What will I learn on this module?
You will learn to use a range of mathematical tools and techniques that you can apply to a wide variety of engineering activities. These skills and practices also underpin the use of more advanced engineering design and analysis tools, so gaining a good understanding of the basic principles now will help as your progress through this programme and enter the world of engineering. You will become familiar in working with formulae so that you can apply these skills within the engineering disciplines. You will learn techniques in algebra and trigonometry, such as those used by engineers to determine the shape, size, slope, mass etc. of objects and spaces as well as when and how objects will move or interact. These techniques are important to determine the unknown components in systems and are also applied to the solution of design and analysis problems. You will learn and apply the techniques of calculus, for example, those that enable you to determine how properties are changing in relation to time, as a result of changes in forces, or to calculate the quantity of work being done during a process. You will develop foundations in the skills required to apply these techniques using software tools as you progress towards more independent and complex engineering activities and prepare for entering an engineering workplace on graduation.
How will I learn on this module?
Active learning sessions will be used to present you with new material and assist you in exploring fundamental concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to well-defined, authentic engineering problems. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand conventional solutions and provide an opportunity for innovative discovery of alternatives. Learning activities will enable students to work collaboratively through the development of teamwork and communication skills, and the encouragement of creative thinking to solve engineering problems.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards, and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Apply knowledge and understanding of engineering mathematics, scientific principles and methodology related to solving well-defined engineering problems.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Use appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model well-defined problems.
MLO3. Apply a systematic approach to the solution of well-defined problems using engineering mathematics.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse well-defined problems from a mathematical perspective reaching substantiated conclusions.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.
Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by two pieces of assessment;
Component 1 to assess your understanding of engineering mathematics and computational and analytical techniques to systematically model well-defined engineering problems, module learning outcomes (MLOs 1-3) through completing an industry compatible written submission.
Component 2, a timed electronic exam (competency-based challenge task), is used to assess your ability to apply creativity in computational and analytical techniques to systematically model and substantiate outcomes for well-defined engineering problems meeting module learning outcomes MLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP or student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In this module, you will be introduced to a range of mathematical tools and techniques that will enable you to identify and implement conventional and creative solutions within engineering practice. The module is structured to provide learning delivered through teaching and class activities in the use of analytical and computational methodologies. The techniques and skills developed will equip you with the ability to undertake engineering challenges and formulate approaches through all years of your programme. The context of the problems to be solved will include well-defined practical and real-life problems from a wide range of engineering applications to demonstrate the relevance of the various mathematical tools practised over the whole year. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.
Course info
UCAS Code H3P5
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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