LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Programme Specification
Mechanical Engineering - M.Eng
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main
features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student
might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is
taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed
information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and
assessment methods of each module can be found in Module Specifications
and other programme documentation and online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/
The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University
and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Awarding body/institution;
Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different);
As above
Details of accreditation by a
professional/statutory body;
IMechE
Name of the final award;
M.Eng. or M.Eng. DIS
Programme title;
Mechanical Engineering
UCAS code;
H302, H303
Date at which the programme
specification was written or revised.
July 2006
1. Aims of the programme:
To provide a fully accredited broad based honours degree programme
for well-motivated students with high entry qualifications. The
programme seeks to produce high quality graduates who have a strong
academic background combined with outstanding integrative skills and
the ability to progress rapidly to a position of responsibility and
subsequently provide technical, managerial and entrepreneurial
leadership.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and
internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
The National Qualifications Framework
QAA Benchmark statements for Engineering
SARTOR 3/UK SPEC Engineering Accreditation
I.Mech.E Accreditation report from accreditation visit 2/5/02
The formation of Mechanical Engineers, Educational Base, I.Mech.E.
1999.
Loughborough University Learning and Teaching Strategy
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3. Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion of the programme M.Eng graduates will have acquired
technical depth in both core and specialist mechanical engineering subjects
combined with a broad base of engineering knowledge and experience. They
will have the ability to integrate knowledge of engineering science,
mathematical tools and computer based methods to solve a wide range of
mechanical engineering problems in industrial or research environments. By
using a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which includes making
maximum use of industry/university links, graduates will be aware of modern
commercial and managerial practices appropriate to engineering industry.
They will be versatile, have developed strong interpersonal, communication
and team-working skills and be equipped to play a leading role in industry.
More specifically they will have:
Comprehensive Knowledge and Understanding of:
 the underpinning mathematics, mechanical, electrical and thermal
sciences associated with a career in mechanical engineering.
 engineering principles, quantitative methods, mathematical and
computer models.
 developing technologies in at least one area of specialisation and
an understanding of concepts from a range of areas peripheral to
mechanical engineering including a thorough appreciation of
microprocessors and machine control software.
 design processes and methodologies.
 codes of practice, industry standards and quality issues as
applicable to a general mechanical engineering career together with
an awareness of the nature of intellectual property issues and of
environmental, legal and ethical issues within the modern industrial
world.
 management and business practices appropriate for a career in
engineering and an understanding of the commercial, economic,
and human resource context of the engineering business.
 the characteristics of engineering materials, equipment and
processes and an awareness of basic mechanical workshop
practices.
Skills and other Attributes:
 the skill to identify and define a mechanical engineering problem in
an unfamiliar situation and generate innovative solutions
 the ability to apply appropriate methods to model such solutions and
assess the limitations of the method.
 the ability to manage a design project taking account of constraints
such as cost, heath and safety and environmental issues.
 the ability to make general evaluations of commercial risk.
 the ability to identify and implement appropriate ICT solutions.
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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable the above
outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
Acquisition of the above knowledge and understanding is through a
combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, co-operative projects with
industry, internal group and individual projects, practical laboratory
work, industrial training (DIS students only) coursework assignments
and supervisory experience.
Assessment is through a combination of written examinations and
assessed coursework. Coursework assessment varies from module to
module and includes the evaluation of laboratory reports, technical
reports, problem solving exercises, design portfolios, manufacture of
prototypes, computer assisted assessment, oral presentations and
viva-voce examinations.
4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and
awards:
The M.Eng programme in Mechanical Engineering is offered as a fulltime programme four years or a sandwich programme of five years if
taken with the optional year of industrial training in year 3 between
parts B and C of the programme. The sandwich degree offers the
additional award of Diploma of Industrial Studies (DIS). Students study
modules with a combined weight of 120 credits in each part (academic
year) of the programme and each part is taught in two 15-week
semesters.
The programme structure is briefly described below and, in more detail
in the Programme Regulations. Details of Module Specifications can be
found at the following Web address:http://cisinfo.lboro.ac.uk:8081/CI/WR0015.MAIN
Modules are listed under the department primarily responsible for them,
e.g. module based in the School Module of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering are coded MM (previously MU =
Manufacturing Engineering, MC = Mechanical Engineering). The credit
weighting of each module is specified, 10 credits being approximately
equivalent to 100 hours, on average, of student effort.
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Part A
Compulsory Subjects (120)
Engineering Mathematics (20)
Thermofluids (20) introducing. thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
Engineering Mechanics (20) introducting statics, strength of materials
and dynamics.
Materials Technology (10)
Electronics and Electrical Technology (10)
Design Communication and Manufacture (20) Introducing engineering
drawing standards, CAD and a major design/make project.
Engineering Insight (20) introducing study and communication skills,
ICT systems, business management, manufacturing processes,
mechanical and electrical measurement.
Part B
Compulsory Subjects (120)
Engineering Mathematics (10) building on part A
Thermofluids (20) extending thermodynamics heat Transfer and fluid
flow
Mechanics of Materials (10) extending Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Dynamics (10)
Control Engineering (10)
Electrical Power and Machines (10)
Application of Engineering Design (30) including an Industry Based
project, an internal project on the design and analysis of machine
elements and the further use of CAE
Engineering Computation (10)
Engineering Management (10)
DIS or DINTS (optional)
Our accredited industrial placement scheme leads to the additional
award of Diploma of Industrial Studies. Alternatively, students may
take an integrated year of study and training abroad in co-operation
with a partner university, leading to the award of Diploma of
International Studies.
Part C
Compulsory Modules (60)
Individual Project (40)
Business Systems (10)
Computer Control and Instrumentation (10)
Deepening Modules - part 1 (20) two from
Vibration and Noise
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Structural Integrity: Finite Element Analysis
Polymer Engineering
Design of Machinery: kinematics
Computer Aided Design
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Broadening Modules (40) one of the following pairs of modules
Laser and Optical Measurement (20)
Materials Engineering (20)
Manufacturing Engineering (20)
European Language (20)
Plus two further choices from
Laser Materials Processing (10)
Robotics and Control (10)
Advanced Heat Transfer (10)
Design for Assembly (10)
Digital Image Processing (10)
Sports Engineering (10)
Turbomachinery (10)
Healthcare Engineering (10)
Part D
Compulsory Modules (70)
Project Engineering (30) – industry based tea project
Engineering Design Management (10)
Mechatronics (20) Computer control and instrumentation (part C) is a
prerequisite module for this advanced project based study.
A choice of two ‘leadership’ modules (10)
Deepening Modules - part 2 (20) two follow-on modules from:
Vibration and Noise
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Structural Integrity
Polymer Engineering
Design of Machinery: dynamics
Product Data Technology
Broadening Modules (30) - A choice of specialist modules from:
Internal Combustion Engines (20)
European Language (20)
Manufacturing for the Environment (10)
Computer Aided Engineering (10)
Tribology (10)
Metrology (10)
Laser Materials Processing (10)
Advanced Heat Transfer (10)
Turbomachinery (10)
Healthcare Engineering (10)
Study Abroad Within the Academic Year
Students may make arrangements to study part D at an approved
overseas institution
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5. Criteria for admission to the programme:
Candidates must be able to satisfy the general requirements of the
University and of the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering; typically the requirements are:
A Level Qualifications
300 points from: minimum grade C in Mathematics and Physics at A
level plus a third A level or two AS levels.
Vocational A level (VAL)
300 points from a minimum of 18 units or any combination of VAL units
and AS or A level units.
BTEC:
Outstanding candidates are considered on an individual basis.
Advanced highers: BCC from mathematics, physics and a third
advanced higher (or two highers)
International Baccalaureate: Total score of 30 points with a minimum 6
in higher level mathematics and physics.
Applicants who miss their offer are automatically reconsidered for entry
to the corresponding B.Eng programme that shares a common part A.
Transfer from B.Eng to M.Eng at the end of the first year is possible but
is dependent upon high achievement on course.
Selection procedures
Applicants are informally interviewed. We invite the candidates to visit
the university to meet staff and current students and to tour the
facilities. These can be one or two day's duration. Our special overnight
visits which incorporate an informal interview have proved to be the
best way to find out what living and studying in Loughborough is really
like. Candidates who fail to meet the M.Eng entry requirements are
offered entry to the B.Eng programme subject to normal B.Eng entry
conditions. Upward transfer after year one is possible.
6. Information about assessment regulations:
The method of assessment for each module is described within the
relevant module specification (see section 4 above).
Examinations are held in each subject for which an examination is
required in the assessment period at the end of the semester in
which it is taught. At the end of each year the results from
examinations and coursework assessment will be combined, as
detailed in each module specification. Percentage scores are
calculated to one decimal place and then rounded to the nearest
integer.
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The results for each module are compiled and considered by an
examination board, which awards credit for each satisfactorily
to meet the assessment requirements of their programme
regulations will be allowed to proceed to the next year of their
course.
Briefly, all 120 credits are needed for progression in each year of this
M.Eng degree however, in addition, this programme demands that
students achieve a minimum standard of 50% in three-quarters of
modules. Students on the M.Eng programme are therefore expected
to demonstrate both breadth of learning and a high overall standard.
Readers are directed to the programme regulations (attached) for full
details of this and the criteria for the award of a degree.
Candidates in parts A, B or C not meeting the criteria for progression
will have the right to be re-assessed on one further occasion. The
student may choose to be re-assessed in the University’s Special
Assessment Period in early September or in the next academic year.
Alternatively, candidates in parts A or B may elect to enter the BEng
degree programme in Mechanical Engineering provided that they have
achieved the criteria for progression for that programme. IMechE
accreditation will not be granted for MEng candidates who graduate 3rd
Class Honours or who are reassessed in the Individual Project module.
7. Indicators of quality:
The course is fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical
Engineers. In Teaching Quality Assessment, the School was awarded
23 points out of a maximum of 24, confirming it as a leader in quality of
teaching.
In the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) we achieved a grade
5; the School is continually building on this achievement and is
confident of improving its rating in the future.
8. Particular support for learning:
Careers:
The Wolfson School employs a full time officer to offer advice regarding
careers and industrial placements. Also the University’s Careers Office
run timetabled tutorial sessions within the programme’s curriculum.
See also University’s Careers Service information:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/careers/section/careers_service/welcome.html
Library:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/
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Computing Facilities:
The School has installed many computers to enhance the extensive
central facilities provided by the Computing Services (see below). The
additional facilities provided by the School fall into two general
categories:Group 1 – Computing services primarily intended to support teaching
activities. Access to these machines is limited only by timetabled
teaching/tutorial requirements.
Group 2 – Computers intended to support research in the School, but
to which students have access whilst undertaking certain electives
and/or by prior arrangement with their project supervisor.
Group 1
The School has many PCs that are used to support its teaching
activities by exposing students to relevant applications software. The
largest concentration of these is in the PC Rooms TW/1/15 and T/2/10.
All of these computers use Microsoft Windows NT. CAE Room
(TW/1/14) houses Engineering Workstations that are used extensively
to support CAD and CAE teaching. These workstations use the UNIX
operating system with the Common Desktop Environment as
windowing systems. A further substantial group of workstations and
PCs have been installed in the Design Projects area as part of an
Engineering Faculty initiative.
Group 2
The majority of the computer based research in the School is done on
similar Sun Microsystems and Windows NT workstations. Those
students opting for projects closely allied to these research projects in
their final year should therefore already be familiar with this type of
facility.
See also University’s Computing Services information:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/computing/index.html
Professional Development
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/pd
Counselling Service
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/counselling
Engineering Student Centre:
http://engstudent.lboro.ac.uk
English Language Study Unit:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/elsu/index.htm
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The Mathematics Learning Support Centre:
http://mlsc.lboro.ac.uk/
Disabilities & Additional Needs Service:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities/
Mental Health Support Service:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/disabilities/pages/mentalhealth-adviser.html
9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of
learning:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/policy/aqp/index.htm
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