The BEng (Hons) Integrated Engineering course at the University of Plymouth is an interdisciplinary engineering degree for the digital age. It will provide you with the skills and competences needed to operate effectively as a modern professional engineer across traditional boundaries. The course draws on expertise from across the school with a range of modules including civil and mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, robotics engineering, and computing and mathematics.
| UCAS tariff | 112 - 132 |
| UCAS course code | H110 |
| Institution code | P60 |
| Duration | 3 years (+ optional placement) |
| Course type | Full-time |
| Location | Plymouth |
Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation (BPIE115)
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Software Engineering 1 (COMP1000)
This module exposes students to the principles of software design and construction. The basics of constructing source code to solve a problem will be introduced, exposing students to common control structures alongside concepts such as types and generics. Major programming paradigms such as object orientation and functional programming are introduced. Additionally, key software development tools and methods are explored.
Electrical Principles and Machines (ELEC144)
This module gives an introduction to the electrical properties of materials, capacitance, Inductance, and electromagnetism. Basic circuit principles and their application in dc and ac circuit analysis are then applied to electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion.
Engineering Mathematics (ENGR104)
This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.
Mechanics and Structures (ENGR105)
This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.
Engineering Design (ENGR107)
This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.
Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques (ENGR108)
The experimental basis of this module allows students develop their engineering science knowledge and practical skills using a student-centred, laboratory-based approach to learning. The module will help students develop good quality study skills, teamwork, and competency in technical communication.
Pathway 1: Mechanical/Civil Engineering
Pathway 2: Electro/Mechanical Engineering
Pathway 3: Electro/Robotic Engineering
Pathway 4: Robotic/Computing Engineering
Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation (BPIE215)
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (MATH237)
This module provides an introduction to mathematical and statistical methods that are important in the study of electronic and communications engineering. The mathematical techniques (transforms) are central to the study of linear, time-invariant systems. As well as introducing descriptive statistics, basic probability distributions, the module also considers the more advanced topics of reliability and quality control.
Software Engineering 2 (COMP2000)
Students’ understanding of software engineering is expanded by introducing a range of topics that instil best practice. Students will learn how to implement faster software using parallelism and consider aspects of human-computer interaction. Object-orientation and functional programming are revisited, while event-driven programming is introduced. Common design patterns used in the construction of software are introduced.
Artificial Intelligence (COMP2002)
This module provides students with an introduction to the principles of artificial intelligence and the methods used in that field. Topics covered include search and optimisation, knowledge representation and reasoning, and machine learning. Students will gain experience of modelling and simulation, and will apply analytical tools to evaluating results, and will consider the ethical implications of the introduction of AI.
Power Electronics and Generation (ELEC237)
This module introduces power electronics devices and motors. Students will build switching power systems and also build and interface motor drive systems and generators.
Communication Systems (ELEC239)
This module extends the student's knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering in order to develop a deeper understanding of electronic engineering principles and their application to electronic and communication engineering.
Geotechnical Engineering 1 (GEEN200)
This module introduces Geology, and the properties/ behaviour of soil as relevant to Civil Engineering projects. The concepts of groundwater flow and consolidation are considered, with associated calculations. Methods of analysis for estimation of stability and deformation when the ground is loaded are also introduced.
Hydraulic and Coastal Engineering (HYFM200)
This module develops hydraulic engineering concepts introduced in the first year, and introduces hydrodynamic concepts required for coastal engineering. Hydraulic engineering material includes predicting flow in pipes and open channels. Coastal engineering topics include study of waves and tides, and their application to coastal engineering. Learning is supported by laboratory work and a site visit.
Control Engineering (ROCO219)
This module introduces basic concepts in how to control systems that have dynamics. This can involve making an unstable system stable, like balancing a Segway transporter to ensure it always remains upright. Or to get a system to follow a desired input and reach the desired goal. For example, controlling a robot arm so it moves directly to a target location without oscillating or overshooting.
Introduction to Robotics (ROCO224)
This module covers the theory and implementation of robotics, for both physical and simulated robots. Industry standard robot kinematics and simulations are used to analyse different robot designs, and are practically experienced through commercial tools. The basic mechanical principles for building physical robots are also covered, as well as the algorithms required for planning and generating movement.
Sensors and Actuators for Robotic Systems (ROCO226)
A systems level study of the principles and design requirements of modern electronic motor systems. Operating performances of various electrical machines are characterised in four quadrants and the requirements of the corresponding power electronic converter topologies are examined. Control strategies are investigated in terms of drive system performance.
Structural Analysis and Design 1 (STAD200)
This module extends the theoretical base established by the Stage 1 Mechanics and Structures module. It is intended to combine the basic principles of analysis with design to develop an integrated approach to solving problems in Structural Engineering. The module is supported by the use of computer software and laboratory work.
Materials & Structural Integrity (MATS236)
This module introduces students to the structural assessment of a range of engineering materials. It includes both a study of the materials themselves as well as their likely failure mechanisms under load. The module will also develop the underpinning mathematical analysis required to quantify these effects in an appropriate manner.
Mechanical Engineering Design & Commercialisation (MECH238)
In this module, students develop and apply their engineering science knowledge in a practical design context. They learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis/decision making and commercial awareness. They apply this process to solve a design challenge. They also learn to use parametric calculations to optimise components/systems for specific design constraints.
Engineering Quality Management (MFRG217)
This module provides the student with an understanding of the importance of Total Quality to a manufacturer, its measurement and some of the tools available to the designer/manager to ensure it is profitably achieved. It introduces the concept of the World-Class organisation, its culture and management as well as the international (ISO) management systems (quality, environment and H&S) involved.
Mechanical Engineering Related Placement (BPIE335)
A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
Cluster 1: Mechanical/Civil Engineering
Cluster 2: Electro/Mechanical Engineering
Cluster 3: Electro/Robotic Engineering
Cluster 4: Robotic/Computing Engineering
Integrated Engineering Project (PRME309)
In this module students will carry out an independent project that closely aligns with their programme of study. This project will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.
Parallel Computing (COMP3001)
This module develops an understanding of problems in Computer Science which take advantage of general-purpose computing on GPUs. It provides practical methodologies to reformulate problems in terms of hardware architecture, graphics primitives and high-performance computing concepts, as supported by the most recent GPUs. It develops the skills to implement parallel solutions with common GP-GPU computing languages.
Alternative Paradigms (COMP3002)
Imperative programming and related “classic” machines like finite state or Turing machines dominate the field of computing. This module aims to expose students to ways of thinking about computational problems that go beyond mainstream imperative styles (e.g., functional and declarative programming) and to ideas and workings of and behind unconventional and upcoming computing paradigms (e.g. quantum or neural computing).
Machine Learning (COMP3003)
This module introduces machine learning, covering unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning from a Bayesian perspective. This includes theory behind a range of learning techniques and how to apply these representations of data in systems that make decisions and predictions.
Advanced Computing and Networking Infrastructures (COMP3004)
This module introduces the infrastructures of the future Internet and cloud, both moving towards virtualisation and softwarisation, and describes how they underpin the development and deployment of multimedia Internet applications and services. Topics include virtualisation and cloud; services and applications; Software Defined Networking, and Network Function Virtualisation; load balancing, performance and resilience.
High Speed Communications (ELEC345)
A circuit and system design module covering analogue and high frequency techniques and their place in modern communications systems.
Design and Control of Renewable Energy Technology (ELEC349)
The focus of this module is on the generation of energy using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The effect of the environment, the PV material characteristics and the technology to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) are described.
Advanced Embedded Programming (ELEC351)
The module aims to develop programming skills in embedded programming, by making use of advanced features of high-level programming languages and by deepening the knowledge of modern programming techniques in embedded systems. The module has a strong practical bias where students are required to solve various problems by programming existing microcontroller hardware.
Geotechnical Engineering 2 (GEEN314)
This module considers the application of Soil Mechanics to analysis and design of a range of common Civil Engineering structures. This includes shallow and deep foundations, retaining structures, and slope stability.
Statistical Data Modelling (MATH3702)
We study statistical models, including regression and the general and generalised linear models. We estimate model parameters in the classical and Bayesian inference frameworks, using R and Stan software. We describe related computer techniques, including computational matrix algebra and Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms. We work with multiple data sources using state-of-the art data handling tools.
Fluid Dynamics (MATH3704)
In this module, students will learn how to use mathematics to model a variety of fluid flows. Fluid flow problems are described mathematically as ordinary or partial differential equations. These equations are then solved and the results interpreted for a mixture of theoretical and practical examples of both inviscid and viscous fluid flows. Applications from environmental and industrial modelling will be studied.
Modelling and Numerical Simulation (MATH3708)
Simulations and modelling are crucial tools that support industrial research and innovation. Students will learn to analyse mathematical models and develop programs to solve them. They will investigate algorithms and discuss their performance. Students will code and run numerical programs on a high performance computer. These forward-looking skills are highly sought after by many employers.
Optimisation, Networks and Graphs (MATH3709)
Optimisation and graph theory are related branches of mathematics with applications in areas as diverse as computer science and logistics. Graphs are used to capture relationships between objects, while optimisation studies algorithms that search for optimal solutions. This module provides both the theory and modern algorithms, including those used in artificial intelligence, required to solve a broad range of problems.
Computer Aided Engineering (MECH341)
In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.
Mobile and Humanoid Robots (ROCO318)
This module examines the technology, control and modelling of mobile and humanoid robot systems. Mathematical analysis and computational algorithms underpin practical considerations and case studies.
Computer Vision (ROCO321)
The module will provide an advanced knowledge of artificial vision systems for interactive systems guidance and control. It will be underpinned by current theoretical understanding of animal vision systems.
Machine Learning for Robotics (ROCO351)
This module introduces basic concepts in the area of machine learning, which is a rapidly expanding field that allows computers to learn how to behave and perform complex tasks without being explicitly programmed to do them. Applications range from signal processing, image recognition through to the control of robotics systems.
Structural Analysis and Design 2 (STAD300)
This module focuses on the analyses and design of whole structures, i.e. multi-storey buildings. It includes computer modelling and analysis, and methods of the validation of the obtained results using approximate analysis.
Structural Engineering Design (STAD315)
This module introduces students to standard industry design practices and builds on their previous knowledge by introducing them to bridges and complex low rise / multi storey building structures. The module provides students with the opportunity to develop their conceptual design skills and adopt a holistic approach to structure design by considering the "whole" as well as the individual elements.
Control and Intelligent Systems Design (CONT318)
This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.
Mechanical Engineering Design and Practice (MECH343)
This module further develops a methodical approach to engineering design. Students will create solutions to a complex engineering problem, embodiment designs using CAD tools, validate functionality, optimise technical performance and consider design for excellence targets across the product lifecycle. The module also considers the professional responsibilities of engineers, codes of conduct and typical ethical issues.
Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
UCAS tariff
112 - 132
| Student | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| International | £16,300 | £18,100 |
| Part time (Home) | £770 | £770 |
Find out more about this programme by attending our virtual subject webinar. The virtual webinar will give you an overview of the programme and the opportunity to ask our academics any questions you may have.
