KB3020 - Engineering Systems

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn to use a range of engineering systems and approaches to develop a holistic approach to tackling different engineering challenges and how these can be utilised in different engineering environments. You will build upon and apply a range of basic principles and methodologies involving models of physical systems, matter, energy and waves, and forces and fields. You will learn to implement and interpret a range of experimental methods and practical exercises to validate predictions obtained through analytical and computational tools.

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning sessions will be used to present you with new material and assist you in exploring key 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 authentic engineering problems. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand conventional solutions and how they may be appropriate to the area of investigation. 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. Able to effectively use appropriate computational and analytical techniques to solve well-defined engineering problems.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes to plan and undertake well-defined programmes of work.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO3. Able to analyse well-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions.

MLO4. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to well-defined engineering problems.

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 coursework. Academic staff on the module will use component 1 to assess your understanding of selected module learning outcomes (MLOs 1 and 2) through problem-solving application type activities. Component 2, an individual report based upon a competency-based challenge task, is used to evaluate your ability to satisfy MLOs 1, 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

You will learn to use a range of engineering systems and approaches to develop a holistic approach to tackling different engineering challenges and how these can be utilised in different engineering environments. You will build upon and apply a range of basic principles and methodologies involving models of physical systems, matter, energy and waves, and forces and fields. You will learn to implement and interpret a range of experimental methods and practical exercises to validate predictions obtained through analytical and computational tools. Active learning sessions will be used to present you with new material and assist you in exploring key 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. 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 H3M5

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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