MSc - Automotive Engineering with Advanced Project

University of Hertfordshire

This module introduces new developments in powertrains and alternative power systems. It examines their impact on the vehicle's overall performance and on the environment. Future developments in powertrain design, combustion engine strategies, and exhaust gas treatment are covered. Furthermore, various emission legislations, cycles, measurement techniques and environmental effects are considered

The module covers ride, handling, crashworthiness. It offers an in-depth analysis of steady-state and transient vehicle handling characteristics, noise and vibration application to vehicles, comfort, ergonomics, active and passive suspension systems, vehicle performance, structural and occupant crash dynamics.

The module introduces various electrical and electronic systems necessary for modern vehicle functions, including powertrain management, safety systems, sensors and actuators, electric motors and generators, power and energy storage systems, communication systems, and future development and trends.

This module explores a wide range of materials and manufacturing processes for automotive applications. It covers conventional manufacturing processes for high-volume production such as sheet metal forming as well as advanced and alternative low-volume manufacturing techniques such as tailored blanks, hydroforming, and additive manufacturing.

Module introduces various implementations of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its theoretical foundation. It covers how to tackle complex engineering challenges with CFD; to evaluate and to analyse efficiently the resulting data.

Connected Autonomous Vehicle will build a wide variety of technical and transferable skills that are crucial for the development of autonomous and connected autonomous vehicles. Apart from discussing the basic technologies, such as electronic systems and algorithms, the module offers insightful information on automotive best practices, industry standards, legislation, and ethical issues that will affect the development and application of autonomous and connected autonomous vehicles.

The module introduces various energy storage technologies, propulsion systems, components and architectures related to hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs) and evaluates integration challenges for differing HEV powertrain requirements and scenarios.

The module introduces development of simulation models replicating engineering problems. It will examine the effect of mesh density, domain size, boundary conditions, material properties on the optimisation of systems performance. Analytical approximation techniques and numerical schemes will be explored to validate and correlate the results against benchmark solutions.

The Masters Project serves as a pivotal integrating component of the programme, aimed at challenging and enhancing critical thinking skills. It offers students the opportunity to synthesise and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout their postgraduate studies under the mentorship of an academic supervisor. The project typically requires 600 hours of self-driven scholarly work. This effort predominantly involves self-directed independent study, which may encompass a variety of activities such as scheduled sessions, supervisory meetings, literature review, software analysis, and preparation for assessments.

This module uses group project work to provide students with the opportunity to apply their project management skills and develop their professional and employability skills. The module will provide a mix of careers support, enterprise and business insight and challenging thinking about future skills needs of graduates and employers. Students will gain an appreciation of a range of engineering careers and sectors to enable them to better understand future opportunities.

Students successfully completing this module will be equipped to work within, and lead, high-performing multidisciplinary project teams. Students will develop a critical awareness of their skills, attributes, impact and contributions to project teams, and team roles, as well as an awareness of leadership, including differing leadership styles and cultural issues in projects. The module will support students in the application of other critical components of project management including risk management, cost management, project quality management, human resources management, communications management, and procurement management. The module will make use of experiential learning, case study examples, reflective practice, and guest speakers blended with traditional learning methods.