Programming Skills

Code

ENGF1011

School

Foundation in Engineering and Physical Sciences

Level

1

Credits

10

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module provides a basis for the Electro-Mechanical Degree Apprentice students to develop software and coding skills, following a project and example-based approach. The learners will develop the knowledges, skills and behaviours:

·    Structured software, coding and automation: how to create and use computer programming applied to engineering systems. Data handling considerations, data analytics and introduction to machine learning. (KSB K12)
·    Mathematics: the mathematical techniques and methods required to model mechanical and electrical systems: algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry, statistics. (K1)
·    Engineering design: the creative design process: root cause analysis; requirements definition; research and development; solution generation, prototyping; simulation; benchmarking and testing. 2D and 3D computer-aided design using software packages. (K2)
·    Mechanics: the fundamental laws of static and dynamic classical mechanics and their application to mechanical systems: force and moment systems, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, beam theory, hydrostatics, kinematics, Work-Energy and Impulse-Momentum methods, vector algebra, scalar and graphical approaches. (K4)
·    Project management: project planning, management of risks, commercial awareness (costs, overheads, gross margin, net margin, profit, cash), resourcing and quality assurance. (K14)
·    Follow a methodical approach to engineering problem solving (S2)
·    Plan, manage and lead engineering projects. (S13)
·    Self-motivated, able to work independently and take responsibility for their actions. Want to give their best, set challenging targets and make own decisions. (B2)
·    Prioritise quality. Follow rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose and pay attention to detail/error checks throughout activities. (B5)
·    Commit to personal learning and professional development. (B9)

Typically, the module will cover the following areas:
    
•    Data structures and formats
•    Plotting of graphical data
•    Programming structure and style
•    Relational and logical operators
•    Conditional statements and loops
•    User I/O and data import/export
•    Simple file handling
•    Numerous Engineering application examples

Re-assessment

Reassessment will consist of a single coursework submission weighted at 100%.
 

Target Students

This module is only available to Apprentices on the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Level Apprenticeship

Classes

• Two 2-hour workshops each week for 4 weeks
• Two 1-hour seminars each week for 4 weeks
• One 30-minute lecture each week for 20 weeks

During face-to-face weeks there will be a lecture/seminar to introduce key knowledge, ideas and techniques associated with the module topics followed by a double-length workshop to help embed the knowledge. During remote weeks there will be a short on-line materials (typically 30 minutes total) to work through examples. Please Note: This course is delivered in a blended learning format with a mix of asynchronous online content and in-person teaching weeks. Typically, as follows: Lectures (Online) Seminar (In-person) Workshop (In-person)

Assessment

• 30% Assignment: Problem based questions (intended to be 4-8 hours of work once familiar with material)
• 30% Project 1: Mini Project (intended to be 8-12 hours of work once familiar with material)
• 40% Project 2: Major Project (intended to be 16-20 hours of work once familiar with material)

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Write effective software solutions to set problems.

Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate programming style, structure and syntax in the context of the given programming language.

Demonstrate their ability to write simple computer programs designed to solve basic engineering, scientific and mathematical problems.

K1, K2, K4, K12, K14 

S2, S13 

B2, B5, B9 

Conveners

• Dr Nick Hunter