Precision Engineering – BEng (Hons)

This module introduces the learner to ‘Microsoft Office 2016’ computing applications including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, MS Access and MS Project. Learners will start with basic applications and then progress through to an advanced level. The learner will develop a knowledge of how to apply the software to useful engineering applications such as formal report writing (laboratory), charting engineering data, producing equations and creating a technical database.

Students will be assessed on their learning by a variety of strategies including Continuous Assessment, Project and Course Work, Examinations and Moodle based assignments. Continuous assessment is worth 40%, Christmas exam is worth 20% and the final exam is worth 40%.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and a working knowledge of the engineering technology and materials used in industry.

Develop a recognition of the basics of engineering mathematics and use them to solve practical engineering problems.

To develop an understanding of the basic laws of physics and their application to engineering.

The aim of this module is to advance the CNC knowledge and skills of the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of manually programming CNC machines. Through the introduction of Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, the learner will develop a greater depth knowledge in current CNC tooling technology and quality standards, analyse tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency. The learner will use industrial standard CAM software to program for manufacture, as well as set-up, and operate CNC 3 axis and 5 axis milling machines and CNC lathes with milling capability to manufacture components typical to that produced in the precision engineering industry.

This module in Engineering Technology and Maintenance introduces the learner to advanced technologies, procedures and techniques as used by the modern mechanical or manufacturing engineer. The module has four main elements including manufacturing processes, metrology, material science, and maintenance.

The practical workshop content forms a very important element of this module and the material given in the lecture is positively reinforced in the workshop setting. Learners will utilise lathes and milling machines in the practical workshop activities to create parts, assemblies and projects to industry standards. The use of metrology laboratory work creates the opportunity of the student to self-assess the quality of their work. This learning is supported through the linking of lectures to this coursework, assessments and development of problem based learning and experiential learning.

Metrology is the science of measurement and the practical application in industry is vital to ensuring quality. Six Sigma is a set of methods and tools used to improve business processes by reducing defects and errors, minimizing variation, and increasing quality and efficiency. This module is an introduction to the principles of six sigma and metrology standards to the learner with no prior engineering experience.

The principles of geometric tolerancing used in CAD, gauge repeatability and reproducibility are introduced and its relationship to precision machining processes is confirmed through practical coursework. The learner will use appropriate measurement methods and instruments such as Co-ordinate measurement machines, vision systems, profile projectors and basic tools like micrometres and verniers callipers.

The aim of this module is to develop a knowledge of the fundamental principles of machine mechanics and dynamics of industrial machinery, to the learner who already has an introduction to engineering science. Knowledge gained from this module will provide the learner with the analytical capability to solve practical and relevant industrial mechanical engineering problems.

As part of this module the learner will apply the principles of mechanics to construct and solve mathematical models which describe the effects of force and motion on a variety of structures and machines that are of concern to engineers in the manufacturing industry. The methodical approach to machine mechanics will develop the learner’s ability to carry out coursework through logical thinking and effective communication and represent work in a clear, logical and concise manner; all of these skills are important to engineers in the precision industry.

Strengthen the knowledge of mathematical fundamentals with the aim of solving more complex practical Engineering problems. Developing programming, debugging and engineering computation skills using software such as Visual Basic in Excel.

The learner will develop a greater depth of knowledge in current advanced industry standard CNC tooling technology and quality standards, analyse tooling usage, speeds, feeds, operation sequencing, and machining strategies for greater machining efficiency. The learner will program, set up, and operate CNC 5 axis milling machines and lathes with advanced turning and milling capability.

The learner will use industrial standard computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software for complex components. These complex components will require the learner to investigate advanced techniques to machine parts with complex 3D surfaces, use simultaneous 5-axis motion and to use advanced milling techniques on turned components.

The CAM software will allow the learner to simulate machining on multi axis machining centres and turning centres to verify programmes before post-processing and transferring the data to the machine controller. The learner’s knowledge of ISO programming will be developed for more advanced CNC machining techniques, sub programming, programming offsets, and the development of macros, advanced canned cycles, multiple‑part environment, and multiple‑component machining.

The aim of this module is to provide a detailed and in-depth understanding of engineering mathematical concepts, which will allow the learner to be able to apply this knowledge to solve practical and relevant mechanical engineering problems.

This module aims to improve the learner’s knowledge and understanding of process planning in a precision engineering environment.

The learner will develop a knowledge of modern manufacturing processes through the completion of coursework in a practical workshop environment and will critically analyse the strategic usage of the manufacturing processes for specific components to increase the manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and profitability of modern precision engineering industries. The module will also discuss the integration of manufacturing techniques to the learner with focus on the precision engineering industry Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). The role, implementation and monitoring of process planning in a modern precision engineering industry is analysed.

This module involves active learning where learners participate in an applied based group project. The group project topic may have industrial links and involves the practical application of research, design, engineering principles, materials analysis, and manufacturing. The group project allows for team development where each member has a defined role to play in the development of a project solution.

This module also incorporates professional development, which aims to advance the learner’s transferrable skills, in order to prepare for work placement and employment. Transferrable skills such as project management and organisation, creative problem solving, technical writing and presentation skills are developed in this module.

This module is the work placement element for candidates on the Level 7 Degree and Level 8 Honours Degree programmes in Precision Engineering. The aim of this module is to give learners the opportunity to apply the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that they have gained in previous stages of their programmes while being employed in a supervised professional engineering industry.

The Engineering work placement is a semester long 5-month period. This will give learners 20 weeks of placement in an engineering organisation (January to May). During this time the learners will aim to transfer and build upon the knowledge, skills and competencies that they have gained in the previous stages of their programme. This enhanced learning will be used by candidates who are continuing onto a Level 8 programme.

On successful completion of the work placement the student may stay on with the employer for the duration of the summer.

This module develops the knowledge, understanding and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) processes in engineering. Additive manufacturing is a collection of technologies that used CAD data to produce 3 dimensional physical models and parts through an additive process typically using polymers or metal materials. The learners will evaluate and develop strategies for the production of parts using new technologies and processes to create new components and systems to replace or complement existing manufacturing processes. A clear understanding of the additive manufacturing market and the opportunity to develop new applications forms part of this module.

This module aims to develop learners research and evaluation skills through an enquiry based approach project and draws upon the knowledge, skills and competence gain in the previous years of study.

The learners will develop research skills and the ability to work independently to produce an applied research report in accordance with pre-determined formats, standards and ethics. The topic selected must be directly relevant to the programme of study being undertaken and aligned to an industrial topic preferably in collaboration with a partner company. The student is required to produce a thesis to provide an exhaustive, critical and in-depth analytical study of the specific area of interest.

This module in advanced machining integration presents in great detail latest technologies and future technologies for CNC machining management. This module also involves the analysis of the automated handling of components throughout the stages for manufacture while ensuring component identification and verification are achieved for adhering to quality requirements. The learners will gain a detailed knowledge on metal swarf, chips, hazardous particle extraction and coolant management.

This module on design for manufacture and assembly investigates the techniques which are used to minimise product cost through the implementation of design and process improvement. Through the analysis of industrial case studies, the learner will implement the principles of design for manufacture and assembly within a controlled environment. Students will also learn about Design for Six Sigma and sustainable manufacturing and the integration of these into industry.

This module involves an in-depth study of both traditional and novel material types. It will examine both established and developing methods of manufacture and use material selection software packages to enable learners to optimise material and process selection of industrial products.

This module provides the learner with an introduction to formal project management methodologies and the project management environment. Utilising active learning strategies, the module develops the learner’s knowledge and skills in the various tools and techniques for effective project management outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The module also provides a platform for the learner to investigate their own personality type, and to develop a deeper awareness of the effects of different personality types on the project team.

This module also introduces the learner to situational project management through multiple choice questions, which are in line with the Project Management Institute (PMI) accreditation assessment method.

This module in advanced engineering technology presents in detail both the traditional and modern manufacturing processes to the learner. Students will analyse cutting tool technology, cutting forces, and wear on tools. Advanced and emerging technologies used in modern precision engineering industries are analysed and reviewed by the learner who already has an introductory knowledge of engineering technologies and manufacturing processes. Modern machine tooling, work and tool holding techniques are also presented.

This module will introduce the learner to the tools required to define and conduct a lean manufacturing project in an industrial environment. The tools will enable a learner to analyse a production process, identify areas which have potential for improvement, define and complete projects. It will also compare the lean manufacturing philosophies for process improvement with Six Sigma, which is another widely used process improvement methodology. These two process improvement techniques are two of the most popular that are being implemented in the manufacturing and service industries.

This module will give learners a detailed knowledge of the mechanics of materials, how they degrade and fail. They will gain a detailed insight intothe current industrial testing methods that are required to obtain material properties and measure their response to degradation and failure.

With the increase demand in the precision machining industry, the demands on the quality systems employed by companies have also increased correspondingly. This module will focus on setup and management of quality systems within a high tech manufacturing organization primarily focusing on the medical device, automotive and aerospace industries.