Module Descriptors

Year 1 modules

Environment Sciences and Sustainability

The module introduces the fundamental principles of sustainability including avoidance or minimisation of negative impacts on the environment; conservation and efficient use of natural resources; preservation of cultural patterns; and ecological harmony and respect for biodiversity.

Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)

This module enables undergraduate engineering students to understand the principles of engineering drawing as well as teaching them the ability to generate technical drawings. The module develops students’ effective utilisation of computer-aided drafting software for producing engineering drawings according to international conventions and drawing standards.

Introduction to Engineering and Innovation

This module prepares students for an exciting career in engineering in general as well as giving students an understanding of the different professions and specialisations in Engineering.

Engineering Economy and Entrepreneurship

This module introduces methods of economic analysis in engineering, including time value of money, equivalence, economic measures of worth, selection rules for alternatives, income taxes and equipment depreciation, inflation, and uncertainty.

Introduction to Computers

The aim of this module is to examine computer systems and learn how they can enhance personal productivity.

Calculus I

A study of university entry-level mathematics including topics of algebra, trigonometry, and an introduction to calculus.

Calculus II

This module develops and extends on topics addressed in Calculus I.

Physics I

A study of university entry-level physics including the following topics: kinematics in one, two, and three -dimensions; dynamics; work; energy and conservation of momentum; rotational motion; and equilibrium of rigid bodies.

Introduction to Statistics

This module will focus on understanding basic statistical concepts and reasoning; probability, organising, interpreting and producing data; analysing statistical arguments and communicating findings clearly; appreciating the relevance of statistics to contemporary issues; and applying solutions to statistical problems.

Year 2 modules

Engineering Mechanics

This module introduces the concepts of statics mechanics of the force systems in two and three dimensions with equilibrium and free body diagrams. It also introduces the concept of kinematics to describe the motion of particles and bodies in two dimensions.

Material Science and Metallurgy

This module describes the atomic and microstructural characteristics which control the important properties of engineering materials, interprets material property charts, and relates properties to atomic, molecular and microstructural features.

Manufacturing Processes

This module includes an introduction to manufacturing processes with a focus on metal casting, rolling, forging, extrusion, drawing, machining, and joining (welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, and mechanical fastening).

Differential Equations

This module provides an introduction to the theory, solution and application of ordinary differential equations. Topics discussed in the module include methods of solving first-order differential equations, existence and uniqueness theorems, second-order linear equations, higher-order linear equations, and systems of equations.

Mechanics of Materials

In this module, students will be made aware of the key role of structures in different branches of engineering. The module examines in detail simple structural forms, including beams and cables, to understand how such structures carry applied loads, and how they deform under load, and how slender members may buckle.

Programming for Engineers (MATLAB)

This module provides a basic introduction to the MATLAB language including array manipulations, control-flow, script and function files.

Chemistry I

A study of university entry-level chemistry including the following topics: elements and compounds; the Periodic Table; basic chemical reactions; chemical bonds; gaseous states; and introductory organic chemistry.

Electrical Engineering I

This module develops an understanding of electromagnetic fields and their application to the solution of engineering problems. The module is designed to introduce the physical properties of electromagnetics leading to the resistor, the capacitor and the inductor.

Electrical Engineering II

The emphasis during the module will be on the application of digital and analogue electronic circuit components concepts. The module is designed to introduce the impedance and admittance concept of load model representations.

Linear Algebra

This module provides an introduction to the theory and analysis of linear algebra including systems of linear equation; matrix algebra; linear transformations; determinants; vector spaces; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalisation; and orthogonality.

Physics II

This module develops and extends on topics addressed in Physics I and includes the following topics: electric field; Gauss’s Law; electric potential; capacitors and dielectric; current and resistance; DC circuits; magnetic field; sources of magnetic field; electromagnetic induction; and Faraday’s Law.

Thermofluid Sciences I

This module introduces the properties of gases and the laws of thermodynamics. Students will gain an understanding of the different forms of energy and what is meant by work, temperature and heat; an ability to perform mass and energy analysis on control volumes; an understanding of the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the concept of entropy; and an ability to analyse the basic thermodynamic cycles.

Year 3 modules

Engineering Management

The structure and principal functions of engineering companies in terms of their activities and procedures are outlined in this module. Performance, safety, reliability and systematic design are discussed. The economics of engineering companies including supply-demand and cost controls are incorporated. Technology, innovation and product development are also considered.

Human Factors and Safety Engineering

This module covers human performance in human-machine systems, including information processing, display and control design, workplace design, and environmental effects on workers’ performance.

Machine Element Design

This module covers the basics of specific machine components design, including the design process, mechanics and materials selection, failure prevention under static, and variable loading for principal types of mechanical elements.

Advanced Applied Maths

This module aims to enhance and extend previous mathematical knowledge and the understanding of the principles supporting engineering themes and to develop concepts facilitating analytical solutions and the application of advanced techniques for treating engineering problems.

Applied Numerical Methods for Engineers

This module is designed to introduce students to fundamentals of numerical analysis as well as common engineering uses of numerical analysis.

Electrical Machines

This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of operation of various types of electrical machines, enabling them to develop an appreciation of design and operational problems in the electrical power industry.

Electrical Power Devices

In this module, students will be introduced to the principal types of electro-mechanical energy conversion devices (induction motors, synchronous machine) as well as the transmission and distribution of a three-phase power supply.

Internship Training

An internship work experience is intended to help students apply their formal classroom education to “real world” work experience and helps them gain valuable experience in a related field of work.

Introduction to Digital Electronics

Through this module students will understand gates, RAM, ROM, shift counters ICs and latches; use Boolean algebra and appreciate logic functions; consider voltage thresholds, noise, resistance and delays; become familiar with number codes, twos complement, the use of code and ASCII, and the conversion from binary, hexadecimal, octal and decimal counting.

Machine Theory and Dynamics

This module provides an understanding of the application of simple mathematical models and vibration problems in engineering systems. It helps students describe mathematically the behaviour of simple mechanical vibrating systems and determine the response of these systems to transient and harmonic excitation.

Sensors and Instrumentation

Depending on their application, the design, fabrication, testing and use of sensors require both technical and non-technical expertise. This module examines the theoretical foundations and practical applications of electronic, electrochemical, piezoelectric, fibre optic, thermal, and magnetic sensors and their use in the modern era.

Thermofluid Sciences II

This module develops and extends on topics addressed in Thermofluid Sciences I and introduces fundamental concepts; basic principles of fluid statics and dynamics; conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy developed in the context of the control volume formulation; an introduction to viscous flow (boundary layer, laminar and turbulent); steady incompressible flow in pipes including friction and fitting losses; hydraulic and energy grade lines; and system operating point.

Thermofluid Sciences III

This module develops and extends on topics addressed in Thermofluid Sciences II and gives an understanding of the fundamentals of heat and mass transfer processes in engineering systems. In mass transfer, basic principles are introduced and practical problems are analysed. Finally examples of practical heat transfer problems will be addressed.

Year 4 modules

Electromechanical Design

In this module students will be introduced to the concept of electro-mechanical design processes from a number of viewpoints including design theory, team working, risk analysis and visualisation.

Final Year Project

Students will selection and complete a team project comprising a typical problem which Electro-Mechanical Engineering graduates must solve in their fields of employment, representative of those encountered in professional practice. Projects typically involve system design, modelling, analysis and testing. Project methods include planning, scheduling, and appropriate research methodology. The capstone electro-mechanical engineering project will be carried out over three terms.

Systems and Control Engineering

The aims of the module are to introduce the use of feedback control systems and analysis techniques for linear systems, which are used in control of engineering systems. Students will learn how to relate the time response of a system to its transfer function and/or its poles; understand the term ‘stability’, its definition and its relation to the poles of a system; and understand the term ‘frequency response’ (or ‘harmonic response’) and its relation to the transfer function of a system.

Maintenance and System Monitoring

This module introduces students to the topic of maintenance including definition; scope; purpose; levels; types; planning; monitoring and diagnostics techniques.

Year 4 elective modules

Final year students must choose six elective modules.
Digital Electronics

This module introduces students to the design and operation of digital logic systems including combinational and sequential logic circuits. It illustrates the applications of these circuits in digital subsystems and systems to help students appreciate the advantages of alternative methods of implementation.

Digital Signal Processing

On successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated the ability to explain the sampling theorem and appreciate the implications of aliasing distortion and use the DFT and its fast implementation in the form of the FFT for spectral analysis.

Energy Conservation and Management

In this module, students will learn how to be able to audit a site and assess the energy consumption of its systems. The audit will enable the proposition of one or more energy saving strategies.

Engineering Systems and Services

This module covers water supply, plumbing, lighting, fire safety, communications and security, and vertical transport, as well as the potential noise and vibration that could result from such systems.

HVAC Systems and Analysis

This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of HVAC considerations, analysis, calculations and systems. This includes types and functions of major HVAC systems; psychrometric chart; indoor comfort conditions; heat transmission modes in buildings; solar radiation; heating and cooling load calculations; and air distribution systems.

Power Generation

This module introduces students to the power generation plant as a facility that transforms various types of energy into electricity or heat for some useful purpose, e.g. driving equipment such as pumps, compressors, powering ships and many other industrial and domestic applications.

Power Systems, Plants and Protection

This module introduces students to fundamental concepts of power system stability and protection and familiarises them with the construction of overhead lines and underground cables to enable an appreciation of the multidisciplinary nature of their design. It will also introduce the concept of FACTS, and familiarise students with the basic design and principles of operation of HVDC systems.

Refrigeration Plants

This module introduces refrigerants, compressors, condensers, evaporators, axillaries, controls, constant volume and VAV air distribution systems, district cooling, thermal storage and cooling using co- and tri-generation integrated cooling systems.

Renewable Energy

This module introduces a range of renewable energy resources including solar; wind; hydro; geothermal; and biomass.

State Space and Multivariable Systems

This module is designed to introduce state space and multivariable techniques, computer simulation and analysis methods.

Turbo-machinery

This module aims to develop an understanding of axial and radial flow turbo-machinery. It develops simple analytical and computational methods to solve problems of such gas flows and their application to gas turbines, compressors and fans.

Entrepreneurship

Students will explore the dynamics of turning an innovative idea into a commercial venture in an increasingly global economy by creating a business plan originating in an international setting. This will challenge students to innovate; manage risk, stress and failure; confront ethical problems; question cultural assumptions; and closely simulate the realities of life as an entrepreneur.

The British University in Dubai

Block 11, 1st and 2nd floor, Dubai International Academic City PO Box 345015, Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 4 279 1400

Whatsapp: +971 50 701 2843 and +971 4 279 1400

Email: [email protected]