Course description
MSc
The motorsport industry in the UK is a world leader and many of the world's most advanced high-performance engines are designed here. The MSc in Racing Engine Design is intended to enhance and extend your knowledge in engine design. You will be taught by staff with many years' experience of racing engines, from performance road cars, through rally, IRL, Kart and F3 right up to F1.
The course provides an intensive exposure to an integrated design, simulation, modelling and analysis of racing engines. The analysis elements of the modules include structural optimisation, dynamics, internal combustion engine thermo-fluid dynamics, engine performance, tuning, mapping and monitoring.
Teaching is based in our new purpose-designed engineering building on the Wheatley Campus.
Course content
The course is structured around three time periods: Semester 1 runs from September to December, Semester 2 from January to May, and the summer period completes the year until the beginning of September.
To qualify for a master's degree you must pass the compulsory modules, three optional modules and the Dissertation together with the Research and Study Methods module which spans both semesters and the summer.
Compulsory modules:
* Advanced Materials Engineering and Joining Technology takes further the detailed processing and design of advanced materials for engineering products. The significance of the properties and composition of materials is explored in relation to the selection of joining processes and optimising joint design, for the manufacture of high performance engineering products and structures.
* Racing Engine Design You will gain a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical considerations associated with the design and functioning of a racing engine. You will learn to perform advanced design analysis on each area, such as the block, valve-train, head design and thermal management. Practical analyses will be carried out using advanced analysis tools such as GT-Power, ANSYS, and ADAMsEngine.
* Advanced Engineering Management provides an understanding of the management skills that are important in the motorsports industry. The areas studied are project management, leadership, team building and motivation, employment legislation and health and safety. Although the emphasis is on the motorsport industry, many of these areas will cover knowledge that is relevant to the wider automotive industry.
Optional modules:
* Engineering Simulation and Modelling presents finite element modelling of structures containing composite materials, advanced simulation techniques using ADAMS and an introduction to MATLAB.
* CAD/CAM is a master's level module that develops skills in using state-of-the-art design and manufacturing software.
* Advanced Strength of Components is concerned with the prediction of the load-carrying capacity and life of mechanical engineering components by an analysis of factors such as inelastic behaviour, residual stress, stability, cracks, and fatigue and contact loading.
* Advanced Computer Aided Animation enables you to render and animate 3D complex assemblies using PC-based CAD systems. The emphasis in this module is on understanding how complex animations are created using studio software.
* Data Acquisition Systems will provide you with an understanding of the theoretical and practical issues relating to the acquisition and analysis of data.
* Numerical Methods and Applications introduces the concepts of numerical methods and applications of these methods.
Research and Study Methods underpins work carried out for the Dissertation. The module will provide you with research skills, planning techniques, progress management and review, the ability to use ICT support materials and guidance on the analysis and presentation of research material.
The Dissertation is an individual research and development project on a relevant topic related to the chosen programme of study. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching methods include lectures and seminars to provide a sound theoretical base, and practical work to demonstrate important aspects of theory or systems operation. Assessed coursework exercises, essays, presentations and laboratory exercises form the basis for continuous assessment.
Assessment methods include examination and coursework reflecting the development of academic content from the more practical aspects to the more conceptual.
Quality
Teaching staff are drawn primarily from the School of Technology. Visiting speakers from business and industry provide further input. The programme benefits from the rigorous validation and review processes at the University, and the external examiners are very positive about the course.
