Renewable Energy Engineering
BEng (Hons)

About this course

About

Students undertake six introductory modules in year 1, covering subjects like mechanical design, renewable energy electronics and mathematics. Practical learning is used to demonstrate the engineering principles behind the topics.

In year 2, six core modules extend students’ knowledge of power generation systems and electronics. Turbine technologies covering all aspects of rotary power generations offer an in-depth knowledge of renewables power generations via this technology.

Year 3 is normally a period of industrial placement. Students can choose to work in the UK, Ireland or Europe. Students can also study in the USA. These options lead to either the Diploma in Professional Practice (placement year), or the Diploma in International Studies if the year is spent studying abroad.

Year 4 enables students to explore engineering topics in more depth and there are optional modules to allow students to focus on different aspects of the sector. The final year also includes a major project to further advance and integrate technical and academic skills.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are important drivers for Renewable Energy Engineering and are taught as part of the course, along with ethics, risk and sustainability. These topic areas are all dependent on advances in materials science, computer aided engineering and fundamental science, and the course will focus on these core areas whilst utilising expertise from the Centre for Sustainable Technologies(CST) and the Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Research Institute (NAMRI).

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Find out more about placement awards

Attendance

Attendance is on a full-time basis and is normally spread over a week. Each student must complete 120 credits (usually 6 modules) in each academic year, with the exception of placement year (60 credits). Years 1, 2, and 4 are spent in the University. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented. In Year 3, students undertake a year's work experience.

Start dates

• September 2021

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Formal lectures are supplemented by tutorials and laboratory investigations, as appropriate. Practical hands on laboratory sessions are an integral part of many modules throughout all years of the course. Case studies, groupwork and mini-projects are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.

Generally, a combination of continuous assessment and examination is employed in each module. Continuous assessment includes class tests, library and laboratory based assignments, and individual and group project work. Some modules across all years of the course are continuously assessed.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Mathematics for Engineering I

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides students with a solid foundation in the fundamental topics in engineering mathematics. The material develops the student's competencies in the essential mathematics that forms an integral part of an undergraduate honours degree in engineering related disciplines.

Circuit Analysis I

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides an introduction to the key electronic components, the basic concepts of electronic circuit design and the basic principles of electronic circuit testing and measurement taking. This module introduces the student to analogue electronics principles presented using a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories and are assessed using continuous assessment in the form of a class test and lab practical assessments.

Introduction to Renewable Energy

Year: 1

Status: C

The module provides a firm grounding in energy conversion through fundamental theory demonstrated in the analysis of conventional and alternative energy conversion systems.

Intro to Statics and Dynamics

Year: 1

Status: C

MEC102 provides the fundamental principles of statics, strength of materials and dynamics in relation to mechanical engineering and provides a methodology for their practical application. Its content includes:

(a) Basic and derived units, static equilibrium, shear forces, bending moments and friction.

(b) Statically stressed systems both determinate and indeterminate, the theory of torsion and bending.

(c) This module provides an understanding of dynamics, and its application to the solution of engineering problems.

(d) The theoretical and practical principles required within each topic area will be developed in lectures and applied in assignments, tests and tutorials.

Design and CAD I

Year: 1

Status: C

This module includes freehand sketching, systems of projection, drawing conventions,
dimensioning and tolerancing, 3-D digital modelling of parts and assemblies, design
documentation, an introduction to the total design activity, formulation of a product design
specification (PDS), material selection and manufacturing considerations in design

Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics 1

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides a basic introduction to the principles behind fluid mechanics and
thermodynamics. Emphasis is placed on the application of this theory to everyday items,
ranging from bicycles to motor cars

Manufacturing Processes

Year: 1

Status: C

A module which integrates formal study with a significant practical programme for the understanding and application of common manufacturing processes.

Year two

Professional Issues

Year: 2

Status: C

The module prepares students for professional work including the responsibilities and obligations of employees, employers and clients as determined in codes of professional conducts. Students will have the opportunity to practise the presentation of themselves in, for example, application forms, curriculum vitae, interview and aptitude tests. In addition the module addresses issues such as intellectual property rights and defamation, data protection, computer misuse and other ethical issues related to working as a professional in the software sector.

Circuit Analysis II

Year: 2

Status: C

This module introduces the principles of design of analogue and digital building blocks which can be integrated to form electronic systems of moderate complexity. The module also discusses issues related to the interfacing of analogue and digital signals. Both elements of the module are presented through lectures, tutorials and practicals and are assessed using both continuous assessment and formal written examination methods.

Power System Analysis

Year: 2

Status: C

This module covers the principle concepts of analysis and protection of modern power systems. It builds upon the operation of power systems under normal operations, fault analysis and principle of power system protection.

Power Systems Analysis

Year: 2

Status: C

Building on the fundamentals covered in ENE123 (EEE186 Magee), the aim is to develop design skills in the technologies and energy engineering involved with electricity generation, its supply, distribution and end use of electricity, both in a domestic and industrial context.

Materials

Year: 2

Status: C

The module provides a general coverage of different classes of engineering materials. Metallic and non-metallic materials are studied with respect to structures, properties, and processing.

Statics and Dynamics II

Year: 2

Status: C

MEC360 provides an extension of the fundamental principles of the statics and dynamics of mechanical systems in relation to the analysis and solution of mechanical engineering problems. Furthermore, MEC360 provides an introduction to the core principles of thermodynamics.

Design and CAE 2

Year: 2

Status: C

The module considers creativity in design; product innovation; technical and non-technical
aspects of design; safety and product liability; design analysis techniques for economic
product manufacture and assembly; functional analysis; value engineering; safety and
reliability through design projects; manufacturing processes; assembly techniques; material
handling methods; component and product inspection and testing; factory simulation using
computer techniques; computer database application for manufacturing management and
processing; and design applications using 3-D computer graphics

Year three

International Academic Studies

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Placement - Magee Engineering

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module is a year's paid industrial placement programmed to complement the undergraduate engineer's academic studies. The student will be employed as a junior engineer to enable improvement in their understanding of the work environment and development of their transferable, communication and personal skills. The experience will enhance their engineering ability, maturity and eventual employability.

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Year four

Research Studies and Project Management

Year: 4

Status: C

This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete a project within the Computing domain. Firstly, the module provides an underpinning foundation of research concepts, methods and techniques necessary for project development and delivery. Secondly, the different stages of the research process are demonstrated. Thirdly, the students employ skills developed during the module to create a set of project deliverables such as project plan and proposal, critically reviewed literature papers, literature review and project presentation. Embedded in all these activities is the reinforcement of the need for adhering to recognised ethical standards and taking a professional approach to carrying out research.

Final Year Project

Year: 4

Status: C

Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The module offers students an opportunity to develop a realistic and meaningful piece of work during their final year. This module allows a chosen subject area to be researched in depth and a solution developed as a consequence. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply the learning achieved from other modules in the course. The module runs during both semesters and allows students to develop a comprehensive approach to all aspects of working on a large project. The project encourages innovation and creative thinking in the development of the solution. It also develops the entrepreneurial mindset, which can influence the challenges undertaken and final decisions made.

Thermal Technologies

Year: 4

Status: C

Thermal renewable energy technologies are primarily based on combustion or the direct conversion of solar radiation into thermal energy, but also include geothermal heat. They have wider range opportunities than electrical systems due to the widespread demand for low and medium grade heating and cooling in both industrial and domestic situations. This module introduces the students to these concepts and contextualises the issues.

Design and CAE 3

Year: 4

Status: C

This module is based on the execution of an industrially generated major design project
through multi-disciplinary team activity involving aspects of: project management, market
analysis, specification, concept design, budget costing, decision making, detail design,
production planning, manufacturing requirements and product costing.

Computer Aided Engineering

Year: 4

Status: C

This module provides a practical, hands-on treatment of Computer Aided Engineering in the
context of application in design practice or manufacturing company. It majors on the more
advanced part modelling techniques, assembly modelling, good modelling practice,
collaboration and interoperabilty, design documentation, 3D printing, surface modelling
rendering, mechanism simulation and Finite Element Analysis. It involves the utilisation of an
integrated, state-of-the-art MCAD suite along with the teaching of the general principles of
these technologies.

Mechanical Science

Year: 4

Status: C

This module will permit the student to develop their understanding in the scientific and mathematical principles that underpin three areas of mechanical sciences: Strength of Materials and Mechanical vibration theory.

Formal lectures, directed reading exercises, tutorial sessions, informal class quizzes, peer discussion groups, and practical computer laboratory demonstrations will form the learning activities that will lead to the intended learning outcomes.

Learning outcomes shall be assessed by formal in-class test methods throughout the duration of the module and by a final formal examination.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BBB to include one from GCE A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Double Award Science/Applied Science, Engineering, Electronics or Environmental Technology.

Desirable Subject Offer: BCC

For applicants offering Maths, Further Maths or Physics in GCE A Level, a two grade reduction will be applied at the time of offer.

Applied General Qualifications

BTEC Extended Awards

BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma in a relevant Engineering subject area with overall award profile of DDD. Also requires a Merit in either Mathematics for Engineering Technicians or Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, ANDa Merit in Mechanical Principles and applications.

OR

BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma in a relevant Engineering subject area with DDM overall award grades to include a Merit in Engineering Principles and Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.

The following are acceptable in particular combinations or with A-Level (s) -

NB Subject requirements apply (see above and A-level section).
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate,
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma,
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

Please contact Admissions (contact details below) for further information about acceptable combinations for entry to this course.

Irish Leaving Certificate

120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 subject at Ordinary Level including Mathematics and one other subject from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering or Technology and Design at H2 and English and Maths at O4/H6 or above

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBCC (to include a minimum of BB in Mathematics and a science subject).

English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CCC (to include Mathematics and a science subject).

English and Maths required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.

International Baccalaureate

Minimum 26 points (13 at Higher Level to include Grade 5 HL Mathematics and another HL Science subject)

Higher or Subsidiary level in English Language required at Grade 4 or above.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Access Diploma NI

Successful completion of Level 3 Access programme in Science/Technology with an overall 65%

PLUS GCSE English Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 or Communication Module (Level 2) in Access programme

PLUS 65% in NICATS Mathematics (level 2) or GCSE Mathematics grade C (or equivalent)

NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.

Access to HE Diploma (GB)

24 Distinctions and 21 Merits in Science/Technology

GCSE (or equivalent) minimum of Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English Language

NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.

GCSE

GCSE Mathematics Grade A/7 (or equivalent) if offering GCE A Level Design and Technology, Engineering or Electronics as the specified subject for this course.

GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) if offering any of the other specified subjects (Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Double Award Science/Applied Science)

GCSE Grade C (or above) in English Language (or equivalent).

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
The University accepts a range of alternative combination of qualifications including OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals. While these qualifications do not satisfy the subject requirements for this course, they can be used for grade purposes in combination with BTec/A-level subjects which meet the subject requirements (see above for more information).

HNC in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering subject
Overall Distinction (with distinctions in 90 Level 4 credits) for year 1 entry only

HNDin Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering subject

Overall Merit (with distinctions in 60 Level 5 credits)

HND applications may be considered for Year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of the Ulster University full - time Year 1 course.

Foundation Degree
Pass in a relevant subject area with overall 55% and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry).

For further information regarding all of the above qualifications please contact Admissions -see contact details below.

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

Exemptions and transferability

Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment may be possible on the basis of academic performance.

Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL).

The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Job prospects in a wide range of engineering and renewable energy industries are excellent with the majority of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. Graduates with BEng Hons, first class or upper second class award all satisfy the requirements for a wide range of postgraduate research posts and scholarships.

Work placement / study abroad

In Year 3, the student will undertake a period of paid placement in an industrial or academic setting. Placement is compulsory and seen as an integral part providing the student with the opportunity to develop into a junior engineer.

Professional recognition

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Apply

Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS.

Start dates

• September 2021

Contact

Central Admissions Magee

Margaret Breslin

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5494

E: m.breslin@ulster.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5678
E: admissionsmg@ulster.ac.uk

International Admissions Office

E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk

Course Director: Dr JP Quinn

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5461

E: jp.quinn@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.