This module will introduce the learner to the different types of plastics materials and their common applications. The processing techniques for plastics will be reviewed including extrusion and injection moulding. Finally the learners will be introduced to the different testing techniques for plastics and carry out a number of labs in this area.

1. The student is expected to be able to know the definition of polymers and to classify and describe polymers according to respective groups.
2. Determine and calculate the average molecular weight of the polymer and to describe the implications that arise from molecular weight differences with respect to properties and processing in general.
3. Describe and identify the various polymerisation system for conducting polymerisation reactions and to compare and contrast the advantages and the disadvantages of the various systems.
4. Determine the solubility parameter based on the molecular structure of the polymer and to identify and distinguish the factors affecting the polymer solubility
5. Describe the properties of the crystalline polymers and to explain the formation of crystals in polymers and the factors affecting it.
6. Identify the processing techniques used to plastics processing (e.g. injection moulding) including the various testing methods employed to test plastic materials.

Instrumentation 1 is a foundation course in the principles of electronic circuit theory and the fundamental technologies & practical applications of sensors. The module aim is to equip learners with the basic theoretical and practical skills required to analyse and test low voltage direct current electrical circuits. It addresses topics such as Ohm's Law, Kirchoff's Laws, voltage, capacitance, inductance, semiconductors and the sensing of common parameters for system monitoring and control including temperature, pressure, light, and distance.

The ambition of the module is to equip the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies in electronics, mechatronics, and instrumentation.

1. Describe the atomic model, and understand the basic atomic structure of conductors, insulators and semiconductors

2. Define common electrical units, describe electrical terms, laws and relationships
3. Perform calculations of component values and electrical quantities
4. Describe the electrical characteristics and applicationsof semiconductors, diodes andLEDs.

5. Describe the principle of operation, construction, characteristics and use of a selection of components, including common sensors and actuators
6. Become familiar with taking measurements oncircuits using voltmeters, ammeters and ohmmeters and to record and analyse the results in reports.

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to select plastic materials for use in a given commercial application.

1. Explain the nature of thermoplastic and thermoset polymer materials
2. Analyse polymer technical property data sheets supplied by material manufacturers
3. Compile a basic plastic material requirement specification for a given service application
4. Undertake a basic plastic materials selection based upon the compiled requirement specification
5. Identify commodity, engineering and high performance thermoplastic/thermosets and principal commercial uses and applications
6. Identify why, where and when engineering, thermoset and high performance polymers are selected instead of commodity thermoplastics for commercial applications
7. Apply knowledge and skills to encourage sustainable design and use applications of polymers

Instrumentation 2 builds on the core electronic circuit theory and sensor principles gained from the Instrumentation 1 module. It starts by introducing the learner to the concept of networks and the effects of loading. The module also considers the important specifications of sensors and gives an overview of basic control theory. 555 timers and signal conditioning such as transistor circuits, amplifier circuits, A/D and D/A conversion are also are analysed.

The ambition of the Instrumentation modules is to equip the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills for further studies in electronics, mechatronics, and instrumentation.

1. Describe the concept of measurement and control systems, explain associated terminology, and perform calculations on actual systems

2. Design interfacing circuits to switch/drive a DC load, using a transistor
3. Design and complete calculations on signal conditioning circuits involving opamps

4. Design timer circuits to provide timing pulses and delays, in mechatronics systems
5. Build, test and take measurements of signal conditioning circuits for sensors.

This module prepares the student for progression onto the degree level 7 mathematics. It reintroduces the ideas of differentiation from the basics up to partial differentiation and integration from the basics up to integration by parts. It also covers formula manipulation, the factor theorem, partial fractions and complex numbers. The course is designed so that real life situations are used to demonstrate where the techniques are used.

1. Be able to manipulate mathematical equations

2. Be able to graph linear, quadratic, exponential, log and trig functions

3. Use the factor theorem and remainder theorem

4. Find partial fractions

5. Differentiate using thechain rule, product ruleand quotient rule, findthe maxima and minima of functions

6. perform parametric, implicit differentiation and partial differentiation

7. perform integration by substitution and by parts

8. Calculate areas using integration

9. Apply De Moivre’s theorem to find the powers of complex numbers

This module provides the candidates with the skills and knowledge of current standards in Engineering Drawing and Computer Aided Design. The candidates will be capable of generating 3D solid models of engineering related components and assemblies within a commercially available CAD package and will have the necessary skills to communicate effectively with society and other professional engineers. Students will be introduced to a range of modelling features and apply them in the design and modelling of such components.

1. Demonstrate the ability to sketch and illustrate engineering components.
2. Demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills to interpret engineering drawings.

3. Use a solid modelling CAD system to create 3D models of parts and assemblies for common engineering devices found in the manufacturing industry.

4. Produce detailed partand assembly drawings of engineering parts, products and devices, in an efficient and conventional manner.

5. Apply CAD concepts and skills to communicate design intent for a single manufacturing related device, consisting of a number of parts.