Study information

Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year (2024)

1. Programme Title:

Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year

NQF Level:

6

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)
This is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded Foundation year. During the Foundation year, students will develop their academic skills and subject knowledge at Exeter. In the following year, students will continue to stage 1 of the BEng in Mechanical Engineering degree programme, subject to successful completion of the Foundation year.
 
The Mechanical Engineering programmes at Exeter are part of a wider family of Engineering programmes that have been developed around a number of core principles that distinguish them as innovative, forward looking and student centred. Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasis collaborative project-based learning (PBL), contextualised teaching and an emphasis on skills development and practical application of knowledge. Our engineering programmes also equip students with an awareness of entrepreneurship and the skills and confidence to apply their engineering knowledge in entrepreneurial endeavours. This is achieved through our novel Entrepreneurship 1 & 2 modules.
 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

 
The BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year programme is a 4 year programme, and is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a bachelors degree.
 
The programme aims to 
 
(a)  lay the foundation of mathematical skills for more advanced studies by bringing students to a level of knowledge and competence equivalent to the pre-requisite for a first year degree in Civil Engineering
 
(b)  to enable students to become flexible engineering graduates equipped to work effectively within engineering design and practice contributing specialist skills, demonstrating an awareness of the context within which they work, and taking responsibility for their own personal and professional development;
 
(c) to enable students to become graduates who need only to complete an appropriate period of further study or matching section to be educationally qualified to become chartered engineers within the appropriate sector of industry;
 
(d) to enable students to become aware of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society;
 
(e) to enable students to become able to work well in multi-disciplinary groups with experience of communication, organization, planning and logistics.
 
Through this programme, the College will provide students with: learning opportunities to match their abilities and aspirations, personal academic and pastoral support throughout their university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment and a programme of study that they find demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating, while allowing them to enjoy other aspects of university life. The College will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to undergraduates e.g. through links with the industrial club and student membership of the engineering institutions.
 

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year programme is a (4) year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level (6) (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into (3) ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

5. Programme Modules

Stage 0

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
MTH0001Principles of Pure Mathematics30YesYes
MTH0003Exploring Mathematics15YesNo
MTH0004Foundation Statistics15YesYes
MTH0005Science: Skills and Culture30YesNo
MTH0006Applied Mathematics15YesYes
MTH0007Programming Skills15YesYes

Stage 0 (year 1) of this programme aims to lay foundations of skills in mathematics, engineering, and  sciences for more advanced studies, by bringing students to a level of knowledge and competence equivalent to pre-requisites for Stage 1 of a degree programme in Mathematics, Engineering and Sciences. It provides students with skills bridging the gap between the material covered prior to a university level and that of a first year degree programme. 

Stage 1

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENG1002Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30YesYes
ENG1005Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30YesYes
ENG1006Entrepreneurship 115YesNo
ENG1007Fundamentals of Mechanics15YesYes
ENG1008Fundamentals of Materials15YesYes
ENG1009Fundamentals of Electronics15YesYes

Stage 1 (year 2) of this programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study / research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and also the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming. The first also includes three 15-credit modules, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Electronics. All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.  

Stage 2

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 215NoNo
ENG2006Industry 4.015NoNo
ENG2007Introduction to Fluid Dynamics15NoNo
ENG2009Modelling of Engineering Systems 15NoNo
ENG2011Solid Mechanics15NoNo
ENG2012Structural Behaviour15NoNo
ENG2013Sustainable Design Challenge Project30NoNo

Stage 2 (year 3) continues in the same vein as the first with a combination of project work and core modules. A group project again provides context and motivation for the theory taught in the second year. This project is mechanical engineering specific and centres on the concept of sustainable design with project briefs that allow students to draw on the skills and knowledge gained in their first two years. The practice of developing mathematical knowledge and programming skill in tandem continues in the second year with two modules; Modelling of Engineering Systems in term 1 and ‘Industry 4.0: Automation and Artificial Intelligence’ in term 2. These modules develop traditional core mathematical knowledge but also introduce students to exciting and topical areas of engineering mathematics such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The theme of entrepreneurship is continued with Entrepreneurship 2 which further develops students’ skillset and awareness of topics such as rapid prototype development, company formation and professional networking. Core mechanical engineering modules in Solid Mechanics, computer aided design and manufacture and Introduction to Fluid Dynamics introduce fundamental mechanical engineering concepts. 

Stage 3

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ECM3160Materials 15YesYes
ECM3175Individual Project30YesYes
ENG3022Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing15YesYes
ENG3015Structural Dynamics15YesYes
ENG3016Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer15YesYes
ENG3018Control Engineering15YesYes
Option Group A: Select 1:
ECM3164Operations Management 15NoYes
ENG3005Fluid Dynamics and CFD15NoYes
ENG3012Mechatronics15NoYes
PHY3222Energy, Materials and Sustainability15NoNo
ENG3023Zero Emission Vehicles 15NoNo

In Stage 3 (year 4) the focus is on acquiring core Mechanical engineering knowledge. Students will take modules in Materials, Structural Mechanics and Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing, Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer and Control Engineering. All students select one of three optional modules in term 1; Fluid Dynamics and CFD, Mechatronics or Operations Management. Graduating BEng Students complete a 30 credit Individual Investigate Project guided by a specialist academic supervisor. MEng students complete a hands-on design and build project that challenges them to develop, prototype (at scale) and explore the market for a solution to a Mechanical Engineering challenge. This project emphasis the combination of commercial awareness and the application of sound engineering knowledge. Students will be given the opportunity to take a module on Commercial and Industrial Experience (CANDI) that builds on their engineering work experience from the previous summer. This module will be 15 credits in addition to the core 120 credits for the year. This module will appear on student transcripts but will not be used to calculate their stage grade average and degree award.   

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

By the end of Stage 0 of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

a) a selection of topics in pure and applied mathematics, mathematical logic, probability and statistics, and the connections between them.

b) fundamental concepts and techniques in mathematics that can be used in a range of applicable areas.

c) how to perform research-based studies in sciences, engineering and mathematics.

d) how to implement theoretical concepts to describe and predict real-world problems.   

e) the current research and pedagogical activities presented in sciences, mathematics and engineering disciplines at the university and beyond.

Programme ILO #1
demonstrate understanding of mathematical methods and their use, together with computational methods, for modelling, analysis, design and communication in engineering
 
ENG1002 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing (Year 1), ENG2009 Modelling of Engineering Systems (Year 2), ENG2006 Industry 4.0 (Year 2), ENG2007 Introduction to Fluid Dynamics (Year 2), ENG2012 Structural Behaviour (Year 2), ENG2011 Solid Mechanics (Year 2), ENG3018 Control Engineering (Year 3), ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD (Year 3), ENG3009 Structures & Finite Element Analysis (Year 3), ENG3015 Structural Dynamics (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #2
demonstrate understanding of a broad base of scientific principles underpinning electronic, material, mechanical and civil engineering
 
ENG1001 Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics (Year 1), ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1)
 
Programme ILO #3
demonstrate understanding of the characteristics and uses of engineering materials and components
 
ENG1001 Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics (Year 1), ENG2011 Solid Mechanics (Year 2), ENG2012 Structural Behaviour (Year 2), ENG3009 Structures & Finite Element Analysis (Year 3), ECM3160 Materials and Manufacturing (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #4
demonstrate understanding of a range of principles and design methods relating to the chosen engineering discipline in general, with in-depth knowledge and understanding in some specialist areas
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2)
 
Programme ILO #5
demonstrate understanding of management and business practices, including finance, law, marketing, personnel and quality
 
ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3164 Operations Management (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #6
demonstrate understanding of ethical and social issues related to engineering and professional responsibilities
 
ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), PHY3067 Energy and the Environment (Physics) (Year 3)
 

Learning & Teaching Activities

At Stage 0 of this programme, knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

 

Assessment Methods

At Stage 0 of this programme, most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations.

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

By the end of Stage 0 of the programme the students will be able to:
a) demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for progression to further studies in mathematics or in other quantitative degree pathways.
b) develop skills to reason and solve problems using abstract ideas.
c) organise tasks into a structured form
d) critically assess and summarise research studies in mathematics, engineering and sciences.
e) demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments, provide a sound justification, interpret, and communicate outcomes.  
 
At subsequent stages of the programme
 
Programme ILO #7
be able to demonstrate a systematic and creative approach to problem solving
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #8
be able to apply appropriate mathematical methods, scientific principles and computer based methods to the modelling, analysis and solution of practical engineering problems
 
ENG2009 Modelling of Engineering Systems (Year 2), ENG2006 Industry 4.0 (Year 2), ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD (Year 3), ENG3009 Structures & Finite Element Analysis (Year 3), ENG3018 Control Engineering (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #9
be able to create a complete design, product or service to meet a customer need, starting from negotiation of specifications, showing creativity and justifying all decisions
 
ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2)
 
Programme ILO #10
be able to take a holistic approach to design and problem solving
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #11
be able to assess and manage risks (e.g.: commercial, safety, environmental etc.)
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2), ECM3164 Operations Management (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #12
be able to take personal responsibility for acting in a professional and ethical manner
 
ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3), PHY3067 Energy and the Environment (Physics) (Year 3), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2)
 
Programme ILO #13
be able to select and use appropriate ICT based tools for analysis, design and communication of designs
 
ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD (Year 3), ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG3009 Structures & Finite Element Analysis (Year 3), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #14
be able to select and use laboratory instrumentation appropriately and correctly
 
ENG1001 Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics (Year 1), ENG2011 Solid Mechanics (Year 2), ENG2012 Structural Behaviour (Year 2), ENG2007 Introduction to Fluid Dynamics (Year 2), ENG3016 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer (Year 3), ENG3015 Structural Dynamics (Year 3), ENG3005 Fluid Dynamics and CFD (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #15
be able to construct prototype products, systems, experimental apparatus etc.
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #16
be able to work safely in laboratory, workshop environments etc., and promote safe practice
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2011 Solid Mechanics (Year 2), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2)
 

Learning & Teaching Activities

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme, and those skills are reinforced through individual and group project work and presentations as well as through guided reading and seminar sessions

Assessment Methods

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme, and those skills are reinforced through individual and group project work and presentations as well as through formative and summative coursework, online quizzes and classtests.
 

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

By the end of Stage 0 of the programme the students will be able to:
a) formulate and solve problems and communicate reasoning and solutions effectively in writing.
b) communicate ideas and plans concisely, both orally, through presentations and in writing.
c) use the library and a range of online resources to research topics taught/a topic of interest.
d) operate effectively within a team.
e) exhibit self-management and time management skills.
 
At the subsequent stages of the programme: 
 
Programme ILO #17
communicate effectively and persuasively using the full range of currently available methods
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2)
 
Programme ILO #18
manage resources and time
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #19
work in a team, which may be multi-disciplinary
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2006 Industry 4.0 (Year 2), ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2)
 
Programme ILO #20
learn independently, identifying own personal development needs and goals, reflecting on own performance and managing own personal development
 
ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2)
 
Programme ILO #21
obtain and process information from a wide range of sources, which may be conflicting, analyse it critically and apply this information in engineering applications
 
ENG1006 Entrepreneurship 1 (Year 1), ENG2004 Entrepreneurship 2 (Year 2), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)
 
Programme ILO #22
sort, manipulate and present data in a way that facilitates effective analysis and decision making
 
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Challenge Project (Year 1), ENG2013 Sustainable Design Challenge Project (Year 2), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3), ECM3175 BEng Individual Project (Year 3)

Learning & Teaching Activities

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme
 

Assessment Methods

Skills (a-e) are developed through most of the modules at Stage 0 of the programme

7. Programme Regulations
Credit
The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at level 1, and must take at least 90 credits at level 3.
 
The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%.
 
Progression to stage 1 
At stage zero 0 of the programme, you can progress to stage 1 of the BEng Mechanical Engineering programme once the 120 credits have been passed, and provided that an average of at least 55% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessments for this stage.
 
Assessment and Awards
Assessment at stages 0 and 1 does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
 
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:
 
Class I 70% +
Class II Division I 60-69%
Class II Division II 50-59%
Class III 40-49%
 
Exit Awards
If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. 
At stage 0 of the programme, If you have achieved 120 credits with an overall average of at least 40% and less than 55% at Level 3, you may be awarded a Foundation year Certificate as an exit award. If you achieve 120 credits with an overall average of 55% or above, you will progress to stage 1 of the BEng in Mechanical Engineering programme.
 
At subsequent stages of the programme, If you have achieved 120 credits, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at Level 5 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education.
 
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook.
 
Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
 
 
 
 

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk)

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

 

10. Admission Criteria
All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.
 
Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
 
For entry to the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Foundation year programme: 
 
A/AS: BCC GCE AL Maths grade C and Science* grade B. Candidates may offer GCE AL Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths.BCC including Maths C and Science B
IB: 26/544 Maths HL4 and Science HL 5 
BTEC: DDM. Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE AL maths and science subjects - Construction and the Built Environment, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
 
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
 
In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma. Check if you are eligible to join this programme on our contextual offer webpages.
*GCE AL/AS science includes: Biology/Human Biology
 

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

 

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs)

14 Awarding Institution University of Exeter
15 Lead College / Teaching Institution College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
16 Partner College / Institution
17 Programme accredited/validated by Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs)
18 Final Award(s) BEng (Hons)
19 UCAS Code (UG programmes) H310
20 NQF Level of Final Awards(s): 6
21 Credit (CATS and ECTS) 480 (240 ECTS)
22 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) Engineering
23 Origin Date February 5th 2024 Last Date of Revision: February 28th 2024