Lancaster University

Educational Aims

This three-year undergraduate programme aims to equip graduates with a sound foundation in the essentials of engineering science, together with a deeper capability in their mechatronic engineering specialism, so that they are well prepared to become competent professional engineers able to cope with change.

In pursuit of this aim, the objectives of the programme are

• To ensure as far as possible that students acquire a basic core of understanding in the key mechatronic engineering subjects, as well as familiarity and confidence with some other mechanical and electronic engineering topics;
• Through an emphasis on teaching through design, to develop students capabilities in assessing engineering options across a broad range of subjects, their capacity to make decisions, and their creativity and flair;
• To encourage and value the development of students key skills in communications, IT (including CAD, analysis and simulation tools), lifelong learning, team-working and project management;
• By providing a multi-disciplinary environment, to foster students capacity to deal with situations that cross subject boundaries.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• Basic mathematics and science that are appropriate to engineering
• Principles of ICT relevant to mechatronic engineering
• General principles of design, design techniques and characteristics of engineering materials and components
• Elementary management and business practices; professional and ethical responsibilities
• Manufacturing techniques; requirements for safe operation

Intellectual skills able to:

• Select and apply appropriate mathematical methods and principles of engineering science to model and analyse engineering situations.
• Select and apply appropriate computer-based methods to model and analyse engineering situations.
• Analyse existing engineering systems and create new systems through synthesis of ideas from a range of sources.
• Undertake project management tasks and carry out financial appraisal of engineering projects
• Apply engineering knowledge and understanding to design a system, component or process to meet a need.

Practical skills able to:

• Use relevant test and measurement equipment
• Carry out practical hands-on laboratory work
• Use engineering IT tools, including writing computer programs
• Test design ideas in the lab or through simulation, with analysis and critical evaluation of results.
• Take account of industrial and commercial constraints in appropriate situations
• Use project management techniques

Transferable skills able to:

• Communicate effectively, in writing, orally, through presentations and through drawings.
• Work with others..
• Use general ICT tools.
• Locate and retrieve information from libraries, databases and other sources
• Manipulate data, and present it in a variety of ways.
• Use creativity and innovation in dealing with engineering situations.
• Learn independently
• Manage their own time.
• Work with limited or contradictory information.