Engineering and Computing (Foundation)

This module will help you to develop basic mathematical skills relevant to Engineering and Computing. You will study trigonometry, algebra, functions and calculus. No one is expected to have a higher level of mathematical background than GCSE Grade C or equivalent. You will learn using practical examples to solve a range of engineering and computing problems.

This highly practical double module aims to introduce to you the most important concepts of both mechanical and electrical theory and practice. The mechanical content introduces topics such as conversion of units, linear motion, forces, stress and strain, Newton's second law, work, energy and power, fluids, pressure and thermodynamics.

The electrical content includes resistor tolerances, Ohm's law, current and voltage division, Kirchoff's law, AC current, the oscilloscope and signal generator, batteries and capacitors.

In this module, you will work on practical computing applications. It is assumed that you will have little or no prior experience of computer programming. You will gain an understanding of how data is used and acquire problem solving skills and computer logic, plus you will gain hands-on experience of developing and executing simple software programmes.

All these skills are used in undergraduate computing degrees.

This module is studied in the final term of the IYZ and brings together learning from the other modules studied during the previous two terms. You will apply your newly-gained engineering and computing knowledge plus you will develop transferable skills such as project management and problem solving, project planning and scoping, project monitoring and team work.

This module will provide you with a practical introduction to the technology, terminology, and business aspects of the world wide web and tabular data. You will develop a website and a database for a given simulated business using current standards and appropriate software. You will use an e-commerce system involving both a database and the world wide web.

This module will help students develop the IT, mathematical, communication, research and study skills required to prepare for specialist IT and computing degrees. Students will develop their ability to research, interpret and utilise primary sources of information; they will gain practice in using the library and internet research and demonstrate a practical, working understanding of intellectual property in order to avoid plagiarism. An insight into ethical issues relating to IT will also be explored.