The courses within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering are unique from day one with industry aligned content. From the outset, you will learn the skills and knowledge required to build a successful career. Whilst there are compulsory modules throughout the course, you can specialise in specialised areas through your optional module choices during the third year for BEng students and during the third and fourth year for MEng students.
This programme is designed in direct response to industry demands. Details for year two and beyond are indicative at this stage as we collaborate with partners to ensure that the content aligns with the latest developments in the energy sector. Module information for each year of the programme will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more details.
Compulsory modules
Core Mathematics
The aim of this module is to introduce a range of mathematical methods appropriate to the needs of first-year engineering students.
Programming and Software Engineering
The aim of this module is to develop the theory and practice of software programming in an engineering context.
Applied Engineering
This module aims to:
- Introduce students to engineering as a professional multi-disciplinary activity through problems and challenges that integrate the new knowledge and understanding which is being taught in other modules.
- Provide a problem-based learning environment in which students can respond to design briefs and gain ongoing feedback from teaching and technical staff, as well as each other.
- Provide students with basic project delivery and management skills to develop an engineered solution in a team-based environment.
- Provide students with knowledge of routes to Chartered Engineer Status along with opportunities for their professional career development using the Engineering Council's UK-Specification and Personal Best.
Engineering Science
The aim of this module is for students to develop an understanding of the fundamental aspects of engineering science in the areas of statics, kinematics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Energy, Technology and Society
The aims of the module are to expose students to a wide range of topics on energy engineering through lecture or seminar format. Topics will cover introductory level of energy systems, renewable energy, energy storage, and challenges of low carbon energy systems. Environmental, technical, political, socio-economic and sustainability aspects associated energy systems also will be introduced.
Principles of Electrical and Electronic Systems
More information to follow.
Compulsory modules
Project Design and Management
The aims of this module are to:
- Further develop methods and tools required for planning and managing an engineering project.
- Further develop awareness of ethical, environmental and legislative issues regarding engineering projects.
- Further develop skills in electronics, programming and mechanical design and construction.
- Use these in the execution of a research, design and build project in a specialised area of electronic, electrical and mechanical engineering.
Wind and Solar Power
The aims of this module is to provide students with working knowledge of wind power and solar photovoltaic systems.
Energy Storage Technologies
The aims of the module are to introduce and evaluate major energy storage technologies, including thermal, batteries, hydrogen, pumped hydro, and electrochemical technologies. The fundamental aspects of the integration of energy storage technologies into low-carbon renewable energy generation systems also will be introduced. Ultimately, this module aims to learn about methodological approaches to assess energy storage systems and to form own solutions through portfolio writing work.
Advanced Mathematics 1
The aim of this module is to introduce a range of advanced mathematical methods appropriate to the needs of second year engineering students.
Control System Design 1
The aim of the module is to introduce modelling and control of dynamic systems using classical control techniques.
Engineering Science 2
The aim of the module is to develop an understanding of the fundamental elements of engineering science in the areas of statics, dynamics and fluid mechanics.
Advanced Mathematics 2
The aim of this module is to introduce a range of advanced mathematical methods appropriate to the needs of second year engineering students.
Electrical Power and Machines
The aim of the module is:
- To give mechanical engineering students knowledge and understanding of electrical technology.
- To introduce electrical machines (generators and motors) and electrical power systems.
Control System Design 2
More information to follow.
Compulsory modules
Sustainability, Recycling and Environment
This module introduces students to key concepts for the sustainable development and use of materials, including the full life cycle of materials from extraction to end of life.
Students will develop an understanding of issues around working towards net zero both in the UK and globally, water and energy usage, ethically sourcing and manufacturing critical materials, and what happens to materials at their end of life.
Students will critically analyse the impact on the environment resulting from materials throughout their life, and will study life cycle assessment as a tool to quantify impact.
Individual Project
The aims of this module are for the students to practice an aspect of engineering in a simulated professional situation whereby they
- Develop the ability to work individually.
- Apply knowledge gained in several subject areas in previous years.
- Exercise initiative, imagination and creativity.
- Gain experience in project planning, project implementation and communication of outcomes.
- Demonstrate one or more of the following: analysis and interpretation of data, numerical modelling, use of appropriate problem-solving approaches, use of industry-standard design processes.
Engineering Management: Finance, Law and Quality
The aim of the module is to enable students to understand the financial, legal and quality management principles that apply to the operational management of engineering organisations.
Power Systems and Renewable Energy Integration
The aims of this module are to provide the student knowledge and understanding of power system basics associated with renewable energy generation, and particularly the integration of renewable energy generation into existing electrical power systems.
Power Electronics
The aim of the module is to introduce students to the operational concepts and applications of a range of power electronic converters.
Metrology
The aims of this module are to introduce and examine the principles of Metrology (measurement science) and inspection in the specification, design and development of products or systems. It considers advanced methods available for the measurement of dimensional and geometric features, and inspection of surface characteristics, and illustrates the translation of metrological themes into other engineering, science and technological areas.
Optional modules
Systems Engineering Applications Theory
The aim of this module are to explore the concepts of advanced systems methods and systems integration and improve the students' confidence and ability to identify, select and apply an appropriate combination of systems methods, tools and processes to tackle systems problems in a group case study, focusing on a system problem requiring innovation and creativity in the design approach.
Sustainable Engineering
The aim of this module is for the student to consider the potential of engineering solutions on the quest for sustainable development, to design and operate engineering systems to minimise the need for non-renewable energy and materials, to establish a circular use of resources, and to adhere to social and ethical standards.
Energy Systems Analysis
The aims of this module are to strengthen and expand the students' fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics and to apply this to develop a better understanding of energy systems.
Compulsory modules
Project Engineering - Total Product Design
The aim of the module is to provide a realistic and substantial team project experience in engineering design.
Advanced Energy System Technologies
The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to the key advanced energy system technologies, from energy security, energy efficiency and flexibility strategies, energy transition, to future energy systems.
Engineering Design Methods
The aim of this module is for students to gain an understanding of structured methods as applied to product design.
Energy System Economics, Markets, Policy and Risk
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the factors which influence economic viability of renewable energy investments such as their intrinsic and operational performance, whole system and lifecycle cost analysis, and the energy markets and policy and regulatory contexts in which they operate. Sources of uncertainties and risk will be considered and practical financial analysis undertaken for energy system use cases.
Optional modules
Waterpower
The aims of the module is to provide students with an introduction to the laws governing the availability of hydro power in its conventional form as well as in the form of wave and tidal power. The fundamental concepts of water turbines, wave energy devices and tidal power schemes will also be considered.
Bioenergy
The aim of this module is to develop students' critical, informed knowledge of a broad range of biomass energy technologies including combustion and anaerobic digestion.
Data Analysis for Smart Energy Systems
The aim of this module is to:
- Introduce the main principles of diagnostic, predictive and operational analytics with relevance to the energy sector.
- Cover the key theoretical principles under-pinning big data analytics.
- Utilise case studies to explore how stakeholders such as electricity system operators, utilities and aggregators can use data analytics to create clean, affordable, and flexible energy systems.
Building Energy Supply Systems and District Energy Networks
More information to follow.
Control and Commissioning for Low Energy Buildings
More information to follow.
Net Zero Building Design
The module introduces the processes and principles of low energy and net zero carbon building design and modelling and, also, an overview of assessment methods and standards to specify and measure the performance of buildings.
The information above is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.