Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

This degree provides a comprehensive programme of technical analysis, design, business and leadership skills that are required to become a chartered mechanical engineer. The curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of industry; providing a strong academic foundation while inspiring students to be creative and communicate their ideas clearly by way of industrially based design projects. Flexibility for students to choose a wide variety of career paths and specialisms is included in their final two years. On completion of the programme, students will have acquired a broad base of engineering knowledge and a deep understanding of their chosen specialist areas. They will be self-reliant and will be confident of their ability to lead engineering projects.

Aims:

• To provide the technical skills to understand mechanical systems and solve engineering problems

• To deliver a fundamental understanding of material properties and manufacturing processes 

• To provide a working knowledge of advanced analytical tools and measurement techniques

• To impart an appreciation of the essential practical and commercial aspects of engineering

• To develop design skills to evaluate ideas and the communication and leadership skills to put ideas into practice

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• Loughborough University Periodic Programme Review (Quadrennial Review) 

• Loughborough University Annual Programme Review 

• UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) – ‘Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering’, (Feb.2015) and ‘Framework of Higher Education Qualifications’, (Aug.2008) 

• Engineering Council (UK). ‘UK-SPEC, UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence’, 3^rd Edition, Jan 2014 

• Engineering Council (UK). ‘The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’, 3^rd Edition, May 2014 

• Programme Accreditation Reports (Quinquennial) by professional institutions

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

In line with the QAA ‘Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering (2015)’  the programme learning outcomes listed here are sourced from the Engineering Councils publication ‘The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes’ 3^rd Edition, 2014.

Science and Mathematics (SM)

Engineering is underpinned by science and mathematics, and other associated disciplines, as defined by the relevant professional engineering institution(s). Upon successful completion graduates will have:

• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies

• Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of engineering problems

• Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of their own engineering discipline and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively

• Awareness of developing technologies related to own specialisation.

• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations

• Understanding of concepts from a range of areas, including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them effectively in engineering projects

 Engineering Analysis (EA)

Engineering analysis involves the application of engineering concepts and tools to the solutions of engineering problems. Upon successful completion graduates will have:

• Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes

• Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques

• Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve engineering problems and implement appropriate action

• Understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex engineering problems

• Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies

• Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems

 Design (D)

Design at this level is the creation and development of an economically viable product, process or system to meet a defined need. It involves significant technical and intellectual challenges and can be used to integrate all engineering understanding, knowledge and skills to the solution of real problems. Upon successful completion graduates will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to:

• Understand and evaluate business, customer and user needs, including considerations such as the wider engineering context, public perception and aesthetics

• Investigate and define the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; ethical, health, safety, security and risk issues; intellectual property; codes of practice and standards

• Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies

• Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal

• Plan and manage the design process, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes

• Communicate their work to technical and non-technical audiences

• Demonstrate wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations

• Demonstrate the ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs

Economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental context (EL)

Engineering activity can have impacts on the environment, on commerce, on society and on individuals. Upon successful completion graduates will have the skills to manage their activities and be aware of the various legal and ethical constraints under which they are expected to operate, including:

• Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering, a knowledge of professional codes of conduct and how ethical dilemmas can arise

• Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes

• Knowledge and understanding of management techniques, including project and change management, that may be used to achieve engineering objectives, their limitations, and how they may be applied appropriately

• Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and the ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate

• Awareness of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health & safety, contracts, intellectual property rights, product safety and liability issues, and an awareness that these may differ internationally

• Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health and safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques and an ability to evaluate commercial risk

• Understanding of the key drivers for business success, including innovation, calculated commercial risks and customer satisfaction 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

Refer to Section 3. above

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

This is the practical application of engineering skills, combining theory and experience, and use of other relevant knowledge and skills. This can include:

• Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (eg operations and management, application and development of technology, etc)

• Knowledge of characteristics of particular equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components

• Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills

• Understanding of the use of technical literature and other information sources

• Knowledge of relevant legal and contractual issues

• Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards

• Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement

• Ability to work with technical uncertainty

• A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments

• Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints

•  Understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader 

c. Key transferable skills:

Upon successful completion graduates will have developed transferable skills, additional to those set out in the other outcomes, that will be of value in a wide range of situations, including the ability to:

• Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, working with others, information retrieval and the effective use of general IT facilities

• Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD

• Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis

• Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader

4. Programme structure

4.1    Part A - Introductory Modules

4.1.1   Semester 1

                       COMPULSORY  MODULES (total modular weight 60)

4.1.2  Semester 2

                      COMPULSORY  MODULES (total modular weight 60)

4.2 Part B  - Degree Modules

 4.2.1 Semester 1

                       COMPULSORY  MODULES (total modular weight 60)

 4.2.2  Semester 2

                       COMPULSORY  MODULES (total modular weight 60)

4.3    Part I – Optional Placement Year

                        COMPULSORY MODULES

(In order to be considered for the award of DIS or DPS students will need to complete a minimum of 45 weeks in an approved placement and meet the specified report submission for the award, for further details contact the Placements Coordinator for the School or visit http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/undergraduate/industry-placements/.  Students should note that consideration of this award is only on successful completion of their degree programme)

 (In order to be considered for the award if DIntS students will need to complete 45 weeks approved overseas placement.  This may be industrial or academic study or a combination of the two.  At the end of the placement students are required to submit a report and dissertation, further details are available via the School’s Exchange Coordinator)

4.4 Part C - Degree Modules     

4.4.1 Semester 1 

                        (i) COMPULSORY MODULES: (total modular weight 40)                         

                           (ii) OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 20)

TWO modules (weight 20) must be selected from either group A or group B, or alternatively ONE module from group A or group B and ONE module from group C.

GROUP A: 

GROUP B: 

GROUP C: 

4.4.2 Semester 2

                           (i) COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 30)

(ii) OPTIONAL MODULES (total modular weight 30)

Modules in group A and group B are paired with modules in Part D to add depth to the programme. 

GROUP A: ONE module (weight 10) MUST be selected from this group.

GROUP B:  ONE module (weight 10) MUST be selected from this group.

GROUP C:  ONE module (weight 10) MUST be selected from this group.

4.4.3 Mechanical Engineering MEng (Manufacturing Stream)

MEng Mechanical Engineering students may desire to follow a Manufacturing Engineering stream through Part C and Part D after successful completion of their Part B studies.  Students who would like to be considered for this stream should contact their programme director to discuss this possibility.  Successful students would subsequently select modules from Part C of the Product Design Engineering Programme. After successful completion of their Part C studies they will select modules from Part D of the Product Design Engineering Programme.

4.5 Part D - Degree Modules

4.5.1 Semester 1 

                        (i) COMPULSORY MODULES: (total modular weight 20)

                        (ii) OPTIONAL MODULES

GROUP A: Students MUST take one module (weight 10) from this group OR MMD517 – ‘Teamwork and Leadership’, which runs in Semester 2.

GROUP B:  (DEPTH OPTIONS) TWO modules (modular weight 20) MUST be selected from this group.  All modules in this group have pre-requisite modules in Part C.

GROUP C: ONE module (modular weight 10) MUST be selected from this group.

4.5.2  Semester 2

                              (i) COMPULSORY MODULES: (total modular weight 20)

Students who elect to study Advanced Engineering Research or Mechatronics in semester 1 must study the second 10 weight of the module during semester 2. 

Students who DID NOT take EITHER BSD523 Enterprise Technology OR MMD500 Project Leadership in group (A) in semester 1, MUST take the following;

                                (ii) OPTIONAL MODULES

A total modular weight of 40 credits MUST be selected from groups A, B, C, D and E.  Not more than ONE module may be taken from each group.  Note that students who elected to study MMD552 or MMD900 in semester 1 may only select 30 credits from groups A, B, C, D and E.

GROUP A: 

GROUP B:

GROUP C:

 GROUP D:

GROUP E:

Students may not register for modules already studied in Part C. 

4.5.3 Mechanical Engineering M.Eng (Manufacturing Stream)

MEng Mechanical Engineering students who opted to follow the Manufacturing Stream in Part C, will select modules from Part D of the Product Design Engineering Programme.

4.5.4 Substitute Modules

In exceptional circumstances, a student may substitute other degree level modules to a maximum modular credit of 20 from the University’s catalogue for one of those listed in group A, B or C, subject to the prior approval of the programme director. The student is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of any such selection can be incorporated into their individual timetable.

4.6.2 Semester 2

4.7  Studies Overseas

Students may choose to study Semester 1 (only) during their Part D, at an approved Overseas Higher Education Institution.  The mix of subjects of the learning programme must first be approved by the programme director for their course.  An acceptable learning programme should, where possible, include a group project and studies at an advanced/masters level. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for Progression and Degree Award 

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C, and from Part C to Part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also: 

5.1.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C, from Part C to Part D candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also accumulate at least 120 credits from the Part and a minimum overall average of 55% for the Part.

5.1.2 For candidates who commenced study on the programme before September 2014 who fail to satisfy the progression requirements stated in paragraphs 5.1.1 above, the requirements are:

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in regulations XX but also:

i.    In order to proceed from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D, candidates must obtain at least 50% in modules with a minimum weight of 100 credits in each programme part and gain credit (40%) in all other modules.

ii.   In order to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must obtain a mark of 50% in Project Engineering module MMD503 in Part D.

5.2 Criteria for candidates who do not receive permission to Progress or gain the award of a Degree.

Any candidate who fails to achieve the criteria for progression from Part A to Part B, Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D shall have the opportunity to repeat Module Assessments in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XX.  Alternatively, the candidate may elect to enter the B.Eng degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, before commencing Part C, provided that the candidate has satisfied the criteria for progression for that programme at the appropriate point.

In exceptional circumstances, any candidate who, having successfully completed Part C, is unable to commence or complete Part D or fails to achieve the criteria necessary for the award of the degree of M.Eng may, at the discretion of the Programme Board, be awarded the degree of B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering with a classification corresponding to the candidate’s achievements in the Part B and Part C assessments and determined on the basis of the weightings given for the B.Eng programme. 

5.3 Re-assessment

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates, who have the right of re-assessment in all parts.  Where a candidate has accumulated 60 credits or fewer in a part of the programme, reassessment in the relevant part is not available to that candidate in the special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates’ final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level modules assessments in Parts B, C and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The average percentage marks will be combined in the ratio Part B - 20, Part C - 40, Part D – 40 to determine the overall average percentage mark for the programme (the programme mark).