Engineering (all pathways) Welcome Pack
Welcome to Engineering BSc, Engineering (Top-Up) BSc, and Mechanical Engineering BEng 2023.
On behalf of the Engineering Team at The University of Northampton, welcome to your Engineering programme. We all hope that you’ll enjoy your studies and that you’ll get a lot of benefit from the new knowledge you will acquire.
We’ve been tutoring programmes in Engineering for many years, and most of us have worked at one time or another in the engineering industry, so we’re confident that we can provide you with all the support you need. More than that, we’re looking forward to working with you and learning with you as well about how industry is working today – what’s new, what’s improving and what’s changing.
Our Engineering programmes have a strong industry focus and throughout the year there will be opportunities for you to engage with industry should you wish to. Please see the enhancing skills section below.
Whilst our programmes require a high degree of individual effort, we do find that students joining our Engineering courses are highly focused and achieve very good results. We look forward to assisting you in achieving your degree ambitions.
Your Programme Leaders
Engineering BSc (Hons)
Dr Shafqat Rasool
Programme leader for BSc Engineering
shafquat.rasool@northampton.ac.uk
Engineering (Top-Up) BSc
Daniel Bailey
Senior Lecturer in Engineering
daniel.bailey@northampton.ac.uk
Mechanical Engineering BEng
Dr Nawar Al-Esawi
Lecturer in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering and Design)
Welcome and Induction Sessions
You are invited to join members of your subject and programme team for Engineering, and other students starting at the University of Northampton this year, for a welcome and induction experience in the week leading up to the start of term. Please see below for details of your programme-specific sessions:
Equipment
You may be excited and eager to make a start and delve into your studies on your Engineering programme. If you are not sure where to begin, please do have a look at the reading list and web links which includes some useful reading to help you get started.
Reading List
Key texts will be identified on a Module by Module basis and will be suggested by your tutor. Please note there is no requirement for you to purchase these books, as copies are available in the library. However, should you wish to have your own copy then these would be of use throughout the course.
For your mathematics and science-based subjects, the books below are recommended:
- Engineering Mathematics: A Foundation for Electronic, Electrical, Communications and Systems Engineers by Dr Anthony Croft (Author), Robert Davison (Author), Martin Hargreaves (Author), James Flint
Publisher: Pearson; 4 edition (2 Aug. 2012)
ISBN-10: 0273719777, ISBN-13: 978-0273719779 - Engineering Mathematics by K.A. Stroud, Dexter Booth. Publisher: Palgrave; 7th Edition (March 2013) ISBN-13: 9781137031204
- Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics: Pearson New International Edition, 4/E
By Doug Giancoli
Publisher: Pearson; 4 edition (29 Jul. 2013)
ISBN-10: 1292020768 • ISBN-13: 9781292020761
Prior Knowledge
The following is indicative understanding prior undertaking this course:
In terms of maths:
- Fundamental Algebra: one variable linear equations, one variable linear inequalities, two-variable linear equations, functions, linear equations and functions word problems, sequences, systems of linear equations, two-variable linear inequalities, absolute value and piecewise functions., expressions with rational exponents and radicals, introduction to exponential functions, polynomials, polynomial factorization, quadratic equations, rational and irrational numbers
- Matrix manipulation. Representing linear systems of equations with augmented matrices. Adding and subtracting, multiplying matrices, Matrix inverse, solving equations with inverse matrices
- Basic Trigonometry. The unit circle definition of basic trigonometric functions. Graphs of trigonometric function
- Trigonometry with general triangles
- Trigonometric equations and identities
- Integration and differentiation. Integration by parts, u-substitution, integration using trigonometric identities. Basic differentiation rules, power rule, differentiating linear functions, polynomial function differentiation, radical functions differentiation, exponential and natural logarithms differentiation
In terms of electrical and electronic concepts:
- Kirchhoff’s Laws, Circuit Analysis – Nodal and Mesh
- Linearity and Superposition, Source Transformations, Thévenin and Norton
- Equivalents
- RC, RL, RLC circuits
- Frequency response
- Semiconductors, diodes and bipolar transistors
- OPAMPS
- Boolean algebra rules, logic gates and logic simplification using Karnaugh Map
- Basic Arduino Programming
Preparation prior to starting the course
We find that if some students have been out of learning for some time, they may find some topics with mathematical content challenging. The following links will provide useful information, which will prepare you prior to and during the course.
The following Khan Academy links cover the Engineering Maths requirements:
- Trigonometry
- Algebra 1
- Precalculus: Matrices
- Algebra (all content)
- Definite integral evaluation
- Integration techniques
- Basic differentiation
The following Khan Academy links cover the Engineering, Physics and Chemistry requirements:
- Physics
- One-dimensional Motion
- Two-dimensional Motion
- Forces and Newton’s laws of motion
- Centripetal force and gravitation
- Work and energy
- Impacts and linear momentum
- Torque and angular momentum
- Oscillations and mechanical waves
- Fluids
- Atomic structure and properties
- Introduction to electron configurations
- Chemical bonds
The following links are useful to get used to Arduino and electronics.
- Intro to Arduino (easy to follow). It helps grasping the basic syntax of Arduino programming.
- Circuit Analysis Sample Video lessons
- Kirchhoff’s Laws in Circuit Analysis
- Introduction to Electronics
The information above is only a guide and you will not be expected to have learned everything before you start the Programme.
Specialist Equipment
During the course, you’ll be using a wider range of specialist equipment and software to support practical elements of your course. This is provided and supported as part of your fees. The only element of equipment you will have to purchase is a scientific calculator. This can be purchased during the course following advice from the relevant module leader.
Enhancing skills, building networks and engaging in the wider University community
Industrial Engagement
A key part of the course is ensuring that students have an appreciation and as far as possible, are prepared for employment. Our industrial partners through the Northampton Engineering Training Partnership (NETP) support the Course. The NETP provides optional placements industrial engagement opportunities and other information sharing and engagement opportunities such as the Autumn and Spring Seminars and Annual Awards evening.