Programme Specification MEng Automotive Engineering Valid from: May 2012 Faculty of Technology, Design & Environment
SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding body: Teaching institution and location: Final award: Programme title: Interim exit awards and award titles: Brookes course code: UCAS/UKPASS code: JACS code: Mode of delivery: Mode/s of study: Language of study: Relevant QAA subject benchmark statement/s: External accreditation/recognition: (applicable to programmes with professional body approval) Faculty managing the programme: Date of production (or most recent revision) of specification: Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University Wheatley Campus, Wheatley, Oxon OX33 1HX MEng (Master of Engineering)/MEng Sandwich MEng Automotive Engineering Under specified conditions, a BEng (Hons) (sandwich or full time) may be awarded, as may a BEng (sandwich or full time), a named CertHE or named DipHE, in Automotive Engineering or Engineering MEF H341 H330 On campus Full time, part time, sandwich, mixed mode English UKSPEC Institution of Mechanical Engineers http://www.imeche.org/home Technology, Design & Environment April 2012 SECTION 2: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS 2.1 Rationale for/distinctiveness of the programme This programme is designed to develop the academic, vocational and creative skills of students and prepare them for roles as Chartered Engineers in the Automotive industry. Students will develop skills that will prepare them for senior engineering roles where they will be applying, adapting, researching current technologies along with new and emerging technologies and processes. A characteristic feature of this programme is the broad, integrated course of study in the engineering discipline of Automotive Engineering, which will allow students to deepen their knowledge in subject Page 2 of 2
specific areas, and to take part in multi-disciplinary project-based work. The programme is supported by cutting edge facilities which include a four post rig, damper dynamometer, engine test cell facilities with high speed data acquisition and emissions analysis equipment and also industry standard simulation software. The programmes benefit from close links with internationally recognised research groups within the Department, and research is integrated within the delivery of modules ensuring that research skills are fostered within students. Students are actively encouraged to undertake the sandwich year award in which they would spend a year working in an industrial environment. Working closely with the automotive sector and the IMechE ensures that the programmes are informed by the needs of industry. A distinguishing feature of the course is its automotive emphasis which it derives from automotive industries local to the University. The first year of the MEng and BEng programmes are largely common allowing transfer from one course to the other depending on suitable academic progress. The distinction between the two programmes is evident in the subject specific modules that students take throughout the course but predominantly in years three and four. 2.2 Aim/s of the programme The principal aim is to provide an extended and enhanced course of study at MEng level in Automotive Engineering that fully meets the educational requirements as described in the UK SPEC Specific Learning Outcomes. The course is designed for the most able students wishing to achieve both high academic and practical standards whilst having the potential to rise to senior levels of responsibility in industry as Chartered Engineers. Additionally the course will provide a broad, integrated course of study in the engineering discipline of Automotive Engineering, which will allow students to deepen their knowledge in some areas, and to take part in multi-disciplinary project-based work. SECTION 3: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES Knowledge, understanding and skills: 3.1 Academic literacy 3.1.1 The ability to use and apply core mathematical and analytical techniques to facilitate problem formulation and solution of Automotive Engineering problems. 3.1.2 Participate creatively in the Engineering Design Process, critically review, evaluate and produce solutions to complex Automotive Engineering design problems at conceptual and detail design stages. 3.1.3 Apply good engineering practice to the critical comparison and selection of manufacturing processes and materials for the production of Automotive Engineering components. 3.1.4 Integrate and apply knowledge in the solution of interdisciplinary engineering problems. 3.1.5 Analyse complex practical problems systematically and creatively through the application of scientific and engineering principles to Automotive systems. Demonstrate the application of appropriate theory and ability to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data and communicate conclusions clearly to a specialist and non-specialist audience. 3.1.6 Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge in order to analyse data and solve problems in a logical, practical and concise manner. 3.2 Research literacy 3.2.1 Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding as independent learners and to develop new skills to a high level. 3.2.2 Develop professional leadership and research skills. Page 3 of 3
3.3 Critical self-awareness and personal literacy 3.3.1 Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and team working skills in order to articulate complex Automotive Engineering problems in written and oral presentation forms. 3.3.2 Demonstrate the use of organisational skills at personal level in the areas of project and team management showing how these skills are beneficial in relation to effective teamwork resulting in successful solutions to Automotive Engineering problems. 3.3.3 Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems acting autonomously at a professional level when necessary. Extend these skills into scenarios requiring team work and project management. 3.4 Digital and information literacy 3.4.1 Use and manage information technology and modern computing techniques to solve complex Automotive Engineering problems. 3.4.2 Demonstrate a confident familiarity with a broad range of information technology skills in order to communicate effectively using graphical techniques, reports and presentations within a commercial and technical environment. 3.5 Global citizenship 3.5.1 Demonstrate the use and deep knowledge of critical factors in the Automotive business environment such as marketing skills, financial awareness, management and investment appraisal. 3.5.2 Refer to the social, legal and environmental aspects and responsibilities of the engineer in society. 3.5.3 Develop an appropriate range of professional engineering skills in order to pursue careers in industry as Automotive Engineers operating at a high level of responsibility. SECTION 4: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM 4.1 Programme structure and requirements: Status Level Credit (CATS) Module code Module Title Year 1 Compulsory 4 30 U04500 Introduction to Mathematics for Engineers (double) Compulsory 4 15 U04501 Introduction to Thermo-Fluid Dynamics Compulsory 4 15 U04502 Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Recommended 4 15 U04506 Graphics & Design Recommended 4 15 U04507 Automotive Materials & Manufacturing Techniques Recommended 4 15 U04600 Basic Electrical Engineering Recommended 4 15 U04604 Introduction to Engineering Management Recommended 4 15 U08003 Programming the Virtual World Year 2 Compulsory 5 15 U04520 Engineering Mathematics Compulsory 5 15 U04521 Engineering Thermo-Fluid Dynamics Compulsory 5 15 U04522 Engineering Dynamics I Compulsory 5 15 U04523 Stress Analysis I Compulsory 5 15 U04525 Materials Engineering Compulsory 5 30 U04527 Automotive Engineering Design & CAE (double) Compulsory 5 15 U04630 Automotive Electronics Acceptable 5 30 U04526 Mechanical Engineering Design & CAE (double) Acceptable 5 15 U04568 Independent Study Module Acceptable 5 15 U04620 Control Technology Page 4 of 4
Acceptable 5 15 U04650 Sensors and Data Logging Acceptable 4 15 U08004 Programming with Objects Acceptable 5 15 U08924 Microprocessors Optional Sandwich Year Compulsory for MEng Sandwich Degree 5 0 U04665 Industrial Placement Module Year 3 Compulsory 6 15 U04582 Engineering Dynamics II Compulsory 6 15 U04583 Stress Analysis II Compulsory 6 15 U04584 Automotive Engines Compulsory 6 15 U04587 Automotive Group Design Study Compulsory 6 30 U04599 Project (double) Compulsory 5 15 U04640 New Product Development Alternative compulsory: 6 15 U04580 Vehicle Aerodynamics one module from: 6 15 U04585 Chassis Engineering Acceptable 6 15 U04681 Advanced Automotive Electronics Acceptable 6 15 U04682 Advanced CAD/CAM Summer Vacation years three to four Elective 7 20 P04775 Industrial Placement Project (between 3 rd and 4 th years) Year 4 Compulsory 7 20 P04701 CAD/CAM Compulsory 7 20 P04702 Noise, Vibration and Harshness Compulsory 7 20 P04703 Vehicle Crash Engineering Compulsory 7 20 P04706 Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Compulsory 7 40 P04795 Automobile Design, Test and Modelling Project (Double) Alternative compulsory: one module from: Alternative compulsory: one module from: 7 20 P04705 Advanced Vehicle Aerodynamics 7 20 P04731 Advanced Chassis Engineering 7 20 P58002 Managing People and Organisations 7 20 P58003 Strategic Management in Context 7 20 P58830 Business Principles and Practices for Entrepreneurs Elective 7 20 P04700 Computation & Modelling Elective 7 20 P04704 Advanced Power Train Engineering Elective 7 20 P04710 Advanced Strength of Components Elective 7 20 P04711 Advanced Materials Engineering Elective 7 20 P04713 Engineering Reliability and Risk Management Progression from stage I to stage II requires students, in addition to modular programme regulations, to pass all compulsory modules. Progression from MEng undergraduate to MEng postgraduate requires an average of 65% and a minimum of 50% in U04520, U04521, U04522, U04523 & U04525. The pass mark for all undergraduate modules is 40% and for all postgraduate modules is 50%. The MEng award will classified as a Pass for averages 50 to 59% inclusive, Merit for averages 60 to 69% inclusive and Distinction for averages 70% and over. Requirements for final awards The following acceptable modules are compulsory for Master in Engineering Degree: U04520 Engineering Mathematics Semester 1 & 2 U04521 Engineering Thermo-Fluid Dynamics Semester 1 & 2 U04522 Engineering Dynamics I Semester 1 & 2 U04523 Stress Analysis I Semester 1 & 2 U04525 Materials Engineering Semester 1 & 2 U04527 Automotive Engineering Design & CAE (double) Semester 1 & 2 Page 5 of 5
U04582 Engineering Dynamics II Semester 1 & 2 U04583 Stress Analysis II Semester 1 U04584 Automotive Engines Semester 1 & 2 U04587 Automotive Group Design Study Semester 1 & 2 U04599 Project (double) Semester 1 & 2 U04630 Automotive Electronics Semester 1 U04640 New Product Development Semester 1 P04701 CAD/CAM Semester 1 & 2 P04702 Noise, Vibration and Harshness Semester 2 P04703 Vehicle Crash Engineering Semester 2 P04706 Sustainable Vehicle Engineering Semester 1 P04795 Automobile Design, Test and Modelling Project (Double) Semester 1 & 2 The following module is compulsory for Master in Engineering Degree for Sandwich mode students only: U04665 Industrial Placement Module Semester 1 & 2 The following acceptable modules are alternative compulsory for Master in Engineering Degree: 1 module from: U04580 Vehicle Aerodynamics Semester 1 & 2 U04585 Chassis Engineering Semester 1 & 2 The following Level 7 modules are alternative compulsory for Master in Engineering Degree: 1 module from: P04705 Advanced Vehicle Aerodynamics Semester 2 P04731 Advanced Chassis Engineering Semester 1 The following Level 7 modules are alternative compulsory for Master in Engineering Degree: 1 module from: P58002 Managing People and Organisations Semester 2 P58003 Strategic Management in Context Semester 2 P58830 Business Principles and Practices for Entrepreneurs Semester 1 4.2 Professional requirements This MEng award carries the highest level of professional recognition available to a degree award of its type granted by the Engineering Council. Completion of the MEng award as required by the University regulations includes accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council (EC). This accreditation gives complete exemption from any further academic requirements or examination in relation to Engineering Council Exams Part 1 and Part 2. If a student should curtail their study at the end of Year 3 and be eligible for an award of a BEng Honours then the degree award would provide complete exemption from EC exams Part 1 and through a period of approved further study, such as an accredited MSc, provide complete exemption from EC exams Part 2. Page 6 of 6
SECTION 5: PROGRAMME DELIVERY 5.1 Teaching, Learning and Assessment A fundamental philosophy guiding the design of the course is that teaching and learning takes place among a community of students and lecturers together seeking to pass on the principles, skills and knowledge associated with the profession of engineering. In this vein every effort is made to integrate subject material and show its use, effect and application across the course. The descriptions that follow are general and should not be seen as exclusive. Each single undergraduate module is 150 hours and each postgraduate module is 200 hours of effort. Modules presently consist of 48 hours contact time at undergraduate level and 36 hours at postgraduate level, and are delivered using a mixture of lectures, tutorial/seminar sessions and laboratories. A student can expect to undertake an additional 102 hours (undergraduate) and 164 hours (postgraduate) of independent work per module. In any given week a student s contact time may be as high as twenty four hours or as low as seventeen hours depending on scheduling of laboratory and workshop timetables. The use and distribution of laboratory work varies significantly between modules and module levels on the programme and is allocated as appropriate by the subject specialist in each area. Self-study typically consists of solving tutorial problems, writing laboratory reports or group meetings. The strategy for assessment of the learning outcomes is described in each module syllabus where the balance between analytic, design and creative skills as well as personal development and professional skills is outlined. Student engagement with assessment and feedback processes is achieved through such mechanisms as meetings with the programme team, a student forum, Department policy for timely feedback to allow reflection on assessment and learning, and end-of-module evaluation. The provision of a coursework calendar prevents the bunching of deadlines, whilst student involvement in programme meetings helps to ensure that they have input to the development of assessment policy implemented in the programme. Brookes Virtual is used extensively to provide a wide variety of teaching materials, assessment methods and feedback. It also provides for widening participation by making learning resources available and allowing limited access to staff, and peer group, input outside normal working hours. The Department is fortunate to have an Industrial Advisory Board consisting of leading Engineering practitioners who advise on currency of programmes, research initiatives, employer needs and professional standards. This provides a distinctive skill set for staff to draw on and results in graduates with employable attributes that are in high demand in the Automotive industry. There are currently four main strategies for assessment in the programme: 70% exam & 30% coursework; 50% exam & 50% coursework; 80% Exam & 20% coursework; 100% coursework. Typically, undergraduate examinations last two hours whilst postgraduate exams can last for three hours. Coursework assignments are wide-ranging and invariably challenging, making use of strategies such as: 1. Poster presentations and Oral presentations sometimes videoed; 2. Reports, Essays and other Descriptive Explanation; 3. Short automotive-based design studies and feasibility studies; 4. Problem sheets; 5. Class tests; Page 7 of 7
6. Written submissions of laboratory work and practical assessment of laboratory skills; 7. Detailed reports of extended laboratory exercises (mini-projects). 5.2 Assessment regulations This degree programme conforms to the University s Undergraduate Modular Programme Regulations and the University s taught postgraduate regulations except for the minimum requirement for a postgraduate individual project: www.brookes.ac.uk/uniregulations/current Students must normally have an upper second class degree profile and minimum acceptable scores on level 5 and 6 compulsory modules to progress from undergraduate to postgraduate on an MEng programme. SECTION 6: ADMISSIONS 6.1 Entry criteria Students entering Stage I of the course will normally be at least 18 years of age and hold one of the following qualifications: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Very good A level grades (typically ABB grade) in three subjects, one of which must be Mathematics. In addition, normally Physics (or Engineering Science) is highly desirable, but candidates with alternative subjects will be given serious consideration; or A very good BTEC Certificate or Diploma in an Engineering discipline, typically with at least five distinctions in the final year of study including mathematics; or Very good results in the first year of an HND course (typically with at least four distinctions including mathematics) with adequate mathematics and Engineering Science content; or A qualification equivalent in standard to these qualifications. In its Mission Statement the University has highlighted the need to widen access to higher education from those traditionally under-represented among students. The Department s provision to enable this strategy is to offer two BSc course and a Foundation Year for those without the qualifications mentioned above. Students who have satisfied the necessary requirements of the Foundation Course or shown significant achievement on one of the BSc courses can transfer into the BEng programme and if suitable academic progress is maintained carry on and transfer to the MEng. Given the common core theme of Engineering Analysis modules it is relatively easy to transfer between Automotive, Motorsport and Mechanical Engineering programmes, up to the end of 2 nd year, with no need to extend a programme of study. Admission with Credit (Accreditation of Prior Learning) Applicants with relevant prior learning are welcome to apply and start the course with exemption from specific modules or the whole of Stage I. Specific examples include: (i) (ii) Students with a very good HND in an Engineering subject are usually exempted all of Stage I and are admitted directly to Stage II. Normally these students will have achieved at least five distinctions over their second year units, with all other second year units being at Merit level. Students who have completed parts of degree courses elsewhere will be given credit appropriate to the amount of study successfully completed. Such students will normally be expected to have achieved consistent marks/grades within the 2:1 band at their previous Higher Education Institution. Page 8 of 8
In certain exceptional cases it may be possible to give credit for Stage II modules as well as for Stage I but it will not normally be possible to gain credit for Honours modules at level 6 as an accredited MEng requires the student to have completed the final two years full time education sequentially on the same programme at the same institution. 6.2 CRB checks Not applicable. SECTION 7: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences has a comprehensive induction plan organised and administered by Subject Coordinators, Programme Administrators and Student Support Coordinators. During induction students receive an introduction to the University IT support services (OBIS), the Library, the integrated online learning environment (Brookes Virtual), Upgrade and the University Personal Information Pages (PIP). Students on every subject receive a subject specific handbook with essential contact details for staff and other university support structures and organisations. During the year, students on this programme also have an extended induction support facility where they can get help from Student Support Coordinators and/or fundamental core modules in the first and second year of their subject of study. In the second year there are a series of lectures to prepare students who are registered to apply for a sandwich placement. They receive lectures and support in preparing CVs, researching companies to apply to, preparing for interview and how to make the most of their sandwich placement. The industrial placement training is complemented by an invited prestige lecture series from selected employers. In final year there are similar preparatory lectures and help sessions and specifically a Life after Brookes session to inform students about the continued support and resources available to them as alumni and for the immediate future in their careers. Throughout their study at Brookes, students are advised of and encouraged to attend professional lectures of engineering interest given by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers with which the Department has significant participation and involvement. SECTION 8: GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY Students graduating from this course are able to follow an extensive range of career opportunities in Automotive Engineering but also in more general engineering employment in other Mechanical Engineering industries. Examples of successful employment are: Simulator Transport Research Lab Ricardo Engineer Mechanical Design Engineer Graduate Engineer Page 9 of 9
SECTION 9: LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS Recall Conference for sandwich placement students including industrial keynote speakers. Industrial Placement provision with local employers e.g. 40 BMW placements for Brookes. IMechE professional lecture events and visits. Sponsorship for Formula Student Team from local companies with materials and parts e.g. SECO Tools supply specialist tooling for manufacture. Hosting professional events such as the Speak Out for Engineering competition run by the IMechE and Getting Chartered. Guest lecture series in final year module U04587 Automotive Group Design Study. Staff representation on the IMechE Oxford Area Committee provides a conduit to practicing Chartered Engineers and companies. The Department s Industrial Advisory Board that consults with and advises on current engineering needs of employers, research projects and professional standards. SECTION 10: QUALITY MANAGEMENT Indicators of quality/methods for evaluating the quality of provision The MEng in Automotive Engineering has been accredited by the IMechE since the course first started in September 2001. In the most recent accreditation visit (February 2011) the IMechE made the following complimentary comments relating to the Department and its existing Engineering courses: 1. Examination papers that are of an appropriate standard for an Honours degree and contain demanding questions that are related to engineering applications and to real systems. 2. The students who are articulate, enthusiastic and a credit to the Department. Students said that the staff are approachable and accessible. 3. The industrial year and the recall conference are models of good practice. 4. The good links with industry. 5. The staff student committee which appears to be working very well. 6. The excellent hands-on experience for students in the first year manufacturing workshops. The programme adheres to the nationally accepted benchmark statements for Engineering. The QAA has assessed the provision of Mechanical Engineering at Oxford Brookes University. The overall quality of observed teaching and learning was judged to be satisfactory. Positive features include the good rapport and interaction between staff and students, the integration of subject matter from different disciplines and the quality of project work. Other indicators of quality are: Annual evaluations of the programme by the External Examiner; Feedback from students in the annual module evaluations; Employment success rate of current and past graduates in engineering; Feedback obtained from the companies who employ our students. The programme also conforms to the structure and regulations of the University's Undergraduate Framework. The course is subject to Annual Review and University quality assurance procedures. Page 10 of 10