Provides you with a strong foundation in the mathematical, mechanical and electronic principles that underpin professional engineering. You will apply analytical techniques to engineering problems and reinforce your understanding through laboratory experiments, practical measurements and technical reporting.

The mathematics element introduces algebra, functions, logarithms, trigonometry, differentiation and integration, with an emphasis on engineering applications. In electronics, you will study fundamental electrical quantities, circuit analysis, Boolean algebra, Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws, and components such as diodes and transistors. The solid mechanics element covers forces and moments, equilibrium, stress and strain, centroids, beam bending and shaft torsion. Together, these topics develop the analytical and practical skills required for more advanced engineering study.

Builds on the foundation established in General Engineering Tools and Principles 1, extending your understanding of engineering mathematics, electronics and dynamics through practical applications and laboratory investigation.

You will study matrices, vectors, complex numbers, multivariable functions and differential equations, alongside probability and statistics for analysing engineering data, uncertainty and risk. The electronics element develops your understanding of logic systems, alternating-current signals, phasors, inductance, capacitance, RLC circuits, operational amplifiers and equivalent-circuit techniques. In dynamics, you will examine linear and rotational motion, Newton’s laws, friction, torque, circular motion, work, energy and momentum. The module develops your ability to describe, analyse and solve increasingly complex engineering systems using mathematical and experimental methods.

Covers the fundamental elements of the design and manufacturing of electronic devices. Further insight towards the underpinning principles, design processes and performance aspects of materials from which electronic devices are manufactured is explained with hands-on activities to fabricate simple electronic devices. Additionally, students gain an understanding of aspects of digital electronics and circuit design, including the use of simulation techniques to understand anticipated output and performance. This module introduces principal generic and distinctive features of computing, programming and interfacing microcontrollers for practical applications to provide a foundation for embedded systems.

Studies the processes of the analysis and design of electronic circuits and systems. Students will learn about circuit design and the necessary practical skills required for designing future electronic circuits and systems, driven by scientific curiosity and by industrial and societal needs. Students will work through the various stages of a product design process while considering the broader economic, social, and environmental implications of their decisions. The module introduces research from printed and on-line sources, including interpretation and referencing of this research and datasheets. Professional ethics and ethical design principles are presented and it is expected that students will factor these requirements into their product design.

Develops an understanding of the theory, numerical modelling, and experimental practices relevant to electromagnetics and communications systems. The module also contains the well-recognized elements of advanced engineering mathematics which universally underpin the formation of the professional engineer. The principal aim of the module is to enhance and develop students’ understanding and ability to analyse and use the language of mathematics in the description of engineering. Content includes: Functions of several variables; Vector calculus; Integral transforms; Fourier series and Partial differential equations. Students will engage in practical investigation and design to develop the measurement and experimental skills associated with electromagnetic and communication systems via coursework and laboratory exercises.

Develops your understanding of dynamic systems, engineering instrumentation and automatic control through mathematical modelling, computer simulation and practical laboratory work.

You will investigate the behaviour of dynamic systems, including free and forced oscillations, characteristic equations, natural frequencies and vibration modes. Engineering examples such as mechanical vibration systems, electric motors, quadrotors and batteries will demonstrate how mathematical models and differential equations are used to predict system behaviour. The instrumentation element examines how sensors, signal-conditioning systems and data-acquisition devices connect physical processes to control computers. You will then study the analysis and design of continuous and digital feedback-control systems, including single-input, single-output systems. MATLAB and Simulink design studies, supported by laboratory experiments, will enable you to apply control theory to practical engineering systems.

Through an industrial-style design and prototyping project, the Embedded Application Design and Interfacing module provides core skills in the application, design and development of a complete embedded system. This includes both the firmware and the component-level design of the necessary analog and digital interfacing subsystems allowing the embedded system to interface with common signals and networks. This will require the design of analog and digital interfacing, microprocessor system design, firmware development and communication with IoT-style networks. Relevant theory will be delivered alongside the practical project-led sessions to ensure that at all times the theory remains relevant to practice. Students will produce a prototype on a printed circuit board which will include some surface-mount components – and will thus develop skills in SMD assembly. On the firmware side, low-level programming techniques will be covered to develop the students’ skills in interacting directly with hardware: a common requirement of an electronics engineer.

Presents some of the background, theory and practice of project management to enable students to embed professional project management expertise in their professional and academic development, and to understand the interplay among science, engineering, design and project management. The module concentrates on the wider role and expectations of the project manager and students can expect to contribute to discussions ranging from the time value of money to anticipating how future sustainability pressures can influence a project now. Throughout the process, students will also learn the standard of good engineering design solutions and practical skills to develop and demonstrate the discipline specific designs.  

Builds on the knowledge from previous modules concerned with electronic principles and digital electronics. The module reviews the design philosophy in the light of using modern Electronic Computer Aided Design (ECAD) tools for design, simulation and implementation. Programmable Logic Devices (PLD) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are discussed. Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), microcontroller and DSP architectures / design routes are also presented. Algorithmic State Machines (ASMs) analysis, design and implementation techniques are also covered. The module presents major aspects of the modern top-down approach to VLSI circuit design, aiming to shorten the design cycle and to manage the increased hardware complexity. To this end, VHDL (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language), an industry-standard hardware description language largely used for PLD design, is introduced and discussed in detail using practical design examples. 

Develops awareness and advanced knowledge of both the theory and practice of the transmission and distribution of electrical power. The basic theory and rationale behind 3-phase power systems is given with an introduction to the power system network, which is then extended to modelling and analysis of power systems. Detailed mathematical models for three-phase transformers, transmission lines, loads and synchronous machines will be developed. The module covers necessary tools of power system analysis such as per unit representation, node equations, power flow analysis, and solution techniques such as Gauss-Seidel and Newton-Raphson for analysing the flows in simple networks. Aspects related to distribution system planning and design are covered, along with topics related to load modelling, application of capacitors, voltage regulation and harmonic analysis in these systems. The module also covers advanced topics such as short-circuit analysis (symmetrical components, sequence networks and fault current calculation) and topics related to power system stability such as transient stability (swing curve & equal area criterion) and voltage stability (PV & QV curves).

JIT students: Communication Networks covers the discipline of computer networks from components to fundamental functions and applications. The syllabus will be taught using the Internet as a model when appropriate to illustrate applications and techniques.

Enables you to undertake a substantial piece of independent engineering research or product development in an area relevant to mechatronics, robotics or a related engineering discipline.

Your project may arise from an industrial problem, placement experience, university research or an area of personal interest, subject to academic approval and suitable supervision. You will define an engineering or research problem, review relevant technical literature, plan and manage the work, and develop and evaluate appropriate solutions. Depending on your chosen topic, this may involve hardware design, software development, modelling, simulation, experimentation or data analysis.

Regular meetings with an academic supervisor will support your technical and professional development. You will document your progress through a project log and communicate the completed work through an interim submission, final report and oral defence, including a presentation and demonstration where appropriate.

Focuses on the rapidly-changing technology of mobile communication, particularly on how the technology is evolving to satisfy new needs and the shortcomings of prior art. This is a technical course that unpicks these technological developments by analysing past, current and future mobile technologies, including channel allocation, digital modulation, and channel coding. This module has a strong student-led focus. Coursework is undertaken as a research report, where students have to research, define and carry out their own experimental investigations.

This forms part of a pair of modules with Mobile Communication 2 with Individual Project in Block 4 being the second.

Introduces and gives you an understanding of the fundamentals of the field of Power Electronics starting with basic linear and switching power conversion. The module reflects the very wide knowledge base associated with the field of power electronics drawing on knowledge of power semiconductors, control, signal processing, DSP and embedded systems.

The 'Individual Project' component will allow you to engage in a substantial piece of individual research and or product development work focused on a topic relevant to your specific discipline. The topic may be drawn from a variety of sources including your placement experience, research groups, the company in which you are employed or a subject of personal interest (provide suitable supervision is available). The chosen topic will require you to formulate problems, conduct literature reviews, determine solutions, evaluate information, develop hardware & software as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your findings using a variety of media. Where appropriate to their discipline, you will be required to present new design work to include the development of hardware & software as appropriate.

This forms part of a pair of modules with Advanced Power Electronics and Applications with Individual Project in Block 4 being the second.

Focuses on various aspects of semiconductor materials and devices for their applications in renewable energy electronics devices. Semiconductor devices are used for switching action in various appliances; power electronics-based power converters are widely used in renewable energy systems. Wide bandgap semiconductor materials are becoming important in terms of power electronics, and this will be introduced in detail. Semiconductor materials are an integral part of solar PV cells; solar PV electricity production is expected to increase in years to come. Therefore, learning the basic aspects of semiconductor materials and devices from the perspective of their application in energy-related devices is a philosophy of this module. This module provides a background on the science and technology of materials deposition/processing and how semiconductor materials and devices are used to enable clean energy. The module covers the fundamentals of semiconductor materials and devices required for their applications in renewable energy, conventional fabrication processes used in making such devices, and their testing and analysis.

The 'Individual Project' component will allow you to engage in a substantial piece of individual research and or product development work focused on a topic relevant to your specific discipline. The topic may be drawn from a variety of sources including your placement experience, research groups, the company in which you are employed or a subject of personal interest (provide suitable supervision is available). The chosen topic will require you to formulate problems, conduct literature reviews, determine solutions, evaluate information, develop hardware & software as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your findings using a variety of media. Where appropriate to your discipline, you will be required to present new design work to include the development of hardware & software as appropriate.

This forms part of a pair of modules with Renewable Energy Electronic Devices 2 with Individual Project in Block 4 being the second.

Aims to create understanding and awareness of model-based system integration, and its approaches and tools. You will gain insight into, and understanding of, the Model Based System Integration (MBSI) methodology. This includes application of the Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) and Model Based Design (MBD) methods and tools to the unique goals of the system integrator. Furthermore, the module will demonstrate the essential features of system integration and its application in realising innovative modern engineering design via a design study. The role of system integration and its relevance to modern engineering will feature in terms of product design, machine design, and process design. 

Mobile communication, which has become a part of everyday life, is a rapidly changing technology. This module focusses on these changes, particularly on how the technology is evolving to satisfy new needs and the shortcomings of prior art. This is a technical course in that it unpicks these technological developments by analysing past, current and future mobile technologies, including channel allocation, digital modulation, and channel coding.

This module has a strong student-led focus. Coursework is undertaken as a research report, where you will research, define and carry out their your experimental investigations. Lectures are used to present and explain technical information. Tutorials are used to develop understanding and to investigate wider implications of theory and practice. Coursework is undertaken in the form of research investigations, with you receiving briefs for which you will be responsible (under the guidance of the tutor acting as consultant) for the design of experiments, the practical work and presentation.

Builds on the fundamental power conversion covered in Fundamentals of Power Electronics. This module covers the use of power electronics to control motor drives, electric automotive power systems and power generation systems. Modern motor drives and renewable energy power conversion are also covered, together with the applications of each. Content includes: Motors, motor control circuits and motor control; Embedded power generation applications (e.g. photovoltaic power systems); Switching power supply circuits and control; Electric vehicle applications (e.g. AC motor controller, DC-DC. converters and battery chargers) and Semiconductor device selection and thermal management modelling.

Provides an advanced knowledge of emerging semiconductor materials and devices (e.g. bandgap engineering for tandem solar cells and wide-bandgap materials for power electronics devices) that are used to enable clean energy. The module includes the fundamentals of emerging semiconductor materials and devices (including nanomaterials) requirements for their applications in renewable energy, energy conversion and storage, emerging fabrication processes (including printing) used in making such devices, and exposure to advanced testing facilities and analysis.

Develops your understanding of the business, environmental and research contexts of professional engineering.

You will examine how engineering organisations respond to environmental policy, legislation, global competition and societal change. Topics include corporate sustainability, supply-chain management, logistics, lifecycle analysis, green accounting, carbon trading and the development of low-carbon products and services. You will consider how organisations identify environmental impacts, adapt their strategies and balance commercial objectives with wider social responsibilities.

The research-methods element prepares you to plan and undertake an advanced engineering project. You will develop skills in critical reading, literature reviewing, research design, methodology selection, data interpretation, research ethics, intellectual property, academic writing and project planning.

Provides in-depth knowledge on properties of semiconducting materials and how these are modified to produce functional devices. This will be followed by device physics of PN junction, MOS and Bipolar. Issues related to scaling of MOS will be discussed to bring the course up-to-date with current technologies. Current and emerging power electronics materials and devices will also be covered. Students will develop design and analysis skills within the field of Power Electronics, from basic switching power supply principles through modern vector-controlled motor drives to advanced power conversion systems. Renewable energy power conversion is also covered. The module reflects the very wide knowledge base associated with the field of power electronics drawing on knowledge of power semiconductors and embedded systems. 

Develops your advanced understanding of digital signal and image processing, microcontrollers and real-time embedded systems.

The digital signal-processing element examines analytical and computational methods for processing signals and images in the time and frequency domains. You will design, implement and test software algorithms for digital signal and image processing, critically evaluate simulation results and investigate practical engineering applications.

The embedded-systems element covers C programming for microcontrollers, interrupts, shared-data problems, subroutines, coroutines, semaphores and real-time operating systems. You will also be introduced to assembly-language programming and compare it with C-based microcontroller development. Practical activities will develop your ability to analyse embedded-system problems and integrate hardware and software into effective engineering solutions.