General Overview Aims and Objectives
(i) Develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare the student for graduate employment;
(ii) Enable the student to engage in lifelong learning, study and enquiry, and to appreciate the value of education to society;
(iii) Assist the student to develop the skills required for both autonomous practice and team-working;
(iv) Develop a critical understanding of fundamental natural laws and their relevance to general aircraft engineering, design and associated specialisations;
(v) Develop the ability to apply this understanding (iv), in conjunction with observed information, to the solution of aircraft engineering and design problems
(vi) Develop the ability to undertake typical computer aided design, appreciating the variety of design solutions possible
(vii) Develop knowledge and appreciation of the science, engineering and properties of materials used in engineering and design;
(viii) Develop the ability for group project work and individual project work;
(ix) Develop the ability to communicate clearly and concisely by means of all the currently recognised communication media;
(x) Develop the ability to communicate clearly and concisely by means of all the currently recognised communication media
(xi) Create awareness of the continuing development of engineering technology and an appreciation of the need for continued study and personal and professional development throughout a career leading to Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
(xii) Promote an understanding of the position and responsibilities of designers in society
General Overview of Programme
Graduates from this programme are equipped to enter careers in a variety of aircraft engineering sectors or to progress to further study. Graduates from this programme should find employment in local, national and international industry.
It is predicted that graduates from this programme will have the opportunity to progress onto post-graduate study on one of the School’s MSc programmes.
The teaching and learning methods employed by staff in the delivery of the module portfolio covers a wide range of established and some novel approaches. Much of this is left to the professionalism of the staff delivering the material with traditional lectures and tutorials still forming the basis for much of the teaching within engineering. Extensive use is also made of laboratories, seminars, group work, independent learning and demonstrations. More use is now being made of problem-based learning materials in the teaching environment. One of the main objectives in this area is to keep teaching materials as interesting and as relevant possible to ensure student enthusiasm for the subjects being presented. Staff make full use of all technologies when delivering material to students including high quality notes, use of multimedia presentations and use of the internet/electronic technology. Engineering has a policy of using small tutorial groups in key subject areas and either sub-divides cohorts into small groups or increases staff numbers in classes or laboratories. All modules are taught by subject experts with staff making use of materials and topics raised through their professional activities whether research or consultancy based. Many case studies and examples of applications are taken from live industrial situations. The School of Engineering and Computing has always taken a lead in the use of IT to either deliver material or to supplement and reinforce the traditional teaching and learning approaches. At the Paisley Campus Engineering has its own extensive Networks (currently running five servers) to support all of the area’s activity. Students have access to 100+ high specification PC workstations in state of the art air- conditioned laboratories dedicated specifically for Engineering students. Indeed, all modules are now supported electronically, providing notes, copies of lectures, models, sample simulations etc. The standard system for providing a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) within the University is Moodle, which is used by most staff. This system is used mainly for dissemination of materials and information regarding module administration. Students can also contact staff via e-mail and vice-versa. Students are supplied with staff contact details (including e-mail addresses) in the Programme handbooks. There are examples within the engineering teaching where staff make use of this VLE to perform additional Teaching and Learning activities such as on-line tests and assessments. A variety of assessment methods are used throughout programmes. These range from class tests, laboratory reports, design assignments, individual and group presentations and formal examinations. Both group project work and individual project work are incorporated into the curriculum so that students develop the learning skills associated with group and independent working as well as giving presentations on their work. Formative feedback and constructive comments are given to the student on their coursework submissions. Anonymous marking is undertaken, where possible. Mixtures of formative and summative methods are used in the assessment of student performance within engineering. It is recognised that while most of the assessments are summative in nature, the University’s new assessment policy has led to an increase in the use of formative assessment, which delivers regular feedback. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in alignment with the Engineering benchmark statements and the Engineering Council’s UK Spec. The following details how the learning outcomes will be achieved (in terms of teaching, learning & assessment) listed within section 31C: Knowledge and Understanding Acquisition of knowledge is primarily through lectures and understanding is developed through individual study supported and reinforced in tutorial, laboratory and coursework. The assessment methods used are specified in the individual module descriptors and are identified against specific module learning outcomes. Methods used include end of Trimester Examination, class tests and Coursework/Assignment. Practice - Applied Knowledge and Understanding Intellectual skills are introduced in lectures and developed in tutorial/seminar and practical/project work. The assessment methods used are specified in the individual module descriptors and are identified against specific module learning outcomes. Methods used include Coursework/Assignment, portfolio, class test and end of Trimester Examination. Communication, ICT and Numberacy Skills Laboratory demonstrations and practical exercises along with design activity are used to develop skills with the appropriate use of information technology to support this. Case-studies, Lectures and tutorials are also used. Assessments of these outcomes is mainly by coursework and laboratory report. Generic Cognitive Skills - Problem Solving, Analysis, Evaluation Transferable and key skills are incorporated and developed within modules and related to module assessment. The particular transferable skills developed within a module are identified in the module descriptor. Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others Transferable and key skills are incorporated and developed within modules and related to module assessment. The particular transferable skills developed within a module are identified in the module descriptor.
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