Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 6 Modules

Level 7 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

The subject area has an industrial advisory group which meets twice a year. This group had been consulted on the re-validation process, and presented with the proposed changes. As a result their views had been taken on board in the development of the revised plan. The IAG also provides a forum which allows closer links between the industries represented and USW in terms of ongoing collaboration which includes support for project work, site visits, industrial guest lectures and student placements/ internships. The Cardiff branch of the RAeS, to which Dr Ilias Lappas is a committee member, also organise free monthly seminar/ talks to which our students are invited to, in addition to having external guest lectures on site which include our own graduates. Students are encouraged to join the RAeS as student members from an early stage, and the Society organise employer focused events at their Headquarters in Hamilton street London. Such external exposure benefits students primarily in their self-development and further demonstrates the engineering application of knowledge gathered in the classroom and/ or laboratory based teaching. Another example is the practical flight test which final year students undertake in the spring with Flight Dynamics Ltd. which serves to further consolidate their understanding on the mechanics of flight. Chris Neal of Merlin Flight simulation visits 3 times a year as part of his maintenance contract with the University and has been very helpful with student projects involving the use of the Merlin flight simulator housed in our aeronautical laboratory. In the RAE of 2008, the ERC’s General Engineering submission was judged to be 60% as either world leading or internationally excellent and was ranked joint 16th in the UK. Research outputs have and will continue to benefit/ enhance the learning experience of our students in the form of teaching materials, external lectures, basis for laboratory demonstration and also final year student projects. The course complies with the UK-SPEC Educational Standards and prepares our aeronautical engineering graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes for the aerospace industry.

Means of Assessment

The assessment strategy reflects the requirements of the University’s academic blue print and consists of a balanced array of assessment methods which had been carefully devised to measure the skill and competence of a student. As such assessments are designed to meet the learning outcomes of an individual module and therefore collectively within a coherent course structure, this satisfies the learning outcomes of the course as stipulated by the relevant professional body. Means of assessment include formal unseen examinations, timed assignments, essays, reports, group-based project work, independent projects, poster presentations and oral presentations.

Modules which are used to develop the student’s understanding of engineering principles are normally assessed through the formal year end examinations. These exams generally contribute between 60 to 70% of the available marks for the module, with the remainder being allocated to practical or assignment work. The design, project and computer based modules are 100% coursework assessed. 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 utilised through, particularly in design, individual and group based work. This addresses the workplace/ industry’s requirement for engineers to be able to confidently present information across to an audience. The assessment profile is presented in a later section. The development of key skills is incorporated in the course. It is located within the module descriptor and is related to the relevant assessments, as appropriate. 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. Students will experience a diverse and rewarding array of assessment procedures within their respective course of study.

Learning Support

Students undertaking taught modules within the subject area receive academic support from the module leader who liaises with the individual academic staff who might also be involved in the delivery to ensure consistency of both teaching and assessment.

Students undertaking project based work which are largely self-directed receive academic guidance from the supervisor on a regular basis, typically weekly, to keep up with progress. Students are also encouraged to keep a logbook in order to help plan/ manage their work. A member of academic staff is also appointed to manage the allocation and overall running of projects, collects and subsequently feeds the marks to the subject board and prepares samples for external verification.

Additional support to enhance the students learning experience include;
• One week induction programme for new students.
• Student online induction schedule, course structure, learning timetables, University calendar year, assessment dates, and the University regulations.
• Online database which contains the syllabus, assessment plan, learning outcomes for modules on their course.
• Blackboard as an on-line source of learning information, and communication portal for modules.
• Student email accounts to facilitate communication with staff.
• Modern suite of labs with technician support for design based, project work.
• Open door policy of academic staff.
• Student Development and Study Skills Service has a drop in centre within the Treforest Library to provide help with referencing & mathematics for example.
• Grad Edge – http://gradedge.southwales.ac.uk offered by the University student services which provides advice/ help with preparing CVs, application and cover letters, job searching, work experience and volunteering.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

N/A

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Admission to the course is through academic, experiential and English Language requirements:

An honours degree in Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering or a relevant engineering degree such as Mechanical Engineering may be considered, with 2:2 honours or better, or a BSc honours degree of class 2:1 or better (or equivalent professional or recognised overseas qualifications).

Any degrees, diplomas or certificates eligible in the academic qualifications above should have been taught and assessed in English, or students must have attained English language fluency to TOEFL 550, IELTS 6.5 or higher.

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