This module is a basic introduction to programming techniques for Engineering students. Its purpose is to provide these students with a practical application-driven introduction to programming prior to embarking on writing high-level code. Initially, programs are created graphically using flowcharts. These programs are tested on a microcontroller simulator. Students then progress to an Integrated Development environment, where they write, compile and debug similar programs. Programs are downloaded to a target board, which is interfaced to basic sensors and actuators. Finally, a robotic buggy is programmed to complete various challenges.

1. Convert between decimal, binary and hexadecimal number systems.
2. Explainhow data types, constants and variables are used in computer programming.
3. Construct a computer program in the form of a flowchart.

4. Write a basic computer program (sketch)using a high level programming language.

5. Test programs / flowcharts by compiling them, simulating them and downloading them to a microprocessor-based device.

Arithmetic, algebra, functions and trigonometry

1. Perform numerical calculations competently with emphasis on accuracy

2. Rearrange and solve algebraic equations, including quadratics

3. Use set notation, identify and plot functions and graphs

4. Solve a system ofthree of more simultaneous linear equations using Gaussian elimination

5. be able to graph linear, quadratic, exponential, log and trig functions

6. Solve trigonometric equations

The overall aim of this module is to:

(a) Excite and motivate new engineering students about their chosen field of study.

(b) Clarify the student's understanding of the nature of engineering and the tasks and responsibilities of an engineer.

(c) Cultivate and develop key skills such as creativity, problem solving, communication, leadership, knowledge discovery and system building skills.

(d) Utilise 'design and build' projects to promote early success in engineering practice, to introduce discipline-specific material and to outline the integration of subjects on engineering programmes of study.

(e) Demonstrate that problem solving can be fun, educational and enriching.

(f) Instil an eagerness for independent and reflective learning.

1. Demonstrate that problem solving is fun, educational and enriching

2. Contribute as a positive, cooperative and complementary team member in the planning andimplementationof projects and problem solving exercises.

3. Utilize basic system building skills to determine solutions to basic \”design & build\” projects, appropriate to engineering disciplines.

4. Utilise appropriate technology and techniques for acquiring, processing, interpreting and

presenting information

.

5. Outline general engineering practice and the particular operational practices of their chosen discipline

6. Develop a Personal Development Plan

The student will learn the basic laws of Physics pertaining to Engineering including defining the standard units of measurement, forces, and the properties used in modern day engineering. The student will be able to explain experimentation, how heat is transferred, radioactivity, thermal expansion, efficiency calculations, fluid pressure, and some wave theory.

This module is taught by a number of lecturers and includes many real life situations where the topics covered are used.

1. Be able to solve various exercises involving physics, such as heat transfer andthermal expansionusing and manipulating the correct units of measurement
2. Be able to determine the efficiency of various simple machines, explain their operation and determine their mechanical advantage (force ratio) and velocity ratio (movement ratio)
3. Be able to explain properties such as temperature and pressure and be able to use the gas laws to determine values for properties which undergo change.
4. Be able to explain wave propagation, sound and light and be able toexplain simple reflection, refraction, diffration, and interference of waves, plus use the doppler effect to solve for changes in perceived frequencies.
5. Be able to explain reflection, and refraction of light and show how images are formed in mirrors.

This module provides students with a broad introduction to 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional computer aided drafting, design and modelling. The overall aim of this module is to introduce students to the engineering drafting and design process and to provide them with the basic techniques required to produce models and drawings of individual engineering parts using a 3D CAD system. Students will also learn to read and interpret engineering drawings and communicate through technical documentation.

1. Read and interpret 2D and 3D drawings, and communicate through drawing documents.

2. Produce orthographic and multiview 2D drawings from 3D models.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the design process.

4. Apply engineering graphics standards and produce drawings which conform to national and/or international standards.

5. Produce freehand engineering sketches.

6. Use a 3D CAD modelling system to efficiently produce solid models and drawings of individual component parts and assemblies.

The student will learn how to analyse simple systems of forces, graphically and analytically and perform simple calculations involving friction, stress and strain and determine centres of gravity of various figures.

1. Analyse systems of concurrent, coplanar forces using graphical and analytical methods

2. Compute relevant parameters relating to simple stress and strain

3. Compute centres of gravity for regular and irregular figures using graphical and analytical methods

4. Carry out simple computations relating to friction