Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 3 Modules

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules

Level 6 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

The subject area has an industrial advisory group (IAG) which meets twice per year. This group have been consulted regarding the revalidation process and its views sought regarding content of the taught modules. The IAG also provides a forum which allows closer links between the industries represented and USW in terms of ongoing collaboration across a range of areas including specialist course development, increased industrial placement opportunities and internships within the companies.

The current industry representation on the IAG is:

General Dynamics, Renasas, Airbus Defence & Space, Microsemi, IQE Europe, Axiom, Cymtec Ltd , Toucan Systems Ltd, Seabank, Guardian Global Technologies Ltd, Fike Safety Technology, Torchwood Technologies Ltd, Sony, SPTS Technologies, IRF, EST Net, Renishaw, Perkin Elmer, Welsh Government.

The IAG as well as providing input into ensuring module content is current with the latest technologies and techniques also contribute directly by the delivery of specialist aspects of our course in the form of guest lectures.

An annual event involving industry for the subject area is the ‘Student Project Showcase’, where industrialist are invited to attend and present prizes to the most outstanding projects. This has been endorsed by industrialists who are generously providing prestigious prizes for the winning category. This has been seen as an excellent event in developing the students and enhancing their overall student experience.

Means of Assessment

Assessments have been designed to meet the learning outcomes of the modules and courses. Most of the course running in the subject area will be submitted for professional body accreditation at either IEng of CEng levels, and as such the course and module learning outcomes have been designed to be compliant with the UK-SPEC and IET requirements. The development and review process for modules has been to map the modules to the required professional learning outcomes and then design assessments to meet these outcomes. If all the learning outcomes can be met by all assessments then the module is a bonded module, if not it is designed as a non-bonded module.

The assessment regime for each course aims to measure the skill and competence of the individual student by means of a structured and integrated approach to a defined coursework schedule. The assessment strategy has been devised to reflect the diverse nature of the module content with a balance between those modules assessed through assignments, coursework and class tests, and others that are examined at the end of the session.

The criteria set for each element of coursework in each module is designed to meet the learning outcomes of that bespoke module hence meeting the level of achievement for the given level of study as set out in the learning outcomes matrix for each course. This is in keeping with the University’s strategy for assessing and quantifying standards of achievement expected by QAA benchmark statements and professional guideline documents.

Modules which are used to develop the student's understanding of fundamental principles are assessed through the formal, end of year examinations. These examinations generally contribute between 50% and 100% of the available marks for the module, with the remainder being allocated to practical or assignment work. There are two modules that are assessed by 100% coursework, which are engineering applications and the 2nd year group project.

At all five levels of assessment, the examinations are normally either of 2 hours duration for a 10 credit module or 3 hours duration for a 20 credit module.

Oral presentations are used at all levels, especially in design and group work, and in the individual project in Level 6 of the degree awards. This addresses modern industry requirements for graduates to be able to confidently present information. Elements of self and peer assessment are used, especially in group design and project activities.

The assessment profile, together with its weighting and number of assessments (student workload), is presented for all levels of all courses in the tables within the relative course specification documents.

The development of key skills is incorporated throughout each course. It is located within the modules and related to relevant assessments, as appropriate.

For each of the courses the attainment level for each of the learning outcomes and key skills is indicated by the number of occurrences stated in the learning outcomes and key skills matrices.

Regulations for Assessment

Derogation to University Regulations

The BSc awards have derogation from the University’s Assessment Regulations to meet the requirements of the IET accreditation criterion.

Learning Support

Students undertaking taught modules within the subject area receive academic support from the module leader who liaises with individual staff on the module to ensure consistency of delivery and assessment.

Students undertaking project modules which are largely self directed receive academic support from a project supervisor who meets with the student on a regular, typically weekly basis to ensure the projects are progressing satisfactorily. A member of academic staff is also appointed to manage the allocation and overall running of projects within the subject area and produces a student project handbook to aid the students in the delivery of the project.

Students on placement receive support from the industrial liaison and training officer, who assist with obtaining placements, and gives advice on interview techniques and completing a CV prior to applying, then provides support to the students when on placement. Students are also visited twice during their placement to ensure everything is running smoothly.

The following additional support systems are in place to further enhance the students learning experience:

• One week induction programme for new students.
• Student online induction programme, learning and assessment schedules, key procedures and regulations.
• On-line database defining all modules.
• Printed teaching handbooks.
• On-line learning through Blackboard MLE.
• Modern computer laboratories providing both programme specific facilities and centrally managed open access cluster facilities
• Modern well equipped laboratories with technician support.
• Modern Library providing a range of text, journal and on-line material and a wide range of study facilities.
• Student email accounts providing access to support from academic staff.
• Open door policy of academic staff.
• Student Development and Study Skills Service based in the Library to provide help with core subjects, such as Mathematics.
• Grad Edge - http://gradedge.southwales.ac.uk/

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

none

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

260 UCAS tariff points,

May include A level Mathematics and one other science based subject. E.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography,IT.

BTEC equivalent awards in an appropriate subject area will be considered.

GCSE: Five at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English Language

International qualifications are reviewed on an individual basis and matched to the equivalent UK entrance qualifications

A minimum of IELTS 6.0 is required for the undergraduate programmes.

Genuine interest in the subject area supported by a personal statement indicating work experience either through school or college events or industrial experience or self employment

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A