Undergraduate Prospectus 2009

Why study Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering?

Traditional engineering education is discipline specific, choosing to concentrate on one subject such as mechanical engineering. While there is a clear need for such specific degree programmes, increasingly there is demand for engineering graduates able to span the divide between electronic, electrical and mechanical engineering. The design and manufacture of highly-complex electronically controlled mechanical systems is at the heart of many modern technologies, e.g., renewable power systems, aerospace and hybrid-vehicles. Industry needs graduates able to join multi-disciplinary engineering teams. The Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IMEE) degree programme has been designed in collaboration with industry to fulfil these needs.

The IMEE programme achieves its aim without sacrificing the intellectual rigour of a single-discipline programme. The first two years of the course combine the core engineering sciences of mechanics, materials, electrical and electronic systems and circuits. These core elements are integrated with coordinated project and laboratory work. In Years Three and Four, further core subjects and chosen options are studied in depth, culminating in major group and individual projects.

The IMEE programme’s project and design work develops technical and managerial team-working skills. A unique feature of the programme is the study of applications beyond the boundaries of traditional mechanical and electrical engineering. Industrial sponsorships and bursaries are also available, indicating the exciting employment opportunities open to graduates of this degree programme.

The Departments of Electronic & Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering both have proud records of achievement in engineering education and research. Our close links with industry ensure that our teaching and project activities are topical. The opportunity of an industrial placement ensures a high demand for our graduates.

Placements

www.bath.ac.uk/elec-eng/prospective/placements.html

Placements in industry are available with the IMEE degree programme. A placement provides students with the opportunity to put into a practical context the theory and skills they have learnt on their course. A year of professional work in industry is highly valued by employers giving an added advantage in the competitive graduate job market. Our students are frequently offered permanent graduate jobs by their placement providers.

Both contributing departments have built up contacts with a large number of companies that can provide the high standard of training we expect during a placement year. Examples include: BMT Defence Services, Siemens, Rolls-Royce and QinetiQ. We have a dedicated placements officer available to help students find placements that fit their requirements.

Career opportunities

www.bath.ac.uk/careers/destinations/intro.html

www.bath.ac.uk/study/imee

The IMEE degree programme has been designed specifically to educate engineers for the 21st century. Our strong links with industry, coupled with year-long work placements, mean our students are in high demand when it comes to securing a first job after graduation. Both departments rank highly in graduate-starting-salary tables.

Our graduates can expect to find careers in a wide variety of engineering disciplines:

• Aerospace engineering
• Automotive engineering
• Information technology
• Medical engineering
• Finance and banking

Degree Structure

The course curriculum has been specifically designed to integrate the Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical sciences. The first two years of the programme consist of core units taken by all students:

Year 1, Semester 1

Mathematics 1, Electrical Science 1 (electronic and electrical circuits), Solid Mechanics 1, Thermofluids 1 (thermodynamics), Design, Materials and Manufacturing 1

Year 1, Semester 2

Mathematics 2, Electrical Science 2 (digital electronics, fields and waves), Solid Mechanics 2, Design, Materials and Manufacturing 2, Introduction to Integrated Engineering

Year 2, Semester 1

Electromagnetics, Modelling Techniques 1, Electronic Devices and Circuits, Thermofluids 3 (heat transfer and thermal power systems), Design 3

Year 2, Semester 2

Signals, Systems and Communications, Modelling Techniques 2, Electrical Systems and Power Electronics, Thermofluids 2 (fluid mechanics), Electronic Control System Design

After progressing through the first two years of the programme, students can elect to take an optional year-long placement in industry. Years 3 and 4 of the programme consist of core taught units along with a range of specialist options. In Year 3, the whole of the second semester is dedicated to a group design & business project. These multidisciplinary design projects span the electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering interface. A similar approach is taken in Year 4 where the whole of the second semester is dedicated to a significant individual engineering project.