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Study information

Engineering with Foundation Year (2023)

1. Programme Title:

Engineering with Foundation Year

NQF Level:

6

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)

This is a 4-year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded Foundation year. During the Foundation year, students will develop their academic skills and subject knowledge at Exeter. In the following year, students will join the first year of a BSc in Mathematics degree programme, subject to successful completion of the Foundation year.
 
The (General) Engineering programme at Exeter is part of a wider family of Engineering programmes that have been developed around several core principles that distinguish them as innovative, forward looking and student centred. Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasis collaborative project based learning (PBL), contextualised teaching and an emphasis on skills development and practical application of knowledge. Our engineering programmes also equip students with an awareness of entrepreneurship and the skills and confidence to apply their engineering knowledge in entrepreneurial endeavours. This is achieved through our novel Entrepreneurship 1 & 2 modules.
 

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Engineering with Foundation Year programme is a 4 year programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four ‘stages’.  Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

5. Programme Modules

Stage 0

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
MTH0001Principles of Pure Mathematics30YesYes
MTH0002Applied Mathematics30YesYes
MTH0003Exploring Mathematics15YesNo
MTH0004Foundation Statistics15YesYes
MTH0005Science: Skills and Culture30YesNo

Stage 1

Code Title Credits Compulsory NonCondonable
ENG1002Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30YesNo
ENG1005Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30YesNo
ENG1006Entrepreneurship 115YesNo
ENG1007Fundamentals of Mechanics15YesNo
ENG1008Fundamentals of Materials15YesNo
ENG1009Fundamentals of Electronics15YesNo
The first year of the Engineering programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study/research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming The first also includes a 45 credit core module, ‘Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics’.
 
All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.
 
On progression from 1st to 2nd year, students will have the opportunity to specialise on one of the following disciplines:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering and Management
  • Engineering & Entrepreneurship

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

Stage 0 of this programme aims to lay foundations of skills in mathematics, engineering, and sciences for more advanced studies, by bringing students to a level of knowledge and competence equivalent to pre-requisites for Stage 1 of their chosen degree. It provides students with skills bridging the gap between the material covered prior to a university level and that of a first year degree programme. 
 
By the end of Stage 0 of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
1) a selection of topics in pure and applied mathematics, mathematical logic, probability and statistics, and the connections between them.
2) fundamental concepts and techniques in mathematics that can be used in a range of applicable areas.
2) how to perform research-based studies in sciences, engineering and mathematics.
3) how to implement theoretical concepts to describe and predict real-world problems.   
4) the current research and pedagogical activities presented in sciences, mathematics and engineering disciplines at the university and beyond.     

Learning & Teaching Activities

Knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

Assessment Methods

Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations.

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

By the end of Stage 0 of the programme the students will be able to:
1) demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts necessary for progression to further studies in mathematics or in other quantitative degree pathways.
2) develop skills to reason and solve problems using abstract ideas.
3) organise tasks into a structured form
4) critically assess and summarise research studies in mathematics, engineering and sciences.
5) demonstrate an ability to evaluate arguments, provide a sound justification, interpret, and communicate outcomes.         

Learning & Teaching Activities

Knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

Assessment Methods

Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations. 

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

By the end of Stage 0 of the programme the students will be able to:
1) formulate and solve problems and communicate reasoning and solutions effectively in writing.
2) communicate ideas and plans concisely, both orally, through presentations and in writing.
3) use the library and a range of online resources to research topics taught/a topic of interest.
4) operate effectively within a team.
5) exhibit self management and time management skills.

Learning & Teaching Activities

Knowledge and skills are primarily provided through formal lectures supported by regular problem sheets for students to tackle on their own. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions for the formative exercises in the class while working in small groups. Lectures are reinforced by regular tutorial groups in which assistance with, and feedback on, problem sheets is given. Students will be provided with learning materials, worked examples, exercise sheet and solutions via the Virtual Learning Environment. 

Assessment Methods

Most Knowledge is tested through examinations in addition to other forms of summative assessments including class-tests, online quizzes, project reports/essays, group projects or presentations. Skills will be assessed directly and indirectly at various stages of each module through coursework, tests, presentations, and written projects, as well as final examinations.

7. Programme Regulations

Credit
The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at level 1, and must take at least 90 credits at level 6. The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%.
 
Progression
At stage zero of the programme, you can progress to stage 1 of the BEng programme once the 120 credits have been passed, and provided that an average of at least 55% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessments for this stage. 
 
Condonement
Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.
 
15 or 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage. The following conditions apply:
You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.
You must pass the modules marked with a ‘Yes’ in the ‘non-condonable’ column in the tables above.
At stage zero, you must have achieved an average mark of at least 65% across the 120 credits of assessment including the marks for any failed and condoned modules.
 
At subsequent stages, you must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.
 
Condonement can only be applied to one failed 15 credit module in a stage with a mark no greater than 10% below the normal pass mark (i.e. between 30-39), or to one failed 30 credit module in a stage with a mark no greater than 5% below the normal pass mark (i.e. between 35-39).
 
Condonement will only be permitted where the total failed credit in a stage does not exceed 30. In cases where 2 x 15 credit modules have been failed within the condonable range, the 15 credits with the highest failed mark will be condoned.
 
Assessment and Awards
UG Programmes: Assessment at stages zero and one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
 
Classification
The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:
Class I    70% +            
Class II   Division I 60-69% 
Class II   Division II 50-59%   
Class III  40-49%
 
Exit Awards
At stage zero of the programme, If you have achieved 120 credits with an overall of at least 40% and less than 55% at Level 3, you may be awarded a Foundation year Certificate as an exit award, and if you achieve 120 credits with an overall of 55% or above, you will progress to stage 1 of the BEng Engineering programme.
 
Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here. Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance. 
 

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University’s TQA Manual. 
 
As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
 
Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University’s campus network. Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.
 
The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.  Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the ‘Academic Honesty and Plagiarism’; module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk) 
 
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

10. Admission Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

 

For entry to the BEng Engineering with Foundation year programme:

A/AS: BCC GCE AL Maths grade C and Science* grade B. Candidates may offer GCE AL Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths.
IB: 26/554 Maths HL4 and Science HL5
BTEC: DDM. Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE AL maths and science subjects - Construction and the Built Environment, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

In support of the University’s Access and Participation Plan this course is only open to UK domiciled students who meet our contextual offer eligibility criteria and who may not have met the entry requirements for first year entry or have not been able to take A-level Mathematics alongside a BTEC L3 Extended Diploma.

*GCE AL/AS science includes: Biology/Human Biology

 

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University’s code of practice.  See the University’s TQA Manual for details. 
 

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
14 Awarding Institution University of Exeter
15 Lead College / Teaching Institution College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
16 Partner College / Institution
17 Programme accredited/validated by Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs)
18 Final Award(s) BEng (Hons)
19 UCAS Code (UG programmes) H102
20 NQF Level of Final Awards(s): 6
21 Credit (CATS and ECTS) 480 credits (240 ECTS)
22 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) Engineering
23 Origin Date February 8th 2023 Last Date of Revision: February 8th 2023