What will I learn on this module?
You will build upon your knowledge and understanding of a range of mathematical tools and techniques that you can apply to a wide variety of engineering activities. You will learn to apply and manipulate formulae so that you can apply these skills within the engineering disciplines. You will enhance your appreciation of techniques in algebra and trigonometry, such as those used by engineers to determine the shape, size, slope, mass, etc., of objects and spaces as well as when and how objects will move or interact. You will apply these techniques to determine the unknown components in systems such as mechanical, fluid and thermal transfer and flow systems, which are also applied to the solution of design problems such as those involving force, motion and electrical power. You will further develop foundations in the skills required to apply these techniques using software tools as you progress towards complex engineering activities and prepare for entering an engineering degree programme.
How will I learn on this module?
Active learning sessions will be used to present you with new material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic engineering problems. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand conventional solutions and how they may be appropriate to the area of investigation. Learning activities will enable students to work collaboratively through the development of teamwork and communication skills, and the encouragement of creative thinking to solve engineering problems.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Able to apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to well-defined analytical problems.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Apply a systematic analytical approach to the solution of well-defined engineering problems.
MLO3. Communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO4. Able to analyse well-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.
Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by two pieces of coursework. Academic staff on the module will use component 1 to assess your understanding of selected module learning outcomes (MLOs 1 and 2) through problem-solving application type activities. Component 2, a timed electronic exam (competency-based challenge task), is used to evaluate your ability to satisfy MLO 3 and 4.
Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP or student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
You will learn to use a range of mathematical tools and techniques that you can apply to a wide variety of engineering activities. These skills and practices also underpin more advanced engineering design and analysis tools, so gaining a good understanding of the basic principles now will help as your progress through this programme and enter the world of engineering. In the module, you will be encouraged to investigate and gain confidence in research and critical thinking through the application of appropriate knowledge and methodologies to tackle well-defined problems. Active learning sessions will be used to introduce you to and explore key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic engineering problems. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.
Course info
UCAS Code H3M5
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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