5A009E - Scientific Principles of Explosives Engineering and Design 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 5A009E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Scientific Principles of Explosives Engineering and Design | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Engineering | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Civil Engineering | ||
| Module Leader: | |||
| Module Team: | Ifor Evans | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2026 | Final Year of Intake: | |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100175 - energy engineering | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2032 |
Module Aims
To ascertain the scientific principles behind the design of ordnance, munitions and explosives (OME).
To explain the mode of operation of types of OME and the outcomes expected from their correct functioning.
To examine how these scientific principles apply across the lifecycle of OME, from design through to use or disposal.
Content Summary
This module builds on the technical principles of explosives engineering and design learned in module SSSO4004, enhancing the student’s understanding of the science and technology of ordnance, munitions and explosives (OME) found in the civil and defence sector, and explosions that may be experienced in OME and other high-hazard environments. The module covers the science underpinning the design and manufacture of pyrotechnics, propellants and explosives, examining the energy produced from detonation, deflagration and combustion and how that energy can be used as a tool. They will also consider the effects of shock waves, blast and fragmentation in the design of both explosive devices and protection systems. Students will analyse the design explosive devices in detail and may be called upon to explain their mode of operation, their intended effects and possibly their design weaknesses against such target requirements.
This module supports, and is supported by, modules SSO5006 and SSO5007 as the culmination of the course and the development of the student as a competent explosives technician or explosives engineer, employable across the industry.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Online Study | 42 |
| Independent Study | 106 |
| Formative Assessment | 6 |
| Summative Assessment | 40 |
| Technical plenary session | 6 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Apply the principles of ammunition and explosive selection to achieve a specified effect. |
| LO2 | Demonstrate the principles of ammunition and explosive selection to achieve a specified effect. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Report | Individual, Online | 0 | 2000 | 100 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Report | ✔ | ✘ | |