University Skills

• Working in teams: roles and responsibilities, record-keeping, survival skills, peer assessment
• Making and monitoring a plan
• Report writing: technical and laboratory reports, structure, content, grammar, the importance of accurate referencing and avoidance of plagiarism
• Effectively search a range of different information sources and critically evaluate for appropriateness for academic use. Understand the nature of research journal publishing and the importance of primary research findings to study of scientific/technology disciplines.

Professional Skills

• Introduction to professional ethics
• The role and responsibilities of the scientist and the engineer in society and in protecting the environment
• The inter-disciplinary nature of engineering.
• CV and cover letter writing

The Design Process

• The design process: introduction to the key stages of research, concept, feasibility, requirements, preliminary design, detail design, production.

The purpose of this module is to ease the transition from school to university by setting the multi-disciplinary context and expectations of degree courses and careers in engineering and natural sciences.  Students will be introduced to design, which is the integrating theme that runs throughout engineering degrees, and has great relevance to scientists.

Students will be introduced to the transferable study skills that they will develop throughout their university career.  In particular, they will develop their communication skills, team-working skills, and they will understand the need to take responsibility for their own learning.

Mathematics

• Introductory review: arithmetic, algebra, notation
• Elementary Functions: relations, functions, standard functions, hyperbolic functions, limits
• Solving Equations: linear, quadratic, simultaneous, polynomial, inequalities
• Trigonometrical functions: identities, equations and engineering applications
• Complex Numbers: concept, arithmetic, De Moivre’s theorem, regions in the complex plane
• Matrices: matrix algebra, determinants, inverse, transformations, notation
• Ordinary Differentiation: techniques, maximum and minimum values, higher derivatives, applications
• Partial Differentiation: functions of two variables, partial differentiation, small increments and differentials
• Integration: techniques, standard integrals, integration by parts, partial fractions, trigonometric functions, analytical techniques, Simpson's rule, applications (e.g. area, mean value, centroids, RMS, volumes of revolution)
• Vectors: vector algebra, cartesian coordinates, scalar and vector product
• Linear Algebra: Gauss elimination, Gauss-Jordan method, iterative method
• Sequence and Series: infinite, convergent, divergent, Standard, Taylors, Mclaurins and Binomial series, approximate and limiting values
• Differential equations

Computer Workshops

• Selected areas of the syllabus will be taught at the computer. These sessions will explore the mathematical technique, rather than use of software, so fully guided examples based on engineering or natural science problems will be provided. Students will begin to identify the commonality of equations describing engineering systems.

Design

• Use of mathematics in establishing/evaluating solutions.

A good mathematical grounding is essential for all scientists and engineers. The mathematics in this syllabus provides the foundation for deeper analysis and understanding of scientific and engineering subjects, and enhances the student’s ability to make sound judgements regarding the science and technology that they will use in the course of their career.  Wherever possible, mathematical theory is taught by considering a real example, to provide students with the context for the mathematical tools they will use.  Solutions are considered by both analytical and numerical techniques. Where basic principles are involved, some proofs will also be taught.

Principles of Circuit Theory and Electrical Engineering

• Basic definitions of current, voltage and power.
• Principles of electrical conduction; voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
• DC circuits: Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Norton and Thevenin equivalent circuits with voltage and current source transformations. Steady state and transient (switching) DC circuit analysis. Analysis by nodal and loop methods. Superposition Theorem. Power.
• AC Circuits: Sinusoidal signals, amplitude, frequency and phase. Complex notation, Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Law and Norton and Thevenin equivalent circuits generalised to impedance and admittance. Steady state AC circuit analysis and phasor diagrams. Frequency response for RC, RL and RLC circuits. Resonance for RLC circuits. Superposition Theorem and Single Phase AC power.
• Introduction to Sensors: Sensor Performance (Range, Resolution, Error, Accuracy, Uncertainty, Precision, Linearity, Sensitivity). Sensor Types (Light, Force, Displacement, Motion, Sound). Sensor interfacing
• Introduction to Actuators; Actuator Types (Heat, Light, Force, Displacement, Motion and Sound). Actuator Interfacing
• Measurement and Test Equipment: Meter Loading effects for voltage and current measurement. Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies and signal generators in the laboratory.

Introductory Analogue Electronics

• Semiconductors: Semiconductor doping, electron and hole transport. The device physics of a p-n junction in forward and reverse bias.
• Diodes: diode equation, graphical/load line analysis, diode models. Zener and light emitting diodes. Diode circuits including rectifier, peak sample, power rectifier, clamps and regulator.
• Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT): BJT structure, basic BJT operation, BJT characteristics and parameters, BJT amplifiers and BJT switching applications.
• Field effect  transistors (FET): FET characteristics and parameters, FET biasing, FET amplifiers and FET switching applications.
• Operational amplifiers: Concept of an ideal operational amplifier and its practical realisation, design of inverting, non-inverting, summing and differential amplifiers.

Introductory Digital Electronics

• Number systems: decimal numbers, binary numbers, decimal-to-binary conversion, binary arithmetic, 2’s complements of binary numbers, hexadecimal numbers.
• Logic gates: the Inverter, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, Exclusive-OR and Exclusive-NOR.
• Logic fundamentals: Boolean algebra and logic simplification, Karnaugh map, De Morgan’s law.
• Combinational logic analysis: basic combinational logic circuits, implementing combinational logic, the universal property of NAND and NOR gates, combinational logic using NAND and NOR gates.
• Basic sequential logic circuits: Latches, S-R Flip-Flop, D Flip-Flop, J-K Flip Flop, registers.

An understanding of the basic principles and many of the important practical applications of electronic and electrical engineering is now essential to practitioners of other disciplines. The aim of the module is to provide a foundation in these topics, of sufficient depth to be useful, and without being over complicated or cluttered with too-rigorous and exhaustive mathematical treatment. Wherever possible, content is contextualised in the laboratory so that students can become familiar with instrumentation, measurement and simulation techniques relevant to electronic and electrical engineering. Students will also engage with the full hardware development life cycle via the design, simulate, build and test of selected simple circuits.

The module content may include:

• Introduction to Materials in Engineering: metals, ceramics, polymers and composites
• Atomic structure, inter-atomic bonding and inter-atomic forces, the structure of solids, crystal imperfections, elastic and plastic deformation
• Diffusion in solids: diffusion fundamentals, diffusion mechanisms, processes using diffusion, diffusion modelling, diffusion and temperature
• Phase Diagrams: solubility limits and phases, binary phase diagrams and their interpretation, isomorphous diagrams, eutectic, peritectic and eutectoid reactions, development of microstructure, eutectic and dendritic microstructures
• Intermediate phases: effects of non-equilibrium cooling, industrially important binary diagrams, Fe-C system, development of steel microstructures, brasses and bronzes, solders, alumina-silica
• Phase transformations: types of transformation, transformation diagrams, transformation products
• Mechanical properties and methods of measurement: elastic deformation, plastic deformation, stress, strain, hardness, ductility, brittleness, resilience, toughness, creep, wear and fatigue
• Mechanical failure: failure mechanisms, design, cracking, temperature effects, fatigue, creep
• Materials in engineering applications: case studies (including materials impact on the environment).

Students will be introduced the fundamental properties of common engineering materials through an understanding of the atomic and molecular interactions within the material. More broadly, the module aims to give students an awareness of a wide range of materials and their applications.

• Introduction to statics
• Force systems: moment and couple, resultants
• Equilibrium: mechanical system isolation, equilibrium conditions
• Structures: plane trusses, frames and machines
• Distributed forces: centroids, beams
• Friction: principles, application in machines
• Concepts of stress: direct and shear stresses
• Statically determinant systems, pressure vessel, joints, shear, rotating cylinder, self-weight,
  etc.
• Analysis of stress and strain: plain stress, principal stresses, maximum shear stress, Mohr's circle, plane strain, measurement of strain, relations involving E, G and V
• Axially loaded members; method of superposition; thermal deformations and stress, stress concentrations, Saint-Venant's principle
• Torsion: twisted circular shaft, torsion formula, angle of twist, polar second moment of area; thin-walled hollow members
• Stresses in beams: classification of beams, shear and moment in beams, load, shear and moment relationships, shear and moment diagrams, pure bending, assumptions in beam theory, normal strain-curvature relation, normal stress - the flexure formula, the shear formula, shear-stress distribution in rectangular beams and flanged beams.

The primary aim of the study of engineering mechanics is to develop in students a capacity to predict the effects of force and deformation in the course of carrying out the creative design function of engineering.  As the student undertakes the study of solids and forces (first statics, mechanics, then dynamics) they will be building a foundation of analytical capability for the solution of a great variety of engineering problems. Modern engineering practice demands a high level of analytical capability, and the study of mechanics can help immensely in developing this capacity.

• Motion of Particles: rectilinear motion, position, velocity and acceleration, graphical methods, curvilinear motion, rectangular components, tangential and normal components, radial and transverse components
• Kinetics of Particles: newton's Laws, units, equations of motion, rectilinear motion, curvilinear motion
• Work and Energy: potential energy, conservation of energy, power and efficiency
• Impulse and Momentum: impulsive motions, conservation of momentum, impact, energy and momentum steady streams of particles, systems gaining and losing mass
• Kinematics of Rigid Bodies: rotation, angular velocity, general planar motion, velocity diagrams, instantaneous centre of rotation, angular acceleration, acceleration, acceleration diagrams
• Mass Moment of Inertia: mass moment of inertia, paralleled axis theorem, radius of gyration, composite bodies
• Rotation: coordinates, shape, inertia
• Simple harmonic motion including loss and resonance.

The study of dynamics allows the student to analyse and predict the motion of particles and bodies with and without reference to the forces that cause this motion. Successful prediction requires, in addition to knowledge of physical and mathematical principles of mechanics, the ability of visualize physical configurations in terms of real machines, actual constraints and the practical limitations which govern the behaviour of machines.

• Basic definitions; energy, working fluid, continuum, property, systems, surroundings, open and closed systems, phase, state, equilibrium, process, cycle.
• Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: temperature scales.
• Perfect gases, ideal gas equation of state, real gases, compressibility factor, van der Waals equation of state, virial coefficients
• Work and heat definitions, path functions, types of work, sign conventions, definite integrals
• First Law of Thermodynamics
• Internal energy, enthalpy, constant specific heats, specific heat variation with temperature
• Polytropic processes
• Properties of pure substances; changes of state, sub cooled, saturation and superheated properties, use of tables, phase diagrams.
• First law analysis of systems, cyclic processes, closed systems, open systems (steady and unsteady flow), application to engineering equipment, internal combustion engines.

Thermodynamics is a basic science that deals with energy interactions in physical systems. The purpose of this section is to study the relationship between heat (thermos) and work (dynamics). A range of real-world applications are presented to give students a feel for scientific and engineering practice and an intuitive understanding of the subject matter.

Geometrical Optics

• Principles.
• Simple optical systems.

Waves and Oscillations

• Free, damped forced & coupled oscillations, including resonance and normal modes.
• Waves in linear media: particle & group velocity.
• Vibrating strings.
• Sound waves.
• Doppler effect.

Wave Nature of Light

• Interference & diffraction at single and multiple apertures.
• Dispersion by prisms and diffraction gratings.
• Optical cavities and laser action.

Newtonian Gravitation

• Newton’s Law.
• Copernicus’ model of planetary motion.
• Kepler’s 1st, 2nd & 3rd law.

Special Relativity

• Michelson-Morley experiment.
• Principles of Relativity and Invariant Light Speed.
• Galilean & Lorentz transforms.
• Consequences, including energy-momentum relationship.

Background to Atomic and Quantum Physics 

• Black body radiation.
• Photoelectric effect.
• Wave particle duality.
• Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle.
• Spectra of simple atoms, leading to quantum structure, quantum numbers, Pauli exclusion principle and atomic structure.
• Introduction to the Schrodinger Equation and the development of atomic orbitals

Essentials of Nuclear Physics

• Nuclear masses and binding energies
• Radioactive decay, fission and fusion
• Elementary particles, fundamental forces and the Standard Model

This module is wide-ranging and introduces the student to the fundamental concepts required to understand the physical world around them.  They will be led through the essential elements of classical physics through to an appreciation of the quantum world of atomic structure.

Geometrical Optics

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the function of the behaviour of optical components and how they may be combined into simple optical systems.

Waves Nature of Light

Students will understand the limitations of geometrical optics in describing the behaviour of optical systems; wave-particle duality will be introduced through the Young’s slit experiment.Students will further develop their understanding through investigation of dispersion, diffraction and laser effects.

Waves and Oscillations

Students will be introduced to the concepts and mathematical expression of wave phenomena including free, damped, forced and coupled oscillations. Group velocity will be introduced.Transverse and longitudinal wave phenomena in a range of media including strings and air are described.

Newtonian Gravitation

Students will understand Newton’s law of gravity and the Copernican model of planetary motion.They will further develop their understanding through investigation of Kepler’s laws.

Special Relativity

Students will be introduced to the concepts of relativity and the invariance of the speed of light through the example of the Michelson-Morley experiment. Students will develop an understanding of Newtonian and relativistic (Lorentz) transformations, and appreciate the consequences of the energy-momentum relationship.

Atomic and Quantum Physics

The breakdown of classical physics and the necessity for the introduction of quantum mechancis will be explored.  Students will review the spectra of simple atoms and their interpretation in terms of quantum structure.

Essentials of Nuclear Physics

The basics of nuclear structure will be reviewed, along with radioactive decay, fission and fusion.  The concepts of elementary particles, fundamental forces and the Standard Model will be introduced.

Mathematics and Modelling

• Statistical methods; distribution, sampling, statistical inference, estimation from a sample, hypothesis testing, significance testing.
• Matrix Eigen value problems, with application to solutions of Ordinary Differential Equations.
• Laplace transforms for solution of Ordinary Differential Equations.
• Fourier series approximation of periodic functions.
• Solution techniques for partial differential equations including the heat equation.

Numerical Modelling and Computation

• Construction of algorithms in high-level programming languages including, variables, arrays, operators and expressions, data input and output, flow control and functions.
• Implementation of numerical methods using MATLAB.
• Numerical solution of ordinary differential evolution equations using Euler's method and the Runge-Kutta methods.
• Introduction to Optimization; Optimisation of functions of several variables, with and without constraints.
• Representation of engineering problems as mathematical optimisation problems and solution using Excel Solver.

The purpose of this programme of mathematical study is to ensure that students are competent in calculations using a range of mathematical tools.  The content will extend the student’s analytical skills by introducing more advanced topics that are required parts of the modern engineers skill set, and enhance their ability and confidence to make sound judgements.

Electromagnetics

• Electrostatics: Review of basic concepts; charge, potential, electrostatic energy, force, effects of dielectric materials.
• Magnetostatics: current sources of magnetic fields, magnetic field strength, magnetic flux density, magnetic materials, BH curves, saturation.
• Interface conditions, magnetic field energy, forces.
• Coulomb, Gauss and Ampere’s Laws.
• Simple magnetic circuits.
• Time varying current and fields in conductors; Faraday’s Law.
• Lenz and Lorentz laws.
• Electromagnetic Devices: Basic action of transformers, motors and actuators. 

Electromagnetic Waves

• The electromagnetic spectrum.
• Maxwell’s equations and the plane electromagnetic wave solution.
• Energy density of an electromagentic field.
• Poynting vector.
• Polarisation.
• Plane waves in an unbounded medium.
• Reflection and transmission of waves.

The purpose of this module is to deepen students’ knowledge of electromagnetics through investigation of the theory of electromagnetic fields and waves, and the behaviour of different types of generic signals within relevant electrical circuits.  At the end of this module, students should be able to

(i) construct mathematical models of signals and systems and apply these models to predict the response of a linear system to a specified stimulus,

(ii) understand the wave nature of electromagnetic fields, the significance of Maxwell’s equations, and the propagation of waves across plane boundaries.

Schrödinger Wave Equation

• Wave function and its interpretation
• Standard solutions including the hydrogen atom
• Tunnelling
• Time-independent Perturbation Theory

Electron Theory of Solids

• Overlap of atomic orbitals – formation of energy bands
• Brillouin zones
• Density of states
• Conduction and valence bands, modifications at surfaces and interfaces
• Perturbation theory
• Electron spectroscopy

Thermal Properties of Matter

• Phonons and lattice vibrations
• Heat capacity

Semiconductors and Doping

• Semiconductor properties
• Doping
• Electron-hole pairs
• Device fundamentals

Magnetic Properties of Matter

• Ferromagnetism, paramagnetism and diamagnetism
• Electron dipole moment
• Lorentz force and classical diamagnetism
• Curie temperature, domains
• Magnetic materials

This module builds on the material introduced in module SE4024 Classical and Quantum Physics at level 4, extending it such that students gain knowledge and critical understanding of the role of the electron theory of solids in predicting materials phenomena. 

Schrödinger Wave Equation

Students will explore the concept of the wave function and its interpretation in quantum mechanics.The role of the Schrödinger equation as the quantum mechanical analogue of Newton’s laws of motion and the conservation of energy will be presented; standard solutions will be described. Students will obtain an appreciation of the phenomenon of tunnelling.

Electron Theory of Solids

Students will extend their knowledge of the concept of overlapping atomic orbitals and the formation of electron energy bands in condensed matter. The role of symmetry as in the concept of the Brillouin zone will be discussed. Students will explore how differences in band structure and the density of electron states govern the electronic properties of materials. 

Phonons and Heat Capacity

Students will gain knowledge of the role of lattice vibrations in heat conduction and heat capacity.

Semiconductors and Doping

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of how the electron theory of conducting solids can be extended to semiconducting materials, and how the properties of semiconductors can be affected by the nature and level of dopants. The main concepts of semiconductor device operation will be covered to include properties of diodes and transistors. 

Magnetic Properties of Matter

Students will develop an understanding of how magnetic properties derive from electronic structure, and how the main classes of magnetic materials arise.

• Second Law: treatment of reversible and irreversible processes, corollaries of second law, definitions of entropy and isentropic processes
• Mass and Energy Transfer:Extension of principles to non-steady-state and reacting systems
• Combustion: Thermodynamics of reacting systems. Definition of standard states. First law analysis of reacting systems including dissociation. Use of combustion tables, solution of various types of combustion problems
• Cycles: Different types of engineering cycles. Methods of improving cycle efficiency
• Energy Use: Theoretical limits on energy efficiency. Sources and sinks and implications for environment. Opportunities for and implications of energy efficiency.
• Chemical thermodynamics - equations of state and phase equilibria for pure fluids, phase equilibria in fluid mixtures, reaction equilibria

Thermodynamics is the science that deals with energy interactions in physical systems.  The purpose of this module is to extend the basic principles heat, work and energy then apply this knowledge to real engineering problems, and also to introduce chemical thermodynamics - the interaction of heat and work with changes of state and chemical reaction.

Microscopy

• Optical Microscopy, including image formation, contrast techniques (bright/dark field, phase & interference contrast), fluorescence techniques.  Digital image acquisition.
• Electron Microscopy: Scanning electron microscopy secondary & backscattered electron image formation.  Transmission electron microscopy bright/dark field & STEM modes.  Electron diffraction in the TEM.

Characterisation of Solids

• X-ray analysis in electron microscopy (SEM-EDX)
• X-ray diffraction, including crystal lattice & lattice systems; Miller Indices, planes & directions; point and space groups; X-ray scattering, Braggs Law, reciprocal space; powder diffraction.
• Introduction to surface techniques.

On-line and at-line techniques

• Introduction to the concept of on-line and at-line measurements for process control in industrial plant.
• NIR and Chemometrics.

Microscopy is fundamental to our understanding of the structure and behaviour of physical and biological systems and as such is an essential tool for the Natural Scientist.  The principle techniques of optical microscopy are studied and comapred for different applications and specimen types, with their advantages and limitations reviewed.  This is extended to electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) where the concept of analysis in-situ in the microscope is introduced.    The recently-developed scanned probe techniques of AFM and STM are also covered.

Solids characterisation presents many challenges that are not present in liquids and cannot be tackled by conventioanl analytical chemistry methods. The concept of a solid as a mixed multi-phase material is introduced and methods for characterisation on the micro- and nano-scale are explored. The analysis of crystalline solids by X-ray diffraction is developed, and principle crystal systems and the concept of the reciprocal lattice are covered.  Surface-specific methods are also introduced and critically reviewed.

An introduction to automated and on- or at-line techniques is included, leading to the concept of proxy measurements and the use of chemometrics.

The traditional academic programme structure is not applicable in this experiential learning internship opportunity. The placement content is freely structured and subject to negotiation between the student, the host organisation and the placement supervisor. 

A mid placement conference will be used for a mid term assessment and facilitate the student's transition between the placement year and their return to University for their final year. The conference will enable students to share experiences and analyse the range of skills derived from the placement. It will also further develop the construction of their learning logs and portfolio and give opportunities to plan ahead for their final year projects/dissertations. 

To provide students with an opportunity for first hand work experience in an industrial setting and to experience a broad range of tasks and responsibilities in different professional areas. 

To allow students to apply and enrich their previous theoretical knowledge and understanding of course content through observation and application to tasks, problems and scenarios presented in an industrial environment.

To enable students to recognise the nature of tasks, workloads, management problems and working methods in the working environment.

To enable students identify their personal interests  in a working environment and develop their own personal development.

The module will give an introduction to the physical aspects of a range of commonly used spectroscopy techniques:

• IR and Raman spectroscopy, molecular vibrations and selection rules
• UV/vis and luminescence spectroscopy, electronic transitions and Jablonski diagrams
• Time resolved spectroscopy techniques, Forster Energy and electron transfer
• NMR and ESR spectroscopy

Practical examples will be discussed to illustrate the application range and limitations of the spectroscopy techniques.  

This module aims to provide knowledge and critical understanding of the key concepts associated with spectroscopy, concentrating on a series of techniques that are frequently used as analytical tools in a wide range of areas, in research and industrial applications. 

During the course of study students will be supported and encouraged to discuss practical examples of how spectroscopy is used to solve real life problems in a series of settings. The focus will be on the recognition of the scope and limitations of each methods, and how different methods complement each other in their information content.

The practical part will extend the students competence in the application of experimental techniques in connection with the underlying theoretical concepts, and enhance their understanding of more particular subjects of study. It will also train the students in critical data analysis and the planning and designing of experiments. 

• Review of essential statistics, distributions, and probability theory
• Distinguishable vs indistinguishable particles
• Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics
• Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics
• Langrange multipliers and equilibrium particle distribution
• Dilute limit and partition function
• Statistical basis of internal energy, entropy, and pressure
• Mean free path and Van der Waals equation of state
• Statistical ensembles: micro-canonical, canonical, grand-canonical

The purpose of this module is to extend the knowledge of the basic principles of heat, work and energy via exploring the statistical mechanics approach to thermodynamics, creating a link between classical thermodynamics and the nanoscopic properties of matter.

Pre-placement:

• Structured approaches to researching, selecting and securing a suitable work placement relevant to the student’s interests and career aspirations*.
• Writing an effective CV. Constructing a letter of application.*
• Interview skills.*

 *Note: Students are required to undertake these pre-placement tasks during term 1 level 5, as part of the placement acquisition process and will be supported by the Work Based Learning team and the Careers and Employability department.

 Induction Programme and Placement:

• The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the placement organisation’s aims, structure, culture.
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; positive attitude, resilience, building rapport).
• Devising a strategy for integrating into the workplace and work based teams
• Completion of online assignment tasks covering sourcing and obtaining placement; health and safety procedures in general; general workplace integrity; placement requirements. 

During and post-placement: Learning effectively in and from the workplace:- 

• Devising and implementing strategies to improve own approach and performance
• Critical analysis/evaluation of approach to skill development and performance in the workplace;
• Influencing the Placement Provider’s appraisal;
• Devising an action plan to develop gaps in transferable skills based on the placement experiences;

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment through engagement with a University approved work placement**, which will enable them to:

• Develop their understanding of workplace practice and lifelong learning;
• Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through development of transferable skills;
• Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills;
• Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

• The organisational context: research-informed analysis of the sector’s role, development opportunities or career paths.
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess. (Employability Skills: e.g. verbal and written communication, analytical / problem solving capabilities; self-management; team working behaviours; negotiation skills; influencing people; developing a positive work attitude, resilience, building rapport with co-workers).
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own career.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

This module aims to enhance students’ prospects of gaining graduate level employment, which will enable them to:-

• Enhance their work readiness and employability prospects through identifying relevant transferable skills for their chosen career path,
• Clearly articulate their career plans and take steps to prepare for their first graduate role,
• Take responsibility for their own learning and acquisition of workplace employability skills,
• Articulate, in writing, their employability skills.

• Evaluation of the principles of automated intelligence.
• Scientific and Engineering goals of intelligent technologies.
• Approaches to the development of intelligent software.
• Application domains for intelligent technologies.

• To introduce the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) and to evaluate its role in the development of advanced software systems.
• To introduce theoretical approaches to the development of intelligent software.
• To undertake practical tasks to demonstrate how AI techniques can be implemented.
• To analyse methods for designing and deploying intelligent technologies.
• To critically evaluate the ways in which intelligent technologies can be used in various domains: e.g. business, medical, educational, legal, government and scientific.

Term 1: In the first term the module is underpinned by specialist lectures and seminar sessions, which explore the mechanisms and potential impacts of climate, change over long and short time scales. The initial focus is on - past climate change, sea level change and natural climate change processes and planetary controls. The module then progresses to exploring drivers of climate change and reviewing glacial and periglacial processes with particular reference to the British landscape.

Term 2: The module focuses on developing a sound appreciation of field and laboratory techniques used to advance scientific understanding of the recent record of climate change and future projections. Students gain first hand experience of initiating, planning and undertaking laboratory and field based investigations of a late Devensian and/or Holocene field site(s) with a view to reconstructing, in part, the environmental history. This is underpinned by specialist lectures and seminar sessions, laboratory sessions and fieldwork related to: Holocene chronology, fieldwork sample collection and preparation, biogeography, soils, geomorphology, stratigraphy and sedimentology.

1. To gain a well rounded appreciation of the controls and mechanisms of climate change in the context of past and future environmental change;

2. To explore the application of geographical knowledge, skills and techniques to evaluate climate change;

3. To make practical use of different approaches to investigate the terrestrial record of climate change in the UK;

4.  To promote field and laboratory application of sedimentological, biogeographical, geomorphological and/or stratigraphical techniques used in environmental reconstruction

Students are free to choose any area of study that is related to their degree programme, provided that the department is able to supervise and resource the project.  As such, the specific content of each project will vary, but in general an honours level project will be designed to facilitate testing of a hypothesis by experimental, observational, computational or theoretical means and will include such activities as planning, project management, information retrieval, equipment or software design and testing, the generation and evaluation of data, reporting and presentation of the results and conclusions  Students are expected to conduct their work in a simulated professional environment and so industry based projects are encouraged. Academic staff will also suggest possible areas of study. 

The project choices will be finalised at the beginning of the academic year.  The final choices are subject to approval by the department who will make an assessment of the suitability of the project with respect to its content and deliverables.  Regular meetings with the project supervisor throughout the project will ensure that students are able to develop their understanding of the relevant ideas in their chosen subject area. 

Projects will typically include: a clear statement of objectives and deliverables; evidence of project planning and time/resource management; a survey of relevant published literature; design/manufacture/assembly of equipment; appropriate experiments, use of software or simulation; analysis and discussion of results; conclusions relative to the agreed objectives, and identification of further work.  The analysis will also include a health, safety and ethical assessment and an evaluation of the environmental impacts of the activity. 

The assessment methods for this module will allow the students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to communicate complex technical information in a clear and unambiguous form.

The individual project provides students with a learning experience that will enable them to integrate many of the subjects they have studied throughout their degree.  Students are expected to plan, research and execute their task while developing skills in independent thought, independent work and scientific competence.  Students will also gain experience in presenting and reporting a major piece of scientific work, of immediate value, at a level appropriate for an honours degree student.

Review of Nuclear Essentials

• Nuclear masses and binding energies
• Radioactive decay, fission and fusion

Radiation Safety

• Health aspects, dosimetry, detectors. 

Sources of Radionuclides

• Nuclear reactors (Chalk River, Petten), Particle Accelerators (cyclotron), natural decay processes. 

Particle Beams

• Scattering.
• Penetration, stopping power, binary collision approximation, SRIM, molecular dynamics.
• Particle beam techniques – MEIS, RBS, PIXE, Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, neutron scattering. 

Radiation Applications

• Thickness monitoring.
• Sterilisation and food preservation.
• Neutron activation analysis.
• Radiotracer experiments.
• Medical applications – PET & other imaging methods, radionuclide therapy. 

Nuclear Energy Sources

• Nuclear Fission; Uranium cycle, power station principles, moderation, waste, reprocessing.
• Breeder reactors.
• Thorium cycle.
• Nuclear fusion: toroidal confinement, laser and other experimental confinements, future directions. 

Nuclear Technology Regulation

• Nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
• International Atomic Energy Agency.
• UK, EU and US regulatory bodies.

This module aims to provide knowledge and critical understanding of the science behind nuclear technology, including nuclear energy and particle beam technologies.  

The initial focus is on radiation safety, and the origin and sources of radioactive substances. 

The module presents the underlying principles behind key nuclear decay pathways and shows how energy may be extracted, with consideration given to the associate practical aspects of radiation safety and waste disposal. 

Alternative applications of nuclear technology beneficial to mankind are discussed, including medical and industrial applications, and the use of nuclear particle beams for materials analysis and radiotherapy. 

Students will be encouraged to discuss and critically evaluate the benefits and risks associated with the exploitation of nuclear technology within the context of population growth and increasing energy demand.

Materials Properties as a Function of Size and Dimensionality
Electronic, optical, chemical / reactivity, mechanical. 

Surface Treatments
Hard coatings e.g. nitriding, diamond-like carbon.
Optical and conducting coatings for lenses, photovoltaic cells & other devices.
Bio-compatible coatings.
Tribology & tribo-films. 

Surface coating techniques
Physical vapour deposition, Molecular beam epitaxy, sputter coating, chemical vapour deposition (CVD & MO-CVD), wet methods, sol/gel, patterning. 

Materials in 2 dimensions
Single-atom or single-molecule overlayers, graphene, graphene oxide. 

Nanostructured materials and nanotechnology
EU definition of Nanotechnology.
Convergence of bulk & surface properties.
Nanoparticles, core-shell structures.
Applications and future trends.
HSE implications, nanoparticles in the environment. 

Characterisation of materials at the nano-scale
Structure, composition and chemistry, including TEM, XPS, SIMS, Raman, scanned probes and surface electron diffraction.

This module provides knowledge and critical understanding of how materials properties vary intrinsically or can be modified as consequence of reduced dimensionality or a reduction in a critical dimension.  The technologies of surface treatment, coating, patterning and the production of individually structured nanoparticles or nano-structured arrays are discussed, along with the ways in which these may be exploited to give enhanced product design.  Established and emerging techniques for characterizing and verifying nanoparticle structures are covered.  As this is an active area of scientific endeavour, wherever possible examples from current research will be used to illustrate the principles. 

Students following this module will gain an understanding of applications across a wide range of industries including micro-electronics, optics, mechanical engineering and environmental remediation, among others. 

Students will gain an appreciation of the opportunities afforded by nanostructured materials and also of the potential hazards associated with their use, and will be able to critically debate the relative merits of exploitation or control.

Sustainability in Process Design

• The concept of sustainability. Environmental, economic and social criteria. The life cycle approach.
• Process design for sustainability.
• Specific industrial process examples.

Energy from Biomass

• Biomass types and characteristics
• Direct use
  • Combustion based processes
  • Vegetable oils
• Thermal conversion
  • Gasification based processes
  • Pyrolysis based processes
• Biological conversion
  • Fermentation-based processes
  • Anaerobic digestion based processes
• Chemical conversion
  • Transesterification to biodiesel

Other Renewables and Associated Low Carbon Technologies

• Solar energy systems
  • Solar thermal
  • PV
• Wind energy systems
• Water energy systems
  • Hydroelectric
  • Wave
  • Tidal
• Geothermal power generation
• Electrochemical energy conversion and storage
  • Fuel Cells
  • Batteries
• Other energy storage options
• The Smart Grid

The aim of this module to instil in students the regulatory requirements and technical considerations for designing, operating and decommissioning sustainable industrial chemical processes, and in particular sustainable energy generation systems.

The benefits of embedding Sustainability in Process Design in order to minimise the consumption of scarce material and energy resources is illustrated through the consideration of specific industrial process examples.

Thermal conversion and microbial degradation processes to derive Energy from Biomass is also presented in this module, reinforcing the application of biochemical fundamentals gained at earlier levels. A detailed overview is given of the current and future technologies for deriving power, heat and transportation fuels from biological sources.

Other Renewables and Low Carbon Technologies aims to give an insight into the other main sustainable power technologies. The teaching will draw on physical and engineering principles learned earlier, and will enable participants to critically assess the relative merits and applicabilities of these technologies.

The module will refresh the knowledge gained during SE4014 before moving on to new topics. The new topics include the chemical and physical aspects of modern Engineering Materials, in particular, engineering ceramics and polymers as well as an introduction to composites. An introduction to each material’s family tree, microstructure and related material properties as well as their synthesis, production and applications. Other topics include corrosion, optical, electrical, magnetic and thermal materials physics. 

Indicative module content:

• Ceramics:
• Introduction to Engineering ceramics
• Characteristics of engineering ceramics
• Microstructures, phase transformation
• Importance of fracture toughness (K1c) for ceramics
• Industrial Applications
• Polymers:
• Introduction to polymers and their properties
• Microstructure and characteristics
• Industrial Applications
• Composites:
• Composite materials and their properties
• Microstructure and characteristics
• Industrial Applications
• Cermets
• Corrosion and degradation of materials
• Relevant characterisation techniques
• Electrical Properties:
• Conduction and Resistivity
• Band Theory and electron transport
• Semiconductor theory, charge carriers, dopants and junction formation
• Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric materials
• Thermal Properties:
• Heat Capacity
• Thermal expansion, conductivity and stresses
• Thermal Shock
• Practical Applications
• Magnetic Properties:
• Magnetic Field Generation
• Magnetic Responses
• Superconductivity
• Practical Applications
• Optical Properties:
• Light-matter interactions
• Wave-particle duality
• Light and semiconductors
• Luminescence Mechanisms
• Practical Applications
• Economic, Environmental and Societal issues

The purpose of this module is to enable students to reinforce and build upon the knowledge gained in the first year module. It will deepen their understanding of key engineering materials with respect to material characteristics, their internal structures, mechanical as well as the physical properties. This module will also consolidate the students learning from other modules within the areas of engineering science, materials, manufacturing technology and manufacturing processes.

Fibres and Matrices 

• Long and short fibres
• Voids
• Fibre orientation during processing
• Reinforcements
• Strength of reinforcements
• Polymer, metal and ceramic matrices

Mechanical Behaviour of lamina and laminates

     -  Macromechanical behaviour of a lamina

• Hooks law  for various types of materials
• Hooks law  for Unidirectional lamina
• Hooks law  for angled lamina
• Strength of an orthotropic lamina
• Biaxial strength criteria for orthotropic lamina                                                                                            

     - Micromechaniacal behaviour of  lamina

• Volume, mass fraction, density, void content
• Evaluation of elastic moduli and strength
• Coefficients of thermal expansion

     - Macromechanical behaviour of laminate

• Classical lamination theory
• Special cases of laminate stiffness
• Theoretical versus measured laminate stiffness
• Strength  of laminates
• Interlaminar stresses

      - Failure, analysis, design of laminates

• Failure for a laminate
• Design of laminate
• Other mechanical design issues

Interfaces

• Bonding mechanisms
• Experimental measurement of bond strength
• Control of bond strength

Manufacturing and Fabrication of Composites

• Polymer composites
• Metal composites
• Ceramic composites
• Applications of composite materials 

The aim of the module is to enable students to understand fundamental principles of composite engineering materials, to know basic methods to characterise, model, and predict mechanical properties of composite materials.

Commercial and Economic Operations: 

• Organisation of a company: Types of companies, elements of company law, sources of financing.
• Financial environment: Illustrative topics: microeconomics, macroeconomics, inflation, GDP, market structure, monopolies, fiscal policy
• Financial Accounting: Illustrative topics: Source of Finance, Income Statement, Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, Ratio Analysis.
• Management Accounting: Illustrative topics: Elements of cost, marginal and standard costs, break-even analysis, overhead absorption, ABC costing, budgets.
• Economics management in operation: Cost classifications, contribution margin and breakeven analysis,
• Project analysis: time value of money, ROI, payback, NPV, IRR, Risk and uncertainty
• Strategic initiatives: Illustrative topics: Target costing, balanced scorecards, throughput accounting, the international dimension of business operations
• Industrial legislation: Illustrative topics: Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, risk assessment, elements of contract law, sale of goods, employment and IPR, Tort of Negligence (product safety and liability, professional negligence, neighbour principle)

Professional Ethics 

• Professional conduct: the Institutions, chartered status, continuing professional development, discrimination, ethical responsibilities, technology and employment – the changing face of society and the engineer and scientists role 
• Embedding sustainable practices within business processes
• Environmental impact of business processes
• Business operation and social responsibility 

The aim of this module is to equip students with an awareness of the wider commercial and economic context of engineering operations.  Students will gain an understanding of strategic, operational, environmental and ethical issues as they impact and guide the business practice of professional engineers and scientists. Students will apply knowledge and analysis to specific issues and dilemmas affecting individuals and organisations is science and engineering businesses.

This module provides an examination of the processes, methods, techniques and tools that can be used to manage projects. It gives the student systematic methodologies for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, closing and reviewing projects effectively. The module provides an introduction to a variety of project management techniques, including:

• Projects in Contemporary Organisations
• Project Evaluation and Selection
• The Project Manager
• Project Organisation
• Project Planning
• Budgeting and Scheduling
• Resource allocation
• Project control
• Project Evaluation and Auditing

Students will learn how about the role of the project manager, analyse the need for project planning and scheduling, examine budgeting and resource allocation for projects, and learn about methods of project control and evaluation.

The course covers a broad array of project management principles and practices, ranging from network techniques, Gantt chart creation, auditing, and control methodologies.

By the end of this module, you will be equipped with a wide range of knowledge and attributes, including improved decision making and problem solving ability. You will gain practical experience of tasks such as the critical path method, the creation of Gantt charts in Microsoft project, and resource allocation, which will prepare you to deal with complex production situations.

Background to laser design and operation
Principles of lasers
Laser construction concepts
Types of lasers

Fundamentals of laser material processing
Electromagnetic radiation
Reflection or absorption
Refraction
Interference
Diffraction
Laser beam characteristics
Focusing with a single lens
Optical components

Processes and novel laser applications for materials
Laser cutting and drilling
Laser welding
Laser surface treatment
Rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing
Laser ablative processes, macro- and micromachining
Laser cleaning
Biomedical laser processes
Laser automation and in-process control

Modelling
Mathematical theory
Simulation

Laser Safety
General safety concerns
Laser classification
Electrical and fume hazards

Background to laser design and operation/ Fundamentals of laser material processing
An understanding of the theory, principles and techniques used in Laser-materials processing (LMP) are required before more advanced understanding can be achieved. This includes knowledge of the stimulated emission phenomenon, techniques used to generate laser light, laser delivery methods and a detailed understanding of optics, including thin lens theory and the ability to identify the range of optics needed for laser beam transmission and manipulation.

Processes and novel laser applications
Students will understand the importance of wavelength in laser interactions with materials; industrial processes will be classified by wavelength and detailed description of each process including modelling techniques will be covered. These principles will be reinforced by independent projects undertaken by the students.

Students will learn to identify and describe the potential benefits to manufacturing processes offered by the application of lasers as a result of their unique characteristics. This knowledge requires advanced application of the multidisciplinary content of a mechanical engineering degree in areas such as materials science, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and electronics.

Modelling
Students will learn to apply mathematical models to predict future process outcomes on the basis of the present understanding.

Laser Safety
Students will be instructed in the principles of safe use of laser sources; covering the risk classification system, the relevance of wavelength, prevention and mitigation techniques as well as a wide range of associated considerations. 

Introduction to Methods and Quantities Involved in the Study of Stars

• Basic description and facts about the Sun, our solar system, our galaxy
  (Milky Way) and the extragalactic environment at different scales.
• Methods of observation and collection of data in astronomy (astrometry, photometry and spectroscopy)
• The link between observations and the physical and chemical properties of stars (position, distance, proper motion, luminosity, mass, size, temperature, spectral classes and composition)
• Classification of stars and the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (the main classes according to stellar evolution and various types of variable stars)

The Formation and Evolution of Stars

• Description of gravitational contraction, hydrostatic equilibrium, energy transport and the different stages of nucleosynthesis via nuclear fusions occurring during the four phases of stellar evolution
• The interstellar medium and star formation
• The main sequence life of stars
• The post main sequence lifetime of stars (giants and supergiants)
• The “death” of stars and stellar remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes)

The Discovery and Study of Planets beyond our Solar System

• A closer look on our solar system
• The discovery of exoplanets by the transit method
• A statistical view of the population of exoplanets
• Transmission spectroscopy (spectral signatures of exoplanetary atmospheres)
• Observational variations and orbital dynamics

This module aims to provide knowledge and critical understanding of the science associated with astrophysics, concentrating on the study of stellar objects and the discovery of planetary systems.
 
The content is designed to introduce the main principles and methods of work in observational and theoretical astronomy, which should enhance the understanding of more particular subjects of study.

The second part of the module presents the relevant physics and mathematical applications in the study of the evolutionary path of individual stellar objects from formation to the final stages and possible endpoints.

The final part of the module presents the observational techniques in the search for planetary systems beyond our solar system, the available data that we have at present and their interpretation.

During the course of study students will be supported and encouraged to discuss new ideas and synthesise information in order to apply their knowledge in the exploration of particular areas of study, e.g. super-massive stars, supernovae and black holes.

Introduction
Review of quantum mechanics
Review of solid state physics
Mathematical modelling and the scientific method
Unix and high performance computing (hands-on)

Electronic Structure Methods
The many-body problem
Plane waves, pseudopotentials, tight-binding, and k.p method
Complex band structure and surface states within the tight binding model (hands-on)
Density functional theory
The Hartree-Fock approximation
Quantum Monte Carlo: variational Monte Carlo and diffusion Monte Carlo

Electron transport
Scattering theory and Green functions
Landauer-Buttiker formalism

Applications
Band structure and density of states of materials in the bulk using VASP (hands-on)
Work function of surfaces and adsorption energy using VASP (hands-on)
Conductance of a molecular junction using QuantumATK (hands-on)
Jellium and the local density approximation from CASINO (hands-on)
Molecular and chemical properties using CASINO (hands-on)

This module aims to (i) provide a broad understanding of electronic structure modelling in nanoscience and its relevance to device applications and nanotechnology, and (ii) instigate an appreciation of the importance of computational modelling in modern science and technology. The main objectives are as follows:

• Build on the basics of quantum mechanics, solid state physics, mathematical modelling, and high-performance computing to introduce students to the main scientific concepts of electronic structure modelling in a smooth and coherent manner.
• Present a variety of electronic structure methods that are widely used in high-tech industry to predict properties relevant to scientific areas such as nanoelectronics, photovoltaics, low-dimensional systems, catalysis, and surface science.
• Provide hands-on experience with a combination or research-standard computational packages, such as MATLAB, VASP, QuantumATK, and CASINO.
• Encourage students to critically evaluate the validity and accuracy of electronic structure models associated with specific technologies, in relation to experimental observation.