This module builds on the concepts and techniques in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192). It begins by focusing on invention, innovation and the advisory or legislative frameworks that promote good practice and ensure safety. It examines examples of patents, standards and an energy case study, providing a basis for introducing key engineering and mathematics topics. Next, it takes you on a tour of modern manufacturing methods and explores how they relate to materials’ properties, product design, environmental sustainability and profitability. It also introduces and applies more advanced mathematical techniques, including basic calculus, in an engineering context.
What you will study
Part 1: Engineering to rule*
You will explore the ideas of innovation and invention, and the advisory or legislative frameworks used to promote good practice and ensure safety. These include patents, standards, industry guidelines, and other official sources of data, information and guidance. Examples will be chosen for closer examination that introduce key engineering topics. You will study aspects of the mechanical and electrical properties of materials, the behaviour of structures under load, and basic chemistry. * Please note that Part 1 will be called Engineering to innovate from May 2027.
Part 2: Engineering for power*
In this part you’ll explore the important topic of producing energy for human use. You will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and the growing need for low carbon energy. A case study looks more closely at one alternative approach – the production of electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic panels. Fundamental topics covered include the use of chemical equations, the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, and the structure and properties of electronic materials.* Please note that Part 2 will be called Energy and power from May 2027.
Part 3: Manufacturing
Next, you will build on your growing understanding of the properties of materials. You will learn about key manufacturing techniques, and when and how they can be used to make products. The techniques covered include casting, forming, cutting, joining, surface engineering and additive manufacturing.
Part 4: Materials and resources
The final part will present some case studies of the use of materials and resources, putting manufacturing into a wider context of environmental and economic considerations.
Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and is included throughout the module. You will have opportunities to revise and build on the mathematics covered in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192), by applying it to new topics in engineering. New mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphical representation, statistics and calculus will be introduced and applied.
You will be helped to develop your information literacy skills through library searches and technical reading linked to patents and standards. The Open Engineering Studio provides an online space where you can share work with other students and work together on collaborative activities. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.
Throughout the module, interactive quizzes will give you a chance to practise maths questions to prepare for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assignment questions will be based on activities in the module material.
This module provides ideal preparation for the third of our introductory engineering modules, Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194).
Entry
You must have passed or currently be studying one of the following modules:
You need knowledge of basic engineering and design concepts, and be able to solve problems using mathematics.
If you’ve passed T192, or if you’ve not received your result but achieved 40% on your assignments, you’ll be adequately prepared.
If you’ve completed TM111 or TU100, you might benefit from revising some topics in this optional maths resource. before starting T193.
Are you ready for T193?
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
There are four interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). These do not count towards your final mark, but you need to reach a threshold on at least three of them to pass the module.