foundation
Studies. My thanks, as always, are due
to my colleagues, both academic and administrative, who have helped to guide
the Programme through the session. Mary
Stewart retired last session: she had been involved with SEFS since the planning
stage and had been a pillar of strength; she will be greatly missed.
Of 119 candidates who were examined at the end of the year 8 progressed to other departments in the University, 49 cleared the progression hurdle in June, a smaller proportion than that in the previous year. One has transferred to another university. Of the remaining 61, 7 are re-sitting modules on course this academic year. Of those students who re-sat in September (many for one or two modules) 40 were able to continue their studies. In all, of the 119 candidates 14 failed and 104 are pursuing their studies here.
No amendments to the Programme were implemented. The Management Committee met twice.
The distribution of the
successful candidates among departments is shown on Page 2. The percentage going into Science
departments is higher, due in no small measure to transfers during the year or
after the examination periods.
The number of students on the Programme is currently 110,
including five on re-examination. A few
dropped out during the first period of residence of the session. A new optional module, Practical Business Skills for Engineers and Scientists, was
introduced in semester 1 to widen student choice. The Learning and
Communication Skills module was revamped following Mary Stewart’s departure and
the new arrangements worked well. Two
optional modules in semester 2 – Basic Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry –
have been deleted at the request of the providing departments as a result of
low student take-up over the last few years.
Applications processed are 15% down on last year’s
figure.
On Page 3 are shown the intended destinations of the present
cohort of applicants and those of their predecessors.
Destination
of October 2003 entry
Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering 2
Chemical Engineering 2
Civil and Building Engineering 15
Electronic and Electrical Engineering 8
Manufacturing Engineering 14
Mechanical Engineering 23
Total for
Engineering Faculty 64
Chemistry 3
Computer Science 10
IPTME 5
Mathematical Sciences 2
Physics 5
Human Sciences 1
Total for
Science Faculty 26
Design and Technology 6
Economics 1
Total for
SSH Faculty 7
Re-sitting 2004 / 2005 7
Intended destination 2005
2004 2003 2002
Aero/Auto 6
12 9 16
Chemical Engineering 7 3 3 2
Civil and Building Engineering 12 12 9
6
Electronic and Electrical Eng 13 12 14 32
Manufacturing Engineering 21 13 13 13
Mechanical Engineering 24 36 39 52
Total for
Engineering Faculty 84
88
87 121
Chemistry 13 3 3 1
Computer Studies 4
4 4 4
IPTME 3
1
Mathematical Sciences 1
Physics 1 2 3 1
Total for
Science Faculty 21 10
10 7
The Year refers to the proposed
year of entry to SEFS