Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026

Module ENGI1171: Engineering Practice 1

Department: Engineering

ENGI1171: Engineering Practice 1

Type Tied Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2025/2026 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H100
Tied to H103
Tied to H105
Tied to H106
Tied to H107
Tied to H108
Tied to H211
Tied to H212
Tied to H213
Tied to H214
Tied to H215
Tied to H216
Tied to H311
Tied to H312
Tied to H313
Tied to H314
Tied to H315
Tied to H316
Tied to H411
Tied to H412
Tied to H413
Tied to H511
Tied to H512
Tied to H513
Tied to H514
Tied to H515
Tied to H516
Tied to H711
Tied to H712
Tied to H713
Tied to H714
Tied to H715
Tied to H716
Tied to H811
Tied to H812
Tied to H813
Tied to H911
Tied to H912
Tied to H913

Prerequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • It provides students with practical engineering skills relevant to multiple engineering disciplines.
  • It shows how the material covered in other engineering modules fits into the wider engineering context.
  • It introduces students to engineering ethics and professional issues.

Content

  • Design - the stages of the design process via a design, make and test approach.
  • Manufacturing - modern manufacturing techniques and processes.
  • Computing - computing methods and languages appropriate to a range of engineering disciplines.
  • Laboratories - experimental laboratories supporting taught content from first year engineering modules.
  • CAD and Drawing - CAD and drawing skills to support of Design and other project work.
  • Ethics and Professional Issues
  • Learning skills
  • Academic advisor
  • Professional Engineering Applications Course (PEAC) completed through a combination of onsite learning activities and an offsite training course

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding of engineering drawing standards and practice
  • Understanding of a range of manufacturing processes
  • Knowledge of the basic design process
  • Understanding of sustainability in design
  • AHEP Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • C8. Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct (coursework assessed).
  • C12. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (coursework by means of in-class assessment).
  • C13. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (coursework assessed).
  • C14. Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems (coursework assessed).
  • C16. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team (coursework assessed).
  • C17. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences (coursework assessed).
  • C18. Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (coursework assessed).
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Use of modern CAD packages
  • Understanding of production and engineering drawings, and solid CAD models
  • Selection of manufacturing processes for components
  • Designing, building and testing of engineering products
  • The design, implementation and testing of computer programs
Key Skills:
  • General problem solving skills
  • Analytical and numerical skills appropriate to an engineer
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations
  • Effective communication
  • Competent use of IT relevant to an engineer
  • Teamworking

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The teaching, learning, and assessment arrangements for this module involve a combination of distinct activities designed to provide a solid foundation in practical engineering skills relevant to multiple engineering disciplines.
  • The module focuses on foundational training for later years of the course, emphasising several key areas: i. Engineering Design Principles and Practice; ii. Introduction to Computer Programming; iii. Engineering Laboratories, iv. Practical Engineering Applications Course; v. Engineering Ethics.
  • Engineering Design Principles and Practice: Training and preparation for Engineering Design will begin in the Michaelmas term, featuring 10 hours of Manufacturing lectures and 10 hours of Drawing and CAD workshops, complete with formative assignments which provide training in the production and interpretation of engineering drawings. In the Epiphany term, students will participate in 6 hours of Design lectures and 6 hours of Design seminars to enhance their knowledge and understanding of design processes. This preparation will culminate in a practical, week-long team-based project (30 hours), where students will collaborate to design, build, and test a product according to a specified set of requirements. The summative assessment of the design project, which is carried out in teams, not only assesses design skills and manufacturing knowledge but also evaluates sustainability, teamwork, written and verbal communication, and the student's ability to research and tackle unfamiliar topics.
  • Computing: Students will be introduced to MATLAB and C-programming through a combination of 10 hours of lectures, 20 hours of online computing classes, and 10 hours of weekly in-person drop-in sessions. The summative assessment will take the form of an in-class test which will assess the students' ability to design, implement, and test computer programs to solve engineering problems.
  • Laboratory Classes: Laboratory classes will be scheduled throughout the year. Students will receive help and guidance from laboratory scripts and through discussions with laboratory demonstrators and leaders. Students are expected to maintain an electronic laboratory notebook for all experiments. Ongoing summative assessments of students' lab skills, in the form of Teacher-Supervisor Reviews, throughout the year will reinforce and provide practical application of their knowledge. Formative assessment of report writing skills, based on formal laboratory reports, will train students in collating, analysing, and presenting technical information.
  • Professional Engineering Applications Course: A compulsory requirement for the accreditation of the BEng/MEng qualification, PEAC is delivered through a combination of in-house laboratory based sessions and external fieldwork. This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet industry standards and expectations.
  • Engineering Ethics: An online, self-paced ethics workshop will equip students with the principles and guidelines needed to make responsible engineering decisions, ensuing their work benefits society and upholds the integrity of the profession.
  • Students' ongoing academic development is supported by an Academic Advising program, which runs throughout the year and includes a combination of tutorials and cohort briefing sessions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 26 Usually weekly 1 hour 26
Online Computer Classes 10 Weekly (over one term) 2 hours 20
Drop-In Classes 10 Weekly (over one term) 1 hour 10
Workshops 10 Weekly (over one term) 1 hour 10
Seminars 6 1 hour 6
Practicals 1 Week long Practical Course typically takes place during Epiphany term 30
Laboratories 11 Usually fortnightly 3 hours 33
Online Workshops 1 3
Fieldwork 1 Typically timetabled during the Easter term, after the exam period 18
Tutorials 8 Usually fortnightly 1 hour 8
Preparation and Reading 1 36
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
General Test 30% Yes
Teacher-Supervisor Review 20% Yes
Project 50% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment is provided by means of compulsory Formal Laboratory Report assignments; CAD and Drawing exercises. Additionally, for accreditation purposes, students are required to complete an online Ethics training course and Professional Engineering Applications Course (PEAC).


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University