Engineering Foundation Studies

Transcription

1 Engineering Foundation Studies Final award BEng(Hons) or BSc(Hons) Intermediate awards available Cert HE, Dip HE, BSc, BEng Mode of delivery on campus UCAS code 4A27 Details of professional body accreditation Joint Board of Moderators, The Institution of Engineering and Technology Relevant QAA Benchmark statements Engineering UEL Academic School Architecture, Computing and Engineering Date specification last up-dated May 2014 The summary - UCAS programme profile- BANNER BOX: Would you like to be an engineer or work in the construction industry but do not have the correct A levels, then this is the course for you. On successful completion of this programme, progression will be possible to level 4 of our Engineering degree programmes. Many of our highest achievers on these degree programmes have begun their careers on the foundation programme. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS All applicants MUST have attained a minimum standard of GCSE grade C in English Language and Mathematics or their equivalents. In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes. Entry requirements will normally be either: 1. A relevant A2 level course of study, i.e. mathematics and science, preferably physics but with insufficient tariff points for entry to level 3. A minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points is required. 2. Successful completion of an 'A' level course of study, but not in the normally accepted subject areas. A minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points is required. 3. Equivalent qualifications to (i) or (ii) above e.g. BTEC/EDEXEL, CITEVEC, Scottish Highers, appropriate Access courses, NVQ(Advanced) etc. but again with insufficient points for entry to year 1, or not achieved in the normally accepted subject areas Students with other qualifications and/or work experience who can demonstrate that they can benefit from and have the potential to succeed on the programme will be considered on an individual basis (send your details to ace.admissions@uel.ac.uk). To progress from level 3 of Engineering Foundation Studies to level 4 of the BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying & Mapping

2 Sciences or Civil Engineering & Surveying, you must pass all the level 3 modules. To progress to level 4 of the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering or the BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering programmes you must pass the level 3modules and achieve an overall average of at least 60%. Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes. In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, the University s English Language requirements as detailed on the website at time of application must be met see In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) is required. At UEL we are committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity - a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations. Discriminatory behaviour has no place in our community and will not be tolerated. Within a spirit of respecting difference, our equality and diversity policies promise fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all. In pursuing this aim, we want people applying for a place at UEL to feel valued and know that the process and experience will be transparent and fair and no one will be refused access on the grounds of any protected characteristic stated in the Equality Act 2010 ABOUT THE PROGRAMME What is Engineering For hundreds of years civil and electrical engineers have contributed to the health, comfort and welfare of society as a whole. Roman viaducts and roads, the Suez and Panama canals, the Eiffel tower, and more recently the Channel Tunnel, the London Eye, Docklands Light Railway, Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station, the Olympic Stadium and the Shard are just a few of the thousands of great civil engineering accomplishments. Electrical and electronic engineers are often in the forefront of developing many of the things we take for granted, mere components of other great achievements, such as: electric lighting; electric motors; generators and turbines; 3-phase machines; telephony; main-frame and personal computers; amplifiers; radio; x-ray techniques & microwave ovens. Whether in design, construction, installation or management, engineers provide innovative and technical abilities that help to ensure a project s success. Civil and electrical engineering are professions that make a real contribution to society. Engineering at UEL The University of East London and the former institutions from which it evolved has over 100 years of experience in teaching Engineering, and has developed programmes that reflect current practices and give students the opportunity to develop an understanding of engineering applications and learning skills. Engineering Foundation Studies provides an opportunity to study the fundamental knowledge and theories required in engineering, particularly by civil and electrical engineers, in order to progress to further studies.

3 Programme structure The programme is one year full time at level 3, with progression to one of our honours degree programmes. Level 3 provides the essential Mathematics and Physics knowledge to enable the candidate to succeed in their chosen Engineering Subject Area. In addition to studying maths and physics a deeper understanding of the role of the Engineer in Society is explored, including visits to completed projects or installations and those under construction. Learning environment The programme benefits from access to: purpose built labs; up-to-date drawing office and IT labs; current circuit and program design packages; and modern surveying equipment. Teaching is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes and laboratory sessions. Lectures are supported by key text books and on-line materials which allow you to concentrate on the lecture and complete some independent studies of your own. Further learning and skill development is encouraged through site visits, guest lectures, team work, and interdisciplinary design projects Assessment Assessment varies from module to module but will include examinations, coursework, project work, design work, laboratory reports, time constrained and tests on competence in practical sessions. Students with disabilities and/or particular learning needs should discuss assessments with the Programme Leader to ensure they are able to fully engage with all assessment within the programme. Work experience/placement opportunities Placements and work experience opportunities do exist once the student has progressed to the honours degree programmes. At that stage placements can vary in duration from during the summer vacation to 12 months. Project work Project work is an important part of Engineering and the assessment of the module which relates to the Engineer and Society will be project work. Added value This programme allows students who have A2 and GCSEs or the equivalent but not at the appropriate level to gain entry to the undergraduate degree programmes here at UEL. It also provides an access route for those students wishing to study Engineering at UEL who have the correct UCAS entry points but not in the correct subjects. The programme is recognised by the Joint Board of Moderators, which represents the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) and the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), and by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for entry to an accredited degree programme

4 IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME? If you are interested in... design electronics microprocessors programming surveying construction environmental engineering structures hydraulics highways and transportation geology and geotechnics If you enjoy... team work designing and building things making things work variety indoor and outdoor work mathematics science physics information technology If you want... To be able to study for a traditional up to date degree with a real practical emphasis geared to meet the needs of employers but do not currently have the appropriate entry qualifications for level 4 entry this is for you. Your future career Opportunities are available in all aspects of construction, consultancy, research and design in electrical, electronic, civil, structural, water engineering, geotechnics, IT or transportation. Many graduates have also successfully moved to careers in business, project management, and finance. How we support you The School prides itself on its student support systems. We encourage you to consult with your tutors, who will monitor your progress and provide assistance and advice with academic and personal problems. The School facilities include dedicated computer laboratories and equipment which you are free to use at any time that they are not required for a class! Technical support is readily available supported by academics.

5 Employer links are maintained through our Industrial Advisory Board and employers are invited to attend the University to talk to students about careers in civil and electrical engineering. The professional bodies also visit the University regularly and provide details on the qualification process and the advantages available to members. Bonus factors Engineering is studied at the Docklands Campus at the heart of the East London catchment area. Transport links are available via bus or tube linking Central London and major airports. Engineering employers visit our School regularly seeking to recruit quality students for work within the industry. The strong industrial links provided through our Industrial Advisory Board encourages the employment and career paths of our engineers. Programme aims and learning outcomes What is this programme designed to achieve? This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: The general aim is to provide a programme of study for aspiring Civil, Structural, Electrical and Electronic engineers to enable them to progress through undergraduate degree programmes here at UEL, and subsequently progress to professional status of Chartered Engineer after further experience and study at Masters level. A specific aim of the programme is to promote an active interest in engineering and to encourage students to respond to changes and developments within their profession. Throughout the programme there are overlapping objectives: To train engineers to a level that will enable them to function effectively in industry To provide a knowledge and understanding of current theories and developments in engineering To enhance their understanding of the design and management processes relevant to engineering To encourage critical awareness and understanding of other professions in the construction and electronics industries To contribute to the development of the Engineer as an important professional in society To allow career progression and educational development giving opportunities to study for a postgraduate Masters degree What will you learn? Knowledge Mathematics Physics The role of the Engineer in society Thinking skills

6 Time management Intellectual appreciation Critical assessment Subject-Based Practical skills Laboratory testing equipment Use of information technology Skills for life and work (general skills) Communications Problem solving Analytical skills The programme structure Introduction All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed. One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study). Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels: 3 equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme 4 equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 5 equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 6 equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme 7 equivalent in standard to a Masters degree Credit rating The overall credit-rating of this programme is 480 credits. Typical duration The expected duration of this programme is four years full-time or eight years part-time.

7 How the teaching year is divided The teaching year begins in September and ends in June. A typical student in full-time attendance will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 90 credits in any academic year. What you will study when This programme is a one year full time programme offering progression to our undergraduate programmes in Engineering. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode at level 3 will take two 45 credit modules and one 30 credit module. All modules are core and no options are offered Module Distance learning Credits Level Module Title Status Code Y/N 3 EG3101 Mathematics N 45 Core 3 EG3102 Physical Science N 45 Core 3 EG3103 Engineering in Society N 30 Core For levels 4,5 and 6 see the relevant named degree programme specification *Please Note A core module for a programme is a module which a student must have passed (i.e. been awarded credit) in order to achieve the relevant named award. An optional module for a programme is a module selected from a range of modules available on the programme. Requirements for gaining an award In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level six or higher In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 60 credits at level six or higher

8 In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher and 120 credits at level five or higher In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level four or higher Degree Classification Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree by passing a valid combination of module to comprise an award and has gained the minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 5 or level 6 on the current enrolment for the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 6, the award classification is determined by calculating; The arithmetic mean of the best 90 credits at level 6 The arithmetic mean of the next x best 90 credits at levels 5 and/or 6 x 0.2 and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification 70% - 100% First Class Honours 60% - 69% Second Class Honours, First Division 50% - 59% Second Class Honours, Second Division 40% - 49% Third Class Honours 0% - 39% Not passed Further information This programme has been specifically designed to link with the undergraduate programmes we offer here at UEL and allow a seamless progression to level 4 and above. Teaching, learning and assessment Teaching and learning Knowledge is developed through Use of IT Guided reading Lectures and Tutorials Knowledge-based activities with feedback Thinking skills are developed through Reflective activities with feedback Critical analysis Critical assessment of information

9 Practical skills are developed through IT activities with feedback Research skills-based activities with feedback Sketching and drawing Laboratory work Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through Time management Planning activities with feedback Project work Assessment Knowledge is assessed by Coursework Essays Examinations Thinking skills are assessed by Coursework Examinations Project work Practical skills are assessed by Practical reports Portfolio completion Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by Project work Group work How we assure the quality of this programme Before this programme started Before this programme started, the following was checked: there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme; adequate resources would be in place; the overall aims and objectives were appropriate; the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements; the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;

10 the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms. This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. How we monitor the quality of this programme The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating: external examiner reports (considering quality and standards); statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate); student feedback. Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee. Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed. The role of the programme committee This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures. The role of external examiners The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities: To ensure the standard of the programme; To ensure that justice is done to individual students. External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including: Approving exam papers/assignments; Attending assessment boards; Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks; Ensuring that regulations are followed; Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.

11 The external examiner reports for this programme are located on the UEL virtual learning environment (Moodle) on the school notice board under the section entitled External Examiner Reports & Responses. You can also view a list of the external examiners for the UEL School by clicking on the link below. Listening to the views of students The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme: Module evaluations Programme evaluations Polls and surveys online Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times per year) Students are notified of the action taken through: circulating the minutes of the programme committee providing details on the programme noticeboard Individual responses to students as required Postings on our online discussion forums Listening to the views of others The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties: Annual student satisfaction questionnaire Questionnaires to former students Industrial Advisory Board Placements Officer Further information The undergraduate programmes this programme of study is linked to are vocational degrees that offer employment of a global nature. In addition some programmes involve activities on construction site and where possible visits to live site will be arranged, and as such students will be required to provide their own personal protect equipment such as safety footwear and reflective jackets when required, Where you can find further information Further information about this programme is available from: The UEL web site ( The programme handbook (web-site TBD) Module study guides (web-site TBD) UEL Manual of General Regulations UEL Quality Manual UEL Guide to Undergraduate Modular Programmes

12 School web pages