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Programme Title Mechanical Engineering with Motorsports
Programme Code
JACS Code
MECU011
Level of Study
Final Qualification
H3NF
Undergraduate
MEng
Intermediate Qualification(s)
BEng Mechanical Engineering for students transferring their registration in Years 1 and 2 (see separate programme specification for MECU002)
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield) Not applicable 7
8
9
10
Faculty
Home Department
Other Department(s) involved in teaching the programme
11 Mode(s) of Attendance
12 Duration of the Programme
13
Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Core modules: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science,
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Optional modules: Automatic Control and Systems
Engineering, Chemical and Processing Engineering
Full-time
4 years
Accrediting Professional or Statutory
Body
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
14 Date of production/revision March 2010
15. Background to the programme and subject area
The Motor Sports sector is continually growing, proving to be not only extremely popular but also highly commercial and profitable. Motor sports engineering generates around three billion pounds a year in the UK alone.
This novel course responds to this current trend. Students will be provided with mechanical engineering skills which will be applicable to the motor sports industry and with entrepreneurial skills in order to run their own motor sports company.
In the first two years, students will get the opportunity to obtain a basic motor sports marshalling licence, and gain experience in motor sports related activities. In the third year, as part of a group project the student will, amongst other things, have the opportunity to design racing car components and develop racing cars. In the last year, students will undertake and individual research, development or design project that demonstrates and develops their ability to apply their engineering expertise to a motorsport related problem.
Students completing the programme will thus have further developed their mechanical engineering knowledge but also gained knowledge of the essential aspects of motor sports engineering. The MEng degree is designed to fully satisfy the academic and practical requirements for achieving Chartered Engineer Status. The programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Students are taught in a research led-environment and the programmes reflect the research strengths of staff.
Further information about the programme may be found on the internet at http://www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng
16. Programme aims
The University's Mission is to provide students from a wide variety of educational and social backgrounds with high quality education in a research led environment with staff working at the frontiers of academic enquiry. The
Department of Mechanical Engineering implements this through its strong commitment to both teaching and research. It also aims to engender in its students a commitment to future self-learning and social responsibility. mecu011 – ver13-14
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The aims of the programme described are to:
 provide teaching that is up to date and invigorated by the research and scholarship of its staff and alert to the benefits of student-centred learning
 provide an extensive understanding of mechanical engineering together with a more detailed and critical knowledge in selected areas of mechanical engineering
 provide students with a sound knowledge of motor sports engineering skills and their application
 develop in students entrepreneurial skills and the confidence to run their own company
 develop in students an autonomy of thought, intellectual curiosity and critical approach to evidence, theories and concepts
 develop in students a range of subject-specific and generic skills appropriate to graduate employment both within and outside motor sports engineering
 develop the social and ethical awareness required for a professional engineer
 enable students to maximise their potential in all aspects of their course
 assess students over a range of skills and identify and support academic excellence
 impart in students a commitment to life-long learning
 prepare students for postgraduate work and a career in the motor sports engineering industry
 enable students to become Chartered Engineers by meeting the latest accreditation requirements of the
Engineering Council UK-SPEC and IMechE.
17. Programme learning outcomes
I4
I5
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I7
Knowledge and understanding:
On successful completion of the programme, MEng students will be able to:
K1 demonstrate a broad understanding of the concepts, theories and principles of mechanical engineering, motor sports and management;
K2 demonstrate a broad understanding of the mathematics necessary for the application of mechanical engineering science;
K3 demonstrate a critical knowledge in selected areas of mechanical engineering and motor sports;
K4 show the social and ethical awareness necessary for a professional engineer;
K5 demonstrate an understanding of the analytical and design methods used in motor sports engineering;
K6 demonstrate a broad understanding of business management techniques and issues used in motor sports engineering;
K7 use information technology for analysis, design and business management.
Intellectual abilities:
On successful completion of the programme, MEng students will be able to:
I1
I2
I3 use engineering science, mathematics and where appropriate, information technology to analyse engineering problems; demonstrate skills in the acquisition, use and critical evaluation of experimental and other subject-related information; produce designs in a professional manner, taking account of technical, environmental, ethical, and commercial considerations; exercise independent thought and judgement; conduct a technical and commercial investigation; demonstrate entrepreneurial and business management skills; display creativity and innovation in solving unfamiliar problems. mecu011 – ver13-14
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Practical Skills:
On successful completion of the programme, MEng students will be able to:
P1 prepare technical sketches and drawings, using hand or computer methods as appropriate;
P2 write computer programmes to solve engineering problems;
P3 use commercial computer software for analysis and design;
P4 use the practical engineering applications necessary for a Chartered Engineer;
P5 undertake motor sports activities with confidence and successfully;
P6 prepare technical reports and presentations;
P7 undertake business and project planning activities;
P8 conduct experimental investigations and analyse the results;
P9 appreciate the particular commercial challenges of the motorsport sector.
General transferable skills:
On successful completion of the programme, MEng students will be able to:
G1 use Information Technology effectively;
G2 demonstrate a high level of competence in skills associated with oral and written communication, and through visual presentations
G3 use the skills acquired needed to work in collaboration with others;
G4 manage their time effectively;
G5 find information and learn independently.
18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning methods:
The following are the main teaching and learning methods used:
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Lectures - the principal means of transmitting academic material and analysis techniques. Most lecture courses provide tutorial sheets to enable students to develop their understanding of the subject matter and methods during their private-study.
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Tutorials and Example Classes - these may be small group or up to class sized tutorials and are a main source of providing help to students to resolve problems in their understanding of course material.
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Laboratory Classes - these introduce experimental methods and provide a good opportunity for developing team-working and communication skills.
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Design Classes - these enable students to work on "open-ended" and often ill-defined problems related to real engineering situations. They also provide good opportunities for developing team-working and communication skills as well as individual skills.
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Short courses - these equip students with practical motor sports skills while providing the opportunity to interact with external people from the field.
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Field Work - short courses are complemented with field work, which reinforces what has been learnt by putting this knowledge into practice in real life motor sports events.
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Hands-on workshop experience - during the first three years students gain practical hands-on skills in a motor sports workshop environment.
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Coursework Assignments - a number of modules have coursework assignments that require students to seek additional information and work on their own, or sometimes in small groups. They are designed to enable students to develop and show their understanding of the content of the module.
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Group Design Project - this is undertaken in year 3 and involves groups of typically 6 students working on a design. It enables students to demonstrate their academic and design skills obtained during the first 2½ years of the course. Additionally it develops project management, time-management, team-working and communication skills mecu011 – ver13-14
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
Individual Project - this is undertaken in year 4 and is a project on a research and motor sports project at the frontiers of motor sports engineering and business management. It is done under the supervision of a member of the staff and provides an excellent opportunity for the student to pull together every aspect of their development during the programme. The final written report, oral presentation and viva, which is given to a panel of staff together with other students, is at the highest professional standard.
The following are the main assessment methods used:
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Written Examinations - these are typically 2 hours in duration; some modules use this as the only or major assessment method.
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Coursework Submissions - these can be design studies, computational assignments, laboratory reports, essays or other work designed to assess the understanding of the module. Assignments are mainly undertaken on an individual basis but are sometimes carried out in small groups. Some assignments use oral and poster presentations in order to assess the development of presentation and communication skills.
Some modules use this as the only or main method of assessment whilst others have this as a minor part with a written examination forming the major part of the overall assessment.
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Class Tests - these are small tests conducted during the main teaching periods to assess progress and understanding as an alternative to more formal examinations.
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OSCE (Objective Structures Clinical Examination) – this style of oral assessment has been adapted from
Medical Education and is intended to provide a fair and consistent assessment of students’ knowledge of engineering practice.
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Log Book – this is a record of all the short courses and events attended by the students. Log books will contain a detail record of the hours spent, contribution of the students and learning outcomes achieved. The log book will be signed by approved people at the events.
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Oral and Poster Presentations - are used to develop these essential skills of the professional engineer.
For example, at level 1 there are short presentations to tutor groups, poster presentations of design work and at level 2 some laboratory work is assessed by oral presentations. The aim is to increase proficiency during the degree so that the group oral and poster presentations of the level 3 group design project and the individual presentation of the level 4 Individual investigative project are at a professional level.
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Group Project Report - This is a major group report on the level 3 group project. It is assessed by a major group report containing the assessment of the project and development planning. The project is also assessed by three oral presentations and by an individual short report.
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Individual Project Report - This is the final and largest written report on the programme and details the level 4 Individual Project. The project is assessed on the student's commitment and contribution to the team throughout the project, the written report, an oral presentation to a panel of staff and the response to questions from the panel. It is expected to be at a professional level.
The main teaching, learning and assessment methods adopted for each learning outcome are shown below. In most cases a combination of methods is used.
LEARNING OUTCOME
(abbreviated - see Section 17
for full text)
Items shown thus (
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K1 Broad understanding
K2 Mathematics
K3 Critical knowledge
K4 Professional responsibility
K5 Analytical/ design methods
K6 Management techniques and motor sports issues
K7 Information Technology
I1 Analyse problems
TEACHING / LEARNING ASSESSMENT
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I2 Acquisition / Evaluation of            data
I3 Produce designs       
I4 Exercise independent thought          
I5 Conduct technical     investigation
I6 Acquire enterprise skills
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P6 Prepare technical reports
P7 Market research and
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P8 Conduct experiments
P9 Run business
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G1 Use IT effectively
G2 Communicate effectively
G3 Collaborate in teams
G4 Manage time efficiently
G5 Learn independently
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The overall proportions of assessment by the various methods are given in the following table:
(Note: A range is given due to some optional modules being assessed by different methods)
Proportions of total assessment (%)
Written examinations
Year 1
69%
Year 2
62%
Year 3
62% to 69%
Coursework submissions
Log books
Class tests and OSCE
19%
8%
4%
26%
8%
4%
10% to 19%
0% to 2 %
Oral and poster presentations
Group project
Individual project
3%
16%
Year 4
29% to 57%
10% to 38%
33%
The weightings of each year towards the overall classification of the degree are:
Year 1 0
Year 2 20%
Year 3 40%
Year 4 40%
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
Subject Benchmark Statements http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/subject-guidance/Pages/Subject-benchmarkstatements.aspx
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/The-framework-for-higher-educationqualifications-in-England-Wales-and-Northern-Ireland.aspx
University Strategic Plan http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/strategicplan mecu011 – ver13-14
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Learning and Teaching Strategy (2011-16) http://www.shef.ac.uk/lets/staff/lts
Departmental Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The
University of Sheffield.
Academic Standards-Engineering: Annex B4 MEng degrees, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education,
2004.
The Formation of Mechanical Engineers-The Educational Base, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 2004.
Engineering Council UK-SPEC (United Kingdom Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) 2010.
In assessing the learning outcomes, the level of performance, e.g. the extent of knowledge and depth of understanding, will be compliant with guidance given in the above references.
20. Programme structure and regulations
The programme structure is modular in its majority, at each level students study modules worth a total of 120 cred its. During the first 2½ years students follow a core syllabus aimed at developing the essential skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, mathematics and management required of a professional mechanical engineer. Students will be trained in motor sports skills by external specialists. They will get involved in relevant events and will participate in small projects. In the final 1½ years students can choose from a range of advanced optional modules which enables them to follow their areas of particular interest and to prepare them for their initial career.
At level 1 students ’ undertake twelve 10 credit modules which aim to consolidate mathematical and scientific knowledge while introducing the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, motor sports and management. We also aim to develop the enthusiasm of the student for engineering. Level 1 is primarily aimed at bringing all students to a common base-line of knowledge and skills, irrespective of their differing backgrounds and so does not contribute to the final degree grade. Students also undertake a non-modular practical Engineering
Applications course covering basic workshop skills that is a crucial part of the accreditation of the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers. At level one, students start their experiential training in motor sports worth 10 credits, and an introductory motor sports engineering techniques module for another 10 credits. A further 10 credit module introduces basic concepts of computer programming through an introduction to problem solving and the development of simple algorithms using the language Java, for those students who already have strong mathematical skills.
At level 2 students undertake seven 10 credit modules which aim to develop the fundamentals of mechanical engineering with an emphasis on the application to real engineering components, two 10 credit mathematics modules, taken to continue the development of essential skills but these now concentrate on modelling and computational aspects and an electric circuits module contributes with 10 more credits; Students continue their experiential training in motor sports with two further 10 credit modules.
At level 3 in the first semester students undertake six 10 credit modules. The modules include the integration of major mechanical engineering subject areas, design, manufacturing and management. In the second semester students undertake a 20 credit group design project in a motor sports related field, typically in groups of 6 students, and another 10-credit mechanical engineering module. Students can choose the remaining 30 credits from a choice of nine modules. These are chosen to reflect the individual student's interests, and to prepare for level 4 modules and their initial career. Advice to students is specifically available from their Personal Tutor and an Undergraduate Support Officer, although many students seek advice from other members of staff.
At level 4 students undertake a 40 credit individual project and eight 10 credit modules. The project is carried out within a team and supervised by an expert in the field of study. The project is usually related to research work in motor sports and the contribution to motor sport events. It is examined by monthly reports, a thesis, oral presentation and viva and provides the student with an excellent opportunity to consolidate the skills and knowledge learnt on the programme through a major piece of work. One further module looks at the professional responsibility of an engineer and considers ethical, social, legal and environmental issues that are essential for a professional engineer in the modern world. The remaining seven 10 credit modules are chosen from a choice of about 26 modules which are at Masters Level (F7 level as defined in the framework for Higher
Education Qualifications). The choice of modules again reflects the individual student's interests and career choice. Advice from staff on the choice of modules is available.
During Levels 1 and 2 students may transfer their registration to study for a three year BEng in Mechanical
Engineering. At the end of Level 2, students not meeting specified progression targets will be required to transfer their registration similarly. In Levels 3 and 4, no changes of registration are allowed. mecu011 – ver13-14
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Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression and descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html
.
21. Student Development over the course of study
Level 1 - Students will consolidate their mathematical and scientific knowledge and be introduced to the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. They will be able to apply these to analyse simple and standard problems in mechanical engineering. They will undertake laboratory work and will be able to evaluate and interpret data, and present the results in a clear and reliable manner. They will also undertake design activities, both individually and in small groups, which require conceptual thinking, simple analysis, logical thought, judgment and the clear presentation of their ideas. They will develop their independent learning skills and their team-working skills. They will also undertake a practical workshop course as part of the accreditation by the
I.Mech.E. They will be able to develop their entrepreneurial skills, and will start their motor sports skills training and have the opportunity to obtain a basic marshalling licence if they wish to do so.
Level 2 - Students will have a more extensive knowledge and understanding of the main areas of mechanical engineering and also in the appropriate areas of mathematics. They will be applying these to more advanced design activities and laboratory work. They will continue to develop their independent learning, communication skills and their ability to work in teams and will continue their experiential training in motor sports related activities.
Level 3 - In the first half of level 3 students will complete the general education required of a professional mechanical engineer in the main mechanical engineering areas, design, manufacturing and management. By this stage students are expected to have become self-motivated, efficient and organised independent learners.
In the second half of level 3 students will be choosing the areas of mechanical engineering, including related management topics, which will prepare them for their final year of study and their initial careers. They will also undertake a group design project which enables them to demonstrate their motor sports engineering knowledge, design abilities and also their inter-personal and communication skills.
Level 4 - One third of level 4 (40 credits) is an individual project carried out within a team where students can demonstrate the full range of personal, communication and academic skills met within the programme. It is assessed at the end of level 4 through monthly reports, a major report in the form of a dissertation, an oral presentation and a viva to a panel of staff with other students also present. This assessment enables the student to demonstrate the overall professional level achieved at the end of the programme. At this stage, students will also consider the ethical, social, environmental and legal issues which are the responsibility of a professional engineer. The remainder of the taught modules chosen reflect the interests and career aspirations of the individual student. These modules are at Masters level and are often at the leading edge of the subject.
On successful completion of the programme - Students will have obtained the necessary academic qualification and practical engineering applications qualification for becoming a Chartered Mechanical Engineer.
Full Chartered Engineer status will require appropriate experience following graduation. Students will be well prepared for a career in motor sports engineering management and also a wide range of other graduate careers amongst which is mechanical engineering. They will be able to assess whether or not they have the ability, motivation and interest to pursue post-graduate training in motor sports engineering.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
The programme is suitable for well-qualified and motivated students. The admissions procedure is aimed at ensuring students taken onto the course meet the requirements for successful completion regardless of the applicant's educational or other background.
Typically applicants are expected to have A-Levels in mathematics, and in a laboratory based science or design and technology. Other equivalent qualifications are also acceptable, these include some VCE A-Levels and
BTEC qualifications, Scottish Advanced Higher, Irish Leaving Certificate and a range of overseas diplomas and certificates.
All applicants require an English language qualification, typically a GCSE or an IELTS test.
For applicants wishing to pursue the course but who do not have the appropriate subjects up to A-Level standard the University offers a Foundation Year in Engineering.
Direct entry into the second year of the course may be possible with suitable qualifications; these include a good
BTEC HND in suitable subjects, or a diploma in mechanical engineering and motor sports basics.
Detailed information regarding admission to the programme is available in the University’s On-Line Prospectus at www.shef.ac.uk/prospective/prospectus.html
mecu011 – ver13-14
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23. Additional information
Every student has a Personal Tutor who is a member of the academic staff of the department. Students first meet their Personal Tutor in Intro Week. They see them twice per week during level 1 as they also act as academic tutor for a group of five students for the main mechanical subjects. During level 2 students meet their
Personal Tutor three times per semester. During levels 3 and 4 the arrangements are up to the individual student, but their Personal Tutor can be a great help, for example, in advising on module choices, career decisions and providing references. The Personal Tutor is available to provide general help and advice on all aspects of university life and frequently students and Personal Tutors remain in contact long after the student has graduated.
A team of staff, lead by the Course Director will assist students in the organisation of motor sport events, training, and marshalling.
The practical workshop Engineering Applications course at Level 1 provides exemption from this requirement of the I.Mech.E. The course is included within the term dates and incurs no additional cost to the student. Previous suitable experience may allow partial exemption from elements of the Engineering Applications course.
To assist students in their self-development and continuing professional development the department has introduced a system of Personal Development Planning. This forms the initial basis of the continuing professional development scheme required by the I.Mech.E to record the progress of graduates aiming to become Chartered Engineers.
Further details about the department, courses offered and admission procedures can be found at the departmental Web site http://www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng .
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can be accessed via our Student Services web site at www.shef.ac.uk/ssid mecu011 – ver13-14
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