Mechanical Engineering

Course Content (including module information)

This Foundation degree, which takes two years to complete, starts with a comprehensive introduction to the discipline and a grounding in the mathematical skills needed by graduate engineers. Scientific topics on which modern engineering are based are also covered, and there is an emphasis on both engineering practice and its real-world application. Design plays a prominent part in the degree, and students are taught how to interpret technical drawings and how to use professional CAD facilities.

A significant part of the curriculum is delivered through active learning, where students work on assignments and projects, both individually and in teams, and this is supported by the College's excellent workshops and laboratories. In addition, students will undertake a period of relevant industrial work placement which will assist in developing a sound understanding of the practical applications of some of the theoretical content. This forms a significant portion of the assessment and will be completed in the first semester of Year 2.

Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Through the Foundation Degrees we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential. On the Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.

• Practicals: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.

• Tutorials: Most lectures are supported by tutorial classes, in which students work in groups. These provide significant opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers.

• Self-directed study: This is an important part of life as a higher education student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

• Work placements: Students undertake a work-placement during year 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.