Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry

Course Content (including module information)

Stage 1

Students are introduced to core mechanical engineering principles and mathematics, and they undertake a team-based project, designed to introduce them to the concept of professional engineering practice. This is supported through modules in engineering design, electrical engineering and a dedicated laboratory programme. BEng students who perform well during Stage 1 may be invited to transfer to the MEng degree in Stage 2.

Stage 2

Stage 2 builds on the knowledge already gained with a series of more advanced engineering science subjects including dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and strength of materials.

Mathematics and computing focus more on their application to engineering than basic theory, while modules in manufacturing technology and engineering design provide hands-on practical experience of manufacturing processes and computer-aided design. Students are also introduced to the legal aspects of engineering practice in the professional studies module, and are given the skills required for future work placements and careers in the employability module.

Stage 3

Optional themes in energy, materials, manufacturing and computer-aided engineering in Stage 3, give students the opportunity to tailor courses and projects to their particular interests.

BEng students take core modules in engineering science and professional studies along with chosen theme modules, and also complete a major individual project, which puts their engineering skills into practice in solving a technological problem.

MEng students expand their engineering knowledge through a range of core modules in engineering science and professional studies along with chosen theme modules. They also undertake a major group design project, working within teams to conceive, design, build and test an engineering product, enhancing mechanical design and engineering skills and developing professional presentational and team-working skills.

Stage 4

MEng students extend their knowledge of engineering applications through further modules in their chosen themes, and in advanced core skills and professional studies. The other major focus is the individual project, where students also apply their engineering skills to an area of cutting-edge technology. These projects are closely associated with industry and with the School's current research interests.

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. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

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, personal tutors, 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.

At Queen’s, 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 a student to achieve their full academic potential. As a student studying for a MEng in Mechanical Engineering, you are provided with a broad range of learning experiences to enable you to develop as an individual, to engage with subject experts from both academia and industry, and to develop an enquiring mind to enhance your development as an independent, lifelong learner. Access to industry standard engineering tools, a world class library facility and courses taught by subject experts provides a breadth of opportunity to develop your interests in mechanical engineering, which is supported by formal lectures, tutorials and practical experience. There are a wide range of learning opportunities, including:

• Lectures: Formal lectures are timetabled to introduce basic information and concepts about key topics and themes in Mechanical Engineering, and to provide a starting point to guide further self-directed private study. This provides an invaluable opportunity to both engage with academic subject experts and also to gain feedback and advice. Throughout your degree course, a number of special invited lectures will also given by practicing professional engineers from industry, to ensure that you have the opportunity to learn and discuss the industrial context of your studies.
• Tutorials: The majority of lectures are supported through matching tutorial sessions, providing opportunities for discussion about problems posed in accompanying lectures. Again, tutorials provide valuable opportunities to engage with academic staff to obtain help and feedback outside of the formal lecture environment.
• Practicals: A key aspect of any engineering degree is the ability to be able to competently transfer engineering scientific principles into practice. You will be provided with numerous opportunities to develop core technical skills through practical laboratories and design exercises during your degree programme, and you will become proficient in the use of a wide range of industrial standard engineering design and analysis tools.
• E-Learning technologies: The Queen’s Online Virtual Learning Environment provides access to a wealth of information and supporting learning information, including additional module resources, reading lists and message boards to communicate with class members.
• Self-directed study: This is an important part of life as a Queen’s 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: As part of our MEng sandwich programme, students may elect to take a work-placement after the successful completion of either Stage 2 or Stage 3. An employability programme provides support on application and CV completion, interviews and what to expect on placement, while our dedicated Placement Officer provides both information on current placement opportunities, and ‘on placement’ support. This significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity is now undertaken by more than 50% of students on the MEng programme.
• Field trips: Within a number of course modules opportunities are provided for students to visit local companies to demonstrate module content in a real-life work environment and to provide understanding of the role of practicing Mechanical Engineers in industry.
• Group design projects: As part of stage 3 of your degree, you will undertake a group design project where you will work as part of a team in the development of a design and prototype for a new engineering product. This will provide you with the opportunity to apply your engineering skills within a team environment and it will allow you hone your team-working, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Individual research projects: As part of stage 4 of your degree, you will undertake a research project in your final year in conjunction with an academic supervisor, looking in detail at a specialist topic in Mechanical Engineering. This will provide you the opportunity to engage with the state-of-the-art in a mechanical engineering field of your own interest, while embedding core skills in project management, reporting and presentation skills.
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor from the academic staff who meets with them regularly during the year to support their academic development.