Professional/Short course Scientific Basis of Engineering

Entry year
2024/25
Course code
USSKL6301
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Applied Sciences
Campus
Frenchay
Duration
Approximately eight months
Delivery
Primarily online; in-person session on commencement week
Course Director
Dr Mario Orsi

Page last updated 12 October 2023

Introduction

On successful completion of this 30 credit level 1 Scientific Basis of Engineering module, you will be able to:

  • explain the fundamental principles of applied mechanics
  • solve basic mechanical problems using the application of force
  • have the knowledge to select the appropriate tools to perform basic mechanical tasks
  • explain electric and magnetic fields and the basic laws, which underpin them
  • explain basic analogue and digital electronic components, circuits and systems
  • explain basic amplifier circuits for linear and non-linear applications
  • explain a range of basic factors will influence the signal quality and describe signal processing and signal manipulation
  • describe the architecture of microprocessors and programmable devices
  • explain the basic principles of interfacing a device to a microprocessor or programmable device and write a very simple microprocessor/programmable device programme
  • interpret basic circuit diagrams, recognising some common configurations

Entry requirements

  • English and Mathematics qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above.
  • Relevant Level 3 qualifications, including A levels in STEM subjects, T levels in Healthcare Science or Science, BTEC including at least one STEM subject, Access to Higher Education (60-credit) Diploma - at least 15 credits must be in STEM-based units, relevant HNCs or NVQs.
  • Work experience also considered.

For informal enquiries on entry requirements, please contact Dr Mario Orsi (Mario.Orsi@uwe.ac.uk) or Rob Bauld (Rob.Bauld@uwe.ac.uk).

Structure

Content

The module syllabus typically includes the following content:

Basic mechanics

  • Fundamental concepts
  • Force mass and acceleration
  • Work energy and power
  • Moments (equilibrium of a particle, free body diagram etc)
  • Internal forces
  • Hooke's Law and elastic constants
  • Friction
  • Moment of area
  • Bending of beams
  • Torsion of shafts
  • Simple harmonic motion
  • Rigid body dynamics
  • Simple machines
  • Heat, energy and transfer
  • Tools
  • Safe working mechanical engineering practice

Electronics

  • Concepts of electricity and magnetism, structures of matter and its properties
  • SI units and laws associated with electrical and electronic engineering
  • Conductors and insulators
  • Semiconductor theory
  • Circuit components and associated symbols
  • Elementary analogue circuits
  • Feedback, stability and noise
  • Basic transducer theory
  • Motors
  • Elementary digital systems
  • Signal processing and manipulation

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstration, practical classes and workshops; fieldwork; external visits; work based learning; supervised time in studio/workshop.

Independent learning includes hours engaged with essential reading, case study preparation, assignment preparation and completion etc. These sessions constitute an average time per level as indicated in the table below. Scheduled sessions may vary slightly depending on the module choices you make.

Study time

There will be up to three days of contact time at UWE Bristol in September, January and/or May; included in each day are laboratory workshops, lectures and tutorials. The contact time will equate to approximately six hours per day.

In addition to the allocated hours on-campus learning, you will engage in synchronous and asynchronous online learning. This will comprise a total of approximately 54 hours of online engagement through a combination of lectures, synchronous online tutorials, synchronous and asynchronous discussions, online quizzes, and collaborative group work.

Assessment

Assessment of this module will include:

  • Written exam: Unseen written exam, open book written exam, in-class test
  • Coursework: Written assignment or essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project
  • Practical exam: Oral assessment and/or presentation, practical skills assessment, practical exam.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Get a feel for the Health Professions facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Please visit our full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Dates

Please see our timetable for full date information. 

How to apply

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

Please read our Terms and Conditions.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

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