Schemes of study
Most course modules last through one teaching block (11 weeks), and are delivered in a lecture format supported by example, laboratory and practical classes. They are examined by continuous assessment, written examination papers or by a combination of both. These traditional means of delivery and examination are also supported through the use of modern technologies such as web-based E-learning.
The compulsory modules are predetermined in accordance with the requirements of the professional engineering institutions. Wherever possible, every effort is made to ensure that the learning experience is relevant to the future career aspirations of students. Students have every opportunity to attend seminars delivered by visiting researchers and industrial collaborators and to participate in the activities of the professional institutions.
Some degree schemes offer field trips, with some students participating in residential visits to other locations such as Gregynog Hall, in mid-Wales.
Regular tutorials are used to support the learning experience. Each student will be assigned a personal tutor who will also provide pastoral support.
Personal and Professional Skills
Modern engineers need to be increasingly multidisciplinary whilst retaining skills in the chosen specialist field. The course provision has been designed to offer students modules which broaden their experience and teach professional skills such as:
- Intellectual property management,
- Health and safety, risk assessment and risk management,
- Human resource management, the writing of business plans, the delivery of oral presentations and report writing.
The School actively participates in a number of competitions including the Formula Student Competition, run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The project competition offers undergraduate engineering students the chance to design and build a single-seater racing car, with the ultimate aim of competing against other institutions from around the world. This ongoing competition is highly regarded by the engineering industry since it provides an excellent source of innovative ideas and highly motivated graduates. For more information see: www.swansea.ac.uk/uwsracing
Facilities
The School has excellent IT facilities with 11 PC laboratories and over 300 workstations available to students. Each student is given a computer account with Email and Internet facilities. These facilities are networked via a number of supercomputers. Our computer facilities provide general and specialist software for engineering simulations and design, and the production of professional quality reports, documents and drawings. We also have laboratories for experimental work in structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electronics, communication, metallography, chemical processing, geotechnics and materials testing.
