school of engineering year... · 3.2 plagiarism and turnitin ... 3.13 ** progression and final...
TRANSCRIPT
School of Engineering
SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2013/2014
1st
Year Handbook
School of Engineering
SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2013/2014
Part 1: School-Wide Information & Regulations
Part 1
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Preface ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Degree Programme and Course Information ........................................................................................... 3
2 On Course Information .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 ** ETO Information ** ............................................................................................................................... 3 2.2 ** Academic Year 2013-2014 ** ............................................................................................................... 4 2.3 Health and Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 6 2.4 Clickers .................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.5 ** Shuttle Bus ** ....................................................................................................................................... 7 2.6 Computing and IT Information .................................................................................................................. 7 2.7 Library ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 2.8 ** School of Engineering Study Facilities ** .............................................................................................. 8 2.9 Electronic Data and Backup ..................................................................................................................... 8 2.10 ** Learn ** ................................................................................................................................................ 8 2.11 Use of Email ............................................................................................................................................. 9 2.12 ** Use of IT ** ........................................................................................................................................... 9
3 Assessment and Feedback ......................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 ** Coursework Submissions and Lateness Policy ** .............................................................................. 10 3.2 Plagiarism and Turnitin ........................................................................................................................... 11 3.3 Extended Common Marking Scheme ..................................................................................................... 11 3.4 Degree Examinations ............................................................................................................................. 13 3.5 Calculators in Examinations ................................................................................................................... 14 3.6 Dictionaries in Examinations .................................................................................................................. 14 3.7 ** Special Circumstances ** ................................................................................................................... 14 3.8 40% Rule ................................................................................................................................................ 15 3.9 Board of Examiners Meetings ................................................................................................................ 15 3.10 ** Role of the External Examiner ** ........................................................................................................ 15 3.11 ** Obtaining Your Results ** ................................................................................................................... 16 3.12 ** Feedback ** ........................................................................................................................................ 16 3.13 ** Progression and Final Awards ** ........................................................................................................ 17 3.14 ** Progression Interviews ** ................................................................................................................... 20 3.15 ** Changing Programme of Study ** ....................................................................................................... 20 3.16 ** Resits ** .............................................................................................................................................. 21 3.17 ** Interruption of Study ** ....................................................................................................................... 21 3.18 ** Withdrawal ** ...................................................................................................................................... 22 3.19 Prizes ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 3.20 Graduation ............................................................................................................................................. 22 3.21 Appeals .................................................................................................................................................. 23 3.22 ** Feedback and Complaints ** .............................................................................................................. 23
4 Student Support and Opportunities ........................................................................................................... 25
4.1 ** Personal Tutors and Support Services ** ........................................................................................... 25 4.2 ** Engineering PALs (Peer Assisted Learning Scheme) ** ..................................................................... 26 4.3 ** Medical Care ** ................................................................................................................................... 26 4.4 ** Financial Support ** ............................................................................................................................ 27 4.5 Council Tax Exemption Forms ............................................................................................................... 27 4.6 ** Keeping Your Personal Information Up-to-Date **.............................................................................. 27 4.7 ** References ** ..................................................................................................................................... 27 4.8 Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) ............................................................................... 27 4.9 ** Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) ** ........................................................................................ 28 4.10 ** Institute for Academic Development (IAD) ** ...................................................................................... 29 4.11 Careers Information, Employability and Job Vacancies ......................................................................... 29 4.12 International Students ............................................................................................................................ 30 4.13 Exchange Schemes ............................................................................................................................... 30 4.14 ** Disabled Students ** ........................................................................................................................... 30 4.15 Religious Observance ............................................................................................................................ 31 4.16 Energy Conservation and Sustainability ................................................................................................. 31 4.17 Eating Places ......................................................................................................................................... 31 4.18 Shopping ................................................................................................................................................ 31 4.19 Maps ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
Major changes to sections for 2013/14 have been marked with a double asterisk (**).
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1 Introduction
1.1 Preface
This handbook contains important reference information for all students registered for all undergraduate degree programmes within the School of Engineering, and is updated annually. Information in this handbook is correct at the time of publication; however, the School reserves the right to inform students of changes to these regulations via email during the academic year.
1.2 Degree Programme and Course Information
Information about all degree programmes and courses is published by the University of Edinburgh in the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study (DRPS): http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/13-14/. This website includes the University level regulations which govern all of the University’s degrees; Degree Programme Tables (DPTs) for all the University’s degree programmes, listing the compulsory and optional courses which make up each degree programme; and course information for every course taught in the University. This handbook should be read in conjunction with the DRPS.
2 On Course Information
2.1 ** ETO Information **
The Engineering Teaching Organisation (ETO) is the part of the School of Engineering whose function is to develop, promote and support teaching. The ETO leads in setting teaching strategy for the School of Engineering. On operational matters, the ETO oversees the course administration of all the taught courses delivered by the School, and provides administrative support to the School’s Personal Tutors. Operational activities of the ETO include room-booking, record-keeping, issuing of course materials to students, receiving and returning of assessed coursework, organisation of examinations, and the gathering of quality assurance and feedback data. The ETO is located on the ground floor of the Faraday Building at King’s Buildings. The ETO comprises three offices:
Teaching Support Office, who can help with questions about individual courses.
Opening Hours: 10.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday, with lunchtime closure from 13.15 to 13.45 General Enquiries: [email protected] 0131 650 5687 Location: to the left of the main entrance
Student Support Office, who work with Personal Tutors, and can help with questions about your
overall progress through your degree. Opening Hours: 10.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday General Enquiries: [email protected] 0131 650 5584 Location: straight ahead as you enter the ETO
Student Recruitment Office, who work with prospective students.
General Enquiries: [email protected] (undergraduate) [email protected] (postgraduate taught)
You should make the ETO first point of call for enquiries relating to course administration and for any routine student support enquiries; academic matters should be raised with the Course Organiser and personal difficulties with your Personal Tutor. In reality, there is a good deal of overlap and any of these individuals will point you in the right direction if asked. The ETO website can be found online at: http://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/drupal/Teaching/Current_Taught/ You will find notice boards in the Hudson Beare Building, King’s Buildings, displaying, for example, job opportunities, so please check them regularly for information. Please remember to check your school email account on a daily basis for any room or timetable alterations.
ETO Staff
Position Name Email Telephone No
Director of Teaching Stephen Warrington [email protected] please use email
Teaching Organisation Administrator
Nathalie Caron [email protected] 0131 650 7701
Deputy Teaching Organisation Administrator
Laura Smith [email protected] 0131 650 5690
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Position Name Email Telephone No
Teaching Support Office
Teaching Office Supervisor (4
th and 5
th Year & MSc
Electronics and Electrical Engineering courses)
Sharon Potter [email protected] 0131 651 7079
Teaching Office Administrative Assistant (4
th and 5
th Year & MSc
Mechanical Engineering courses)
Sharon Mulvey [email protected] 0131 651 7076
Teaching Office Administrative Assistant (4
th and 5
th Year & MSc
Chemical Engineering courses)
Kim Orsi [email protected] 0131 651 7185
Teaching Office Clerical Support Officer (4
th and 5
th Year & MSc
Civil and Environmental Engineering courses)
Craig Hovell [email protected] 0131 651 7080
Teaching Office Clerical Support Officer (3
rd Year & Management
courses)
Tina McAvoy [email protected] 0131 651 7073
Teaching Office Clerical Support Officer (1
st and 2
nd Year courses)
Lucy Davie [email protected] 0131 650 5687
Student Support Office
Student Support Administrator Victoria Farrar [email protected] 0131 651 9041
Student Support Co-ordinator Laura Sturgeon [email protected] 0131 650 5584
Recruitment Office
Schools Relations Co-ordinator Dr Andrew Firth [email protected] 0131 650 5593
Student Recruitment Officer Bertha Banda [email protected] 0131 650 7352
IT Services
E-Learning Officer Craig Warren [email protected] 0131 650 7803
Information Systems Officer Dawn Potter [email protected] 0131 650 5686
Heads of Discipline
Chemical Engineering Dr John Christy [email protected] please use email
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dr Martin Gillie [email protected] please use email
Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Dr Les Haworth [email protected] please use email
Mechanical Engineering Dr John Chick [email protected] please use email
2.2 ** Academic Year 2013-2014 **
Session Dates for Academic Year 2013-2014 are given below. It is expected that you will be in Edinburgh for the whole of each semester, and the Examination periods. In particular, you are warned against making any arrangements for your departure from Edinburgh at the end of the examination periods until you can be fully certain of a date after which you will not be required for examinations and other assessments such as presentations or oral exams. Note that occasionally exams need to be rescheduled due to, for example, extreme weather. No alternative arrangements will be made for students who choose to leave Edinburgh against this advice and subsequently find themselves unable to fulfil their academic commitments as a result. Please note: Students must attend and participate as required in all aspects of their programme of study.
This includes being available for assessment, meeting Personal Tutors and examination. Students are liable for exclusion if they do not attend the University at key points during the academic session.
Monday 9 to Friday 13 September 2013 Induction Week
Monday 16 September to Friday 29 November Semester 1
Monday 2 to Friday 6 December Revision Week
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Monday 9 to Friday 20 December Examinations
Monday 23 December to Friday 10 January 2014 Winter Break
Monday 13 January 2014 to Friday 4 April Semester 2
Monday 17 to Friday 21 February Innovative Learning Week
Monday 7 to Friday 18 April Spring Vacation
Monday 21 to Friday 25 April Revision Week
Monday 28 April to Friday 23 May Examinations
Teaching Times
The University of Edinburgh teaches according to a set schedule of teaching times, and all classes should fall within one of these scheduled time slots:
Single: Double: Half Day: 09.00 to 09.50 09.00 to 10.50 09.00 to 13.00 10.00 to 10.50 11.10 to 12.00 11.10 to 13.00 12.10 to 13.00 13.10 to 14.00 14.10 to 16.00 14.10 to 18.00 14.10 to 15.00 15.10 to 16.00 16.10 to 18.00 16.10 to 17.00 17.10 to 18.00
Detailed timetable information is available on the ETO website at: http://edin.ac/15mbEFJ Alternatively you can compile your own timetable by using the ‘Timetabling at Edinburgh’ channel in MyEd: http://edin.ac/17EmEE8 My Timetable
The University has committed to deliver a personalised timetable service to students for the 2013/14 academic year. Initially, this will contain all your teaching activities that are categorised as ‘whole-class’: that is activities that all students enrolled on a course are expected to attend together, e.g. Lectures. You can gain secure, private access to your personalised timetable via the T@Ed Portal, which can accessed through MyEd: https://www.myed.ed.ac.uk/ then click on the ‘Services’ tab. My Timetable is a simple and intuitive service, but user guidance documentation can be found at: http://edin.ac/17EmEE8 If you have any difficulties accessing the T@Ed Portal, please contact: [email protected] Tel: 0131 651 5151 Please contact the ETO Teaching Support Office in the first instance for any queries regarding timetable content. Path
We are delighted to announce that the School of Engineering is joining Path, a new course selection system originally developed by students at the University, and currently available in the Schools of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy. This still-being-developed system will aid you in the course choice process with easy navigation and clearer improved information. The site provides a mixture of information from the DRPS, new information collected from the School, and student authored information: including public student feedback. The service has just launched within our School (so we don’t expect many reviews to be online now), but we hope that you will give feedback on your courses at the end of each semester to help us improve them and to help students in later years choose their courses. To access the site, go to http://path.is.ed.ac.uk/ and login with your EASE account. This service is still being developed, so please let us know if you’re having any problems. If there are any data inaccuracies please get in touch with [email protected] or if you’re having general problems with the site please email [email protected].
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2.3 Health and Safety
Students are expected to be familiar with the School Safety Policy which can be found on the School website at: http://edin.ac/15mbKNt
No students are allowed in the laboratories without the permission of a member of staff and no one should be present on their own.
All laboratory work will only commence once the risk assessment for that exercise has been undertaken. You must follow the direction given by the lab tutor or lecturer concerned.
Any work carried out in a laboratory must take account of the procedures noted in the University and School handbooks which are on display in each laboratory.
When protective equipment is provided it must be used. Some labs require students to provide their own protective equipment. Arriving at labs without the required protective equipment may result in failing the lab.
Civil and Environmental Engineers should note in particular that open wounds in contact with soil or fresh water may lead to tetanus and so anti-tetanus injections are advisable for soils lab work.
The School’s buildings are open from 8.30am to 6.00pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 5.00pm on Fridays during semester time (until 5.00pm during vacation time). After the School closes, access to the School will only be possible through the side door of the Fleeming Jenkin Building, opposite the Structures Lab, and only to the IT Teaching Labs TLF and TLG, for study purposes. Access by taught students to any other rooms within the School out with these hours is not permitted. To gain access to TLF and TLG out of hours, you must use your swipe card. If you have any problems gaining access, you should visit the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library at King’s Buildings, or the Main Library on the Central Campus, to ensure that there are no problems with your student card in the first instance.
All students are expected to purchase their own protective clothing as follows:
Chemical Engineering Electronics & Electrical Engineering
white lab coat safety glasses safety glasses
safety shoes
Civil & Environmental Engineering (from Year 2) Mechanical Engineering
dark lab coat dark lab coat safety glasses safety glasses safety boots safety shoes safety helmet
HiVis waistcoat
riggers gloves
concreting gloves
All protective equipment can be purchased from:
Hewats Edinburgh
11-12 Teviot Place Edinburgh EH1 2RA http://www.hewats.com/
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2.4 Clickers
Electronic Voting Systems (EVS), aka clickers, are used in the College of Science and Engineering (CSE) to add interactivity and engagement to lectures. Clickers are hand-held personal response systems that students can use to respond to questions posed by their lecturer. Gathering responses from students during lectures has helped lecturers gauge the understanding of their students, giving them a chance to focus on areas the class is struggling with. At the same time, they can allow students to gain feedback on their own level of understanding and progress. Currently lecturers in the School of Engineering mostly use clickers in first and second year courses.
How to get a clicker?
Clickers will be handed out in the first lectures of your course or at an introductory session. If you miss one of those lectures, you can always get a clicker from the ETO Teaching Support Office. Please bring your student card with you when you come to pick up your clicker – you will not be able to pick one up unless you have your card. Clickers are being lent to you the way you would borrow a book from the library. It is part of the library database and you need to return the clicker at the end of the semester. How to return a clicker?
Clickers will be collected during your last lecture of your class. If you miss this, please return the clicker to the ETO Teaching Support Office or the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library. Unreturned clickers will attract a fine of £25 and you will not be able to graduate if you do not pay the fine. How to renew a clicker?
Clickers are issued for one semester only. If you need your clicker for a Semester 2 course, please renew your clicker by using the library online renewal system (accessed through your MyEd page). You need to return your clicker at the end of Semester 2. What to do with a faulty clicker?
Please return your faulty clicker to the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library or ETO Teaching Support Office. They will exchange it for a new clicker.
2.5 ** Shuttle Bus **
During semester time a free shuttle bus service for staff and students operates between the Central Area and King’s Buildings - just show your student card. The first ten seats of all buses are left free for priority permit holders until the departure time. Priority Permits, for students with a very short time between classes in the Central Area and KB, can be obtained by completing the Priority Permit Allocation Form, which should be authorised by your Personal Tutor and taking it to the College Office in the Weir Building, King’s Buildings. Further information about this service can be found at: http://edin.ac/17EmMn9 Priority Permit Allocation Forms can be downloaded at: http://edin.ac/ZUCR4f (see links at bottom of the page). Please note that the shuttle bus service will not operate at evenings or weekends, however, students wishing to use the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library at these times are eligible for reimbursement of public bus fares. For more information please go to: http://edin.ac/15YIShM A number of buses run from the King’s Buildings campus in to the centre of Edinburgh – the numbers 24, 38, 41, 42 and 67 all stop near the KB campus. The correct fare is required, as no change is given. If you travel regularly by bus, it may be cheaper to buy a bus pass. For more information visit www.lothianbuses.com
2.6 Computing and IT Information
Information about central university resources including locations of Open-access Computing labs and how to get help is available at: http://edin.ac/15mbYEa In addition the School operates a number of computing labs. These include TLF and TLG in the Fleeming Jenkin Building which are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week (you will need your student card in order to gain access). More information about School specific IT resource is available at: http://www.see.ed.ac.uk/drupal/IT/teaching-it On this webpage, you will also find information on how to deal with any faults you may encounter whilst using the School’s Computing Laboratories.
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Keycom is the name of the University's residential networking system which provides a telephone, data and
internet service to around 85% of students in our residential accommodation. For more information on Keycom please go to: http://edin.ac/17En3q8 Please note when using University Open-access computing labs you should ensure that any work which you would like to print is saved in a compatible format. For more information on printing from a University computer lab please refer to: http://edin.ac/15mc6nn
2.7 Library
The Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, located beside the King’s Buildings Centre, holds the principal collection of Engineering literature in the University covering Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering. Further information can be found at: http://edin.ac/17Enil1 The University’s Main Library is located in George Square. It is one of the largest University libraries in the UK. For more information please go to: http://edin.ac/15mccve To access most of the University’s library sites, and to borrow books, you will need your student card. Photocopying
Self-service photocopying facilities are available to students across most library sites, and you can pay for your photocopying by using credit from your University printing account. For more information, please go to: http://edin.ac/17EnyR0 The KB Copy Centre, located in JCMB (enter by the North Door and follow the signs) offers convenient and competitively-priced photocopying and report binding services: http://edin.ac/11yMaq2
2.8 ** School of Engineering Study Facilities **
The School of Engineering provides a small study space in the Crush Hall in the Hudson Beare Building. In summer 2013, the Crush Hall was subject to additional refurbishment, doubling its capacity, and a further phase of refurbishment will start in January 2014, with details emailed to students during the first semester. The School encourages students to make use of unoccupied classrooms in the Sanderson and Hudson Beare Buildings during working hours (Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 6.00pm, Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm). These spaces can be used effectively for private or small group study, on the strict understanding that absolutely no litter or other mess is left, and that the room layouts are returned to their standard set-up, in accordance with the room set-up plans on the door of each classroom. Room booking information for all classrooms in the School of Engineering is held on the University’s timetabling system. Students can check the availability of classrooms for group working or private study by using the Web Timetables (SWS) function available through the Timetabling at Edinburgh (Student) channel in MyEd. Guidance on how to access room booking information can be found at: http://edin.ac/15uqBp4 Information about other informal study spaces, available across the King’s Buildings campus, can be found at: http://edin.ac/15YKurU
2.9 Electronic Data and Backup
All courses will require the use and storage of electronic files and data. The central University file store you have been allocated should be used for this purpose. This file store is backed up regularly and therefore is the only place where you can guarantee that data will not be lost. It is common for USB data-sticks to be used for the temporary storage and transfer of files. The use of these devices is permitted but you *must not* use them for the primary, permanent storage of course files and
data. The loss of files stored this way will not be allowed as an excuse for the non-completion and submission of coursework. For more information and help on using your Central University file store please see: http://edin.ac/15mflLi For some courses you will be allocated additional file space on one of the School fileservers. More information is given here: http://www.see.ed.ac.uk/drupal/ug-filestore
2.10 ** Learn **
Learn is the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). At its simplest, this is a restricted-access, web-accessible area where staff will place course materials for you to access/download. Most commonly Learn is used for the electronic submission of assignments, although some courses also host interactive quizzes, discussion boards and peer review activities there as well.
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To access Learn you first log on to MyEd (www.myed.ed.ac.uk) then select the My Studies section. Using the Learn channel you can enter Learn using either a direct course link or launch the full Learn Dashboard. When you start Learn, you will see a link for each of the current courses you are enrolled in, and you should also be able to see links to courses which you were enrolled on in previous years. In addition to your course list, you will also see the ‘Engineering Information Hub’. This is an area in Learn where you can find additional supporting information on your courses, and is where your final degree classification results will be posted by the School before they appear on your MyEd student record. If your Learn page does not show the correct courses, please contact the ETO Teaching Support Office ([email protected]). Please note that access to course inform held through the University’s former VLE, WebCT, is no longer
supported, and if you wish to retain any of this material you must save your own private copies as soon as possible, to avoid losing access to this material altogether. Collaborate Virtual Classroom is a virtual collaboration tool which comprises audio, video, interactive
whiteboard, PowerPoint display, application sharing, breakout rooms and session recording. Collaborate is integrated with Learn and MyEd, allowing virtual classroom/meetings to be managed either from within your course or MyEd. For more information about Collaborate, please go to: http://edin.ac/12abG7h
2.11 Use of Email
Email is the formal means of communication by the University with its students. When you join the University, you will be given a University of Edinburgh email account and address which will be used for a variety of essential communications. Email from students to staff using any email account other than SMS (e.g. Hotmail or Yahoo) is likely to be deleted by the member of staff’s spam filter. Emails from your SMS account will never be tagged as spam. You must access and manage this account regularly, as the University will send you vital information, for
example on examination arrangements or changed class times or locations, and will assume that you have opened and acted on these communications. Failure to do so will not be an acceptable excuse or ground for appeal. If you already have a web-based email account and think that you are unlikely to check your University email account, it is your responsibility to set up a forward on the University account to ensure that all official University communications are received. On-screen instructions on how to do this can be found at: http://edin.ac/136AQEJ
2.12 ** Use of IT **
It is contrary to the University Computing Regulations to use the resources of the University, directly or indirectly (e.g. remote access), for non-academic or illegal activities. It is illegal to download or use any copyright material without prior agreement with the copyright holders e.g. payment of full licence fee in advance. It is illegal to distribute software or material in contravention of copyright notices e.g. posting lecture materials on Facebook. It is contrary to regulations to generate or forward spam emails. The use of the School and University mail directories for non-academic purposes is a breach of the regulations. Under no circumstances should email directories or lists (either the name of a list or the addresses therein) be passed to anyone outside the University. Student mail addresses are deemed to be property of the Academic Registry. You may only pass your own address on to others. The University’s Computing Regulations can be found at: http://edin.ac/Yxyxmf
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3 Assessment and Feedback
PLEASE NOTE: i. where rules have changed in 2013/14, these are marked with a double asterisk (**) ii. rules which are very strictly enforced, and which have been regularly misinterpreted or
overlooked by students in the past, are highlighted in bold type.
3.1 ** Coursework Submissions and Lateness Policy **
Submitting coursework All coursework submissions contributing to the final assessment of each course must be made through the
ETO Teaching Support Office, whether to a Learn drop box, a submission box in the ETO, or to the ETO Teaching Support Office directly. This allows the ETO Teaching Support Office to maintain an accurate record of submissions made. Paper submissions to submission boxes should be accompanied by a standard front cover (see below). After the submission deadline has passed, the box will be emptied and removed. An electronic receipt will be sent to your email account once the box has been closed. Final year individual projects should be submitted to the ETO Teaching Support Office directly where they will be logged as submitted. Electronic submissions through Learn should be made to the relevant drop box on the course page. Please pay attention to specific instructions on what file formats are acceptable. Standard front cover sheets are available from the ETO; there is a different coloured sheet for each of the disciplines within Engineering:
Chemical Engineering Orange
Civil and Environmental Engineering Grey
Electronics and Electrical Engineering Blue
Mechanical Engineering Green
Barcodes
You will be issued with a set of bar-coded labels, each containing the information required to record your submission. When you submit a piece of coursework you must place one of these labels on your coursework submission cover. This will ensure that your submission is handled efficiently and accurately. If your set of labels is damaged or lost, you can request labels by filling out a form (available in the ETO) and posting it in the appropriate box in the ETO. You will then be sent an email when your sheet of labels is available for collection from the ETO Teaching Support Office. ** Lateness **
All students are expected to submit work to specified deadlines. These deadlines will be strictly observed by the ETO, and any work submitted after the deadline will be marked as late. For example, if a submission is due by 4.00pm, and a piece of work is submitted at 4.01pm, it will be considered to be a late submission. If work is submitted late, 5% of the maximum mark will be deducted per calendar day up to five calendar
days, after which a mark of zero will be recorded. This is the same penalty as is used across the university. For example a mark of 65% on the common marking scale would be reduced to 60% for up to 24 hours late, and 5% for each subsequent day up to a maximum of five calendar days.
Please note, in 2013/14 this regulation has changed, so that days late will include Monday to Sunday, i.e. all
calendar days, rather than just Monday to Friday, i.e. ‘working days’. For example in the case of a paper submission due on a Friday by 4.00pm, the ETO Teaching Support Office does not re-open until 10.00am on the following Monday, at which point this submission will be two days late, and 10% will be deducted from the final mark. ** Extensions **
An extension to a coursework deadline will only be granted in serious situations, for example, if the student is ill, and they may be prevented from submitting coursework on time. In this case, the following procedure applies: i. Where a component of assessment for an individual course is weighted at 20% or less, students
should submit a Disruption of Studies Request Form, which is available from the ETO website at: http://edin.ac/173fTJj. The completed form should be submitted to the ETO Student Support Office via email ([email protected]) copied to your Personal Tutor. The ETO Student Support Office will then process this form and, where an extension is granted, the student will be given a maximum of five calendar days after the deadline in which to submit this coursework without any penalty marks being deducted. All forms must be submitted to the ETO Student Support Office before the assignment due date.
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ii. Where a component of assessment for an individual course is weighted at over 20%, students should submit a Special Circumstances Form through their Personal Tutor (see Section 3.7 below).
Please note, students with an Adjustment Schedule with a specific adjustment allowing them to request permission to submit work late, in accordance with the School’s guidance procedures, should use procedure (i) above to request an extension, regardless of the weighting of the assignment. Collecting marked coursework
Normally, marked work will be returned by placing it in one of the pigeonholes on the wall in the ETO office foyer. It may be collected from this location during ETO Teaching Support Office opening hours. If academic staff wish to make alternative arrangements for the return or collection of marked work, they will inform you. Coursework items will not in every case be returned to students after marking. A number may be retained by the Course Organiser as a record of work for the Board of Examiners, or may be retained by the ETO Teaching Support Office for accreditation purposes. For marked items that are returned, it must be understood that marks allocated are provisional and subject to approval and possible amendment by the Board of Examiners in June.
Where work is retained for accreditation purposes, copies will be returned to students, stamped to indicate why the original piece of work has not been returned. Examples of work are selected for every coursework assignment, so that our accrediting bodies, during their periodic visits, can examine a variety of examples of student work across the full grade range.
3.2 Plagiarism and Turnitin
The University’s degrees and other academic awards are given in recognition of the candidate’s personal achievement. Plagiarism (that is the action of including or copying, without adequate acknowledgement, the work of another in your own work as if it were your own) is academically fraudulent and an offence against University discipline. Plagiarism is against University regulations and is taken very seriously. Unless explicitly instructed to the contrary, all work presented for marking must be your own. This does not preclude you from discussing your work with your peers (which is a practice that is generally encouraged), but it does preclude you from formulating joint essays, solutions, programs, designs etc. If a Course Organiser or lecturer suspects plagiarism then they will follow the guidelines laid down in the Assessment Regulations. See the latest copy of these guidelines on the Academic Registry website for further information: http://edin.ac/14fEsom On the coloured cover sheets for coursework submission, we ask you to sign a declaration that the submission is your own work. The act of submitting work electronically through a Learn drop box is also taken as a declaration that the work that you are submitting is your own, and this work may be subject to screening through the plagiarism detection software Turnitin. Turnitin
The plagiarism detection service is an online service that enables institutions and staff to carry out electronic comparison of students' work against electronic sources including other students' work. This service is often operated through use of a plagiarism detection software called Turnitin. The plagiarism detection service works by executing searches of the internet and extensive databases of reference material, as well as content previously submitted by other users. Each new submission is compared with all the existing information. The software makes no decisions as to whether a student has plagiarised, it simply highlights sections of text that are duplicated in other sources. All work will continue to be reviewed by the course tutor. As such, the software is simply used as a tool to highlight any instance where there is a possible case of plagiarism. Passages copied directly or very closely from existing sources will be identified by the software, and both the original and the potential copy will be displayed for the tutor to view. Where any direct quotations are relevant and appropriately referenced, the course tutor will be able to see this and will continue to consider the next highlighted case. Once work has been submitted to the system it becomes part of the ever growing database of material against which subsequent submissions are checked. The copyright of each work submitted remains with the original author, but a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license is granted to permit use of the material for plagiarism detection purposes.
3.3 Extended Common Marking Scheme
The assessment of all courses is governed by the University’s Taught Assessment Regulations: http://edin.ac/14fEHzD The University’s Extended Common Marking Scheme is designed to maximise consistency of grading of assessed material (lab reports, project reports, essays etc.). The following set of general grade descriptors have been adopted by the School (based upon College guidance). The descriptors are indicative of the level
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of performance expected from the students. They are not, however, a check list of qualities that each student must demonstrate. The way the performance is demonstrated will vary from subject to subject, and from one mode of assessment to another. These descriptors are written primarily as an aid to the assessment of judgmentally assessed work, such as essays, fieldwork, lab or project reports and certain types of examination. Grade Mark Honours descriptors [degree class] A1 90-100 Excellent (Outstanding) [First]
Often faultless. The work is well beyond that expected at the appropriate level of study. A2 80-89 Excellent (High) [First]
A truly professional piece of scholarship, often with an absence of errors. As ‘A3’ but shows (depending upon the item of assessment):
significant personal insight/creativity/originality and/or
extra depth and academic maturity in the elements of assessment. A3 70-79 Excellent [First]
Knowledge: Comprehensive range of up-to-date material handled in a professional way.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Shows a command of the subject and current theory.
Focus on the subject: Clear and analytical; fully explores the subject.
Critical analysis and discussion: Shows evidence of deep thinking and/or an appropriately logical and rigorous approach in critically evaluating and integrating the evidence and ideas. Deals confidently with the complexities and subtleties of issues. Shows elements of personal insight/creativity/ originality.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: Comprehensive grasp of the up-to-date literature which is used in a professional way.
Structure: Clear and coherent showing logical, ordered thought.
Presentation: Clear and professional with few, relatively minor flaws. Accurate referencing; using the correct referencing system. Figures and tables well-constructed and accurate. Good standard of spelling and grammar.
B 60-69 Very Good [2(i)]
Knowledge: Very good range of up-to-date material, perhaps with some gaps, handled in a professional way.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Shows a firm grasp of the subject and current theory but there may be gaps.
Focus on the subject: Clear focus on the subject with no or only trivial deviation.
Critical analysis and discussion: Shows initiative, the ability to think clearly, critically evaluate ideas, to bring different ideas together, and to draw sound conclusions.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: Evidence of further reading. Shows a firm grasp of the literature, using good, up-to-date references to support the arguments.
Structure: Clear and coherent showing logical, ordered thought.
Presentation: Clear and professional with few, relatively minor flaws. Accurate referencing; using the correct referencing system. Figures and tables well-constructed and accurate. Good standard of spelling and grammar.
C 50-59 Good [2(ii)]
Knowledge: Sound but limited. Inaccuracies, if any, are minor.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Understands the subject but does not have a firm grasp and depth of understanding of all the key concepts.
Focus on the subject: Addresses the subject with relatively little irrelevant material.
Critical analysis and discussion: Limited critical analysis and evaluation of sources of evidence.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: References are used appropriately to support the argument but they may be limited in number or reflect restricted independent reading.
Structure: Reasonably clear and coherent, generally presenting ideas and information in a logical way.
Presentation: Generally well presented but there may be minor flaws for example in figures, tables, referencing technique and standard of English.
D 40-49 Pass [3
rd]
Knowledge: Basic; may have factual inaccuracies and omissions.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Superficial; there may be some gaps in understanding. Lacks detail, elaboration or explanation of the key concepts and ideas; some may have been omitted.
Focus on the subject: Addresses the subject but may deviate from the core issues.
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Critical analysis and discussion: Limited or lacking. The arguments and conclusions may be weak or lack clarity with unsubstantiated statements. The emphasis is likely to be more on description than analysis.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: Basic and limited. May lack appropriate citations and evidence of independent reading.
Structure: Lacks clarity of structure. Shows poor logical development of arguments.
Presentation: Inadequate; may show flaws in the overall standard of presentation or in specific areas such as figures, referencing technique and standard of English (e.g. repeated minor spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors).
E 30-39 Marginal Fail
Knowledge: Poor and inadequate. Content too limited, there may be inaccuracies.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Poor and inadequate; does not show sufficient understanding. Concepts omitted or poorly expressed.
Focus on the subject: Does not adequately address the subject.
Critical analysis and discussion: Poor and inadequate. May be no real attempt to critically evaluate the work.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: Poor and inadequate; appropriate literature citations lacking or trivial.
Structure: A lack of coherence or poor structure.
Presentation: Overall standard of presentation may be poor. May be problems in specific areas such as writing style and expression (making it hard to follow the content), errors in referencing technique, and poor standard of English (spelling, punctuation and grammar).
F 20-29 Clear Fail
Knowledge: Very poor. Irrelevant or erroneous material may be included. May be very limited in scope consisting, for example, of just a few good lines.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Very poor, may be confused.
Focus on the subject: Does not address the subject.
Critical analysis and discussion: Extremely limited or omitted. May be confused.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: Extremely limited or omitted.
Structure: Confusing or no attempt to order the material in a systematic way.
Presentation: Writing style and presentation may be unacceptable.
G 10-19 Bad Fail
Knowledge: Serious lack of knowledge. Irrelevant or erroneous material may be included.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: None or trivial evidence of understanding.
Focus on the subject: Does not address the subject.
Critical analysis and discussion: May be no coherent discussion.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: May be omitted.
Structure: Confusing or no attempt to order the material in a systematic way.
Presentation: Writing style and presentation may be unacceptable
Knowledge: Very poor. Irrelevant or erroneous material may be included. May be very limited in scope consisting, for example, of just a few good lines.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: Very poor, may be confused.
Focus on the subject: Does not address the subject.
Critical analysis and discussion: Extremely limited or omitted. May be confused.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: Extremely limited or omitted.
Structure: Confusing or no attempt to order the material in a systematic way.
Presentation: Writing style and presentation may be unacceptable.
Knowledge: Serious lack of knowledge. Irrelevant or erroneous material may be included.
Understanding and handling of key concepts: None or trivial evidence of understanding.
Focus on the subject: Does not address the subject.
Critical analysis and discussion: May be no coherent discussion.
Literature synthesised, analysed and referenced: May be omitted.
Structure: Confusing or no attempt to order the material in a systematic way.
Presentation: Writing style and presentation may be unacceptable. H 0-9 Very Bad Fail
The presented work is of very little relevance, if any, to the subject in question. It is incomplete or inadequate in every respect. A blank answer must be awarded zero.
3.4 Degree Examinations
Most courses have degree examinations held in the exam period of the relevant semester i.e. December for Semester 1 and April/May for Semester 2. Dates, times and locations for these examinations are published by Academic Registry in good time. It is your responsibility to inform yourself of this information. For
further details see the Academic Registry web page: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/registry/exams
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At each written examination, students will be required to return their answers on a regulation University exam script book. Candidates should ensure that the front of the script book is clearly completed with the following information:
Full Name
Signature
Student Number
Examination Number
Paper Name
Paper Number
Desk Number (where applicable)
Date of Examination
Numbers of the questions attempted, in the order attempted, in the column provided. The following important Exam Hall Regulations must be observed by all students: i. Students are not normally allowed to enter the examination hall more than thirty minutes after the start
of the examination. ii. Students are not allowed to leave the examination hall less than thirty minutes after the
commencement of the examination or within the last fifteen minutes of the examination. iii. Students will be required to display their University Card on the desk throughout all examinations. iv. Examination script books must be left in the exam hall. A full set of the University’s Assessment Procedures and Examination Regulations can be found at: http://edin.ac/15p6RXb
3.5 Calculators in Examinations
The College of Science and Engineering policy on the use of calculators in examinations states that only the following models can be used during examinations: Casio fx82 (any version); Casio fx83 (any version) - updated version of fx82, with same functionality; Casio fx85 (any version, e.g. fx85WA, fx85MS) - solar version of fx83. Students are expected to purchase one of the above mentioned calculators. It is your responsibility to ensure that you remember to bring your calculator to the examination, and that its batteries are in good working order.
3.6 Dictionaries in Examinations
Students may, on request, be permitted the use of a single dictionary, for the purpose of clarifying the use of standard English words. Any candidate wishing to make use of a dictionary must gain prior written approval from the Convenor of the Board of Examiners, by first contacting the ETO Teaching Support Office and completing a Dictionary Letter Request Form. This dictionary shall be a commercially published book. No annotation to the dictionary is permitted, except the candidate's name and address. The dictionary shall not contain technical formulae, algorithms, or similar material. The use of an e-dictionary in examinations is not permitted under any circumstances.
Any dictionary used in an examination must be displayed openly on the candidate's desk during the examination. Within the examination hall it must, on request, be given up for inspection to an invigilator at any time. Subsequent to such inspection, the invigilator shall have the right to retain any dictionary for further investigation, and shall notify the Convenor of the Board of Examiners of such action at the earliest opportunity. Any such dictionary shall be returned to the candidate following the conclusion of the Board's deliberations.
3.7 ** Special Circumstances **
If you think that you have special circumstances during the academic year which you feel have affected your performance in coursework and/or examinations and that should be considered by the Special Circumstances Committee (SCC), you must consult your Personal Tutor as soon as possible to notify them that you wish to make a case to the SCC. In making a case to the SCC, it is essential that you comply with the following instructions:
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i. Notification: You must notify your Personal Tutor or the ETO Student Support Office as soon as you are aware of a situation which may affect your performance in coursework and/or examinations, ideally, and as far as possible, on the day on which the circumstance occurs.
ii. Documentation:
Documentation must be obtained to corroborate your circumstances (except in very exceptional
circumstances). This documentation must be included in the formal documentation you will submit, with the help of your Personal Tutor, to the SCC. In the case of serious illness or injury, medical evidence must be presented. In the case of an accident or similar incident, a police, hospital or dentist report must be presented. In the case of the death or serious illness of a member of your immediate family, supporting documentation will also be required.
The recommendations of the SCC are taken into account by the Board of Examiners in determining outcomes. All SCC applications must be made through your Personal Tutor, and deadlines by which all cases must be made will be circulated via email to all students prior to the meeting of each SCC. SCC recommendations may include requesting that a student repeat a missing or unreliable assessment. If this recommendation is made, the student’s original mark will appear on the student’s assessment record, until such time as the repeat assessment result becomes available. For more guidance on Special Circumstances, please see the College of Science and Engineering guidance at: http://edin.ac/14fFxMQ
3.8 40% Rule
The School has a 40% Rule for 1st and 2
nd year courses, i.e. you must achieve a minimum of 40% in
coursework and 40% in written exam components, as well as an overall mark of 40% to pass a course. If you fail a course you will be required to resit it. You are only required to resit components which have been failed.
Students who attain an overall average of greater than 40% but fail to attain 40% in either the coursework component or the examination component will be recorded as “the overall average” they have attained in the course, but as a grade “FF” – FF denotes “Forced Fail” due to failing to satisfy one or more of the course requirements, such as the 40% rule.
3.9 Board of Examiners Meetings
The Board of Examiners is made up of a Convenor, the External Examiner, Course Organisers and Course Lecturers. Board of Examiners meetings take place three times a year, in January, June and August, to approve the results of each course, consider student progression and make final degree award decisions. All marks returned to students during the year are provisional until they have been approved by the
appropriate Board of Examiners. Where the Board of Examiners considers it appropriate, it may adjust the marks for an individual exam paper as follows to make allowance for, for example, an unusually difficult or easy paper. If the average mark for a course is below 55% or above 65% the Board may decide to scale according to the University standard scaling model. The University uses a two-point linear scaling model, in which marks are anchored at 0 and 100, and where the marks corresponding to a pass and to excellence are chosen (if scaling is to be applied). For example, it might be judged that a raw mark of 35% corresponds to a pass for a particular element of the assessment, in which case the scaling would scale 35% to 40%, with other marks scaled accordingly. Please note that this scaling model will not adjust all marks to the same extent, e.g. by two percentage points, as the way in which individual marks will be adjusted will depend on their position within the cohort, and the adjustment made.
3.10 ** Role of the External Examiner **
The External Examiner is appointed, for a period of three years, to ensure that the high standards of the degree are maintained, and that the examination procedures are carried out correctly and fairly. The External Examiner is asked to check all examination papers, and may recommend that amendments are made to examination questions before examination papers are published. The External Examiner is invited to comment on the standards achieved by the students compared with other universities, and on the fairness and appropriateness of the examination procedures. At the end of each academic year, the External Examiner reports on the degree in writing to the College of Science and Engineering. From academic year 2013/14, a summary of the points raised by External Examiners, and the School’s response, will be discussed as one of the agenda items in the Student Staff Liaison Committees (SSLC) – in Semester 1 for undergraduate SSLCs, and in Semester 2 for MSc SSLCs.
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3.11 ** Obtaining Your Results **
After the Board of Examiners meetings have taken place, course results will be available via MyEd as soon as they have been uploaded by the ETO Teaching Support Office. Email notifications will be sent out to confirm when results are likely to be published, and again when marks for discipline year groups (e.g. 4
th
Year Chemical Engineering) have been uploaded. Degree classification results are sent to Academic Registry for publication on MyEd. To allow for the notification of degree classification results as quickly as possible, these will also be posted by the ETO Teaching Support Office in the Engineering Information Hub, which can be found in your list of courses in Learn. Each graduating year group will be emailed as soon as these results have been uploaded. Students who are unable to graduate for any reason, e.g. special circumstances, Resits for Professional Purposes, will be emailed first, before classification results are released, as a matter of priority. During the period when results are likely to be released, please remember to check your University email account regularly, to ensure you do not miss any important communications.
University Regulations forbid results being given over the telephone. Neither will they be sent by email, so please do not call the ETO, your Personal Tutor or Course Organisers. Publication of Assessment Statistics
Following each Examination Board Meeting, and the publication of course marks in MyEd, the School of Engineering will publish statistical data for the overall results of each course assessed, to include:
(i) the average mark; (ii) the standard deviation; (iii) a histogram of the grade distribution.
These statistics will be published in all cases, except where student numbers on a course fall below 10, at which point this data is considered not to be statistically significant, and it may become possible for individual students to be identified. Chemical Engineering Graduates
Students graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree programme, accredited by the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), should note that each summer the ETO Teaching Support Office passes the following information to the IChemE to confirm a list of graduates from these accredited degrees:
year of graduation
full title of degree
full name
date of birth
qualification (BEng or MEng)
degree classification
confirmation that design project component passed. If you have any concerns about the release of this personal data, please contact [email protected]
3.12 ** Feedback **
Feedback is a two-way process. It thrives on interaction and dialogue between students and their teachers, and where there is a sense of belonging to a vibrant community of learners. The School takes the provision of feedback to students on their progress very seriously, as it is acknowledged as a crucial element supporting your learning process. Feedback can take very many forms. Written comments on a piece of work are one form of feedback, but self-assessment quizzes (e.g. on Learn), responses to “clicker” questions in lectures and one-to-one or small group discussion with a tutor in a tutorial all provide valuable routes for feedback. Feedback can only work well when it is a joint and shared responsibility:
The onus is on teachers to:
i. design courses and programmes in ways that enable students to get and to act on feedback ii. inform students when, where and how feedback will be provided iii. provide feedback which is prompt, informative and helpful, within the resources available to
them, and advise students how they can put the feedback to good use.
The onus is on students to:
i. familiarise themselves with when, where and how feedback is provided ii. develop their understanding of assessment expectations, criteria and standards in their
chosen degree programme iii. collect and reflect on the feedback provided, and grasp opportunities to put it to good use.
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The School has a policy that pieces of submitted coursework must be marked and returned, with feedback, within a period of time that allows students to act on this feedback before submitting further associated assignments, or sitting degree examinations. The period in which marked coursework will be returned for each course, will be specified by that course’s Course Organiser. At the very latest, all coursework assignments must be marked and returned to students within 15 working days of submission.
If you find that an item of coursework has not been marked and returned to you within the appropriate timeframe, or within 15 working days at the latest, please email [email protected], and the matter will be investigated on your behalf by the ETO.
3.13 ** Progression and Final Awards **
In the following, it is important to distinguish “progression” from “continue studies”. “Progression” means progressing from one year of your degree programme to the next (e.g. from 2
nd year to 3
rd). There are
circumstances in which you satisfy the general University requirements to be allowed to continue your studies, but do not satisfy specific requirements that would allow you to progress. Where a student cannot progress to the next year of study (flagged below), the usual consequence is part-time study, or authorised interruption of studies, to enable you to make up failed “prerequisite” courses, required to allow progression to the next year of the programme. Permission to repeat a year of study is a major concession, is almost never granted, and is only permitted in extremely exceptional circumstances.
In order to progress to Year 2 of your degree programme you are expected to:
i. pass a total of 120 credits in Year 1;
ii. pass those courses which are pre-requisites for 2nd
Year courses on your degree programme.
If you have not passed a pre-requisite course you will not be able to enter Year 2 of your degree programme without the granting of a “concession” allowing you two further resit attempts. The granting of a concession is not automatic, and will be at the discretion of the School Curriculum Approval Officer. Concessions will not normally be granted where more than one 10 credit course has been failed. If you are not permitted to enter Year 2 you will normally be expected to either take an Authorised Leave of Absence to resit the failed courses assessment only, or to repeat the failed courses in full attendance. In order to progress to Year 3 of your degree programme you are expected to:
i. pass a total of 240 credit points for Years 1 and 2. ii. pass those courses which are pre-requisites for 3
rd year courses.
If you have not passed a pre-requisite course you will not be able to enter Year 3 without the granting of a “concession” allowing you two further resit attempts. The granting of a concession is not automatic, and will be at the discretion of the School Curriculum Approval Officer. Concessions will not normally be granted where more than one 10 credit course has been failed. If you are not permitted to enter Year 3 you will normally be expected to either take an Authorised Leave of Absence to resit the failed courses assessment only, or to repeat the failed courses in full attendance. In order to progress to Year 4 of your degree programme you must:
i. achieve an aggregate mark for 3rd
year of 40% or greater (one mark per course will be calculated, and then these marks will be weighted according to the credit points of each course); and
ii. pass at least 80 credits of courses; and iii. have no outstanding 1
st or 2
nd year courses which have yet to be passed. This is in boldface
because, every year, there are students who find that they are still carrying a fail in (e.g.) Industrial Management or a Mathematics course, and who therefore cannot proceed to 4
th year, and must take
an authorised year of interruption to studies to pass the missing course(s). It is also important to note that this is one of the most rigidly-enforced of University regulations.
If you do not achieve i. and ii. at the first attempt you will not be able to continue in your studies for the
Honours degree and you will only be eligible for the Ordinary degree (see below). If you achieve i. and ii. but not iii. you will normally be expected to take Authorised Leave of Absence to resit the remaining 1
st and 2
nd year examinations the following year.
For progression onto the MEng: Progression to the 4
th Year of the MEng programme is conditional on achieving an aggregate mark of 55.00%
or more in Year 3. This is the case no matter which degree programme you are registered for, therefore if you are currently registered for the BEng degree you may progress to the MEng degree if you meet the academic requirement. Please note that your average mark at the end of 3
rd year will be calculated to two
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decimal places, and rounding will not be used in the determination of progression MEng i.e. you must achieve an average mark of 55.00% or above in order to progress on to the MEng degree programme. There is no specific requirement to pass all third year courses to enter into the MEng programme (though failed courses are more likely to reduce the aggregate mark to below 55.00%). In order to progress to Year 5 of your degree programme you must:
i. achieve an aggregate mark for 4th
year of 40% or greater; and ii. pass at least 80 credits of courses. In the event of failure to meet these progression requirements, students must consult with their Personal Tutor as a matter of urgency. Resits for Professional Purposes
In response to the requirements of the Professional Bodies which accredit our Engineering degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, an additional regulation applies to students in the Honours years (3
rd, 4
th or 5
th years) for undergraduate degrees in these Disciplines:
i. A student who fails an Honours course, for which a pass is required for reasons associated with
breadth of professional knowledge and/or the stipulation(s) of one or more of the Professional Accreditation bodies, will be required to “resit for professional purposes” the examination and/or resubmit the course work in the August diet following. However, the first (fail) mark will be recorded for the Honours degree classification.
ii. Should the resit or resubmission still fail to achieve a pass, the student will not be eligible to progress
or graduate with Honours. In such cases, the student will be required to interrupt for a year and take a further “resit for professional purposes”. A final year student requiring “resit(s) for professional purposes” will be ineligible for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours / Master of Engineering with Honours until such time as the necessary passes at “resit for professional purposes” are achieved, but may be eligible for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) in a Designated Discipline. The maximum number of attempts will be the same as the number normally allowed by undergraduate assessment regulations.
iii. It will be for each Discipline within the School of Engineering to identify “courses for which a pass is
required…”. This may be done on the basis of individual courses, and/or on the basis of an aggregate. The requirements for each Discipline are as follows: ** Civil and Environmental Engineering Degrees **
In Civil Engineering it is considered essential that students have knowledge of certain material to ensure broad professional competence on graduation. Therefore, in addition to the University regulations governing progression from year to year, it is required that students pass certain subjects for “professional purposes”. The following courses are required for professional purposes. Not all are relevant to all students and these must only be passed by those students which have the course listed as a compulsory part of their degree. Year 3
CIVE09027 Computer Methods in Structural Engineering 3 CIVE09028 Conceptual Design for Civil Engineers 3 CIVE09013 Construction Management 3 CIVE09029 Detailed Design of Structures 3 CIVE09020 Environmental Engineering 3 CIVE09023 Fire Safety Engineering 3 CIVE09014 Fluid Mechanics (Civil) 3 CIVE09016 Geotechnical Engineering 3 CIVE09018 Infrastructure Management and Sustainability 3 CIVE10020 Structural Form, Function and Design Philosophy 3 CIVE09015 Theory of Structures 3
Year 4
CIVE10013 BEng Thesis 4 (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
Year 5
CIVE11037 MEng Thesis 5 (Discipline of Civil & Environmental Engineering) In Years 4 and 5 students who have achieved the University requirement of full passes in 80 credits of courses with an overall average across all courses of at least 40%, but who have full passes in less than 100 credits, will not be permitted to progress or graduate. Students in this position will be permitted to take a "Resit for Professional Purposes" in those courses where they obtained less than 40%, and will be permitted
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to progress or graduate when they have achieved the equivalent of full passes in at least 100 credits of courses including "Resit for Professional Purposes". The mark obtained in the first attempt will be used to calculate the final degree award, regardless of the mark obtained in the "Resit for Professional Purposes". To maintain consistency, the total number of permitted attempts including "Resit for Professional Purposes" will be the same as that specified by University regulations for non-honours courses (normally four attempts, although students on a Tier 4 Student Visa must seek further guidance on the number of resit attempts permitted, which may be restricted by their visa conditions). It is recognised that in a very small number of cases the requirement to "Resit for Professional Purposes" may delay the progression or graduation of individual students. Electronics and Electrical Engineering Degree Programmes
In Years 3, 4 and 5 students who have achieved the University requirement of full passes in 80 credits of courses with an overall average across all courses of at least 40%, but who have full passes in less than 100 credits, will not be permitted to progress or graduate. Students in this position will be permitted to take a "Resit for Professional Purposes" in those courses where they obtained less than 40%, and will be permitted to progress or graduate when they have achieved the equivalent of full passes in at least 100 credits of courses including "Resit for Professional Purposes". The mark obtained in the first attempt will be used to calculate the final degree award, regardless of the mark obtained in the "Resit for Professional Purposes". To maintain consistency, the total number of permitted attempts including "Resit for Professional Purposes" will be the same as that specified by University regulations for non-honours courses (normally four attempts, although students on a Tier 4 Student Visa must seek further guidance on the number of resit attempts permitted, which may be restricted by their visa conditions). It is recognised that in a very small number of cases the requirement to "Resit for Professional Purposes" may delay the progression or graduation of individual students. Additionally, in order to attain eligibility to proceed to an MEng programme after 3rd year, students must obtain an overall average of 55.00%. Students achieving an average of 55.00%, but with full passes in at least 80 and less than 100 credits of courses will be similarly eligible to “Resit for Professional Purposes”. Classification of Honours Degrees:
Final Honours Degree classification is based on the non-rounded weighted aggregation of marks obtained in all courses across Years 3, 4, and in the case MEng, 5. For BEng, your overall 3
rd Year mark and your
overall 4th
Year mark are combined, with a 50:50 weighting, to arrive at a final mark for the programme. For MEng, Year 3, 4 and 5 contributions are weighted 20:40:40. The Final Honours classification will be awarded according to this final programme mark, according to the University’s Extended Common Marking Scheme (see table in Section 3.3 above) e.g. an overall mark of 65% will result in the award of a 2:1 classification. Students should note, however, that failure to pass their Individual Honours Project, regardless of their overall programme mark, will exclude the award of an Honours Degree. Attainment of a pass in at
least 80 credits in Year 5 must also be attained. ** Criteria for Classification of Borderline Honours Degrees: **
The following regulation from the University of Edinburgh’s Taught Assessment Regulations applies to borderline marks: “Regulation 37 Borderlines Boards of Examiners must consider students whose marks are borderline for passing a course, progression, award or classification purposes. Borderline marks are defined as marks from two percentage points below the class or grade boundary up to the boundary itself, e.g. 58.00% to 59.99% for an undergraduate 2.1 classification or 38.00% to 39.99% for a pass. Boards of Examiners must use the University borderline definition and may not set and use a different definition.” The following additional factors are taken in to account in the classification of honours degrees in the School of Engineering, where the final average mark is a borderline mark: (i) Where the final average mark used for degree classification falls within 0.5% below the classification
boundary, the candidate will be awarded the higher degree classification.
e.g. If a candidate achieves a final average mark of 59.50%, that candidate will be awarded an Upper Second or 2.1 classified degree.
(ii) Where students are deemed to be borderline for the purposes of classifying a BEng Honours degree,
a mark will be calculated based 33.3% on the 3rd
Year average and 66.7% on the 4th Year average. In
the event that this mark is in the higher classification (without any rounding), the student will receive the higher classification, otherwise no action will be taken.
Ordinary Degrees
Where a student cannot progress to 4th Year, as they have not satisfied the Progression requirements give
above, they may be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) Ordinary in a Designated Discipline or
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a Combined Discipline (for example, if you are registered on the BEng Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, but cannot progress to 4
th Year, you may be eligible for the award of a BSc Ordinary in Electrical and
Mechanical Engineering). In order to attain a BSc Ordinary in a Designated Discipline, you must satisfy the following requirements: i. students must obtain 360 credits (this can include recognition of prior learning, i.e. credits in
recognition of credits attained at another institution); ii. the courses which make up these 360 credits must meet the requirement for entry in to Senior
Honours in that Discipline or Combined Discipline, as set out in the Degree Programme Table; iii. students can be awarded credits on compensation if they attain the required level of performance (i.e.
in 3rd
Year credits can be awarded on aggregate for failed courses if a student has passed at least 80 out of 120 credits and attained an average mark of at least 40%);
iv. students can resit 3
rd Year courses in order to attain a BSc Ordinary degree, and will be given four
attempts to pass each course (subject to visa conditions, in the case of Tier 4 Student Visa holders). Please note that Ordinary Degrees are not classified in the same way that Honours degrees are (e.g. First Class, Upper Second etc.). Undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education
Students can be awarded the Undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education where they have attained a minimum of 240 credits. At least 120 credits must be gained from passes in University of Edinburgh courses which count towards graduation and at least 90 of these 120 credits must be in courses at level 8 or above. Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education
Students can be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate of Higher Education where they have attained a minimum of 120 credits gained from passes in University of Edinburgh courses which count towards graduation.
3.14 ** Progression Interviews **
All students will be interviewed by their Personal Tutor at the beginning of each academic year. All students who fail 1
st or 2
nd year courses, and who therefore fail to meet the required standards for progression, will
require the following levels of approval in order to be permitted to continue: i. students who have failed up to 20 credits of optional courses (courses not specified in the Degree
Programme Table (DPT)) may be permitted to progress by their Personal Tutor; ii. all other students will be reported to the School’s Student Progression Officer (SSPO), or their
designate, to obtain permission to continue with their studies. Where permission to continue your studies is granted, this could include permission to continue to the next year of studies with concessions to carry additional courses, or permission to ‘repeat’ failed courses on a part-time or assessment only basis. You will not be given permission to ‘repeat’ a full academic year, including courses which you have already passed. Where the SSPO permits a student to continue in
their studies, it should be realised that this is a significant concession which will only be granted once.
3.15 ** Changing Programme of Study **
New Students
If you would like to change your Degree Programme or Year of Study, and are a new student in the School of Engineering from September 2013, please contact your Personal Tutor. Your Personal Tutor will refer your case to the College Admissions Office, to ensure that you satisfy the entry requirements for admission to this degree. Continuing Students Within the Same Discipline
If you would like to change your degree programme to another degree programme in your Discipline, for example from Mechanical Engineering to Mechanical Engineering with Management, please contact your Personal Tutor. Changing to a Degree in another Discipline in the School of Engineering
If you would like to change your degree programme to another degree programme in the School of Engineering, for example from Electronics and Electrical Engineering to Mechanical Engineering, you should contact the ETO Student Support Team: [email protected]
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Change to a Degree in another School in the College of Science and Engineering
If you would like to transfer to a degree in another School, it is important to remember that there are strict deadlines by which your formal application to transfer must be made. You should contact the Teaching Organisation in your destination School in the first instance. This School will then evaluate your academic record to decide whether to support your application to transfer. The deadline to apply to transfer to another School within the College of Science and Engineering was 5 April in 2012/13. Change to a Degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences
If you would like to transfer to a degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, it is important to remember that there are strict deadlines by which your formal application to transfer must be made. You should approach the Teaching Organisation in your destination School in the first instance, so that they can evaluate your suitability for a transfer. Once they have indicated that you should make a formal application to transfer, you should do so by completing the appropriate forms, available online. Please note that the deadline to apply for a transfer to the BEd (Primary and Physical Education) was 1 December, and the deadline to apply to transfer to all other degrees was 5 April in 2012/13. For more information, please go to: http://edin.ac/175JscZ
3.16 ** Resits **
Under normal circumstances, August resits are only offered for 1st and 2
nd year courses. Resits can,
however, be offered to 3rd
year students opting to take an Ordinary Degree or Honours students may be required to undertake resits in order to satisfy the requirements set out in their Discipline’s Resits for Professional Purposes requirements (see Section 3.13 above). Exceptionally, an August exam may also be offered in 3
rd and 4
th years as a route to enable a student to recover from Special Circumstances that affected
their December or April/May examinations, but such specially-set examinations are not resits in any sense. Where resits are permitted, students have a maximum of four attempts to pass a course (please note
that this number of attempts may be further restricted where a student has been admitted to the UK through the Tier 4 Student Visa route, and advice should be sought through the International Office). Where a compulsory course is failed at the fourth attempt, the student will be excluded from further study at the University of Edinburgh.
If a resit is available to a student but they do not to take it up, this will count as one of their attempts,
except in the case of Special Circumstances resulting in the Examination Board granting a “null sit” for that exam.
3.17 ** Interruption of Study **
An Authorised Interruption of Study is where the student is given permission to suspend their studies for a short period of time for ‘good reason’. An interruption of study concession is only applicable where a student is unable to study due to circumstances that are largely beyond their own control. Please note, the granting of an interruption is a Concession and is not a right, and that interruptions cannot be back dated, but will only start on the date that the Concession to allow an interruption of studies has been granted.
This Concession may only be granted in the following very specific circumstances. Circumstances Beyond a Student’s Control
A student may apply for permission to interrupt their studies, for part of a year or a full year, in a case of Special Circumstances which prevents them from being able to study, for example: i. medical and health problems ii. personal and family problems iii. bereavement iv. a national legal obligation of military service; in which case, the student must have passed all their
examinations and be eligible to return to the next year of study. Any student wishing to apply for interruption on the basis of Special Circumstances must contact their Personal Tutor and must be able to provide contemporaneous documentary evidence. If a student is in 1
st or
2nd
Year, the permission to grant this Concession lies with the student’s Personal Tutor. If a student is in 3rd
, 4
th or 5
th Year, or is in any year and wishes to interrupt their studies for more than one calendar year, or for
consecutive periods, this permission must be gained from the College Learning and Teaching Committee’s Concessions Sub-Committee. Student Interest Activities
Any application to interrupt studies on the basis of student interest activities must be made to the College Learning and Teaching Committee’s Concessions Sub-Committee, by contacting your Personal Tutor. Applications must be received by College no later than Thursday 31 July 2014. Examples that may be
considered are: i. internships or other such activities relevant to the student’s degree choice and subsequent career
aspirations ii. an independent year abroad (i.e. not part of the formal degree structure and not counting for credits)
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iii. top level representation of country in sport or other prestige activities iv. full time paid employment relevant to the student’s career aspirations. The student will be required to submit a detailed proposal covering details of the proposed activity and justification and a personal statement outlining the skills and experience that they expect/aspire to gain from the activity. Where possible the student should provide supporting documentation. More detailed information can be found on the College’s website at: http://edin.ac/1dDuXm6 Maternity and Family Leave
Any student who becomes pregnant during their studies, is to become a father, has a partner who is pregnant or is to become a parent through adoption of a child, may be eligible for adjustments to ensure that they are not disadvantaged in their studies. Any student who has their pregnancy confirmed by a GP, is to become a father, or is to adopt a child, is encouraged to report this to their Personal Tutor so that they can provide appropriate academic advice. A copy of the University’s Student Maternity and Family Leave Policy can be found at: http://edin.ac/15tUd5X
3.18 ** Withdrawal **
A withdrawal is where a student leaves the University on a permanent basis. The student is not normally permitted to resume or retake their studies. Voluntary Withdrawal
If you experience any misgivings about studying Engineering at the University of Edinburgh which may lead you to think about withdrawing from your studies, you should contact your Personal Tutor as soon as possible to discuss your options and any problems you may be experiencing. If, after careful consideration, you wish to withdraw voluntarily from the University, you should do so in writing using the ‘Withdrawal Form Student’ form available at http://edin.ac/19E29sR citing the reason for your withdrawal and the effective date, and submit it to the ETO Student Support Office. Exclusion for Unsatisfactory Academic Progress
Following a Progression Interview (outlined under Section 3.14 above) the School’s Student Progression Officer may make the decision that a student is to be excluded from further study. This decision will be confirmed in writing via email as soon as possible after the interview has taken place, and copied to the student’s Personal Tutor. A note will also be placed on the student’s record by the ETO Student Support Office. The student will then be withdrawn online through their EUCLID student record, and a further notification will be sent via email. Exclusion Due to Non-Attendance or Non-Participation
The School will monitor your engagement with your studies, through monitoring of mandatory class attendance, coursework submissions and examination attendance, and if a pattern of non-engagement with your studies emerges, will contact you, normally through an email from your Personal Tutor, to ask if there is a good reason for your non-attendance and to find out if you require any additional support. Where a student has persistently and wilfully not attended, not completed the required academic work, has failed to meet with their Personal Tutor, and does not respond to emails, formal exclusion procedures will be instigated. Once the School has established that a student is not participating, the student will be referred to the College of Science and Engineering immediately. The student will receive formal notification of this process from the College Office. If a response is not received within 10 working days, the College Office will proceed with the formal exclusion. This exclusion will be regarded as permanent. These measures will be taken in accordance with the University’s General Undergraduate Degree Regulation 24: “Students must attend and participate as required in all aspects of their programme of study. This includes being available for assessment, meeting Personal Tutors and examination.”
In the case of students on a Tier 4 Student Visa, exclusion will result in the removal of your sponsorship to be resident in the UK by the University of Edinburgh.
3.19 Prizes
The School of Engineering, working together with its Industrial Partners and Accrediting Bodies, awards a substantial number of prizes at the end of each academic year, in recognition of excellent academic achievement. A list of School of Engineering Prizes and last academic year’s prize winners can be found at: http://edin.ac/1cCzeTJ
3.20 Graduation
Graduation ceremonies are held twice each year, in June and in late November/early December. Students may graduate either in person or in absentia, but must graduate in the Graduation Ceremony which
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immediately follows the end of their degree programme. Graduations cannot be rescheduled or postponed. All students must register for graduation and pay a fee to join the University’s General Council. For more information about all aspects of graduation, please go to the Academic Registry website: http://edin.ac/1dDxnB8
3.21 Appeals
University Taught Assessment Regulations permit a candidate to appeal against a decision of a Board of Examiners on two (very specific) grounds: i. on grounds of substantial information which for good reason was not available to the examiners
when their decision was taken, and ii. on the grounds of alleged improper conduct of an examination. For this purpose “conduct of an
examination” includes conduct of the meeting of the Board of Examiners. It is important to note that the appeal process cannot be used to challenge academic judgment. That is, a student cannot submit an appeal simply because they believe that they deserve a better mark.
Any appeal must be submitted in writing to the Secretary to the University as soon as possible; only in exceptional circumstances may an appeal from a visiting or final year student or graduate be considered more than six weeks after the results of any examination have been available to the appellant. For other undergraduate appellants only in exceptional circumstances may an appeal be considered more than two weeks after the results of an examination have been available to the appellant. The decision as to whether or not exceptional circumstances exist will be made by the sub-committee. Any students contemplating an appeal are advised to seek the advice of their Personal Tutor and EUSA Advice Place http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace/ Further guidance can be found at: http://edin.ac/19gsBWq
3.22 ** Feedback and Complaints **
The School of Engineering is committed to enhancing the experience of our students. We aim to ensure that our teaching provides positive experiences and opportunities for our students. If we are to achieve that aim, it is important that we know what is and is not working. The School of Engineering values feedback from its students and gathers this in a number of ways. We endeavour to listen to student concerns and to ensure they are dealt with appropriately. Feedback
There are a number of ways students can consider providing feedback on their student experience. These could include speaking to your class representative or inputting to your Discipline’s Student Staff Liaison Committee, meeting with your Personal Tutor, or by completing course feedback questionnaires at the end of each semester. Feedback need not be negative. In fact it is really helpful for us to know about examples of good practice or good service which we might be able to share with other areas of the School. Each year there is also the opportunity for non-final year students to participate in the University’s Edinburgh Student Experience Survey, and for final year students to participate in a national student experience survey, called the National Student Survey. You can find out more about these surveys by going to: http://www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/students/surveys If you are experiencing a particular difficulty with your academic studies, there are a number of avenues available to you within the School of Engineering, to assist you in resolving any problems you may be experiencing. As soon as an issue arises, you should take the following course(s) of action (please see Section 4 below for information on advice and support for any personal difficulties you may be experiencing): i. If you have a problem with one of your courses, first discuss it in a tutorial or laboratory, directly with
your Course Lecturer, the Course Organiser, or with the ETO Teaching Support Office. ii. If you have tried these courses of action, and this has not resolved your problem, please contact your
student representatives - your Class Representative, your Senior Discipline Representative (who meets regularly with the Head of Discipline) or ask one of your student representatives to bring the matter up at a Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) meeting. Please do not wait for the SSLC meeting to occur - if you have an urgent problem, please address this with any of the people named above as soon as possible.
iii. If these courses of action have still not resolved your problem, contact your Personal Tutor, the Head
of Discipline, the Teaching Organisation Administrator or the School’s Director of Teaching (see Section 2.1 for contact details).
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Complaints
The School of Engineering recognises that there will be occasions when students will wish to raise more serious concerns about issues relating to their student experience. If you have exhausted the avenues indicated above in trying to find a way to resolve problems informally and locally, the University has a Student Complaint Procedure through which students can formally raise a serious complaint relating to an aspect of their experience at University. If you are a student considering making a complaint, you should first: i. Try to sort out the problem with those who are directly involved. Generally complaints are resolved
more easily and effectively at an early stage and by those who have a direct influence on the situation. ii. Have a look at the information and guidance accessible via the link below which explains the student
complaint procedure. iii. Speak to an Advisor at the Edinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) Advice Place. EUSA
Advisors have a great deal of relevant experience and knowledge of the University procedures (http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace/).
The University’s complaints procedure can be used to address the following issues:
the quality and standard of any service we provide
failure to provide a service
the quality of our facilities or learning resources
unfair treatment or inappropriate behaviour by a student or staff member
the failure of the University to follow an appropriate administrative process
dissatisfaction with University policies. The University’s complaints procedure cannot be used to address the following issues:
a routine, first-time request for a service
a request under Freedom of Information or Data Protection legislation
a request for information or an explanation of policy or practice
an appeal about an academic decision on assessment or admission
an issue which is being, or has been, considered by a court or tribunal
a request for compensation only
an attempt to have a complaint reconsidered where we have already given our final decision following an investigation.
The University’s complaints procedure falls in to two stages: i. Stage 1: Frontline Resolution – a Stage 1 complaint should be made to the Engineering Teaching
Organisation (ETO). At this stage you will be asked to provide the following information in order for your complaint to be logged:
full name
student number
email address
telephone number
you will be asked to classify your complaint in terms of your status with the University (e.g. undergraduate student)
you will be asked to classify your complaint in terms of its nature (e.g. teaching and/or assessment, pastoral support).
We will aim to resolve all Stage 1 complaints within 5 working days.
ii. Stage 2: Complaint Investigation – a Stage 2 complaint is a complaint which could not be resolved at
Stage 1, or which is more complex, and requires more thorough investigation. Stage 2 complaints are handled at University level.
For more information about the University’s Complaints Procedure please go to: http://edin.ac/15iue5C
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4 Student Support and Opportunities
4.1 ** Personal Tutors and Support Services **
Personal Tutor (PT)
If you experience difficulties with your academic progress, or experience other problems such as illness, family problems, and bereavement, or are simply feeling low or depressed, please contact your PT immediately. Please remember that PTs are experienced individuals who are unlikely to be shocked, embarrassed or judgemental about your particular circumstances. Also remember that, while PTs cannot guarantee to solve problems, what is certain is that nothing can be done if you do not keep them informed. PTs will respect your confidentiality as far as possible. Occasionally, they may feel it necessary to discuss a particularly complex case with a senior colleague – they will normally ask your permission to do this. If you are experiencing difficulties contacting your PT please email the ETO Student Support Team: [email protected] This email address will be checked on a daily basis, during office hours, and guidance will be provided as appropriate. If you are not able to get the help you need from your PT, the School also has a Senior Tutor (ST) who is
available to you. The Senior Tutor is responsible for the School’s Personal Tutor arrangements, and has a lot of experience of student welfare issues. The Senior Tutor for the School of Engineering is Dr Simon Smith ([email protected]). The Senior Tutor is supported by Deputy Senior Tutors in each Discipline:
Chemical Engineering: Dr Gail Duursma ([email protected])
Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dr Martin Crapper ([email protected])
Electronics and Electrical Engineering: Dr Alister Hamilton ([email protected])
Mechanical Engineering: Dr Vengatesan Venugopal ([email protected]) All of the School’s Personal Tutors are supported by the ETO Student Support Office. The ETO Student
Support Office are available to help you with more general student support enquiries, such as how to make an appointment with your PT or how to access a University support service. They can also provide routine advice and guidance on the School’s policies and procedures which govern your progression through your degree programme. The Student Support Office is open to general enquiries from Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 12.00pm, and 2.00pm to 4.00pm. If you would like to make an appointment to meet with someone from the Student Support Office more privately, please email [email protected] If you need to contact someone urgently during office hours (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm) and cannot manage to get in touch with any of the contacts suggested above, please come to the Engineering Teaching Organisation (ETO) and any member of staff will do their best to put you in touch with an appropriate person. If you would like to contact someone out with office hours, you should contact Nightline, a confidential support and information service manned by student volunteers. This service operates between 8pm and 8am throughout the academic year, by calling 0131 557 4444, or you can access it online by going to http://nl.eusa.ed.ac.uk/ Support Services
In addition to the support outlined above, the School of Engineering also provides the following Support Services to its students: i. the Engineering Teaching Organisation (please see Section 2.1 above and
http://www.see.ed.ac.uk/drupal/Teaching/Current_Taught/); ii. IT Services, which supports the School’s IT infrastructure, including all computer laboratories
(http://edin.ac/18p6c6Z); iii. Technical Services, which supports the School’s laboratory facilities and looks after the buildings
which comprise the School of Engineering. The University offers a range of support services as follows:
Academic Registry http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/Registry/
Accommodation Services http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services/
Careers Service http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/careers
Centre for Sport and Exercise http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/sport-exercise/
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Chaplaincy http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/chaplaincy
Childcare http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/day-nursery/
Counselling http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-counselling
Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA)
www.eusa.ed.ac.uk
Health Centre www.health-service.ed.ac.uk
Information Services (including Library)
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services
Institute for Academic Development http://www.iad.ed.ac.uk/
International Office http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/international-office
Scholarships and Student Funding http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/
Sports Union www.eusu.ed.ac.uk
Student Disability Service http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-disability-service
Student Information Points (SIPs)
Student Information Points, located on the ground floor of the Main Library and at the entrance of the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library at King’s Buildings, are here to answer any questions you may have or point you in the right direction. They are there for when you don't know who you should be talking to, what your options are, or even if you're just lost. Don't be Shy, Ask Them Anything!
4.2 ** Engineering PALs (Peer Assisted Learning Scheme) **
The School of Engineering is introducing its own Peer Assisted Learning Scheme for the first time in 2013/2014. Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is a system of student-to-student support whereby all First Year
Engineering students will be supported in their studies by Engineering students from upper years, known as Student Leaders. Engineering PALs will run on Thursdays in Semester 1 from 5.00pm to 6.00pm in the Drawing Office, Sanderson Building and is compulsory for all first year students. The sessions will be linked to the Engineering 1 course and will allow students to develop their learning and study strategies, such as exam and revision techniques, note-taking and essay writing skills. Each session is a chance for first years to share studying problems or worries within a supportive, informal environment and to benefit from the experience of students who have been through their first year of study at University. Details of the PALs timetable in Semester 2 will be released nearer the time. Students in years 2 to 5, who are interested in becoming Student Leaders, should contact the ETO Student Support Office for further details ([email protected]). Information about Engineering PALs can be found online at: https://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/drupal/PALs Information about other Peer Support activities across the University can be found at the following link: http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/getinvolved/peer-support/
4.3 ** Medical Care **
All students must register with a doctor’s surgery when they arrive in Edinburgh. You can register with any
doctor’s surgery, but you may wish to register with the University Health Centre in Bristo Square which offers a service to all students living within a specific boundary area. For more information about the services provided and consulting hours go to: http://www.health-service.ed.ac.uk/ To find details of doctor’s surgeries you will accept patients from the area in which you live, please go to the National Health Service (NHS) website at: http://www.nhs24.com/FindLocal This service will also help you to locate other health services, such as dentists or sexual health clinics, in your local area. Appointments with a doctor are not charged under the National Health Service and there is no charge for items of prescribed medicine. Charges may be made for dental and eye care.
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4.4 ** Financial Support **
Should you encounter any financial difficulties during your studies, or have any questions about how to fund your education, you will find a number of sources of information and guidance for you within the University.
Scholarships and Student Funding Services provides a single point of contact for prospective and
enrolled students in finding the financial help and information they need in order to pursue their education: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding
The Edinburgh4Learning portal offers an intuitive and easy to use funding information tool which
allows students to search using a series of handy drop-down lists: http://www.open4learning.info/edinburgh/Default.aspx
The EUSA Advice Place has a lot of experience of advising students in financial matters, and can
help you to find out if you can apply for access to the University’s Discretionary Funds: http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace/moneyandfunding/
4.5 Council Tax Exemption Forms
All Council Tax enquiries should be directed to Academic Registry. Council Tax Exemption Forms should be taken to Academic Registry to be completed, as only they are able to provide the necessary documentation and have the appropriate institutional stamp. Please also see Academic Registry’s web page: http://edin.ac/115iXy4
4.6 ** Keeping Your Personal Information Up-to-Date **
All students have the functionality to maintain their own personal details on their official University record through their MyEd ‘Student Personal Details’ channel. You can maintain:
your personal email address and mobile phone number
your preferred first name (the name you like to be known as)
your current and future home and semester addresses
details of who the University should contact in the event of an emergency. It is essential that you keep this information up-to-date. Your Personal Tutor or the ETO may need to
contact you urgently, to relay important information or in relation to matters essential to your degree progression and performance, and it can be extremely important that they are able to contact you without delay. You will find a user guide for this service at: http://www.euclid.ed.ac.uk/student/Student_Self_Service.htm In MyEd you will also have access to basic Programme information and details of the Additional Achievements that will appear on their Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).
4.7 ** References **
All standard reference requests (i.e. those requiring confirmation of your status as a student at the University of Edinburgh) should be directed to Academic Registry: http://edin.ac/1dDITwo Any documentation which requires verification with an official University of Edinburgh stamp, must also be directed to Academic Registry in Old College in the first instance ([email protected]). Personal and character references, to support, for example, a flat rental application or in relation to a job application, should be obtained from your Personal Tutor. If you are not sure who to approach with a reference request, or for all other types of reference, please contact the ETO Student Support Office ([email protected]).
4.8 Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA)
Class Representatives
Class Reps are the link between students and staff at course and Discipline level. They play a crucial role in ensuring the University listens to, and learns from, students’ academic experiences so that the quality of teaching can be continually monitored and improved. In the first or second week of teaching, someone from the ETO or a student representative will ask for volunteers to take on the role of Class Rep, giving details of the number of Class Rep positions available, and the way in which you can put your name forward. Through various methods (such as face-to-face meetings, emails and Student Staff Liaison Committees) Class Reps feed back to the teaching team any issues coming from their peers. Being a Class Rep should be a very rewarding experience for students, with plenty of scope to gain and develop a whole host of skills. Further information about the Class Rep system, including a role description and details of training and support offered to class reps, can be found here: http://edin.ac/1dDKEJO and by emailing [email protected]
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Democracy
The University and the government make decisions which hugely impact on your life while you are a student, and it is important that you are represented so that those decisions are made in ways that benefit you. You are automatically a member of Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA), and can vote – and stand - in the EUSA elections. EUSA campaigns to improve the student experience at the University of Edinburgh, to represent your views to the University and to make sure that the voice of University of Edinburgh students is heard by the University and the government. EUSA has three Councils which work to improve your University and make sure you are heard: i. The Academic Council campaigns to improve feedback, ensure you get excellent teaching, resources
and academic support. ii. The Welfare Council works to improve student welfare, campaigns for better support services and on
student welfare issues such as mental health and exam stress. iii. The External Affairs Council campaigns on student fees, improving student-community relations and
student transport and accommodation – things which may be external to the University but which have a huge impact on student life.
Any student can get involved with EUSA. Come along to any of the Councils and help with EUSA’s campaigns – or propose your own campaign! You can find more information at www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/ The Advice Place
The Advice Place is the free advice and information centre for all students at the University of Edinburgh. The service is run by EUSA and offers independent and confidential advice. Our professional advisers are available throughout the year, including the summer vacation period. Get in touch with us if you have questions about anything and everything related to university life, from finance and funding to accommodation and tenancy rights. We also have specialist Academic Advisers, who can offer guidance on issues affecting your studies. How to contact us:
Drop in to our main office in Potterrow (9.30am to 5.00pm weekdays, except Wednesday 10.30am to 5.00pm and Tuesday, during semester time, when we offer late night opening until 7.00pm), or at King’s Buildings House (11.00am to 2.00pm weekdays, semester time only). Email us: [email protected]; [email protected] Phone us: 0131 650 9225 / 0800 206 2341 Text us: 07537 402004 Visit us online: http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/adviceplace/
4.9 ** Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) **
Your elected Class Representatives sit on the Student Staff Liaison Committee (there is one for each of the four Engineering disciplines and one for Engineering 1). Each Student Staff Liaison Committee is convened by the Senior Student Discipline Representatives (except for Engineering 1 which is convened by the Course Organiser). Nominations for Class Representatives will be sought in the first two weeks of Semester 1. Student Staff Liaison Committees for each Engineering Discipline meet once a semester (usually around Week 5). Matters should only be brought to the SSLC when other informal methods have failed to resolve them, i.e. discussion at tutorials, with the course lecturer, with your PT and finally with the Head of Discipline (see Section 3.22 for details). All SSLC minutes are published at: http://edin.ac/18Cr2yL From academic year 2013/14, a summary of the points raised by External Examiners in their annual External Examiners’ Reports, and the School’s response, will be discussed as one of the agenda items in the Student Staff Liaison Committees – in Semester 1 for undergraduate SSLCs, and in Semester 2 for MSc SSLCs.
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4.10 ** Institute for Academic Development (IAD) **
The Study Development Team at the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) provides resources and workshops aimed at helping all students to enhance their learning skills and develop effective study techniques. Resources and workshops cover a range of topics, such as managing your own learning, reading, note making, essay and report writing, exam preparation and exam techniques. The study development resources are housed on the 'LearnBetter' part of Learn, the University's virtual learning environment. Follow the link from the IAD Undergraduate web pages to access the resource: www.ed.ac.uk/iad/undergraduates Workshops are interactive: they will give you the chance to take part in activities, have discussions, exchange strategies, share ideas and ask questions. 90-minute workshops are held on Wednesdays at 1.30 or 3.30pm; some shorter 50-minute workshops are also held at 5.10pm on Tuesdays. Full details are available on the IAD undergraduate web pages. Workshops are open to all undergraduates but you need to book in advance, using the MyEd booking system. Each workshop opens for booking two weeks before the date of the workshop itself. If you book and then cannot attend, please cancel in advance through MyEd so that another student can have your place. Study Development Advisors also offer Quick Consultations (30 minutes) for individual students at key points in the year, such as the beginning of semesters one and two. Students can discuss such things as their own approach to studying, working more effectively, strategies for improving their learning and their academic work. Please note that Study Development Advisors are not subject specialists so they cannot comment on the content of your work. They also do not check or proof read students' work. Longer consultations are also available throughout the year. To make an appointment with a Study Development Advisor, email [email protected] For information about English Language support, go to http://edin.ac/18CrsFa
4.11 Careers Information, Employability and Job Vacancies
The School regards “employability” of its graduates as one of the most important drivers of its teaching policy. “Careers in the Curriculum” is a programme of seminars delivered by Careers Service professionals to all undergraduates in the School. These range from the basics of career planning, through to CV-building and specific job-hunting advice. The following topics are covered as far as possible (with some variation between disciplines):
Making the most of university (Year 1)
Options after your degree (Year 2)
Choosing a career (Year 2)
Getting experience and Making Applications (Year 3)
Interviews and other assessment methods (Year 3) In years 4 and 5 it is anticipated that students will use the Careers Service as per individual needs. For further details about the content of these sessions, please contact Matt Vickers (Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electronics & Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering) or Deborah Fowlis (Chemical Engineering), the careers advisers for Engineering. Contact details are available on www.ed.ac.uk/careers Other help available from the Careers Service
The Careers Service can be found at the Weir Building (King’s Buildings) and at the Main Library Building (George Square). Both offices have open access information centres with up-to-date information on graduate careers, employers and postgraduate study, including information on what previous University of Edinburgh graduates in engineering have done (http://edin.ac/14iAI5p). Information staff are available to help you with any information queries. Job Vacancies
The Careers Service advertises thousands of vacancies each year for graduate jobs (including engineering) as well as semester-time jobs, vacation work and more formal internships. You can access these online through SAGE (www.ed.ac.uk/careers/sage) using your MyEd login. All job opportunities which the School of Engineering is asked to disseminate to its students will be advertised on SAGE. ** Careers Events **
A central programme is run throughout the year and includes a range of information sessions, some run by employers and some by the Careers Service. They provide an insight into various career options and help
30
you develop your job-seeking skills. Additionally, many employers visit Edinburgh to give presentations about their graduate programmes and internships – a good opportunity to talk directly to staff and recent recruits. For details of our central programme and employer presentations, please see: www.ed.ac.uk/careers/talks-events. Large scale events planned for this academic year include the Careers Fair on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th October 2013. There is an additional “More than Profit” event on Thursday 10th October, with a range of employers from the charitable, social enterprise and international development sectors. You can find out more about international work experience at the Global Experience Fair on Wednesday 23rd October 2013. An engineering-specific event scheduled for November is in the early planning stages - check the website for more details. Finally, the Edinburgh Graduate Recruitment Fair will be in May 2014 (date to be confirmed). See www.ed.ac.uk/careers/fairs One-to-one Support
At any time in your university career, you can have a discussion of up to 20 minutes with a careers adviser. These appointments are bookable by phone on the day and are between 1pm and 3pm at King’s Buildings. If appropriate, further 45-minute appointments are available in consultation with your adviser. Practice interviews (45 minutes) may be booked by calling (0131) 650 5773. You will be asked to supply a copy of your application form and CV and details of the vacancy in advance so that the adviser can prepare appropriate questions, so you will need to give the careers Service a few days' notice. Additionally, Matt Vickers is available in the Crush Hall on Thursdays 1.00pm to 3.00pm during semester for drop-in 10 minute discussions. Contact Details:
Weir Building, King’s Buildings - Tel 0131 650 5773 Main Library (3rd floor), George Square -Tel 0131 650 4670 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ed.ac.uk/careers
4.12 International Students
The University of Edinburgh is one of the most diverse universities in the UK, with staff and students from more than 130 countries (in the School of Engineering we had taught students from 86 different countries in 2012/13). The University’s International Office provides support for all of the University’s students from outside the UK, providing a variety of facilities, including immigration advice, and events and welfare opportunities. For more information please go to: http://edin.ac/10faRnK Support is also available to both home and international students through the EUSA Global programme run by the Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA). The EUSA Global project aims to promote student-led internationalisation activities on campus, including, for example, a buddy system and language classes. For more information about EUSA Global please go to: http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/global/
4.13 Exchange Schemes
The School encourages students to consider a period of study abroad, with the most common model being for students to take the 3
rd year of their degree programme at an overseas university. The University
administers the International Exchange Scheme through the International Office. Applications are required during Semester 1 of the preceding year of study. Places are allocated based on achievement and a statement of ambassadorial qualities. Students carrying any failed courses following the publication of course results in June will not normally be permitted to undertake a period of study abroad in the following year, except in cases of Special Circumstances. For further details please go to the International Office website at: http://edin.ac/18p8rY7
4.14 ** Disabled Students **
The School works to make all of its courses accessible to disabled students. In addition the University's Student Disability Service provides support for students with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), chronic health conditions, mental health issues and students on the autistic spectrum, as well as those who have physical and sensory impairments or who experience temporary injuries which impact on their studies. The Student Disability Service is based on the Third Floor of the Main University Library in George Square and during semester time the service is open between 9.00am and 4.45pm Monday to Friday. Vacation opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.45pm. You can contact the Service directly to arrange an appointment with an Advisor to discuss your support requirements by telephoning (0131) 650 6828 or emailing [email protected]. More information about the range of support and
31
advice that can be provided by the Student Disability Service is available on their website: http://edin.ac/14iCSCf If you believe you are entitled to any special provision to be made in relation to teaching, written submissions or examinations, you must register with the Student Disability Service. The staff in the School responsible for the support of students with disabilities, and oversight of the implementation of adjustments, are the School’s “Coordinators of Adjustments”, or the ETO Student Support Team ([email protected]).
4.15 Religious Observance
The Chaplaincy Centre in Bristo Square houses Chaplaincy staff offices, comfortable drop-in space and facilities for groups. The Centre is a very popular place for people to meet. Around 2,500 people pass through its doors each week, and it offers a range of facilities to University staff and students, regardless of their religious affiliation. The Chaplaincy also hosts a variety of events, including a Christmas party for the children of students and staff, a Thanksgiving dinner, multi-faith meals, tai chi classes and more. For more information, and for details of the University’s Honorary Chaplains and contacts, please go to: www.chaplaincy.ed.ac.uk Details of Chaplaincy facilities at King’s Buildings can be found at: http://edin.ac/1fytiL5
4.16 Energy Conservation and Sustainability
The University of Edinburgh is committed to addressing the issues of energy conservation and sustainability, in everyday life across campus, and in addressing particular issues through individual projects. For more information about the University’s activities in this area please go to the Edinburgh Sustainability website: http://www.ed.ac.uk/about/sustainability/home The School of Engineering asks that, to help to address the issue of energy conservation, you please remember to switch off the lights whenever you are the last person leaving any room in our buildings. Investment is also being made to install automatic lighting in all common areas across the School.
4.17 Eating Places
Light snacks and more substantial meals are provided at a number of locations across the campus. For more information about where you can eat on the KB campus please go to: http://edin.ac/ZUCR4f
4.18 Shopping
The most convenient local shopping area is the Cameron Toll Shopping Centre, about 10 minutes’ walk from King’s Buildings. There is a large supermarket, book shop, two banks, travel agents and a wide range of other shops including a pharmacy. The recommended shop for course text books is Blackwells at 53-59 South Bridge.
4.19 Maps
For online maps of all Edinburgh University campuses visit: www.ed.ac.uk/maps For printable maps go to: http://edin.ac/1fytLwG For a printable map of the School of Engineering go to: http://edin.ac/14iELPk Copies of maps of the School of Engineering, the King’s Buildings Campus and the George Square Campus are available overleaf.
School of Engineering
SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2013/2014
Part 2: 1st
Year Course Details
Part 2: Course Guides Semester 1 Engineering 1 Semester 2 Chemical Engineering 1 Civil Engineering 1 Electrical Engineering 1 Mechanical Engineering 1
University of Edinburgh
School of Engineering
[School Course]
Course Guide
This version is effective from: September 2013
Course Title: Engineering 1
Course Code: SCEE08001
SCQF Credit Level:
08
Credit Points: 20
Semester Taught:
Semester 1
Teaching Contact Hours:
L&T: 49 Hours
Directed Learning and Independent Learning:151 Hours
Lectures:30 Hours
Seminar/Tutorial:6 Hours
Supervised Practical/Workshop:9 Hours
Course Organiser:
Course Secretary:
Lucy Davie
Other Teaching Staff:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Prohibited Combinations:
Degrees in which Course Taught:
Electronics MEng
Electronics BEng(H)
Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy MEng
Electronics with Bioelectronics MEng
Electronics & Electrical Engineering (Comms) BEng(H)
Electronics and Electrical Engineering (Comms) MEng
Electronics and Electrical Engineering BEng(H)
Electronics & Computer Science MEng
Electrical Engineering MEng
Electronics and Software Engineering BEng(H)
Electronics & Software Engineering MEng
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering BEng(H)
Electronics & Electrical Engineering w/Management BEng(H)
Electronics & Electrical Engineering w/Management MEng
Electronics and Electrical Engineering MEng
Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy BNG(H)
Civil Engineering MEng
Civil Engineering BEng(H)
Chemical Engineering BEng(H)
Chemical Engineering MEng
Chemical Engineering with Management BEng(H)
Chemical Engineering with Management MEng
Mechanical Engineering MEng
Mechanical Engineering with Management BEng
Mechanical Engineering with Management MEng
Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy BEng(H)
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering MEng
Engineering for Sustainable Energy BEng
Mechanical Engineering BEng(H)
Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy MEng
Structural and Fire Safety Engineering BEng(H)
Structural and Fire Safety Engineering MEng
Engineering for Sustainable Energy MEng
Course Description:
An introduction to the engineering profession, including aspects of Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. This course will demonstrate, through lectures and case studies, how Engineers with different specialist background can each contribute to the solution of complex engineering problems.
Learning Outcomes:
The course aims to illustrate the distinctive approach, and contribution to solution-finding, of each of the four major branches of Engineering; to provide an introduction to, and an overview of University degree programmes in Engineering; and to guide and inform the student's choice of an Engineering degree and career.
By the end of the course a student will be able to:
1. Explain technical material from two of the four Engineering Disciplines listed above.
2.Solve problems using deductive reasoning and numerical manipulation in two of the four Engineering Disciplines listed above.
3.Be able to discuss, and reason about, sustainability issues pertaining to
Engineering.
4.Research information using Library and Internet resources.
5.Work in a team to communicate information that has been researched.
6.Write a detailed report to communicate the issues surrounding a sustainability theme.
Contribution to Programme Learning Outcomes:
Course Structure:
Lecture Content
Chemical Engineering
This course gives an introduction to Chemical Engineering. Its basic principles are described through the story of its origins, and the versatility of application of these principles is discussed. The theme of energy conversion is used to illustrate the role of chemical engineering in the modern world by addressing the technical, economic and environmental issues arising from the use of fuels for transport. In parallel, the basic tools of chemical engineering: (mass balances; units and conversions; estimation; the use of experimental data; and technical communication) are introduced to give students a skill set on which to base later years’ study.
Civil Engineering
This part of the course provides a brief overview of civil and environmental engineering, followed by an introduction to the field of structural engineering. In structural engineering, the philosophy of design against extreme events and the requirements of structural design are outlined. Much of the course is concerned with failure and collapse of structures, using the concepts of both strength and energy absorption. The results are applied to design calculations for real world structures.
Electrical Engineering
This lecture series aims to put the electrical and electronic engineering course into the context of our everyday lives. The lectures will consist of 3 themes: Renewable Energy; Bioelectronics, sensors & actuators; and sound and audio processing, all of which are chosen because they are hot topics in engineering. In each theme the lecturer will introduce you to the bigger picture and show how each theme plays a significant role in our everyday lives. You will also be shown how to apply fundamental theory relevant to each theme.
Mechanical Engineering
The Mechanical Engineering component of the course is intended to equip students with the basics for solving fundamental, yet practically useful, problems in engineering mechanics. Newton’s Laws are examined so that the concepts of force and acceleration are clear and applicable to a variety of different problem scenarios. Frictional effects are then introduced so that straight-line motion problems involving vehicles can be solved. The ‘resolution of forces’ procedure is also taught so that aeroplane, projectile motion and inclined plane problems can be solved. The mechanics of circular motion is dealt with and provides the necessary understanding for solving vehicle problems. In addition to the force based work the course also introduces important ideas on energy and momentum methods for the analysis of many problems. Finally the course concludes with material on elementary fluid mechanics, concentrating primarily on developing an understanding of the basics of incompressible fluid behaviour. All principal topics are supported by a comprehensive tutorial programme.
Tutorials
Tutorials run in three week blocks: weeks 3-5, weeks 6-8, and weeks 9-11. Each student will sign up in advance on Learn for tutorials for two disciplines only. Each student will atend a total of six tutorials over the course.
It is worth pointing out that the value you get out of a tutorial corresponds to the effort that you put into it. As question sheets are issued in advance, do attempt at least some of the questions before the tutorial so that you can identify any difficulties that you may have.
Workshops
There are three workshops that will run in three week blocks (same as tutorials) and attendance is compulsory. Each student will sign up for three workshops on Learn. Students are required to submit individual material in advance of workshops 1 and 2, as specified on Learn. A group submission is required for workshop 3.
Assessment: 30% of total coursework mark + 70% of total Degree Examination mark
Feedback Opportunities:
Students receive written feedback during workshops, and on all submitted material, marked via Learn.
All submitted assignments are marked, and returned to students with comments.
During tutorial sessions, informal feedback is received through interaction with the tutors working through problems set by the lecturers.
During lectures, feedback will be offerred on common problems experienced in the tutorials and in assignments.
Recommended Texts:
Additional Costs:
University of Edinburgh
School of Engineering
[Chemical]
Course Guide
This version is effective from: September 2013
Course Title: Chemical Engineering 1
Course Code: CHEE08001
SCQF Credit Level:
08
Credit Points: 20
Semester Taught:
Semester 2
Teaching Contact Hours:
L&T: 78 Hours
Directed Learning and Independent Learning:122 Hours
Lectures:33 Hours
Seminar/Tutorial:11 Hours
Supervised Practical/Workshop:30 Hours
Course Organiser:
JOHN CHRISTY
Course Secretary:
Lucy Davie
Other Teaching Staff:
Martin Sweatman
Tina Düren
Jennifer Skilling
Jovana Radulovic (Laboratory)
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: Students MUST also take: Engineering 1 (SCEE08001)
Prohibited Combinations:
Degrees in which Course Taught:
Chemical Engineering MEng
Chemical Engineering BEng(H)
Chemical Engineering with Management MEng
Chemical Engineering with Management BEng(H)
Course Description:
Chemical Engineering is concerned with the design and operation of chemical processes on an industrial scale. Such chemical processes have traditionally concentrated on bulk inorganic chemicals (e.g. fertilisers), polymers, solvents, dyestuffs and explosives, but are increasingly including speciality chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and biological systems. This course gives an introduction to the design of such industrial processes, including chemical reactions and reactor design, energetics of chemical processes, determination of material and thermal flows within processes, phase equilibria and separation processes. In so doing, it covers many of the principles involved in taking chemical processes from the bench/laboratory research scale to the construction and operation of modern commercial chemical plants.
Learning Outcomes:
On successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
1. Draw and interpret simple process flow sheets and block flow diagrams,
sequence separations and calculate economic potential.
2. Make simple design choices based on system constraints.
3. Mark the appropriate balance boundaries on a process flow sheet.
4. Formulate and solve algebraically material balances for processes involving reactors, separators, recycle and purge.
5. Solve problems involving thermal conduction across a stratified medium, convection in laminar or turbulent flow and radiation in simple geometries.
6. Use dimensionless correlations to predict heat transfer coefficients.
7. Determine heat duties and heat transfer area required in countercurrent, cocurrent and shell and tube heat exchangers, allowing for fouling of the heat transfer surface.
8. Describe quantitatively the kinetics of simple reactions.
9. Design and compare the performance of different types of reactor.
10. Perform a simple energy balance around a reactor.
11. Describe a range of standard separation techniques.
12. Interpret simple phase diagrams, including identification and explanation of the triple and critical points.
13. Obtain vapour pressures, by empirical equation or phase diagram, and describe the state of matter at a given temperature and pressure.
14. Predict the pressure within a storage vessel and choose an operating temperature for a vaporiser or condenser.
15. Relate partial pressures to vapour pressure when more than one gas is present and determine dew point for a gas stream containing one condensable component and the quantity of liquid condensing for a given temperature change.
16. Use Raoult's Law to relate phase composition to temperature and pressure of a two-component ideal mixture.
17. Design a simple flash vessel and comment on its limitations.
18. Determine graphically the minimum number of stages required for binary distillation.
19. Use the basic functions of Excel and design and document good spreadsheets.
20. Create and format graphs and insert trendlines.
21. Use goal seek and solver for chemical engineering applications.
22. Prepare and conduct laboratory work; gather and analyse data, using
logarithmic plots and dimensionless numbers.
23. Communicate findings through short and full laboratory reports.
24. Solve problems within a group.
Contribution to Programme Learning Outcomes:
Underpinning Science and Mathematics • Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental scientific principles that underpin an education in chemical engineering, and an appreciation of their application. • Ability to apply mathematical methods and tools in the analysis and solution of chemical engineering problems. Core Chemical Engineering • Understanding of the thermodynamic and transport properties of fluid, solids and multiphase systems. • Understanding the principles of momentum, heat and mass transfer and ability to apply them to problems involving flowing fluids and multiple phases. • Understanding the principles of equilibrium and chemical thermodynamics and ability to apply them to phase behaviour and to systems with chemical reaction. Understanding the principles of chemical reaction engineering. • Familiarity with and ability to apply a range of appropriate tools such as dimensional analysis and mathematical modelling. Appreciation of the role of empirical correlation and other approximate methods. • Competence in the use of numerical and computer methods in calculating results. • Understanding of and ability to apply methods to analyse the characteristics and performance of mixing, separation and similar processing steps. • Understanding of the principles on which processing equipment operates and ability to apply methods to determine equipment size and performance. • Understanding of a systems approach to analysis, and an ability to apply this to chemical engineering problems. • Understanding of the interdependence of elements of a complex system, the ability to integrate processing steps into a sequence and to apply analysis techniques such as balances (mass, energy) and pinch. • Understanding of the principles of risk and safety management and ability to apply techniques for the assessment and abatement of process and product hazards. • Understanding how to apply science and engineering process calculations to safety and environmental issues. Engineering Practice • Knowledge and understanding of workshop and laboratory practice. Design Knowledge, understanding and skills to: • Investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including business and technical requirements, environmental and sustainability limitations, health, safety and risk assessment issues and appreciation of public perception and concerns. Essential Embedded Learning: Sustainability, SHE, Ethics • Knowledge and understanding of the commercial and economic context of chemical engineering processes. Essential Embedded Learning: Transferable Skills Graduating students should be able to: • Apply scientific and mathematical methods to the analysis of problems.
• Effectively manage time and resources. • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including the use of engineering drawings. • Work effectively as part of a team, either as leader or as a team member. • Make proficient use of general IT tools including word processing, presentation software, email, spreadsheets and the web. • Plan self-learning and development activities, recognising the importance of life long learning and CPD.
Course Structure:
This course comprises 4 lectures on process synthesis, 5 lectures on mass balances, 4 lectures on heat transfer, 4 lectures on reactors, 8 lectures on separations and 4 lectures on chemical engineering in practice. There are 11 tutorials to support these lectures. In addition, students attend 5 laboratory sessions (one of which involves a safety audit and introduction to error analysis) and 3 computing sessions. A practice examination is held in one lecture slot and feedback on this provided both orally and in written form.
Lectures
The following subjects will be covered during the course:
A - Process Synthesis (4 lectures)
1. Introduction to process synthesis. Steady-state processes and the input-output block diagram. Material balances.
2. Assessment of economic potential.
3. Dealing with incomplete reaction. Introducing recycle.
4. Separating the products. Combining reaction and separation.
B - Mass Balances (5 lectures)
Introduction to material balances, the concept of degree of freedom analysis
Mass balances on multiple process units
Mass balances with recycle and purge streams,
Mass balances with reactions
C - Heat Transfer (4 lectures)
1. Revision of the basis principles of heat transfer. Definitions of symbols and terms. Introduction to practical applications of heat transfer principles.
Introduction of basic film theory, via consideration of heat
2. Transfer to liquid flowing in a pipe, using Reynolds’ experiment to demonstrate laminar and turbulent flow. Units and dimensionless correlations.
3. Heat exchanger design: methodology and calculations.
4. Further heat exchanger design; consideration of heat integration.
D – Reactors (4 lectures)
Introduction of the concepts of chemical reaction engineering
Introduction of the different types of chemical reactors
Design of reactors for first order reactions
Simple energy balances for reactors and adiabatic temperature rise
E - Separation Processes (8 lectures)
1. Phases and separability. General discussion of types of separations possible and ease of separation in each instance.
2. Phase equilibrium for single component systems. Equilibrium as a dynamic state. Equilibrium as a force balance - fugacities. Phase diagrams, triple point and critical point.
3. Determination of vapour pressure. Application to the design of both liquefied gas storage vessels and vaporisers.
4. Single component liquid systems with non-condensible gases present. Application to storage vessel and condenser design.
5. Raoult’s Law. Determination of liquid/vapour equilibrium data for binary systems involving ideal liquid mixtures.
6. Single stage distillation processes: Design of flash vessels.
7. Choice of operating pressure. Limits of purity attainable with single equilibrium stage.
8. Cascades of equilibrium stages as a means to improved separability. Multistage binary distillation.
F - Chemical Engineering in Practice (4 lectures)
One lecture introducing safety and loss prevention concepts
Three seminars with presentations from final year Industrial Placement Project students, recent graduates and research students illustrating the types of work undertaken by practising chemical engineers.
Tutorials
A – Process Synthesis:
PS1 Analysis of process flowsheets
PS2 Economic potential and separation sequencing
B – Mass Balances
M1 Simple mass balances and mass balances on multiple unit processes
M2 Mass balances for processes with recycle and purge, mass balances for systems with reactions
C – Reactors
R1 Calculation of the rate constant, simple reactor design
R2 More complex reactor design
D – Heat Transfer:
HT1 Heat transfer mechanisms
HT2 Heat exchanger calculations
E – Separation Processes
S1 Single component systems
S2 Equilibrium with gas and liquid mixtures
S3 Distillation processes
Laboratories
Students will complete an error analysis hand-in and four of the following experiments:
1. The Discharge of Liquids from a Triangular Reservoir
2. Power Consumption in the Stirring of Liquids
3. Flow Through a Granular Bed
4. Gas Combustion
5. Cryogenic Storage
6. AC and DC Pumps
7. Heat Transfer Coefficients in a Cross-Flow Heat Exchanger
8. The Fluid Mechanical Testing of Artificial Heart Valves
9. Air- and Water-Fluidised Beds
10. Velocity Measurements Downstream of an Orifice
Other Teaching Events
Practice Exam Question
An exam-style question will be issued for completion during a lecture slot, to provide practice in exam technique. Feedback will be given on both the accuracy and the presentation of answers.
Computing
The computing element of Chemical Engineering 1 mainly consists of self study material available on Learn. There are three modules:
1. Excel basics. This module is completely self study with PowerPoint slides and worked examples in form of videos. A self test is available that allows to check if the learning outcomes of this module have been achieved.
2. Good spreadsheet design and plotting graphs. Self study material is also available on Learn. This module is further supported by a session in the computing lab where help is available for the exercises related to this module.
3. Use of goal seek and solver. In addition to the self study material available on WebCT, there will be a lecture on the use of goal seek and solver. Like the second module, it is further supported by a session in the computing lab where help is available for the exercises related to this module.
The computing element is assessed with a hand-in exercise which contributes 25 % to the coursework mark. There is a third computing lab session dedicated to the hand-in exercise. All computing lab sessions alternate with the laboratory session.
Assessment: The assessment is based 40% on Coursework (1 error analysis hand-in, 2 full and 2 pro forma laboratory reports, 1 computing exercise) and 60% on a 2 hour written degree examination (4 out of 5 questions).
In addition, a minimum of 40% in each of the coursework and the written examinations marks will be required to pass the course.
Feedback Opportunities:
Clickers in lectures;
Assistance at tutorials;
Written feedback on error analysis hand-in and laboratory reports and oral advice during laboratory sessions;
Advice in computing sessions and written feedback on the submitted exercise;
Written feedback on practice exam paper and follow-up lecture discussing both the solution to the question and exam technique;
Written feedback on the overall class performance in the degree exam (posted on Learn).
Recommended Texts:
1. Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering, Himmelblau & Riggs (Practice Hall)
2. Chemical Engineering: Introductory Aspects, Field (MacMillan)
3. Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Felder & Rousseau (Wiley)
4. Chemical Engineering Design and Analysis: An Introduction, Duncan & Reimer (C.U.P.)
5. Chemical and Energy Process Engineering, Skogestad (CRC Press)
Additional Costs:
University of Edinburgh
School of Engineering
[Civil]
Course Guide
This version is effective from: September 2013
Course Title: Civil Engineering 1
Course Code: CIVE08001
SCQF Credit Level:
08
Credit Points: 20
Semester Taught:
Semester 2
Teaching Contact Hours:
L&T: 63 Hours
Directed Learning and Independent Learning:137 Hours
Lectures:30 Hours
Seminar/Tutorial:9 Hours
Supervised Practical/Workshop:20 Hours
Course Organiser:
BLANCA ANTIZAR-LADISLAO
Course Secretary:
Lucy Davie
Other Teaching Staff:
MARTIN GILLIE
ASIF USMANI
ANDREA SEMIAO
TIM STRATFORD
ANTONIS GIONNOPOULOS
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Prohibited Combinations:
Degrees in which Course Taught:
Civil Engineering MEng
Civil Engineering BEng(H)
Structural Engineering with Architecture MEng
Structural Engineering with Architecture BEng(H)
Structural and Fire Safety Engineering MEng
Structural and Fire Safety Engineering BEng(H)
Course Description:
This course is intended to give you an introduction to Civil Engineering. The lecture component is divided into two main themes: Structural Engineering and Water & Environment. The first gives an introduction to the design and analysis of structures, including buildings and bridges. The second covers a range of topics including sustainability, climate change, water supply and quality, pollution and land remediation. Some lectures covering other areas of Civil Engineering may also be given. Two mini projects are used to provide an introduction to group work. Then, the course uses as its focus the example of a large-scale Civil Engineering project, namely the design of a hydropower dam, with various aspects of the design explored as part of the lecture material, tutorials and project work.
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Develop an appreciation for the breadth of Civil Engineering field
- Describe aspects of, and solve elementary problems in, the fields of structural engineering and water resources.
- Describe various forms of loads experienced by structures and the concept of designing for extreme events.
- Apply static equilibrium to free bodies drawn from civil engineering design situations.
- Apply simple models to predict the internal forces experienced by structural components
- Understand the importance of sketching in problem solving.
- Determine the stability of a gravity dam.
- Calculate simple flow and mass balance problems.
- Explain basic issues in water, soil, and air pollution of urban and rural environments
- Demonstrate appreciation of the balance of economics, environment and ethical issues in the context of sustainability and the challenge of reconciling natural resource limits with current consumption.
Contribution to Programme Learning Outcomes:
Course Structure:
30 hours of lectures, consisting of lectures in Structural Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering, plus other central topics in Civil Engineering.
Lectures are scheduled for weeks 1 - 10 of Semester 2.
A - Structural Engineering
- Loads on structures - Sources of loads: self weight, wind, traffic, earthquake; designing for extreme events;
load calculation; statistical concepts and load combination
- Structural Forms and materials - Columns, cables, beams, arches; concrete,
steel.
- Static equilibrium - Free body diagrams; internal forces in structural members; load paths; determinate and
redundant structures; pin-jointed methods for analysing structures.
- Structural Strength - the strength of axially loaded members; steel I beams and reinforced concrete in
bending.
- Bridges - Simple beam; arch; suspension; cable stayed
- Buildings - Components, design using elementary strength of member concepts.
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B - Environmental Engineering
- Introduction to Civil and Environmental Engineering - Natural environmental systems and their interaction with the built environment.
- Climate Change and Civil Engineering - role of climate change and global warming in the context of civil society.
- Sustainability - definitions, origins, and relevance to civil engineers.
- Introduction to Water Resources Systems - the components of water resource systems. Fundamentals of the hydrological cycle.
- Mass Balance Principles and their Application - An introduction to continuity and application of continuity to environmental problems.
- Lake Pollution - predicting accumulation and decay of water pollutants.
- Groundwater Contamination-introduction to groundwater systems and modes of pollution and remediation.
- Air Pollution - basics and context of air pollution and remediation.
Tutorial Content
The tutorial classes in Civil Engineering 1 take place in Semester 2 on Thursday afternoons between 2.00 and 3.00pm.
There will be a separate tutorial sheet for each week dealing with different aspects of the course. You are expected to attempt all the questions on the tutorial sheet before you attend your weekly tutorial session where you will be supervised by a member of staff and several teaching assistants. The tutorial system is designed to help you both understand the material presented in the lecture course and work continuously towards the degree examinations at the end of the year. It is to your benefit to make the most of the system provided.
Tutorials handed out one week are to be submitted on the Monday of the
following week to the Engineering Teaching Office (ETO), by 16:00. At the weekly tutorial your attendance will be recorded.
The number of questions attempted will be recorded and one question will be marked each week - which question that is will be random and unknown in advance (e.g., one week Question 4 is marked, another week Question 2 is marked, etc.). The mark recorded for you for that week's tutorial is the mark attained on that single question. If that question is not attempted or no tutorial was handed in, the mark for that question will be zero. Late submissions will be permitted, with the standard ETO late penalty applied each day, until one week following the original due date. After that date, no more late submissions of that particular tutorial is permitted. The tutorials will be available for pick-up two weeks following submission at the tutorial session. Your solution must be on A4 paper. Write your answers out carefully, neatly, and completely - this will assist the marker and part marks will be given for steps in the solution even if the final answer is incorrect. To conserve paper and simplify handling, please try to keep your solution compact, using both sides if necessary. If you require more than one page, your work must be stapled. Bar codes must also be affixed to each one.
All late submissions should be submitted directly to the ETO, Ground Floor, Faraday Building. If you are away due to illness, you must contact the ETO to get authorisation to submit the tutorial (immediately upon your return) without any late penalty. All submissions will be officially stamped, and recorded.
Apart from the single marked question, you are expected to mark your own work so that you have an approximate measure of your understanding and progress. There is no need to agonise over its exact value.
You should follow the common marking scheme, in which 40% is considered a pass.
Projects
The project classes are on Thursday afternoons between 3.00 and 5.00 p.m. during Semester 2. The mini projects will be introduced in the first project session in Week 1. The design project will be introduced in the project session on Week 5.
Mini Projects
A short project will be issued to the class in the project session of Week 1 in Semester 2, involving planning and costing the construction of the road. You are expected to work in groups and submit the results to the ETO by 16:00 on Monday, Week 5, Semester 2. One submission is required per group (not per person). An award will be given out for the best submission on Week 10 in the project session.
Design Project
The details of the design project will be provided at the start of the course. All work must be submitted to the ETO by 16:00 on Friday, Week 10, Semester 2.
Assessment: 35% coursework; 65% Degree Examination
Feedback Opportunities:
The tutorials enable two-way feedback and clarification of general issues
Some tutorial submissions will be marked
Tutorial solutions will be provided
Exam script viewing will be arranged by the ETO
Recommended Texts:
These books are suitable for 1st, 2nd and part of 3rd year structures courses:
M.S.Williams Structures, Theory and Analysis Macmillian Press
T.H.G.Megson Structural and Stress Analysis Butterworth-Heinemann
R.C.Hibbeler Mechanics of Materials Pearson Education
J.M. Gere Mechanics of Materials Thomson
An excellent background reading book (conceptual material without equations and therefore is an easy and valuable read):
J.E.Gordon Structures or why things don't fall down Penguin (£7)
These books are suitable for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year water and environmental engineering courses:
Cornwell, David A (1998) Introduction to Environmental Engineering. Boston, Mass. : WCB McGraw-Hill
Mihelcic, J.R., Zimmerman, J.B. (2010) Environmental Engineering: Fundamentals, Sustainability, Design. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nazaroff, W.W., Alvarez-Cohen, L. (2001) Environmental Engineering Science. John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Additional Costs:
University of Edinburgh
School of Engineering
[Electronics]
Course Guide
This version is effective from: September 2013
Course Title:
Electrical Engineering 1
Course Code:
ELEE08001
SCQF Credit Level:
08
Credit Points:
20
Semester Taught:
Semester 2
L&T: 72 Hours
Directed Learning and Independent Learning:128 Hours
Lectures:30 Hours
Seminar/Tutorial:11 Hours
Supervised Practical/Workshop:27 Hours
Course Organiser:
MARKUS MUELLER
Course Secretary:
Lucy Davie
Other Teaching Staff:
Prof Alan Murray, Dr. Les Haworth, Dr Dave Laurenson (lab coordinator)
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Prohibited Combinations:
Degrees in which Course Taught:
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering BEng(H)
Electronics & Software Engineering MEng
Electronics and Software Engineering BEng(H)
Electrical Engineering MEng
Electronics & Electrical Engineering w/Management MEng
Electronics & Electrical Engineering w/Management BEng(H)
Electronics and Electrical Engineering MEng
Electronics and Electrical Engineering (Comms) MEng
Electronics & Electrical Engineering (Comms) BEng(H)
Electronics and Electrical Engineering BEng(H)
Electronics & Computer Science MEng
Electronics MEng
Electronics BEng(H)
Electronics with Bioelectronics MEng
Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy MEng
Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy BNG(H)
Engineering for Sustainable Energy BEng
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering MEng
Engineering for Sustainable Energy MEng
Course Description:
An introduction to Electrical Engineering (Circuit Analysis, a.c. Theory, Operational Amplifiers, Semiconductor Devices).
Learning Outcomes:
A student who has completed the course can expect to:
- Analyse simple circuits using basic voltage and current laws
- Understand the construction and operation of the main types of passive circuit component (resistor, capacitor and inductor, including variable versions) under D.C. and A.C. conditions
- Comprehend basic A.C. circuit analysis techniques
- Describe the formation and principles of operation of active devices (transistors).
- Understand the concept of an ideal operational amplifier
- Analyse and design simple electronic systems comprising active and passive elements
- Be competent in the use of basic electronic test gear
- Design and construct a simple circuit to a given specification, diagnose faults and repair if necessary
- Write a technical report detailing practical work carried out
Contribution to Programme Learning Outcomes:
Course Structure: Prof. Murray’s Lectures: week 1-4, covering material required for Lab Session 1 & 2.
Week Lecture Topics 1 1 Potential divider. Resistors and capacitors, RC circuit introduction.
2 RC circuits charge-discharge3 Inductors and RL circuits, charge-discharge
2 4 Nodal analysis introduction 5 Nodal analysis examples 6 Op-Amps, introduction
3 7 Op-Amp circuits 8 Op-Amp worked examples9 Real Op-Amps (limitations)
4 10 Diodes – “cartoon” version 11 Op-Amp circuits with diodes and capacitors12 Filters
Dr. Mueller’s Lectures: week 5, 7-8, covering material for Lab Session 2 (weeks 8-11) Week Lecture Topics5 13 AC circuits, voltage & current waveforms, reactance, intro to phasors
14 Phasors examples 2 components: R-C, R-L – series and parallel15 Phasors examples 3 components: R-C-L
7 16 AC circuits: complex number representation & polar form 17 Examples – revisit filters, relate to part 2 of lab18 Circuit analysis: Kirchoff’s Law, Thevenin – example
8 19 Current Sources & Nortons Law - example20 Current source examples – R-C charging21 Examples – application of above to a power circuit.
Dr. Haworth’s Lectures: week 9-11, covering some parts of both lab sessions in more detail Week Lecture Topics9 22 Diodes. Diode models, examples, rectifier circuits (remove load line).
23 Diodes cont. Peak rectifier, diode clamp, voltage doubler, Zener diode, LED. 24 Digital Logic. AND/OR/NAND/NOR Simple combinational logic, truth tables.
10 25 Boolean Algebra. Rules, Examples. 26 Logic reduction. K-maps, examples, half adder.27 K-maps of 3 and 4 variables, examples, full adder, SOP, POS.
11 28 Sequential Logic. SR flip-flop, synchronous SR.29 Sequential Logic cont. D-type, edge triggered/master-slave.30 Examples
Assessment:
Laboratory and weekly assignments. Coursework 40%, examination 60%.
Feedback Opportunities:
Feedback is provided on a weekly basis at tutorials and during lab sessions.
Recommended Texts:
Giorgio Rizzoni, "Principles and Applications of Electrical Engineering", published by McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-118452
Additional Costs:
University of Edinburgh
School of Engineering
[Mechanical]
Course Guide
This version is effective from: September 2013
Course Title: Mechanical Engineering 1
Course Code: MECE08007
SCQF Credit Level:
08
Credit Points: 20
Semester Taught:
Semester 2
Teaching Contact Hours:
L&T: 68 Hours
Directed Learning and Independent Learning:132 Hours
Lectures:30 Hours
Seminar/Tutorial:10 Hours
Supervised Practical/Workshop:24 Hours
Course Organiser:
Course Secretary:
Lucy Davie
Other Teaching Staff:
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Prohibited Combinations:
Degrees in which Course Taught:
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering BEng(H)
Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy MEng
Engineering for Sustainable Energy MEng
Mechanical Engineering BEng(H)
Engineering for Sustainable Energy BEng
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering MEng
Mechanical Engineering with Management MEng
Mechanical Engineering with Management BEng
Mechanical Engineering MEng
Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy BEng(H)
Course Description:
This is an introduction to the principles of Mechanical Engineering. The topics covered include: Analysis of Static Structures, Stress and Strain, Dynamic Analysis of Bodies in Simple Linear and Rotational Motion, Energy Conversion. Practical work includes measurement techniques and the construction of machines such as engines and gearboxes.
Learning Outcomes:
- To provide a solid foundation of core knowledge in Statics and Dynamics. This basis is essential for proceeding to more advanced studies in these and other topics in forthcoming years, and for underpinning applications in design and
project work.
- To provide through coursework the development of practical laboratory skills and procedures and the development of written communication skills through report writing.
Contribution to Programme Learning Outcomes:
Course Structure:
Solid Mechanics
Review of Statics
Scalars and Vectors. Newton's Laws. Units. Gravity
Forces and Equilibrium
Force. 2-D Systems. Components. Moments and Couples. Resultants.
Equilibrium in 2-D. Free Body Diagrams. System Isolation. Internal Forces. Plane Trusses: Method of Joints. Methods of Sections. Quasi-Static Mechanisms. Equilibrium in 3-D.
Distributed Forces
Centroid in simple distributions.
Internal Forces in Determinate Beams
The concept of forces within beams; the stress resultant. Shear forces and shear force diagram.
Bending Moments in determinate beams
Bending moments; significance of bending moment inside a beam; calculation in simple cases.
Shear Force and Bending Moment Diagrams
The bending moment diagram; worked examples of aligned loadings; shear force and bending moment diagrams. Equilibrium of a section of a beam, and its significance for rapid construction of shear force diagrams and bending moment diagrams from the loading.
Dynamics
Non equilibrium Systems
Newton's Laws of Motion reviewed; internal and external forces; effect of friction
D'Alembert Approach
System force and motion analysis using 'inertia forces'; Application to coupled systems, power transmission
Systems of Bodies
Kinematic relations between interacting bodies: circular motion, gear drives, belts and pulleys,
Work - Energy Approach
Kinetic and potential energy; work and power; work-energy theorems applied to system calculations; the conservative system.
Energy
Introduction
Demand, supply, changing patterns; energy scales
Basic Thermodynamic Systems and Properties
Isolated, closed and open systems; Intensive, extensive, specific properties; energy, temperature, pressure.
Basic Thermodynamic Processes
Heat, work; conservation of energy; non-flow energy equation; steady-flow energy equation; specific heats, phase change
Basic Thermodynamic Cycles
Introduction, energy conversion processes for power; combustion chemistry; heat engines; heat engine efficiency; steam cycle; gas (turbine) cycle; petrol (internal combustion) engines, diesel engines.
Power Stations
Anatomy of modern coal-fired and gas-fired power stations; combined heat and power; nuclear fission; nuclear reactor principles; reactor types (including PWR, AGR, pebble bed)
Renewable Energy
Context (climate change, etc); solar energy (photovoltaics, direct solar); hydro-power (resource, basic calculations); wind energy (onshore, offshore; basic calculations, wider issues); wave energy (resource, technologies, issues); tidal energy (resource, technologies, issues); climate change impacts on renewable energy generation.
Tutorials
You should attempt to answer all the questions before you attend your weekly
tutorial. The tutorials are design to aid your understanding of the material presented in the lecture course and its application to engineering problems and this process is greatly assisted if you can discuss your solutions to the tutorial problems with the tutors. The tutorial problems are graded with simpler problems at the start leading up to examination grade questions at the end.
Laboratories
There are eight three hour practical lab sessions.
3 x Measurement labs from the following:
- Strain
- Acceleration
- Temperature
- Moment of Inertia
- Flow
1 x Strip and Rebuild lab of a single cylinder 4-stroke engine
4 x Drawing sessions:
(Students with suitable, formally-recognised experience may be partially-exempted from this part of the course. Please discuss with the lecturer)
- Isometric and orthographic projection
- 3D visualisation
- Drawing of simple engineering part
- Engineering drawing
Assessment: Coursework (33.33%)
- 3 x Measurement on-the-day pro-forma lab reports (each 10% of coursework total)
- 1 x Strip and Rebuild on-the-day pro-forma lab reports (each 10% of coursework total)
- 1 x Formal technical lab report based on Measurement lab (18% of coursework total)
- 3 x Technical drawing (in class) exercises (each 8% of coursework total)
- 1 x Formal technical drawing assignment (18% of coursework total)
Degree Examination (66.67%)
The Degree Examination consists of one paper and is held in April/May, with a resit in August. The paper is 2 hours long, and consists of three sections - Solid Mechanics (3 questions); Dynamics (2 questions) and Energy (2 questions). Students are required to answer four questions, including at least one from each section (Note that this differs from years prior to 2006/07).
Feedback Opportunities:
Tutorials will be attended by the lecturers and tutors, enabling two-way feedback and clarification of general issues. Tutorial solutions will be provided after the corresponding tutorial.
Recommended Texts:
Recommended textbooks that you might find useful:
Meriam & Kraige, Engineering Mechanics - Statics SI Version (Wiley)
Meriam & Kraige, Engineering Mechanics - Dynamics SI Version (Wiley)
G. Boyle (Editor), Renewable Energy, 2nd Edition (Oxford Univ. Press)
G. Boyle, B. Everett, J. Ramage (Editors), Energy Systems and Sustainability (Oxford Univ. Press)
Additional Costs: