ENGINEERING SCIENCE | 2003 Undergraduate Catalogue of Courses

ENGINEERING SCIENCE

Level 1

ES 1072 - ENGINEERING PHYSICS LABORATORY

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr M S Imbabi

Pre-requisites

Notes

May not be included with EG 1076 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

A selection of experiments is undertaken giving practical experience of experimental methods and the treatment of errors. Topics covered include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, electronics and fluid flow. Two lectures preceding the laboratory sessions cover experimental methods and techniques, the recording and analysis of results and the preparation of reports.
2 one-hour lectures, and 8 three-hour laboratory classes in total.
Laboratory reports and in-course assessment of the experiments (100%).

ES 1073 - ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION AND DESIGN

Credit Points: 10
Course Coordinator: Dr M S Imbabi

Pre-requisites

Notes

May not be included with EG 1076 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

Engineering drawing techniques including orthographic projection, sectioning, dimensioning, assemblies and three dimensional representations will be introduced. The techniques are developed through a number of design-based exercises which combine technical skills with communication and management skills.
12 one-hour lectures and 10 three-hour practical classes in total.
Drawing office exercises and design (100%).

ES 1074 - ENGINEERING COMPUTING 1

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr M S Imbabi

Pre-requisites

Notes

May not be included with EG 1076 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

An introduction to using the Internet and business software applications (such as word processing and spreadsheets) is presented. An introduction to Matlab is provided
6 one-hour lectures, and 6 three-hour practical classes in total.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 1571 - ENGINEERING COMPUTING 2 A

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr R J Henderson

Pre-requisites

Either EG 1076 or ES 1074 together with either EG 1006 or MA 1002 (MA 1504 is acceptable as a co requisite in place of EG 1006 or MA 1002)

Notes

May not be included with EG 1579 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

An introduction to the computer solution of engineering problems using MATLAB is presented. Elements of computer program development and organisation are discussed.
1 one-hour lecture and 1 three-hour practical class per week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 1572 - ENGINEERING LABORATORY

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr R J Henderson

Pre-requisites

Notes

May not be included with EG 1579 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

Experiments are carried out in electronics, instrumentation, statics, dynamics and materials.
1 three-hour practical class per week.
Continuous assessment comprising laboratory reports and in-course assessment of the experiments (100%).

ES 1575 - ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION A

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr R J Henderson

Pre-requisites

EG 1076 or ES 1073

Notes

May not be included with EG 1579 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

The basic principles of computer aided design, including 2D CAD and solid modelling, are introduced and hands on experience is gained using AUTOCAD and Pro Engineer.
4 one-hour lectures and 4 three-hour practical classes.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 1576 - ENGINEERING DESIGN

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr R J Henderson

Pre-requisites

EG 1076 or ES 1073

Notes

May not be included with EG 1579 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

This course encourages effectice communication using a range of methods. The student delivers a report and poster presentation on an engineering topic, develops a design including product specification and detailed drawings, and contributes to a design and management exercise.
1 one-hour lecture for 8 weeks and 1 three-hour practical class for 8 weeks.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 1971 - ENGINEERING COMPUTING 2B

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr R J Henderson

Pre-requisites

Notes

May not be included with EG 1579 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

An introduction to the computer solution of engineering problems using MATLAB is presented. Elements of computer program development and organisation are discussed.
6 one-hour lectures and 6 three-hour practical classes in total.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 1975 - ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION B

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr R J Henderson

Pre-requisites

Notes

May not be included with EG 1579 in a minimum curriculum.

Overview

Level 2

ES 2074 - ENGINEERING DESIGN 1

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr J M Hutchinson

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

EG 2029

Overview

The course includes a blend of laboratory and communication exercises, mainly with respect to Materials and Structures. These activities are set in their wider context within engineering in a series of Professional Design Lectures taken by visiting speakers from industry.
1 one-hour lecture and 1 three-hour practicals per week. Activities will not operate every week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 2075 - ENGINEERING WORKSHOP 1

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr J M Hutchinson

Pre-requisites

None

Notes

The practical aspects of this course may pose difficulties to students with disabilities. For such students, alternative arrangements will be made available. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Departmental Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

The course provides workshop practice, giving students hands-on experience of some of metal turning, shaping, milling, welding, heat-treatment and casting, surveying, construction engineering and metrology.
1 three-hour practical. Activities will not operate every week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 2076 - ENGINEERING DESIGN 2

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr D C Hendry

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

EG 2060

Overview

The course includes a blend of design projects and practical exercises related to Information Engineering and Electronics. These activities are set in their wider context within engineering in a series of Professional Design Lectures taken by visiting speakers from industry.

3 one-hour lecture and 5 three-hour practicals. Activities will not operate every week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 2574 - ENGINEERING DESIGN 3

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr J M Hutchinson

Pre-requisites

At least one of ES 2072, ES 2074, EG 2079.

Co-requisites

EG 2539

Overview

The course includes a blend of design projects and laboratories exercises, mainly with respect to Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics. These activities are set in their wider context within engineering in a series of lectures introducing the philosophy of engineering design and also in the Professional Design Lectures taken by visiting speakers from industry.
1 one-hour lecture and 2 three-hour practicals. Activities will not operate every week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 2575 - ENGINEERING DESIGN 4

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr J M Hutchinson

Pre-requisites

EG 1579

Co-requisites

EG 2559

Overview

The course includes a blend of design projects and practical exercises related to Electrical and Mechanical Systems. Environmental issues are addressed. A management exercise is included. These activities are set in their wider context within engineering in a series of Professional Design Lectures taken by visiting speakers from industry.
1 one-hour lecture and 2 three-hour practicals. Activities will not operate every week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 2576 - ENGINEERING WORKSHOP 2

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr J M Hutchinson

Pre-requisites

ES 2075

Notes

The practical aspects of this course may pose difficulties to some students with disabilities. If this arises alternative arrangements will be made available. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Departmental Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

The course provides workshop practice, giving students hands-on experience of those of the following they have not done in the prerequisite course: metal turning, shaping, milling, welding, heat-treatment and casting, surveying, construction engineering and metrology.
1 three-hour practical. Activities will not operate every week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Level 3

ES 3006 - ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND METHODS 1B

Credit Points: 10
Course Coordinator: Dr A F Stronach

Pre-requisites

EG 2509 together with EG 1578 or EG 1903 (courses operating prior to 2000-01) EG 2510 together with EG 1579, ES 1571 (courses operating from 2000-01 onwards).

Notes

ES 3006 is available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The course is set in an environment of engineering applications. The course starts with an introduction to graph theory which is applied to a range of problems in engineering. Engineering applications of MATLAB and SIMULINK are then discussed. An introduction is given to the symbolic features provided by packages such as the MATLAB Symbolic Toolbox. The numerical solution of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is discussed in the context of MATLAB. A study is made of partial differential equations (PDEs) important to engineering including Laplace's equation and the wave and diffusion equations; boundary conditions are stressed. The facilities provided by the MATLAB Partial Differential Equations Toolbox are discussed. Practical work involving the MATLAB applications mentioned above is undertaken. The remainder of the course is devoted to the study of vector calculus including surface and line integrals, scalar and vector fields and Gauss's divergence theorem.
2 one-hour lectures, 1 one-hour tutorial or practical per week. Detailed times are provided separately. There are no classes in week 20.
1 three-hour written examination paper (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).
The continuous assessment will be based on a logbook record made of practical work based on MATLAB. The assessment will be based on the technical merit of the work done and the effectiveness of the records kept.

ES 3013 - FLUID MECHANICS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr T O'Donoghue

Pre-requisites

EG 2539 (CAS 9).

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The course begins with the concept of dynamic similarity and the application of dimensional analysis to experimental fluid mechanics and model-testing. This is followed by a study of steady and unsteady flow in pressure conduits, with emphasis on unsteady aspects including water hammer theory and surge protection. A section on fluid machines deals mainly with the performance of rotodynamic machines. It considers the theoretical performance of impulse and radial flow machines but stresses that actual performance is obtained from testing. Machine specific speed, cavitation problems and pump-pipeline matching are all considered. A section on open channel flow introduces basic concepts for the analysis of flow with a free surface. It deals with steady uniform flow and the importance of bed roughness and applies energy methods and momentum methods to cases of rapidly varied flow. The final section of the course introduces the students to differential analysis of fluid flow. It looks at the fundamental kinematics of fluid elements and leads to the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations for the flow of incompressible, Newtonian fluids.

The laboratory exercises are designed to help understand and reinforce concepts covered in lectures. They involve separate experiments to study the performance characteristics of hydraulic machines and the essential features of flow in an open channel.
27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials, and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3015 - STRESS ANALYSIS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr A R Akisanya

Pre-requisites

EG 2029 (CAS 9).

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

This course focuses on the fundamental relationship between the stresses and strains within engineering components and the load and displacements imposed at their boundaries. Analytical, experimental and numerical (finite element) methods are used predominantly for two-dimensional geometries and both elastic and plastic responses are considered. The design implications of material deformation are discussed.
Students carry out experimental work to determine the stress distribution in an internally pressurised cylinder. The finite element results of the stress distribution are compared with the thin-walled and thick-walled pressure vessel analyses.
27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3027 - GEOTECHNICS 1B

Credit Points: 3
Course Coordinator: Dr O O R Famiyesin

Pre-requisites

Two years of an Engineering degree programme or equivalent.

Notes

Available only to candidates following non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The course provides an introduction to engineering geology covering such topics as the formation and classification, weathering processes, plate tectonics, aggregates, groundwaterfloviatile and coastal processes and site investigation. The main part of the course is devoted to a study of the engineering behaviour of soils. This commences with an introduction to field classification and a description of the phase composition of soils. Following a study of the shear strength of soils, aspects of foundation engineering are covered such as stress distribution, bearing capacity and settlement of foundations.
Practical exercises provide an introduction to both classification and strength testing of soils and rocks to BS5930 and BS1377.
27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials, and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3034 - ENGINEERING MATERIALS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr W F Deans

Pre-requisites

EG 2028 (CAS 9) or EG 2029 (CAS 9).

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The course builds on the knowledge of engineering materials gained at Level 2 by focussing, initially, on the major engineering alloy systems - steels, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys. Strengthening mechanisms in these systems and the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties are highlighted. The main failure and degradation processes of materials in service, fracture, fatigue, creep and corrosion, are considered in some detail. Finally as materials may have to be joined during manufacture of components and structures, the major welding and adhesive bonding processes are introduced. Practical work is undertaken to investigate the microstructure of steel, the macrostructure of welded joints and the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties of a range of steels.

27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials, and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3043 - CONTROL SYSTEMS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr A F Stronach

Pre-requisites

EG 2559 (CAS 9).

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The course introduces basic concepts of feedback control systems using an illustrative example. This is also used to develop mathematical modelling methods - the block diagram and transfer function. Basic response characteristics (stability, transient response, steady state response) and analysis and design procedures are introduced using first order systems. Development to more general situations considers second order systems and the application of compensation, including PID control. Absolute and relative stability, the Routh-Hurwitz criterion and the root locus diagram are developed as general analysis and design tools. The frequency domain approach is developed through use of the Bode diagram and application of lead and lag compensators.
The laboratory exercise develops the use of MATLAB/SIMULINK as computer-based tools. Effects of modelling approximations and response characteristics are investigated.
27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials, and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3044 - MICROCONTROLLERS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr A F Stronach

Pre-requisites

EG 2069 (CAS 9).

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

This course is suitable for engineering students regardless of which engineering discipline they are primarily interested in. It concentrates on the design of microcontroller based systems and considers both hardware and software aspects of design. The course starts with a review of the evolution of microprocessors and microcontrollers. An overview of the architecture, range of applications and market share of various types of microcontrollers is then given. To develop skills and understanding in the design of microcontroller systems, a detailed study is made of one microcontroller in the context of a specific area of industrial control. This includes programming languages, simulation, emulation, system communications and interfacing. The particular problems of real time systems are considered. The course concludes with a comparison of microcontroller families, consideration being given to their suitability for various applications. Students are also given experience of using software development tools for microcontrollers.
27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3045 - C PROGRAMMING AND MICROCONTROLLERS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Professor C T Spracklen

Pre-requisites

EG 2060

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

C programming is presented with an introduction to methods for the design of well-structured computer programs. Microcontrollers and their applications are studied with consideration given to both hardware and software design. To develop skills and understanding in the design of microcontroller systems a detailed study is made of one microcontroller and its application to industrial control. C and assembly language are used for programming. Practical experience in the use of software development tools is provided.

27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials and 3 three-hour practicals in total.

1 two-and-a-half-hour written examination (70%) and continuous assessment (30%).

ES 3052 - SIGNALS AND SYSTEMS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr P Gray

Pre-requisites

EG 2010 (CAS 9)

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The course commences with a review of techniques used to analyse and represent signals and systems, such as impulse response, Laplace transformation and state equations. Analogue and digital systems are analysed in the s and z domains respectively, as well as in the time domain, introducing concepts such as transfer functions and frequency response functions. Fourier techniques are used to examine the amplitude and phase spectra of signals. Practical work consists of a connected set of three laboratory exercises exploring the application of phase-locked loops to a sample signal processing task.

27 one-hour lectures, 5 one-hour tutorials and 3 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (90%) and continuous assessment (10%).

ES 3079 - ENGINEERING DESIGN (BscEng)

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr O O R Famiyesen

Pre-requisites

EG2570 or EG 2579

Notes

Available only to students in programme years 2 and 3 of a BscEng programme.

Overview

The major component of this course is an engineering design exercise under the direction of a member of staff. The design will draw on elements of theory from courses currently being studied by the student. This is accompanied by lectures from practising engineers on professional aspects of engineering.
7 three-hour practicals/design work undertaken in one week of concentrated study (week 20), together with some lectures at times to be arranged. During week 20 other Engineering courses do not operate. Detailed times are provided separately.
Assessment is by continuous assessment, which is based on a formal report of the one-week design exercise. Attendance and performance in carrying out the exercise and the logbook in which details are recorded will be taken into account in the assessment.

ES 3516 - MECHANICS OF STRUCTURES B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Professor H W Chandler

Pre-requisites

EG 2029 (CAS 9)

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

The major topic of this course is an introduction to modern methods of elastic structural analysis. In this topic, direct, energy and matrix methods are jointly used to solve, initially, problems of the deformation of elastic trusses and simple beams. They are then used to investigate the mechanical properties of structural composites.
The individual properties of skeletal structural elements are then studied in detail with a treatment of the buckling of struts and bending of non-symmetrical and sandwich beams.
The rigid-plastic analysis of frames is then introduced along with the bounding theorems and their importance to engineering design.
The practical work involves a sequence of four experiments, which illustrate unexpected or non-linear behaviour of structures. Two involve torsion, one an elastomeric framework and another the buckling of a beam with open section. A design element takes the form of a failure investigation and an improved connection design.
Students of Civil Engineering undertake an alternative to this practical work, which takes the form of a substantial design exercise. A forest park outdoor activity centre is to be designed, consisting of a reinforced concrete two storey building. The design will also incorporate a reinforced concrete earth-retaining wall.
24 one-hour lectures, 6 one-hour tutorials, and 6 three-hour practicals in total.
1 three-hour written examination paper (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

ES 3520 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY B

Credit Points: 10
Course Coordinator: Dr I K McEwan

Pre-requisites

Two years of an Engineering degree programme or equivalent.

Co-requisites

ES 3722

Notes

Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.

Overview

This course seeks to assist students in developing an understanding of the role of civil engineering in the modern world. The course stresses the need for engineers to develop the full range of skills required for them to adapt and influence the changing demands of society in terms of the environment, health and safety, and management of resources. The course will explore the ethical dimensions of a number of these issues seeking to assist students in taking a holistic view of their professional development. Students carry out a design exercise involving the design of a forest park outdoor activity centre.
1 one-hour lecture, 1 one-hour seminar, and 2 three-hour practical.
Continuous assessment (100%).

ES 3529 - DESIGN OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS B

Credit Points: 15
Course Coordinator: Dr P C Davidson

Credit Points: 5
Course Coordinator: Dr M A Rice

Pre-requisites

ES 3027

Co-requisites

None

Notes

(i) Available only to students following a non-Honours degree programme.
(ii) The field work aspects of this course may pose difficulties to students with disabilities. For such students, alternative arrangements will be made available. Any student wishing to discuss this further should contact the Departmental Disability Co-ordinator.

Overview

The course provides students with practical information enabling them to use a wide variety of surveying instruments. Measurements obtained from the instruments are used to produce a plan of the surveyed area. In addition to surveying of the surface topography, students undertake exercises which enable them to interpret surface and subsurface geological features. These include problem maps, borehole logs and discussion of geological maps.
7 days residential course to include lectures, practical work and site visits.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Level 4

ES 4071 / ES 4078 - ENGINEERING PROJECT (Non-Graduating)

ES 4071 / ES 4078 - ENGINEERING PROJECT (Non-Graduating)

Credit Points: See Note
Course Coordinator: Dr J M Hutchinson

Pre-requisites

Satisfactory completion of previous levels at Home Institution.

Overview

Courses ES 4071 to ES 4078 are all similar, involving the carrying out of project work. They differ in the amount of student effort expected. This effort is 8 hours multiplied by the number of credit points. The number of credit points allocated to each code can be determined by multiplying the last digit of the code by 15. Students will be registered for which one is most suitable to their particular circumstances, bearing in mind the length of stay at the University of Aberdeen and what other courses are being studied.
An individual engineering project supervised by a member of the academic staff will be undertaken. The project will normally be in the students area of professional interest. Projects are of a wide variety and may include theoretical, computational, design, experimental review and field work. In all cases aspects of project planning, written communication, and oral presentation are included.
No formal teaching.
Continuous assessment (100%).