Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)

BEng Mechanical Engineering

From fast cars to food production, mechanical engineers are one of the most in-demand professions in the modern world.

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Year of entry: 2025
  • UCAS course code: H300 / Institution code: M20
  • Key features:
  • Scholarships available

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Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £34,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .

Course unit details:
Data Acquisition & Experimental Methods

Course unit fact file
Unit code MECH21342
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The course has two distinct elements; the theory of data acquisition and its experimental application. This unit will be delivered through a combination of ‘hands on’ sessions with individual activities, lectures, resource based learning exercises and a collaborative project.

Aims

This unit aims to develop students understanding of theoretical concepts and practical implementation of data acquisition systems in Mechanical Engineering and equip them with the fundamental experimental skills required in Mechanical discipline to conceive, design, implement and operate systems in engineering applications.

Syllabus

Basic concepts of measurement: The experimental method, experimental errors, accuracy, precision, calibration, bias, random error, measurement error, sensitivity, range, resolution, offset, linearity, hysteresis, response time, and noise.

Sensors: Categorisation of sensors, choosing a sensor, specific types of sensor.

Data acquisition systems: Hardware, analogue to digital conversion and vice versa. Overview of the input/output process, general purpose input/output hardware and application software.

Signal conditioning: Sensors and transducers, amplification, attenuation, isolation, linearisation, filtering, multiplexing, digital signal conditioning, data communication protocols

Design of data acquisition systems: Modularity, sequential programming, state programming, state transition diagrams, and state machines.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 50%
Report 50%

Feedback methods

Exam - Solutions to examination and examination released the same day

Practical demonstration - Race performance mark given at end of lab. Feedback on group project given within 2 weeks.

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 10
Practical classes & workshops 10
Tutorials 10
Independent study hours
Independent study 70

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
David Eastwood Unit coordinator

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