BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line Distance Learning Top Up) Programme Specification Primary Purpose Course management and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification; however, changes may sometimes be required arising from annual monitoring, student feedback, review and update of units and courses. Where this activity leads to significant changes to units and courses, there will be prior consultation of students and others, wherever possible, and the University will take all reasonable steps to minimize disruption to students. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a unit or course for reasons outside of its control, for example; the absence of a member of staff or low student registration numbers. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform applicants and students as soon as possible. Where appropriate, the University will facilitate the transfer of affected students to another suitable course. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.
Contents Course Details...1 1. Named Awards...1 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable)...1 3. Awarding Body...1 4. Teaching Institution...1 5. Accrediting Body...1 6. QAA Benchmark Groups...1 7. Document Control Information...1 8. Effective Session...1 9. Author...1 10. Faculty...1 11. Department...1 Curriculum...1 12. Educational Aims...1 13. Reference Points...2 14. General Learning Outcomes...2 15. Learning Outcomes...3 A. Knowledge and Understanding of:... 3 B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:... 3 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:... 3 D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to:... 3 16. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods...4 17. Assessment Strategy...4 18. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements...4 19. Employability Statement...5 Course Management...5 20. Support for Student Learning...5 21. Admissions Criteria...6 A. Academic Admissions Criteria... 6 B. Disability... 6 22. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching...6 A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation... 6 B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation... 6 C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback... 6 D. Staff Development Priorities... 7 23. Assessment Regulations...7 24. Role of Externals...7 25. Indicators of Standards and Quality...7 A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition... 7 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)... 7 C. Quality Assurance Agency... 7 D. Others... 7 26. Further Information...8 i
Course Details 1. Named Awards BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line distance learning top-up) 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) C1892F/P 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution University of Portsmouth 5. Accrediting Body Not accredited 6. QAA Benchmark Groups Engineering 7. Document Control Information Version 7, September 2017 8. Effective Session 2017/2018 9. Author Dr V Hughes Dr Ivan Popov Dr Hom Dhakal 10. Faculty Faculty of Technology 11. Department School of Engineering Curriculum 12. Educational Aims The course aims to equip students to work as professional incorporated mechanical engineers by building on existing Foundation Degree / HND or equivalent qualifications appropriate to mechanical engineering. This course offers 120 credits of study at level 6 by on-line e- learning and leads to a BEng (Hons) award. The current programme offers 2 and 3 year part time modes, with only a September entry point. The course should not take more than three years. Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 1 of 8
13. Reference Points The major reference points were University of Portsmouth undergraduate curriculum, the designed with the QAA s engineering benchmark in mind. The content of the course is broadly similar to IET accredited courses offered by the Department, although since the programme is equivalent to a one-year full-time programme, it may not be accredited by the IET. The proposed programme is compatible with similar courses offered in the department and other institutions within the UK. Students joining the course will already have studied material to level 2 threshold standards in their preceding FD, HND or equivalent qualifications. University policy on key skills, subject benchmark statements, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), and QAA codes of practice. In particular the programme has been The achievement of these prior learning outcomes will be verified through the standard arrangements for Advanced Standing as specified within the University of Portsmouth policy. The core elements of the engineering benchmark, interpreted in the context of this course, are: Mathematics (M): Students will achieve an appropriate level of competence in relevant mathematical methods and will use these skills in analysing problems. Science (S): Students will be introduced to the relevant areas of engineering science so that they can develop engineering solutions to practical problems in mechanical engineering. They will use scientific principles in the modelling and analysis of engineering systems, processes and products. They will gain awareness of the environmental aspects, both legal and practical Design (D): Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the design process, in particular utilising a software package Pro Engineer and Creo. Business context (B): Business and management practices with a particular focus on project management, operations management and quality management Engineering practice (EP): solution of engineering problems to meet specified technical requirements as well as time and resource constraints. Project management methods, including planning, monitoring, control and reporting. 14. General Learning Outcomes Level 6 Bachelor's degrees with honours are awarded to students who have demonstrated: a systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within a discipline conceptual understanding that enables the student: to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of a discipline to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline) Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 2 of 8
communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences And holders will have: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature 15. Learning Outcomes A. Knowledge and Understanding of: A.1 Relevant mathematics for engineering calculations. (M) A.2 Select and apply appropriate engineering science to model and analyse engineering systems (S) A.3 The selection of materials and manufacturing processes appropriate to the application.(ep) A.4 Application of the design process. (D) A.5 The importance of commerce, ethics and the environment (S, EP, B) B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: B.1 Apply advanced analytical techniques to the solution of problems. (M, S) B.2 Use various problem-solving techniques to develop and justify innovative solutions. (D,EP) B.3 Use a holistic approach in solving problems, by applying judgement to criteria including risk, cost, safety and the environment. (S, D, B, EP) B.4 Reflect on the effects brought upon society by technological developments and develop a proper sense of professional conduct in relation to society s use of technology. (B, EP) B.5 Plan, execute and report on the individual project (S, D, EP) C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: C.1 Mathematically model real engineering situations effectively. (M, S) C.2 Apply the design process to enable the selection of appropriate materials and processes.(d) C.3 Present information and the rationale for decision making in a focussed and lucid manner. (D, B, EP) C.4 Manage an individual engineering based project. (D,EP,B)) C.5 Apply critical thinking in order to develop design and analytical solutions. (M, S, D) C.6 Use CAD/CAM software to synthesize, simulate and evaluate complex designs (D,EP) D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: D.1 Communicate effectively by receiving and transmitting information using graphical, written, verbal and IT means. (M, S, D, B, EP) D.2 Use information technology to handle data, for simulation and to assist with design and testing. (D, EP) D.3 Apply mathematical techniques in engineering design and professional practice. (S, D, EP,M) D.4 Assess problem domains and formulate appropriate problem solving strategies. (M, S) Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 3 of 8
16. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Knowledge (1, 2, 3) is acquired through on-line study material, design projects, simulation and computer-based activities. Directed reading, tutorial questions, worked examples and design problems support individual learning. Practical design considerations (4) are learned through guided study material, project work and simulations. The business management and environmental aspects (5) are developed through guided study material and the project. Intellectual and analytical skills (1, 2) are developed through guided study, design and simulation work, case studies and worked examples. The ability to apply knowledge to achieve viable solutions (3, 4, 5) is acquired through simulation activities and the individual project. Skills in experimentation and instrumentation will already have been developed in previous FD/HND study. Analytical and design exercises develop the ability to apply mathematics appropriately (1,5). Use is made of CAD software to synthesize, simulate and evaluate complex designs (2,6). The ability to research, plan and manage project work (3, 4, 5) is acquired through the individual project. The emphasis is generally on learning through planning and carrying out simulation and project work and making verbal (via video conferencing) and written reports (1, 2, 3). Scientific and mathematical techniques (1,2) and familiarity with IT systems (1,3) permeate the course. Problem solving and effective working (4) are developed through unit-based design problems and the individual project. 17. Assessment Strategy Testing of core knowledge (1,2, 3) is through a mix of unseen examinations, assignment work and on line tests. Project, practical (4,5) and simulation work (3) are assessed by the submission of reports. Cognitive skills are assessed through examination (1, 2), assignment work and project reports (3, 4, 5). Application of mathematics (1) is largely assessed by examination. Simulation work and projects (2,3,4, 5 & 6) are largely assessed by submission of reports. These skills are particularly assessed through design activities (1,2,4) and projects (1,2,3,4,) and their associated reports and presentations. It is planned that students will be able to submit verbal presentations in video format. The abilities to solve problems (3) are also assessed in assignments and examinations. 18. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements See Unit Web Search 1 for full details on the course structure and units This course consists of 120 credits of level 6 materials available in e-learning format. Students are not expected to attend the University. They may have a mentor at their workplace who will provide general guidance. Access to staff at Portsmouth will be via the virtual learning environment (VLE) and other means of communications such as e-mail. There is no provision for the completion of the course in one year. A student with some other commitments could complete the course in two years. Where this is not possible, a longer time (up to 3 years) is possible, with individual study programmes being agreed through the programme area office. Careers information is not given as students on the course will generally be in employment and will have specifically chosen the course to enhance their careers. Links with the students employers will be primarily through the work-based mentors. 1 www.port.ac.uk/unitwebsearch Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 4 of 8
19. Employability Statement Students taking this on-line top-up course are generally already in employment with a large proportion being employed outside the UK. The course is seen by them as a way of enhancing their career prospects without giving up their jobs, so it is already part of the students longer term career planning. University sources of career advice will be made available principally through their tutor. They do, however, have access to the University Careers Service. Course Management 20. Support for Student Learning Academic support for students is provided by staff in the School of Engineering. Unit lecturers have responsibility for facilitating study on the unit for which they have been given responsibility. The Course Leader has overall responsibility for the academic study programme. Administrative support for students is provided by a Course Administrator. The Course Administrator is the first port of call within the University on any issue. The Course Administrator will deal with matters directly if possible, but will otherwise forward the request to the appropriate member of academic or student support staff. Local support may be provided by a workplace mentor. The University, provides guidance for mentors. Pastoral support will be that normally provided by the mentor and employer, but access to University pastoral support is available for students able to access it. Access will be arranged via the Course Administrator as required. The technical medium through which the course is delivered to is through on-line (moodle). This includes mechanisms for: presenting study material at a managed pace; providing students with formative work including exercises, quizzes and design activities; presenting summative coursework to students and collecting their responses; providing formative and summative online tests; configuring and managing discussion forums and on-line chat sessions. Simulation activities will require appropriate software to be running on the student s local computer, the main package being Pro Engineer. The mode of assessments for the units under this programme is conducted via online medium (moodle) An individual computer based test (CBT) will be conducted in which the students are expected to demonstrate their study progress and the achieving of learning outcomes (LOs) A VLE-based Induction programme focuses on the needs of e-learning students. Students will participate in on-line discussions with their peers and with their unit lecturers on each of the units in the course. Supplementary synchronous chat sessions will provide additional on-going academic support. Where a student has periods of time when on-line access is limited, the mentor will play a more significant role in guidance and providing a sounding board for ideas. Students are expected to have adequate Internet access in order to follow the course. Where a student has periods of time when on-line access is limited, in such special cases, the study materials will be provided in CD form to help them to maintain progress. Students will also need to have CAD software loaded onto their computers, so must have access rights or local support for this. The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections. Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations etc. Written feedback is provided for all assessments. Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 5 of 8
21. Admissions Criteria A. Academic Admissions Criteria Entry to this level 6 top-up course requires an appropriate FD, HND or equivalent, with advanced standing being assessed by established Faculty procedures. For applicants whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS grade of 6.0 is required. B. Disability The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice. 22. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation Head of School s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review to Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Faculty Executive. The Board of Studies reviews course content and operation, including on line. It also monitors and responds to course and unit specific student feedback. The Student-Staff Consultative Committee deals with general matters raised by both campus based and on line students, that are not course or unit specific. The Unit Assessment Board considers student performance for each programme. Annual Standards and Quality Report to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports. The Course Leader will ensure that students on this e-learning course are represented at Boards of Studies and Student/Staff Consultative Committees. Annual Staff Appraisal. Peer Teaching Observation, including on-line delivery. The Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee. B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery. Course Leader for day-to-day running of course. Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course. Programme area office, with administrative responsibility for e-learning students. Head of School. Associate Dean (Academic). Associate Dean (Students). Quality Assurance Committee. Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners. C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies Student Staff Consultative Committees Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires University participates in external student surveys, e.g. National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB). Unlike other on campus courses, for this DL course, the mechanisms for gaining student feedback mainly lies on the unit and course level student feedback along with other informal feedback. Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 6 of 8
D. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance. Annual staff appraisals match development to needs. Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes. All academic staff encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership. Academic staff new to teaching required to undertake Initial Professional Development Programme (iprof). Support Staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages. 23. Assessment Regulations The current University of Portsmouth academic regulations will apply to this programme (see Assessment and Regulations 2 ). 24. Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: Oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards Review unit assessment strategy Sample assessment artefacts Present report to Unit Assessment Boards Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: Oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards Scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment Ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom 25. Indicators of Standards and Quality A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition Professional accreditation is not immediately planned, but students may join the IET on the basis of obtaining an honours degree. Seeking Chartered Engineer status will be by the individual cases route. B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) The Department was reviewed in 2006. The overall outcome was broad confidence, C. Quality Assurance Agency QAA Higher Education Review, March 2015, judgements about standards and quality meet UK expectations (for full report see Higher Education Review of the University of Portsmouth, March 2015 3 ). D. Others Results from REF2014 highlight the significant growth in research in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Portsmouth since RAE2008. Our submission was based on four key research themes - 2 www.port.ac.uk/departments/services/academicregistry/qualitymanagementdivision/assessmentandregulations/ 3 www.qaa.ac.uk/en/reviewsandreports/documents/university%20of%20portsmouth/university-of-portsmouth-her- 15.pdf Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 7 of 8
Materials and Structural Integrity, Biomechanical Engineering, Polymer and Composites, Thermo- Fluid, Energy and Manufacturing Engineering - which bring together a broad range of expertise at the University of Portsmouth. Highlights: Ranked third overall out of new universities submitted in this Unit. 61% of our research outputs were rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent. 50% of our research overall was rated as either world leading or internationally excellent. 50% of our impact was rated as having very considerable reach and significance. 26. Further Information Further information may be found in: Student Handbook University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document University of Portsmouth Prospectus University of Portsmouth 4 and School/Department 5 websites 4 www.port.ac.uk/ 5 http://www.port.ac.uk/school-of-engineering/ Programme Specification for BEng (Honours) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (On-line DL Top Up)Page 8 of 8