Electronic and Electrical Technical Support Engineering
Students on the electrical and electronic degree apprenticeship also investigate the nature of the supply of electrical energy to industry, the nature of electrical drives associated with manufacturing industry, and further explore the applications of electronic systems in the industrial environment. You will apply the principles developed in the programme during your employment, and will also routinely bring your experience and observations from work into the classroom.
Year 1:
Engineering Mathematics and Statistics
Examine the mathematical principles which have a particular focus on the analysis of engineering problems and manufacturing process control. Develop your knowledge and analytical ability so that you can independently apply mathematical techniques to determine appropriate solutions to a range of engineering problems.
Electrical and Mechanical Principles
Gain an introduction to the fundamental electrical and mechanical engineering principles and explore their use in a range of engineering applications. Engage in topics such as electrical and mechanical fundamentals, basic electrical theory and machines, alternating circuits, and laws of motion.
Materials and Manufacturing Principles
Focus on manufacturing techniques and processes (traditional and advanced) while gaining an overview of the materials most commonly used in engineering manufacturing systems. Gain an awareness of the comparative costs and of the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the use of the materials and processes discussed.
Design Principles
Learn to explain the principle requirements of current ISO drawing standards as applied to mechanical engineering drawing. Gain an understanding of how to explain the creative design process and the tools used in its application. Create and interpret engineering drawings using an industry standard CAD package. Apply the creative design process in order to arrive at an appropriate concept solution to a range of engineering design problems.
Instrumentation and Data Analysis
Explore instrumentation and data analysis in the context of an analogue environment interfacing with the ‘digital world’ in which control decisions will be made. Examine topics such as basic sensors and associated electronics, microprocessors and microcontrollers, and data capture and offline analysis.
Introductory Project
Gain an introduction to a range of practical engineering skills, then develop the broader planning and team skills required to work together in the design and implementation of a simple engineering artifact.
Year 2 (Applications to Systems and Processes):
Manufacturing Process Innovation
Explore the differences and similarities between ‘process innovation’ and ‘product innovation’. Compare and contrast the essential characteristics of a range of manufacturing process innovation tools. Determine the essential considerations involved in process innovation proposals. Explain the ethical and environmental considerations in manufacturing processes. Determine the optimal process proposal through the analysis and evaluation of significant criteria.
Industrial Automation
Study the concepts of industrial automation. Explore the different types of actuator used in industry. Develop and automated control system as part of a team.
Electrical and Electronic Systems
Develop a greater understanding of electrical machines by performing a range of electrical experiments using generators and motors. Learn to design electronic signal conditioning circuits using simulation software. Gain further understanding of fault finding and testing of electrical and electronic circuits.
Personal and Professional Skills 1
Engage in and develop personal and professional skills over the duration of the course. Develop your knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and practice.
Group Project
Work in groups to understand a project specification and develop a work plan to achieve the specified project aims. Apply knowledge of engineering and analytical skills to solve an industrially relevant problem as a team.
Year 3 (System and Process Design and Enhancement):
Engineering Enhancement
Gain an appreciation of the practical, commercial, and professional considerations and processes involved in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of an engineering process. Build on technical knowledge developed in other modules and focus on professional and practical considerations.
Electrical Power Systems
Gain a critical understanding of the operating characteristics of system components within Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution, and the techniques that may be employed to model them. Explore the range of sources of energy available for power generation, and economic factors relevant to the provision, and use of, electrical power. Analyse the steady state performance and interpret practical operating data for power system components, such as generators, transformers, and transmission lines.
Industrial Electronic Systems
Critically discuss and evaluate the modes of operation of and the modulation techniques used in a range of topical electronic communications media. Gain an understanding and application of industry-standard software for high level and assembly-based developments. Design, implement, and evaluate LAN and WAN connection technologies. Select and apply the various tools, technologies, and protocols used in the design, development, and testing of microprocessor-based systems.
Personal and Professional Skills 2
Engage in and develop personal and professional skills over the duration of the course. Develop your knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and practice.
Individual Project
Demonstrate your advanced knowledge of engineering and analytical skills gained in previous modules by applying them to an industrially relevant project.
