MEC2008 : Mechanical Engineering Professional Skills II
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Mr Peter Chapman
- Lecturer: Dr Francis Franklin, Dr Piergiorgio Gentile, Miss Katie Wray
- Other Staff: Miss Amy Kinsman
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 5 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 5 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
To enable students to develop software, employability and business enterprise skills appropriate for professional mechanical engineers.
Outline Of Syllabus
Further development of IT and computing to support engineering applications.
Introduction to professional employability and career development.
Awareness of the industrial and business enterprise context of engineering.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 0:30 | 5:30 | Non-synchronous - Matlab: Introduction Materials/Demos |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 3 | 0:30 | 1:30 | Non-synchronous - Arduino: Introduction briefing lectures/demos |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | Non-synchronous - Industry Awareness: Information/Guides |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | Non-synchronous - Careers: Information/Guidance Material |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Non-synchronous - Enterprise: Introduction to Enterprise Talk |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 4 | 0:30 | 2:00 | Non-Synchronous - Enterprise: Information Lectures. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Computer Skills: Assessment Exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Professional Development Portfolio |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP - Arduino: Lab Practical |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 9 | 1:00 | 9:00 | Non-Synchronous - Matlab: Exercises/learning activities |
| Structured Guided Learning | Academic skills activities | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Non-synchronous - Careers Skills: for professional development |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Non-synchronous - Industry research: careers/elements etc. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP - Arduino: Equip Familiarisation Workshop |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Synchronous - Enterprise: Interactive Group Workshops. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Synchronous - Enterprise: Group Workshop (Portfolio) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 42:00 | 42:00 | Recommended regular personal study. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | Synchronous - Module Introduction Talk |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Programming and computing skills build on the previous Stage 1 content with consolidation/practice exercises throughout. Learning is assessed with engineering-focussed programming assignment and backed up with microcontroller hardware implementation and software control lab task.
The other elements of the module and assessment focus on the "softer skills" that graduates will require for professional employment and are delivered at Stage 2 to prepare students for placement and graduate job seeking. These elements are assessed as part of a personal Professional Development Portfolio. This contains elements of self-reflection - analysis of current skills and characteristics, along with an identification of gaps in professional development and research into means by which gas could be filled. This portfolio includes CV, Application Letters, Mock Interview Recordings and evidence of a development of Entrepreneurial and Team Working Skills.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Students should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof skill assessmnt | 2 | M | 40 | Assessed professional development Portfolio - Completed across year incl. CV, Covering Letter, Mock Interview, Enterprise |
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 60 | Computing Skills - assessed MATLAB programming exercise & Arduino hardware implementation |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Computing skills are assessed in practice through lab-based hardware programming and computer-based software tasks. Assignment is handed out in Semester 1, but finished and submitted in Semester 2.
Employability and enterprise are assessed by evidence gathered within the Professional Development Portfolio as appropriate to these particular skills. Professional Development Portfolio, assessment for this module is completed throughout both semesters.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC2008's Timetable