The module descriptors for our undergraduate courses can be found below:

  • Four year Aeronautical Engineering degree (H401)
  • Four year Aeronautical Engineering with a Year Abroad stream (H410)

Students on our H420 programme follow the same programme as the H401 spending fourth year in industry.

The descriptors for all programmes are the same (including H411).

H401

Engineering Practice 1

Module aims

Engineering practice involves more than the application of theory and utilising mathematics to solve problems. It requires engineers to have an awareness of practical, legal, ethical and manufacturing constraints, to be creative in proposing solutions to problems, and be able to communicate, collaborate, plan and manage their work. This module offers a first opportunity to engage in engineering practice, while supported by a range of workshops, lectures and tutorials.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

  • Read and prepare engineering drawings, adhering to International and British Standards, as documents that communicate ideas and information and use Computer Aided Design software to prepare complex parts and assembly models, and to prepare detailed drawings of the models for manufacture;
  • Describe the function and application of common mechanical parts;
  • List a wide range of manufacturing systems employed in the production of metal and composite products and demonstrate a basic knowledge of the key variables in manufacturing processes and the considerations made by manufacturing engineers in the sustainable production of engineered products;
  • Interpret professional Codes of Ethics and identify potential sources of ethical conflict and be aware of the drivers and constraints, including operational, legal and environmental, in the design process;
  • Apply disciplinary knowledge towards the solution of an engineering problem, and appreciate the limitations of theoretical calculations in practice;
  • Report findings, in a clear and concise manner, through written reports and oral presentations;
  • Keep a consistent record of work and ideas using a Log Book.
  • Appreciate the challenges and develop methods for working and communicating effectively within a small, diverse group of students.

Module syllabus

Engineering Design:
- First and third angle orthographic projection; Isometric and oblique projection; sections, sectional and auxiliary views.
- Lineworks and letters; drawing layouts; dimensioning principles. 
- Limits, fits, and tolerancing.
- Standard parts (nuts, bolts, screws and washers, keys and keyways, bearings, gears, couplings and other common items). 

Engineering Ethics and Professional Skills: 
- personal values, common morality and  the role of professional institutions (Codes of Ethics).
- factors leading to ethical dilemmas and conflict: factual and conceptual issues, moral principles, conflicting goals and factors hindering responsible action.
- preventive and aspirational ethics; health and safety; the precautionary principle.
- frameworks for moral principles: utilitarianism; respect for persons (rights and duties; golden rule); reversibility and universality; personal motivations.
- line-drawing and creative middle way solutions.
- being an Active Bystander.
- avoiding Unconscious Bias.
- Mindful Learning and Resilience Skills training.
- Career planning and Introduction to CV building. 
- Introduction to Health and Safety.

Introduction to Manufacturing Processes: 
- Overview of subtractive and formative manufacturing processes used in production of engineering components and structures.
- Examination of fabrication limitations; tolerances, surface finish. 
- Joining Methods: Various welding techniques, adhesives and mechanical fasteners. Advantages and limitations of joining methods. 
- Hands on experience using machine tools for the manufacture of a wind turbine. 

Communication and Reporting:
- appropriate structure of a lab report or technical paper presenting findings.
- presentation of experimental results and analysis of uncertainty.
- structuring a technical presentation.

Teaching methods

The module is deliverd through a combination of large class lectures, workshops and tutorials. You will further engage in independent and self-organised group work to design, build and test a small wind turbine, applying the skills and understanding you have developed throughout the module.

Assessments

The module is summatively assessed through a number of coursework and practical submissions:

- You will have to complete in-class or online tests on reading and creating engineering drawings and parts to standards (projections, sectional views, fits and limits). 
- You will have to present an ethical case study, describing the scenario, identifying the ethical dilemma and discussing possible courses of action.
- The application exercise is assessed through a Design and Manufacturing Report, detailing each team's approach to the problem and design decisions, a set of complete Engineering Drawings, and their design's Performance during wind-tunnel testing. 
- Individual student contribution and conduct throughout the project is assessed through peer and self-assessment.
- Review and assessment of the quality and consistency of the records kept throughout Year 1 in your Log-book. 

In addition to the summative assessments, you will be formatively assessed on:
- Report writting, by submitting a draft laboratory report, using data from one of the Aerodynamics 1 or Structures 1 practicals, for review and feedback;
- Presentation skills, by giving a short presentation to your tutor and peers for review and feedback;
- A review of your progress in completing your Skills Passport (summatively assessed in the following year) with their personal tutor. 

 
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark
Coursework Eng Design Assessments 25% 40%
Practical Eng. Ethics Presentation 10% 40%
Coursework Application Exercise Design and Manufacture Report 45% 40%
Practical  Application Exercise Performance 10% 40%
Coursework Experimental and Project Log-Book 10% 40%
Practical Review of Skills Passport 0% 100%

You will be offered feedback on your progress throughout the module. Individual developmental feedback will be given on report writing, presentation skills and their progress towards completing their Skills Passport. Feedback on in-class and online engineering design quizzes will be offered.
Further individual feedback is available on request via this module’s online feedback forum, timetabled drop-in sessions, staff office hours and discussions with tutors.

Reading list

Engineering Design

MEng Student Handbook 2024-25 for Post 2019-20 Entry Students
H41E Exchange-Erasmus Student Handbook 2024-25
MEng Degree Programme Specification