PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION COURSE TITLES: BEng(Hons) Electronic Engineering with DPP (6237) AB Electronic Engineering with or without DPP (Exit Award) Certificate in Engineering (Exit Award) PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the student handbook. 1. AWARDING INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster 2. TEACHING INSTITUTION University of Ulster 3. LOCATION Jordanstown 4. ACCREDITED BY IET 5. FINAL AWARD BEng(Hons) with DPP, AB Degree with/without DPP Certificate in Engineering 6. MODE OF ATTENDANCE Full Time 7. SPECIALISMS Electronics, Communications, Computing 8. UCAS CODE H601 9. DATE WRITTEN/REVISED : Effective from 2010 10. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE To educate electronic engineering graduates to become competent professsional engineers and to partially fulfill the educational requirements for becoming chartered at the CEng level. To provide a high-quality education which prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the electronic engineering industry, and for further study and research in electronic engineering. To provide a comprehensive knowledge of the core of the electronic engineering discipline, and closely related subjects and applications such as communications, signal Processing, embedded systems and software engineering. To enable the student to analyse, design, and evaluate a wide range of analogue and digital electronic circuits and systems. To enable the student to analyse, design and program small-computer embedded systems for a variety of applications. To provide the requisite knowledge of the underpinning science and mathematics associated with electronic engineering. 1
To enable graduates to apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of electronic engineering systems, processes and products. To enable graduates to demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions to electronic engineering problems and in formulating designs. To provide the necessary practical engineering skills of a professional electronics engineer. To provide practical applications and experience of electronic engineering, combining theory, laboratory practice, and industrial experience, and the use of other relevant knowledge and skills. To provide an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles. To provide an appreciation of the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations affecting the exercise of engineering judgement. To cultivate an attitude of professionalism and an openness to continuous professional development, self-learning and performance improvement. To develop transferable skills, especially in the areas of problem solving, project planning, communication and IT skills, and working with others. To develop the student s awareness of the economic, social, and environmental context of engineering in terms of materials and energy usage, health and safety, ethical and legal issues, and general cost implications in design and manufacture. 11. MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and the learning outcomes: the University s Vision and core strategy aims, teaching and learning strategy and policies; current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; QAA subject benchmark statements for Engineering; requirements of professional, statutory or regulatory bodies Engineering Council, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)); national and University qualifications and credit frameworks. 2
HONOURS DEGREE AWARD The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: 11K. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 K2 K3 K4 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in electronic engineering, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of historical, current and future developments and technologies. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles necessary to underpin their education in electronic engineering and to enable them to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of electronic, mechanical and software engineering, to support study of electronic engineering. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the commercial and economic context of engineering processes, and management techniques which may be used to achieve engineering objectives within this context. K5 Demonstrate understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professional engineer in society, ie awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health and safety, risk, ethics and sustainable development. Subject related qualities are acquired mainly through lectures, seminars, directed reading, videos, IT based resources, case studies and experiential learning. Exposure to the engineering environment is an important aspect of the teaching and learning methods as are projects. Testing of the knowledge base is principally through examinations, coursework assignments, laboratory reports, project dissertation and oral presentations. 11I. INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 Demonstrate understanding of engineering principles and to apply them to analyse key engineering processes. Identify, classify and describe the performance of electronic systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques. Apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to electronic engineering, in order to solve engineering problems. Demonstrate understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to solving electronic engineering problems. Investigate and define an electronics design problem and identify constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk assessment issues, and ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal. 3
I6 I7 Manage the design of electronic systems and components, taking account of customer and user needs, identify and manage cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes. Use creativity to establish innovative solutions to electronic engineering problems. Intellectual qualities are developed mainly through coursework assignments, experimental work and projects. Assessment focuses on the coursework assignments, experimental write-ups and project reports. Some of these skills are also assessed in the formal examinations. 11P. PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products. Plan and conduct laboratory and workshop tasks using a variety of equipment. Demonstrate understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology development, etc). Source, integrate and use effectively technical literature and other engineering information and data. Demonstrate awareness of the nature of intellectual property and contractual issues, appropriate codes of practice and industry standards, and quality issues. Work with technical uncertainty. The teaching and learning methods place emphasis on engineering workshop practice, visits to local engineering companies and the supervised industrial placement year. Experimental work, team projects and design assignments also contribute. The supervised work experience is assessed with visits, reports and an oral presentation. Coursework assignments, workshop exercises, laboratory reports, project dissertations and student peer assessment also contribute to the assessment methods. 11T. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 T4 Make effective and appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools. Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms. Function effectively as a member of a team. Exercise planning, organisational, problem-solving, and time-management skills and effectively use available resources. Transferable and key skills are delivered throughout the programme, i.e. lectures, coursework assignments, laboratory work, industrial placement year and project dissertations. The IT skills are taught within the programme structure. 4
Assessment is principally through coursework assignments, laboratory reports and project dissertations. Assessment of teamwork is through submission of teamwork tasks, student peer and self-assessment, and oral presentations AB DEGREE EXIT AWARD The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: 11K. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING K1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the the scientific principles underpinning relevant current technologies in electronic engineering, and their evolution. K2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the mathematics necessary to support application of key electronic engineering principles. K3 Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibility of the engineer in society including an awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, eg personnel, health and safety, and risk, ethical and sustainability issues. Subject related qualities are acquired mainly through lectures, seminars, directed reading, videos, IT based resources, case studies and experiential learning. Exposure to the engineering environment is an important aspect of the teaching and learning methods as are projects. Testing of the knowledge base is principally through examinations, coursework assignments, laboratory reports, project dissertation and oral presentations. 11I. INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 Use the results of analysis to solve engineering problems, apply technology and implement engineering processes. Monitor, interpret and apply the results of analysis and modelling in order to bring about continuous improvement. Apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to electronic engineering. Apply a systems approach to engineering problems through know-how of the application of the relevant technologies. Use creativity and innovation in a practical context. Intellectual qualities are developed mainly through coursework assignments, experimental work and projects. 5
Assessment focuses on the coursework assignments, experimental write-ups and project reports. Some of these skills are also assessed in the formal examinations. 11P. PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 P4 Demonstrate understanding of and ability to use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes,or products. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of workshop and laboratory practice. Use and apply information from technical literature. Use appropriate codes of practice and industry standards, and demonstrate awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement. The teaching and learning methods place emphasis on engineering workshop practice, visits to local engineering companies and the supervised industrial placement year. Experimental work, team projects and design assignments also contribute. The supervised work experience is assessed with visits, reports and an oral presentation. Coursework assignments, workshop exercises, laboratory reports, project dissertations and student peer assessment also contribute to the assessment methods. 11T. TRANSFERABLE/KEY SKILLS T1 Make effective and appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools. T2 Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms. T3 Function effectively as a member of a team. T4 Exercise planning, organisational, problem-solving, and time-management skills and effectively use available resources. Transferable and key skills are delivered throughout the programme, i.e. lectures, coursework assignments, laboratory work, industrial placement year and project dissertations. The IT skills are taught within the programme structure. Assessment is principally through coursework assignments, laboratory reports and project dissertations. Assessment of teamwork is through submission of teamwork tasks, student peer and self assessment, and oral presentations. Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering (Exit Award) This course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes. Successful students will be able to: 11K. KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 K2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental scientific principles and methodology in engineering. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of elementary mathematical principles in engineering. 6
K3 Demonstrate an awareness of current technologies related to own specialisation. Lectures will be used present and illustrate basic theory and fundamental principles. Tutorials will be used to elaborate lecture content, provide problem solving opportunities and examine problem solutions in greater detail. Laboratory classes will enable handson experience of the practical application of theoretical concepts. Class work will supplemented by directed private study and may include access to online tutorial and study material. A wide variety of assessment methods will be used including class tests, lab work, coursework assignments and online assessments. Assessment of the knowledge base is principally through written examinations and submitted coursework assignments. 11I. INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 Apply quantitative methods and computer software to solve engineering problems. Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes. Apply mathematical and computer-based models for solving problems in engineering. Intellectual qualities will be developed mainly through application of theory in laboratory practical classes, individual and collaborative coursework assignments, directed private study. Class tests, coursework assignments and written examinations. 11P. PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products. Plan and conduct laboratory and workshop tasks using a variety of equipment Apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints. Skills will be developed through tutorials, laboratory practical classes, coursework, directed private study. Skills will be assessed by class-tests, coursework assignments. 11T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 Make effective and appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills. Communicate effectively, both orally and in written form. 7
Development of transferable skills operates across the programme in lectures and tutorials, laboratory practical classes, directed private study and coursework. Assessment is through class-tests, coursework assignments, coursework. 8
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP for: BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with DPP, Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 I I I I I I I P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 T1 T2 T3 T4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Year 1 Engineering Maths 4 EEE122 Design & CAD 4 MEC106 Materials 4 MEC103 Professional Studies 1 4 MEC101 Statics & Strength of 4 MEC110 Materials 1 Dynamics of Mechanical 4 MEC122 Systems 1 Manufacturing 4 MEC104 Processes Electrical Science & 4 EEE107 Circuits Year 2 Microcontroller Systems 5 EEE305 Engineering Analysis 5 EEE347 Analogue Electronics 5 EEE319 Digital Electronics 5 EEE324 Engineering Computing 5 EEE318 Professional Studies 2 5 MEC323 Signals & 5 EEE310 Communications Electronic Engineering 5 EEE307 Year 3 Industrial Placement 5 MEC319 9
Year 4 Industrial Management 6 EEE529 Embedded Systems 6 EEE527 Honours Project 6 EEE516 ASICs & Digital Design 6 EEE515 Object Oriented 6 EEE507 Programming Nanotechnology 6 EEE505 Signal Processing 6 BME501 Analogue Circuit Design 6 EEE508 10
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP for: AB Electronic Engineering with or without DPP (Exit Award) Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 I1 I 2 I3 I 4 I 5 P1 P2 P3 P4 T1 T2 T3 T4 Year 1 Engineering Maths 4 MAT125 Design & CAD 4 MEC106 Materials 4 MEC103 Professional Studies 1 4 MEC101 Statics & Strength of Materials 1 4 MEC122 Dynamics of Mechanical Systems 1 4 MEC122 Manufacturing Processes 4 MEC104 Electrical Science & Circuits 4 EEE107 Year 2 Microcontroller Systems 5 EEE305 Engineering Analysis 5 EEE347 Analogue Electronics 5 EEE319 Digital Electronics 5 EEE324 Engineering Computing 5 EEE318 Professional Studies 2 5 MEC323 Signals & Communications 5 EEE310 Electronic Engineering 5 EEE307 AB Degree with DPP Year 3 Industrial Placement 5 MEC319 11
PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP for: Certificate of Higher Education in Engineering (Exit Award) Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. There may be other outcomes detailed in the module descriptions (eg attitudes and behaviours) which are not assessed. MODULES OUTCOMES TITLE LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 I1 I2 I3 P1 P2 P3 T1 T2 Year 1 4 Design & CAD 4 MEC106 * * * * * Materials 4 MEC103 * * * Engineering Maths 4 MAT125 * * Professional Studies 1 4 MEC101 * * * * * Manufacturing Processes 4 MEC104 * * * * * Statics & Strength of 4 Materials 1 MEC110 * * * * * Dynamics of Mechanical 4 Systems 1 MEC122 * * * * Electrical Science & Circuits 4 EEE107 * * * * * * 12
12. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS The programme offers a study programme leading to the award of a BEng Honours Degree. The programmes is full time and conforms to the University s modular requirements. An accumulation of 120 credit points is necessary to complete each year of the programme, with the exception of the industrial placement year. Modules in Years 1 and 2 share much commonality irrespective of the specialism that will be finally studied. This honours degree is of 4 years duration with a one year industrial placement representing the third year. Progression, transfer and award criteria are outlined in section 16. Details of the modules, and their corresponding credit level, for the programme are listed below. *C = Compulsory O = Optional Year 1 - All modules at Level 4 Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status MAT125 Engineering Maths 20 C MEC106 Design & CAD 20 C MEC103 Materials 10 C MEC101 Professional Studies 1 20 C MEC104 Manufacturing Processes 10 C EEE107 Electrical Science & Circuits 20 C MEC110 Statics & Strength of Materials 1 10 C MEC122 Dynamics of Mechanical Systems1 10 C Year 2 - All modules at Level 5 Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status Award AB (Exit Award) EEE305 Microcontroller Systems 20 C EEE347 Engineering Analysis 20 C EEE319 Analogue Electronics 10 C EEE324 Digital Electronics 10 C EEE318 Engineering Computing 10 C MEC323 Professional Studies 2 10 C EEE310 Signals & Communication 20 C EEE307 Electronic Engineering 20 C Year 3 - Industrial Placement Year (Level 5) Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status Award MEC319 Industrial Placement 60 C DPP on award of degree 13
Year 4 - All modules at Level 6 - Students take 6 modules to a total value of 120. Module No. Module Credit Points *Module Status Award BEng (Hons) EEE529 Industrial Management 10 C BME501 Signal Processing 20 C EEE527 Embedded Systems 20 C EEE516 Honours Project 30 C Plus TWO from EEE505 Nanotechnology. 20 O EEE507 Object Oriented Prog. 20 O EEE508 Analogue Circuit Design 20 O EEE515 ASICs & Digital Design 20 O 13. SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways. An Induction Meeting is held to give students resources that are noted below, and give an overview of the vital information they need for the first weeks of study. For first year students, further information is delivered throughout the year as necessary within the module delivery, and particularly within the Professional Studies module. Other students are encouraged to review other materials made available online or to contact their studies advisor for more information. Within the context of professional studies, delivered at several levels students are advised of the importance of eventual CPD, and PDP as a preparation for that, and as an aid for their learning. A Programme Handbook provides all the necessary information about the programme. It welcomes students to the School of Engineering and to the programme. It provides information on modules to be studied, programme calendar, course director, teaching staff, health and safety issues, student support services and a guide to life as a student. It also contains the programme specification and the current programme regulations. Module Handbooks describe the content of each module delivered in a particular year. These provide students with the module content, teaching and assessment schedules and a list of the recommended texts. A Study Advisor is allocated to each student. The advisor is a member of staff who provides assistance to the student in their personal and career development. A centralised Counselling Service is available to students who are experiencing problems with aspects of their lives other than the strictly academic. However, if these problems are affecting their studies or academic progress the course director, study advisor and appropriate members of the programme team co-operate to provide recommended help and advice to the 14
student concerned. A centralised Careers Service is available to help students determine their future career and support their applications for employment. Direct advice is provided through a series of lectures during the first semester of the students final year. This provides advice and direction to students and enables them to make meaningful use of the careers service during the remainder of the year. A student/staff consultative committee is established for each year of the programme, which provides a means of addressing general programme concerns. Students also have direct access to the Course Director/ Studies Advisor. Other support is provided in the areas of accommodation, special needs, heath, childcare, library and computer usage. 14. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry. 15. EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, and the curriculum and outcome standards include: The Course Committee. This committee oversees all changes to the Programme and has overall responsibility for its design and effective delivery. The Staff-Student Consultative Committee. Class representatives are appointed for each year of the programme. They are expected to bring forward any issues raised by the student group they represent. Module Questionnaires. The students complete a questionnaire for each of the modules being studied. The results of the survey help to identify strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of the modules. The University collates the results for each School and individual staff members discuss the results with their Head of School. Module Evaluation. Each member of the teaching staff takes responsibility for evaluating the content and delivery of each module they present. The evaluation is informed by student feedback, and the Programme Committee reviews the evaluations. Peer Supported Review. Each year, each member of teaching staff is expected to undertake some initiative to improve some aspect of their teaching and learning performance, supported by another colleague from within the university. 15
Staff Teaching Performance. This is monitored annually through online student questionnaires. The results of the survey help staff identify their own strengths/weaknesses and to take appropriate action where necessary. Staff Appraisal. This exercise is carried out on a 2-year cycle with attention given to the development needs of the individual staff member. Staff Development. The University has an active Staff Development Unit, which works closely with Educational Development and, in addition provides specific training/development for staff. Specifically, all new staff (opportunity is also provided for existing staff) have to pursue a formal teaching qualification (Postgraduate Certificate) and are encouraged to apply for membership of the Higher Education Academy. Annual Subject Monitoring. Each year, all programmes within the Faculty are reviewed to ensure their effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. Industrial Advisory Board. The school maintains an industrial advisory board which it consults on changes to its provision to ensure excellent industrial relevance. Professional Accreditation. The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) and is subject to re-accreditation every 5 years. 16. REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment Rules Pass mark for individual assessments = 40% Transfer from BEng (Hons) to MEng Candidates who obtain an overall weighted average of at least 60% at the end of their second year of study may optionally transfer to the linked MEng programme. Exit Award (Certificate in Engineering) Assessment The award of a certificate is based on the assessment of student performance in the year one subjects of the parent programme. Exit Award (AB Degree in Engineering) Assessment The award of degree is based on the assessment of student performance in the year two subjects of the parent programme. The mean of the second year module marks will be used to classify the degree. Performance levels for AB Degree Classification The following percentages shall be used for determining candidates overall grading and degree classifications. 16
At least 60% At least 40% and less than 60% Less than 40% Pass with Commendation Pass Fail Final Year Assessment The award of degree is based on the assessment of student performance in the final year of the degree. An aggregate mark of the final year marks will be used to classify the degree. Performance levels for Honours Degree Classification The following percentages shall be used for determining candidates overall grading and degree classifications. At least 70% At least 60% and less than 70% At least 50% and less than 60% At least 40% and less than 50% Less than 40% First Class Upper second class Lower second class Third Class Fail External Examiners One External Examiner is appointed for the MEng programme with a term of office normally of 4 years. They are appointed by the University Council on the recommendation of Senate, after consideration of nominations from the Faculty Teaching and Learning Committee. The full duties of an external examiner are set out in the University s Code of Practice for External Examiners. They include: Approval and moderation of examination papers and other forms of assessment. Consideration and revision of the standard of marking. Ensuring that academic standards are maintained and that individual students are treated fairly. Comparability of these standards with those of similar programmes. Submitting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor a report on standards of the Programme. 17. INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO LEARNING AND TEACHING (a) (b) Teaching staff within the faculty are encouraged to become accredited members of the Higher Education Academy. To date 9 members have fulfilled the requirements through completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice or its predecessor awards. A further 4 staff members are in process of gaining fellowship by completing the PGCHEP award or by direct application. Several staff within the school have wide past and current experience of external examining other similar provision at other institutions. 17
(c) (d) (e) (f) (g) As well as teaching, most staff are actively engaged in research that informs their teaching. In addition, most have substantial industrial experience prior to joining the University. A significant number are full members, or fellows, of appropriate professional bodies (e.g. CEng, MIMechE, MIEE, MIED, CMath etc.). Staff from the school engage in high quality research in areas such as Materials, Nanotechnology, Composites and Metal forming, with the growing strength in materials research now achieving 11th in UK in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008). The school is also, in its collaborative provision with other schools well matched by excellent research in the areas of Sports Science and Design. Aspects of teaching and learning within the school have been demonstrated and published internationally; in particular our pioneering developments in the areas of managing placement are now used by several other universities across the globe. Several members of the team have been awarded Distinguished Fellowships in Teaching and Learning Support. All honours degree students obtain a suitable one year industrial placement for their DPP year either locally or internationally. It is envisaged that, similar to other engineering/technology graduates, employment prospects will be substantially better for graduates from the course when compared to students coming from other subject disciplines. 18