The materials are designed to support teaching and learning in modules within a departmental scenario of increasing numbers, reduced contact and a lower unit of resource. The effectiveness of the approach is being closely monitored and evaluated, as are students' approaches to study. These are the BEng honours degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Integrated Engineering. The Mechanical Engineering degree is typical of many throughout the UK in that it contains a mixture of analytical subjects, control engineering, computing and project work.
Engineering design is used to integrate the various subjects within the course.
The Integrated Engineering degree is broadly based, covering mechanical, manufacturing, and electrical and electronic engineering. Computer-aided engineering and software engineering are also significant components of the course. The course relies upon extensive project work to integrate the various engineering disciplines. A review of courses led to a reduction in the amount of class contact and an increase in independent learning The introduction of semesters and a modular scheme in 1993 provided the opportunity to review these two courses and their teaching and learning approaches. The review has resulted in a reduction in student contact with academic staff, and the formal introduction into the timetable of the concepts of independent and directed learning.