Year 1 modules

MAC4111: Machining, Assembly and Digital Engineering mini-project

You'll undertake a mini-project that will give you an appreciation of research strategies and methodologies. The overall research topic will typically be industrially motivated, and related in some way to your doctoral project. You'll investigate research solutions to your project, building upon the literature and latest developments in the field. The project will introduce you to managing your doctoral project and your subject area.

30 credits

MAC4112: Data Science and Software Engineering in Manufacturing

This module will equip you with the skills and knowledge to apply state-of-the-art data science and software engineering techniques in a manufacturing context. You'll be introduced to the key statistical concepts that underpin a data-centric approach, such as uncertainty, variability, probability, hypothesis testing, and machine learning. Alongside this, you'll learn about the software engineering tools that are needed to apply these techniques, for example software and data management, version control, code design and configuration, testing, and reproducible software. The module also supports you to write a high quality research data management plan for your broader programme of research.

MAC4113: MADE Challenge and Project Management

This module is in two parts. The MADE Challenge will give you hands-on experience in both milling and turning operations as well as a base level grounding in robot manipulation. You'll be equipped with the necessary skills to have a level of practical familiarity with basic operations before progressing to research in an innovation or industrial setting. 

In the project management part of the module, you will receive an induction of the programme and develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the key concepts, principal applications and impacts of project management on the strategic management and development of manufacturing  organisations in our changing world. You'll also learn the essential approaches, tools and techniques used in managing projects, which will help you with your own PhD or EngD research. You will understand the concept of project lifecycle and how projects play a role as instruments of change, as well as the analytical, critical and reflective thinking skills used in multidisciplinary workplaces.

To ensure the quality and efficiency of your research, you'll understand and apply AMRC QMS principles (QS9000). This involves comprehending quality standards, documentation requirements, and risk management, as well as implementing these principles in daily research activities. You'll be able to enhance the quality, reliability, and reproducibility of your work. 

15 credits

Select modules to the value of thirty credits from the following:

MAC444: Industrial Applications of Finite Element Analysis

The module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of finite element modelling and its application to solve industrial engineering problems. A set of industry-relevant problems will be provided to students along with experimental results for model validation. Students will be allocated one of their preferred projects and will have to devise a modelling strategy to solve their particular problem. Knowledge will be drawn from lectures introducing the theory behind finite element modelling of dynamic problems for modal and transient analyses, non-linear problems including contact, material behaviour and large deformation as well as fracture.

15 credits

MAC462: Fundamentals and Applications of Tribology

Many practicing engineers use tribology regularly without a true understanding of its importance and its role in engineering design. This module introduces fundamental science that explains surface phenomena of wear, friction and lubrication. Students learn through industrial case studies, techniques to assess a range of engineering and machine contacts, from bearings to hip joints and banana skins! Theoretical and practical techniques will cover contact mechanics, friction, wear and lubricant films in hydrodynamic and elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication regimes. Students will learn to evaluate failure mechanisms and compare key design features that can be used to diagnose failure as well as improve design.

15 credits

MAC493: Advanced Dynamics

In this module we will explore how linear/nonlinear structures vibrate and how we can model them in order to understand and optimise their complex behaviour both analytically and numerically. We will uncover the behaviour of theoretical nonlinear models and we will explore and evaluate the fascinating world of advanced dynamics, random vibration, nonlinear systems and chaos through lectures and dedicated reading. We link advanced engineering with concepts from physics and maths that are of core importance in the new era of engineering, considering structures from light aerospace structures to offshore wind turbines and space shuttles. Furthermore, we will discover the world of Hamiltonian mechanics by capturing its fundamental physics. The learning will be supported by dedicated tutorial sessions.

15 credits

MAC494: Additive Manufacturing - Principles and Applications

This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), providing you with an insight into the technologies themselves, when and how they might be applied, and the broader economic, social and industrial context within which these techniques sit. Our aim is to provide you with an understanding of the underlying principles and considerations relevant to this area, so that you are able to apply this knowledge confidently and effectively during your future career.

15 credits

MAC495: Mechanics and Applications of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

In this course students are introduced to advanced conventional manufacturing processes including sheet/bulk metal forming and Machining operations and the relevant mechanics of the processes and materials deformation. Analytical modelling techniques are also introduced and their applications are explained in order to determine the deformation of materials under the applied loads. Fundamentals of deformation and relevant force calculations together with mechanics of machining in metallic materials will be covered as the secondary manufacturing operations. The module provides a greater range and depth of knowledge related to the deformation of materials and process analysis in primary and secondary manufacturing operations using theoretical and experimental learning methods. The students will be equipped with tools to analyse and design manufacturing operations utilising various manufacturing methods within a wider engineering context.

15 credits

MAC4105: Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology

This module enhances students' foundational knowledge by introducing a more specialist Level 7 understanding of major aero propulsion devices. For example, the rocket design will be mastered from the design lessons and innovations of the rockets of historical importance. The more in depth analysis of the alternative air breathing engines such as ramjet, scramjet, and synergistic air-breathing rocket engine will be investigated. Then the advanced gas turbine off-design performance will be analysed. The advanced gas turbine combustion will also be investigated. Finally, the recent explosive development of electric/hybrid propulsion and aircraft will be examined.

15 credits

MAC464: Experiments and Valid Computer Models

You will undertake three experiments and compare results with analytical solutions obtained using appropriate theories and software. The experiments will be performed on different established areas of mechanical engineering such as: thermofluids, solids and dynamics. The experiments are similar to those carried out by practising engineers and therefore provide experience of the challenges in acquiring meaningful results and the issues involved in producing a useful theoretical model. You will be required to produce three full laboratory reports.

15 credits

CMB4147: Sustainable Materials Manufacturing

Materials production technologies are often energy intensive resulting in high CO2 emissions as well as other environmental impacts. Many of these materials are also essential in enabling the green transition. This module will examine methods for carbon reduction across a range of the materials industries including steelmaking, bulk glass production and cement manufacture. The development of new production technologies and/or alternative compositions will be examined. This will be supported by a consideration of life cycle assessment and the potential for industrial symbiosis approaches for minimising the overall environmental impact of materials manufacturing processes. 

The overall aims of the module are to develop your knowledge and understanding of a) the environmental impacts of a range of current and novel materials production processes and b) potential approaches, and their technological limitations, to the decarbonisation of a range of materials production processes, c) the use of life cycle analysis in assessing the environmental impacts of materials processing routes.

15 credits

CMB4138: Design and Manufacture of Composites

This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of both the design and manufacture of polymer composites and is presented in two sections. First, design of composites is taught via tutorials and practicals on classical laminate theory and ESAComp software. An extended series of worked examples provides students with the basic tools they need to design effective composite parts. Second, manufacture of composites is taught via lectures. Students will learn multiple routes for making composite parts alongside practical issues such as defects, machining/joints, failure, testing and NDT, repair and SMART composites.

15 credits

ELE426: Industrial Automation

Industrial automation has become an important feature today, especially in this age of rapid production and high precision. Knowledge and skill in this area has therefore become increasingly necessary. This module aims to give you the opportunity to interact directly with devices such as sensors and actuators through Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and PC; gather, process and monitor data locally or at remote locations; configure the hardware and program the latest version of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) used in industries. You will have the opportunity to learn PID controllers and their applications in industry.

15 credits