Engineering Work Experience
The Engineering Work Experience course develops students’ work readiness. Hear what our students and partner organisations have to say about their experience.
Mechanical Engineering with Biomechanics, MEng
Introduction
Biomechanical engineering combines mechanical engineering fundamentals with biological systems to develop technology that improves healthcare and people's quality of life.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MEng
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
- UCAS Code
- H3H6
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Mechanical engineering is concerned with the creative and imaginative use of principles and science to shape the world around us, through the development of new materials, technologies, processes and products.
Mechanical Engineers design and develop everything that moves or has moving parts, ranging from spacecraft and aeroplanes to racing cars, from household goods like refrigerators to the small motors that turn a DVD in a DVD player, from robotic control of machinery to nanotechnologies, from mechanical hearts and artificial limbs to fitness machines, and from oil and gas exploration and production technologies to wind turbines.
For the first 4 years of this five-year MEng programme, you will follow the BEng Mechanical Engineering curriculum, including the fundamental principles and concepts of mathematics, mechanics, materials and thermodynamics. In your fifth year, you will specialise further in biomaterials and biomechanics so that you can use your combined expertise and knowledge to design, develop and test healthcare equipment to solve medical and biological problems.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Principles of Electronics (EG1008)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of the course is to introduce basic concepts of electrical & electronics within a context of general engineering. The topics covered are kept at an elementary level with the aim of providing the foundational material for subsequent courses at levels 1 and 2. The course adopts the philosophy of application oriented teaching. During each topic the students will be provided with examples of day-to-day devices. Topics covered include dc circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, digital circuits, optoelectronics, and ac theory.
- CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)
-
15 Credit Points
The course is designed to introduce the students to different methods of communication in the process of interchanging ideas and information. Oral presentation and writing of technical reports are introduced. The importing data from web-based and library-based sources will be integrated through information retrieval and investigative skills training. Professional ethics are covered on plagiarism, copyright and intellectual property. Engineering drawing skills and knowledge of relevant British and International Standards will be developed through intensive training in the use of computer aided design and modelling package, SolidWorks. Standard drawing formats including 3D depiction of stand alone parts and assemblies are covered.
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)
-
15 Credit Points
Engineering design depends on materials being shaped, finished and joined together. Design requirements define the performance required of the materials. What do engineers need to know about materials to choose and use them successfully? They need a perspective of the world of materials. They need understanding of material properties. They need methods and tools to select the right material for the job. This course will help you develop knowledge and skills required for the successful selection and use of engineering materials.
- Electronics Design (EE1501)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides an introduction to the design and analysis techniques used within electronic engineering, and to the major active components (diodes and transistors). The course opens with a description of charges, the forces between charges and the concept of electric fields. The second part of the course deals with semiconductor devices, opening with fundamental properties of doped semiconductors.
- Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)
-
15 Credit Points
The course presents fundamental mathematical ideas useful in the study of Engineering. A major focus of the course is on differential and integral calculus. Applications to Engineering problems involving rates of change and averaging processes are emphasized. Complex numbers are introduced and developed. The course provides the necessary mathematical background for other engineering courses in level 2.
- Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)
-
15 Credit Points
Engineering Mechanics is concerned with the state of rest or motion of objects subject to the action of forces. The topic is divided into two parts: STATICS which considers the equilibrium of objects which are either at rest or move at a constant velocity, and DYNAMICS which deals with the motion and associated forces of accelerating bodies. The former is particularly applied to beams and truss structures. The latter includes a range of applications, such as car suspension systems, motion of a racing car, missiles, vibration isolation systems, and so on.
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from level 1 or level 2 courses of choice.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)
-
15 Credit Points
The fluid mechanics section of the course begins with the material properties of fluids. This is followed by studying fluid statics and principles of fluid motion. Bernoulli’s equation is used to explain the relationship between pressure and velocity. The final fluids section introduces the students to incompressible flow in pipelines.
The thermodynamics section presents: the gas laws, including Van Der Waals’ equation; the first law of thermodynamics with work done, heat supply, and the definitions of internal energy and enthalpy. The second law is introduced including entropy through the Carnot cycle.
- Process Engineering (EG2011)
-
15 Credit Points
A general engineering course that provides insight into the two main conservation principles, mass and energy. Processes are usually described through block diagrams. This language, common to many disciplines in engineering, helps the engineer to look at their processes with an analytical view. Degree of freedom analysis is addressed, emphasising its importance to solve a set of linear equations that model fundamental balances of mass. Practical examples of Energy balances are displayed, bringing Thermodynamics to a practical level. Heat Transfer is introduced. Process control is introduced, explaining basic control techniques and concepts, i.e sensors, feedback, control loops and PID controllers.
- Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)
-
15 Credit Points
This course follows Engineering Mathematics 1 in introducing all the mathematical objects and techniques needed by engineers. It has three parts:
- Matrices: definitions, operations, inverse and determinant; application to systems of linear equations.
- Ordinary differential equations: 1st order (linear and separable), 2nd order with constant coefficients, forced oscillations and resonance.
- Functions of two variables: partial derivatives and extrema, the chain rule, the heat equation and the wave equation.
- Solids and Structures (EA2502)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides students with the opportunity to refresh and extend their knowledge to analyse the mechanical behaviour of engineering materials and structures. In particular, mechanical properties of materials, and 2D and 3D stresses and strains are examined, the effects of internal imperfections on the performance of materials under loading, brittle fracture, fatigue and non-destructive testing are discussed. The structural analysis of beams and columns, deflection and buckling, as well as design applications are also considered in the course.
- Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)
-
15 Credit Points
A general engineering course that provides an insight into the principles of engineering design process, computer programming in MATLAB and its application in parametric study and basic design optimisation, environmental ethics and sustainability in the context of design, and Computer Aided Design (CAD) using Solidworks. The course also includes hands-on exercises on the manufacture of simple parts using a variety of machine tools and joining processes.
- Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)
-
15 Credit Points
This course provides students with an integrated development of methods for modelling, analysing and designing systems comprising electrical and mechanical components. In doing so it intends to emphasise to the students the similarity in behaviour between electrical and mechanical systems. The course aims to give an introduction to both electrical machines, circuit and systems, transformers, and similar mechanical systems like gearbox, vibrating system and principles of dynamics, and thus provide the foundation material for several courses at level 3 .
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from level 1 or 2 courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)
-
15 Credit Points
Modern engineering analysis relies on a wide range of analytical mathematical methods and computational techniques in order to solve a wide range of problems. The aim of this course is to equip students with the necessary skills to quantitatively investigate engineering problems. Examples applying the methods taught to practical situations from across the full range of engineering disciplines will feature heavily in the course.
- Stress Analysis A (EM3015)
-
15 Credit Points
One of the roles of an engineer is to ensure that engineering components perform in service as intended and do not fracture or break into pieces. However, we know that sometimes engineering components do fail in service. Course examines how we determine the magnitude of stresses and level of deformation in engineering components and how these are used to appropriately select the material and dimensions for such component in order to avoid failure. Focus is on using stress analysis to design against failure, and therefore enable students to acquire some of the fundamental knowledge and skills required for engineering design.
- Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)
-
15 Credit Points
The course begins with dimensional analysis and the concept of dynamic similarity applied to fluid flow phenomena. This is followed by sections on the energy and momentum equations applied to a range of problems in civil, mechanical, chemical and petroleum engineering, including steady flow in pipes, design of pump-pipeline systems, cavitation, forces on bends, nozzles and solid bodies, turbomachinery and propeller theory. A section on unsteady flow applies inertia and water hammer theory to the calculation of pressure surge in pipes. The final section deals with flow through porous media such as flow through soils and rocks.
- Engineering Materials (EM3028)
-
15 Credit Points
The course focuses, initially, on the major groups of solid materials – metals, ceramics, polymers, and provides an introduction to materials selection. 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. The major welding and adhesive bonding processes are introduced, and structural integrity of welded joints is examined. Finally, the course gives a comprehensive introduction to composite materials and motivation for their use in current structural applications. Manufacturing of different types of composites is reviewed.
- Mechanics of Structures (EA3518)
-
15 Credit Points
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 simple beams. The theorem of virtual work is introduced in the context of beams and frameworks.
The rigid-plastic analysis of beams is then introduced along with the upper bound theorem and their importance to engineering design.
- Project and Safety Management (EG3599)
-
10 Credit Points
To course aims to provide students with an awareness of purpose, principals, fundamental concepts and strategies of safety and project management.
- Dynamics 1 (EM3511)
-
15 Credit Points
This course introduces the theory of dynamics and the vibration of single and multi-degree of freedom systems, and dynamics of rotating and reciprocating machinery.
- Engineering Thermodynamics (EM3521)
-
10 Credit Points
The course begins introducing thermodynamic properties and reviewing first and second laws. The material is then taken forward into application in a focused module on production of power from heat which includes: steam power plants; internal-combustion and gas-turbine engines. This is followed by a module on refrigeration and liquefaction. The course continues with a detailed discussion of the applications of thermodynamics to flow processes including: duct flow of compressible fluids in pipes and nozzles; turbines; compression processes. The course concludes with a module on psychrometry which includes: humidity data for air-water systems; humidification & dehumidification systems.
- Design of Mechanical Elements (EM3522)
-
10 Credit Points
Aimed at students interested in mechanical engineering and aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to take a design requirement/concept to a fully implemented product. It will provide an overview of a multi-stage design methodology followed by procedures for the detailed design of various mechanical elements including gears, shaft and bearings. These procedures will include design to resist fatigue failure and will be taught using an example product. The course will include aspects of sustainability and choice of method for manufacture. Assessed through a series of group design exercises.
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
- Fluid Dynamics (EM40JJ)
-
10 Credit Points
The course develops incompressible and compressible flow topics of broad interest to mechanical engineers. It demonstrates the link between well-developed theoretical studies and their practical application in offshore technology, aeronautics, engine design and fluid machinery. The course begins with water wave theory with particular application to coastal and offshore engineering. This is followed by consideration of boundary layer development over a flat plate and curved surfaces, leading to boundary layer separation and forces on immersed bodies. These topics are also part of the EA40JF Civil Engineering Hydraulics course. The second part of the course concentrates on compressible flow. Using the fundamental conservation equations, the characteristics of converging-diverging nozzles and accelerating supersonic flows are examined. Plane and oblique shock waves, Prandt-Meyer flow and Navier-Stokes equations are then introduced. The course concludes with a discussion of the behaviour of transonic aerofoils, and the design of supersonic engine inlets.
- Dynamics 2 (EM40JP)
-
15 Credit Points
This course covers several advanced topics in the dynamics of structural and mechanical systems. The aims of the course are to develop analytical approaches to rigid body and flexible continuous systems with a view to the prediction and understanding of the behaviour of engineering components in a dynamic environment, to familiarise the students with the concept of nonlinearity and analyse and interpret the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of engineering systems and structures.
- Heat and Momentum Transfer (EM40JN)
-
10 Credit Points
The course focuses on applied momentum and heat transport in engineering problems. It demonstrates how fundamental design equations can be derived for a wide range of real engineering problems (e.g. nuclear fuel rods, radiation shielding, electrical heaters etc). The course makes it clear that engineering is the art of applying mathematics to the real world and develops the tools required to tackle a wide range of engineering challenges.
The analytical results of transport phenomena are demonstrated in simple systems before discussing more complex systems, such as boiling and condensation, which require the use of semi-empirical correlations to solve.
- Nonlinear Solid Mechanics (EM4030)
-
10 Credit Points
This course provides an understanding of the sources and effects of nonlinearity in solid mechanics with applications to engineering structures and materials.
Optional Courses
Students will select one of the following options:
Option 1:
- MEng Individual Project (EG4013)
- Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice at Level 3 or 4.
or
Option 2:
- Individual Project Abroad (MEng) (EG4513)
- Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice at Levels 3 or 4
NOTE:
EG4013 will commence in 1st Half-Session and credits will be awarded at the 2nd Half-Session examination diet. It is an expectation that candidates allocate the equivalent of 15 credit points of effort to EG4013 during the 1st Half-Session and 30 credit points of effort during the 2nd Half-Session.
- MEng Individual Project (EG4013)
-
45 Credit Points
To provide the student with the opportunity of pursuing a substantial and realistic research project in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills. The project will usually be carried out at the University of Aberdeen but may be carried out at industry or other research location.
- Individual Project Abroad (MEng) (EG4513)
-
60 Credit Points
The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a project in an approved European institution by pursuing a substantial and realistic exercise in the practice of engineering at or near a professional level, and to further enhance the student's critical and communication skills.
- Year 5
-
Compulsory Courses
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (EG501V)
-
15 Credit Points
The course aims to provide understanding of main principles and techniques underpinning computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combining numerical methods with practical experience using appropriate software. The course develops a foundation for understanding, developing and analysing successful simulations of fluid flows applicable to a broad range of applications.
- The Engineer in Society (EG501W)
-
15 Credit Points
Students will examine the societal grand challenges of water, food, medicine and energy (electricity and heat) to thread together the themes of environment, sustainability and ethics.
The course also aims to provide graduates with a versatile framework for evaluating and developing business models which should prove invaluable for both potential entrepreneurs and future senior executives.
- Biomaterials for Medical Devices and Implants (EG505K)
- Advanced Composite Materials (EM501Q)
-
15 Credit Points
Advanced materials underpin many industry sectors and are viewed as one of the key enabling technologies that can help address environmental, economic and social challenges the society is facing. Lightweight materials such as composites applied to vehicles, structures and devices can help reduce energy consumption and emissions, and increase energy efficiency. The aim of this course is introduce students to the mechanical behaviour of composite materials and the design of structures made of composites.
- MEng Group Design (EG5565)
-
30 Credit Points
Real-life contemporary engineering projects and challenges invariably require inputs from, and collaboration amongst, multiple disciplines. Furthermore, legal and economic aspects, as well as safety, team work and project management must also be successfully navigated through. This course enables students to immerse themselves in a realistic, multidisciplinary, multifaceted and complex team design project that will draw on their previous specialist learning and also enable gaining and practicing new skills of direct relevance to their professional career.
- Modelling of Biological Systems (EG555L)
-
15 Credit Points
Physiological and physicochemical phenomena in biological systems involve complex interactions between tissue, blood and nutrients such as glucose. This course will introduce the principles of biofluid and soft tissue mechanics, and mass transfer phenomena relevant to biological systems. Students will develop the ability to use mathematical modelling to analyse those phenomena, and gain insight into a range of therapies from the perspective of engineering.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Biomechanics (EG555K)
-
15 Credit Points
Our bodies are shaped by the forces that act on them, and to understand movement, we need to understand the nature of that interaction. In this course, students will learn the basis of human movement in terms of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. They will also appreciate the impacts that disease or injury can have on our ability to move, and gain insight into some of the technologies that can help improve function in people with movement disorders.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Mechanical Engineering with Biomechanics?
- Learn to develop cutting-edge technologies used in medical devices and healthcare delivery
- Gain entry to a wide range of career opportunities in this exciting and fast-growing industry, as well as in academia, hospitals and government agencies
- Benefit from our strong links with the School of Medicine, medical Sciences and Nutrition, the NHS and the School of Engineering’s Bioengineering team.
- University of Aberdeen is ranked 12th UK, 1st in Scotland for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2022). Aberdeen is also ranked 12th in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Mechanical Engineering (National Student Survey 2021)
- We deliver teaching in world-class facilities, including laboratories dedicated to particular areas of work such as biomechanics, satellite communications, computer aided design, electrical machines, materials testing, laser welding, hydraulics and fluids, large structures and geotechnics.
- TAU Racing was established in 2007 by a group of undergraduate engineers of various disciplines. The team’s goal each year is to design and build a single seat racing car to compete at Silverstone in the Formula Student competition.
- Hands-on experience of laboratory experiments and of industry-standard software is used to enhance your learning. Group design exercises based on real case field data and supervised by practising professionals from industry prepares you for work.
- Opportunities exist for industry sponsored scholarships and bursaries, final year individual projects undertaken with industry, and study abroad opportunities.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made a conditional offer of admission.International Baccalaureate:
Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.A Levels
Standard: ABB (AB required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made a conditional offer of admission.International Baccalaureate:
Minimum of 34 points including Mathematics and Physics at HL (6 or above)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
Five subjects at Higher, with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3. H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics required.
* FOR CHEMICAL OR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: Please note: For entry to Chemical or Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Engineering degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Mechanical Engineering graduates are employed in a wide range of industry sectors such as the manufacturing, energy, construction, automotive, aerospace and medical industries. They are involved in the design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of mechanical systems and new technologies, and in the safety and reliability assessment of engineering structures and components.
Recent graduate job roles have included:
- Design Engineer
- Graduate Mechanical Engineer
- Consultant Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Graduate Sustainability Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Reliability Engineer
Recent graduates work at companies such as:
- Atkins
- BP
- Babcock
- BrewDog
- Cummins
- Jaguar Landrover
- Loganair
- Nissan
- Reliance Energy
- Subsea 7
- Wood Group
- UK Astronomy Technology Centre
Accreditation
Our Mechanical Engineering degrees are accredited by the Engineering Council and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
TAU Formula Racing
TAU (Team Aberdeen University) Racing is a student-run Formula Student team that competes annually at Silverstone. It is made up of students from a variety of disciplines and helps develop excellent and highly-relevant career skills.
Student Societies
The University is home to a broad range of student societies including professional teams, extra-curricular and subject-focused organisations and purely recreational groups based on a shared interest.
Find out moreDiscover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX