KB4045 - Applied Engineering Approaches 2

What will I learn on this module?

The inclusion of this application focussed module in your studies will build on Applied Engineering Approaches I by allowing you to expand the areas of investigation and further develop your problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. In this module, you will be presented with authentic engineering problems that have been derived and adapted from industrial problems to give you opportunities to explore ways to advance solutions as a developing professional engineer. It will, within the supportive environment offered by staff and your peers, allow you to develop your approach to resolving engineering problems that may involve research, experimentation, creativity and the acquisition and utilisation of new engineering skills. Well bounded problem definition will allow you to develop confidence in resolving problems with well-defined information and produce answers that might be considered appropriate based upon engineering judgement and perception associated with the problem. The problems encountered may be focussed within a specific subject theme but may still to some degree require the linking together of knowledge in several topics to derive acceptable solutions and valid resolutions from an engineering perspective.

How will I learn on this module?

An enquiry-based approach will be used to allow you to develop your attributes in applied engineering practice and assist you to explore key concepts and topics within the module. This will complement and support your learning in other modules at this level. Activities will involve a combination of theoretical and practical exercises to enable you to apply initiative and creativity to tackle authentic engineering problems. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand conventional solutions and provide opportunity for innovative discovery of alternatives. 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 contact 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 in relation to 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 ‘Office Hours’ policy, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide a 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. Apply knowledge of engineering principles to select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes to solve well defined problems.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO2. Use appropriate practical laboratory and workshop, computational and analytical techniques to model well defined problems.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO3. Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse well defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions that can be communicated effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences.

MLO4. Recognise the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion to function effectively as an individual, and as a member of a team.

MLO5. Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment

The interrelated series of activities provide many opportunities for both tutor and peer formative feedback and there will be specific formal opportunities for formative feedback which are; Completion of an individual self-assessment of general, technical and transferable skills, engagement in peer assessment, subsequent engagement with peer assessment and progress evaluations such as presentations. Completion of, and reflection on, the formative tasks is required to enable a full submission of the summative tasks to be made.

Summative Assessment

The summative assessment tasks will draw upon substantial contributions from the formative tasks.

Component 1,

MLOs 1-4 will be demonstrated by your completing an individual competency and reflection portfolio that considers your understanding and application of engineering principles, practical and communication skills in support of the outcomes of the activities completed within the module.

Component 2.

MLO5 will be demonstrated through an oral presentation.

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

In this module, you will learn to develop your individual problem-solving abilities by addressing a number of short authentic engineering problems that require the development of engineering problem solving skills. Well constrained problems that have limited range of scope and solutions allow you to gain confidence in applying your knowledge to realistic engineering problems. An enquiry-based approach will be used to allow you to develop your attributes in applied engineering practice and assist you to explore key concepts and topics within the module. This will complement and support your learning in other modules at this level. 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. 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

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or September 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

Study at Northumbria

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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