Design Engineering BSc (Hons)

The Student experience

Our student life video gives you an insight into life as a student atBU. Our current students share their experiences and introduce you to some of the exciting facilities on offer.

Assessment

The role of Projects in the course Project work is the main vehicle for the development of the students' design competence on this course, and has therefore a central role in learning and assessment. In Years 1 and 2, the design and assessment of the coursework units is closely linked to that of the projects. Thus, the teaching schedules of the projects and the taught units are planned such that the required knowledge and understanding for each project is provided in the taught units at the appropriate stage.

This is to ensure that the required extent of integration takes place, and the students are able to relate and apply correctly the taught elements in practical design tasks, within more realistic constraints. In year 4, the Project is the main activity and carries the bulk of the assessment weight.

Invigilated Examinations and Tests

It is recognised that in some units, the appropriate method for assessing the required working knowledge of factual information, the understanding of the basic fundamentals and competence in applying analytical techniques, is an through an invigilated examination.

The experience has also shown that with an examination at the end of the year, especially at the early stages of the course, there is a risk that the students leave all the revision to the end of the year. Based on experience gained on other course, it is planned to have invigilated tests, similar to examinations at the end of the Autumn and Spring terms in Engineering Analysis, Mechanical Design Principles, Electronic Systems Principles units of in the first and Mechanical Design Applications and Electronic Systems Design units of the second years. These tests, as well as encouraging the students to revise regularly, should help the students further by familiarising them with the examination environment and procedures.These tests will be 1.5 hour each.

The marks for these tests, however, will be counted as coursework marks for the units. Accordingly, in each of the above mentioned units, there will be two tests and an end of year examination.

Study Time

In the 1st year students can expect 19 hours of staff contact time (lectures, seminars, etc), plus 18 hours of student centred study per week in term time. In the 2nd year, contact time will reduce to 17 hours per week and student hours will increase to 19 hours. In the 4th and final year, staff contact time falls to 9.25 hours per week and student hours will increase to 28 hours, to allow students to concentrate on student centred research and the completion of their individual design project.

Student Numbers

Current student numbers:

Year 1: 20 approx.

Year 2: 15

Learning and Tutorial Support

Students within the course experience a higher than average staff contact to support their learning. You will normally expect to receive 18 hours per week under direct supervision within lectures, seminars, tutors and laboratory sessions.

In addition, tutors are normally available for help during other non time-tabled times. This high level of support is aimed to give you the best start into your academic life. You are obviously expected to spend additional time in your study outside these contact hours.