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Foundation Degree Programme Specification

FD Mechanical Engineering

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title FD Mechanical Engineering Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Foundation Degree
Programme Code MEE-FD-S UCAS Code HECoS Code 100190 - Mechanical engineering - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Foundation Degree Length of Programme Full Time - 2 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 240
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Belfast Metropolitan College

School/Department

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 5

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Engineering (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

Module Attempts
Each opportunity a student has to complete an assessment is counted as an attempt. So, for example, a May exam and an August resit during the same academic year would be counted as two attempts. Students that elect to miss an opportunity will be recorded as Absent and will still have it counted as an attempt. If the Board of Examiners approves an application for consideration of exceptional circumstances, submitted for a missed or failed assessment, this will not be counted as an attempt.

The number of times a student can attempt a module is subject to the following limits:

Stage 1 modules: 3 attempts
Stage 2 modules: 2 attempts

Graduation
• Students must pass all 12 modules (240 CATS) to graduate with a Foundation Degree.
• The award will be based on the following module weightings: Average Mark = 0.25 (Stage 1 weighted average mark) + 0.75 (Stage 2 weighted average mark)

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

1.To prepare students for employment by providing access to a self-contained degree programme that introduces students to engineering methods and practice, covers the fundamental principles and theories of engineering science, demonstrates how engineering science can be applied, develops essential practical, personal and interpersonal skills and offers experience of working on placement in an industrial environment.
2.To prepare students for articulation to Stage 2 of a compatible Bachelor’s degrees with Honours at Queen’s University Belfast.
3.To equip students with the mathematical skills required to solve typical engineering problems, including problems involving the application of engineering science.
4.To motivate students and enhance learning by teaching engineering science within the context of practical engineering applications.
5.To provide active and interactive learning experiences through a wide range of projects, assignments and laboratory exercises, in order to engage students and promote independent learning.
6.To develop practical engineering skills including the use of computer-aided design techniques, the choice of electrical and electronic components and the selection of materials.
7.To provide opportunities for students to develop their intellectual abilities, including problem solving skills and logical and critical thinking.
8.To actively promote the development of key transferable skills essential for employment, including communication, team working, time and resource management and presentation skills.
9.To develop an understanding of the role of the professional engineer, the business environment within which engineers work, and the social and environmental impact of the decisions that engineers make.
10.To involve students in personal development planning, in order to encourage them to plan for their future careers, gain awareness of their strengths and weaknesses and accept responsibility for meeting their individual learning goals.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures supported by tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations

Demonstrate an ability to identify, classify and evaluate the performance of engineering systems and components using analytical methods, and apply a systems approach to the solution of mechanical engineering problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures supported by tutorials. Practical training in analytical tools.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations. Analytical assignments and coursework

Demonstrate creativity and innovation in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mini-projects concentrating on applications of engineering principles.

Methods of Assessment

Assignments. Coursework. Project work.

Investigate and define an engineering problem and identify associated constraints such as environmental and sustainability limitations, and health and safety.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials. Mini projects in design and manufacturing. Work Based Learning

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, coursework and project work.

Manage effectively the design process, appreciate customer and user needs, evaluate outcomes, assess commercial risk and manage cost drivers.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Design assignments. Work Based Learning.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework. Project work.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of mechanical engineering and its underpinning science and mathematics.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures supported by tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations.

Apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines and appreciate the wider multidisciplinary engineering context.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratories and mini-projects focussing on engineering applications.

Methods of Assessment

Laboratory reports, coursework assignments and project work.

Appreciate the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting the exercise of their engineering judgement.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and coursework in design and manufacturing.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework assignments.

Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computational concepts, methods and techniques which are employed elsewhere in the programme or regarded as essential for professional engineering.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematics lectures and tutorials. Engineering Science lectures and tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework assignments.

Appreciate a range of manufacturing processes employed in industry and have more detailed knowledge of common machining processes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures, practicals and coursework in manufacturing technology.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework assignments.

Exhibit familiarity with generic elements of current engineering applications and practices and have an awareness of the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of the engineer.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and coursework focussing on engineering applications. Work Based Learning.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework assignments.

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of business and management concepts, methods and techniques relevant to the practising engineer.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Work Based Learning.

Methods of Assessment

Diary, report and presentation/interview.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Analyse and solve engineering problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Problem solving is taught in module lectures and reinforced through tutorials.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework.

Employ basic theoretical models and scientific principles where appropriate.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorial exercises reinforce the use of theoretical models and scientific principles within course modules.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework.

Apply the mathematical and computational tools and techniques which provide essential support for problem solving and decision making in engineering.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Within modules practically focussed assignments demonstrate the application of mathematical/computing tools and techniques to engineering applications.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments.

Design a system, component or process and recognise opportunities for improvements in a design.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Engineering drawing and design is taught through lectures and coursework in dedicated design modules.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework.

Take a holistic approach to problem-solving to encompass technical, business and social factors and constraints.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mini-projects and design coursework are used to introduce wider approaches to problem solving.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations and coursework assignments.

Use laboratory and workshop equipment, along with appropriate instrumentation, in order to execute experiments, both effectively and safely.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Activities in the laboratory and manufacturing lectures and tutorials used to provide training in experimental practice.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework and laboratory report.

Use appropriate computer software for design purposes and as a means of analysing and solving engineering problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Where appropriate engineering analysis software is employed to assist teaching within modules. This ranges from word processing, spreadsheets, presentational software and CAD software.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments.

Produce engineering drawings, both manually and by employing Computer Aided Design facilities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Practical training in basic drawing skills and CAD design software is integral to the teaching of design.

Methods of Assessment

Design coursework.

Produce technical reports to a professional standard.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Report writing skills are developed initially through the Stage 1 modules (mini-projects and practicals). The work Based Learning module completes the development of report writing skills.

Methods of Assessment

Mini-Project reports. Coursework and WBL report.

Plan and deliver technical presentations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Technical presentation skills are reinforced through the WBL module.

Methods of Assessment

WBL presentation.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Communicate effectively in writing, verbally and through graphical media.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Report writing skills are developed initially through the Stage 1 modules (mini-projects and practicals). The work Based Learning module completes the development of report writing skills.

Methods of Assessment

Mini-Project reports. Coursework and WBL report.

Manage time and resources, prioritise and work to deadlines.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Coursework and project resource limitations and deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments and project work.

Use computers and information technology effectively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

IT and word-processing skills development through module assignments. Practical training in CAD in stages 1 & 2.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments and project work.

Locate and assemble information using various sources.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Training in use of library resources and on-line databases. Referencing in formal project report.

Methods of Assessment

WBL report.

Demonstrate generic problem-solving skills acquired during the programme.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Coursework and project work increasingly focus on applications of engineering knowledge and enable generic skills development.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments and project work.

Work and learn independently.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All modules require extensive self-learning to support in class learning.

Methods of Assessment

Examinations, coursework assignments and project work.

Work effectively as a member of a group or team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Group exercises are embedded in practical work.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments.

Prepare for employment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

WBL module at stage 2 provides lectures and assignments dedicated to essential employability skills.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Introduction to Design and Manufacture FDE1001 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 15% 85% 0%
Solid Mechanics & Dynamics A FDE1011 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics A FDE1012 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Materials, Design & Manufacturing FDE1010 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 70% 0% 30%
Introductory Mathematics FDE1003 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Solid Mechanics & Dynamics B FDE2012 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics B FDE2013 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Computer-Aided Design B FDE2008 2 10 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Engineering Mathematics FDE2001 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Work Based Learning FDE2002 2 40 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 75% 25% 0%
Elecrical Components & Systems FDE2007 2 10 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 0% 20% 80%

Notes

No notes found.