Description

This course will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding of Mechanical Engineering in three ways. Firstly, high-quality taught modules will introduce advanced Mechanical Engineering topics such as turbomachinery design, computational stress analysis, plates and shells, contact and friction. Secondly, a substantial group design element will equip students with the ability to carry out advanced design in multinational teams using appropriate design standards and sophisticated engineering analysis tools. Finally, a major research and development project allows the student to demonstrate the ability to work independently on a complex topic and demonstrate initiative in the solution of engineering challenges.

Durham University has many researchers tackling problems relevant to industry and society. These are organised into three research challenges: sustainable infrastructure, future energy systems and next generation materials and microsystems. These are broad interdisciplinary challenges and will form the topics of many of the substantial projects that student will undertake. Durham students are uniquely placed to take advantage of a broad range of expertise in a general engineering department.

Course Learning and Teaching

This is a 12-month full-time course beginning at the start of the academic year and finishing with you submitting a report and completing an oral examination on your chosen research and development project. The course consists of four core modules to provide a solid education in a broad range of Advanced Mechanical Engineering technologies. A choice of one from two optional modules allows you to choose a study course most suited to your interests and needs. The modules include lecture courses, a group design project and an individual research and development project.

A major individual research and development project completes the core modules. This provides an open-ended challenge to each individual student, in collaboration with a staff supervisor. Regular meetings are held with your supervisor to discuss project progress and planning issues. A mid-term assessment is carried out to ensure the project is on track. At the end of the project, you are required to submit a final report on your work, in the style of a research paper. You are also required to prepare and present a poster to encourage further development of your ability to present your work to staff and peers. An oral examination is held to allow detailed questions to be put to you regarding the technical aspects of your project. You should expect to have up to 15 hours of contact time with your supervisor plus over 500 hours of research work and preparation, supported by the School’s technicians and other research workers, over the course of your research projects