The first year of this course is common to Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Engineering and is designed to give you an understanding of both disciplines of engineering. You will learn about electrical/electronic, manufacturing and mechanical engineering as well as the theory behind design work. After you have completed the first year you will decide which course to take in the second year depending on your talents, strengths and, of course, your preference. Although there are practical elements to both courses, academic assessment is always required and you will need to write reports for your portfolio and be assessed and examined. This course will give you the relevant qualifications for a wide variety of engineering degree courses as well as providing a good grounding for direct entry into employment.
ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC
On this course you will learn about micro electronics, for example, the detailed study of the inside of a computer. You will discover programmable controllers which control machinery such as drink machines, lifts or bottling plants. You will work with digital/analogue electronics - the building blocks of computer systems which can, for example, sense temperature and convert it into an electrical signal. Electrical power, motors and generators will also be studied. Previous projects have included stereo amplifiers, a motor cycle alarm, electronic thermometers and an electrical tape measure. Remote control devices are always a popular option!
MECHANICAL
During this second year you will learn design drawing techniques. Time will be spent dealing with materials - metals, plastics and ceramics. Previous students have undertaken projects designing a water clock, small boats, a hovercraft, robots and even a medieval siege engine which throws rocks!
