The module consists of three parts – each supported by a printed book:
Part 1
In part one, you’ll explore the use of materials for engineering and the importance of material choice. You’ll investigate the basic underlying principles that define materials’ properties and practice materials selection for engineering purposes. The module will show how the internal structure of materials can influence material properties. You’ll use industry-standard software to understand materials selection for appropriate engineering use.
Part 2
You’ll study the essential engineering skill of structural analysis, using graphical methods such as free body force diagrams, bending moment diagrams and shear force diagrams. The module will contextualise this skill with a problem-based case study investigating the Centre Pompidou and the use of the gerberette in the design. Human needs are key to successful engineering design; you’ll apply the knowledge you gain to solving problems related to some structural elements that include the human body. You’ll gain an understanding of the engineers’ theory of bending and link it to the second moment of area; you’ll also extend the theory into the failure criteria of structures. The module will use the Titan crane at Fishguard to draw all the aspects of structural analysis together in a practical example of their application.
Part 3
You’ll study the concepts of the generation and storage of electrical energy, based on the laws of electromagnetism. You’ll also gain an understanding of the transmission and distribution of electricity, for both direct and alternating currents. Along with a knowledge of electrical storage and generation comes a responsibility to understand the demand, ethics and environmental impact of electrical generation. Throughout this part, you’ll use case studies to contextualise your learning and highlight key safety aspects of electrical energy generation, use and storage.
Scientific knowledge and mathematical skills are essential engineering components – they are a core part of this module. You’ll practise them throughout, with the engineering topics providing a clear context for their application. You’ll practise maths and engineering questions – through interactive quizzes – in preparation for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). We’ll base assignment questions on activities in the module material. You’ll also explore the principles through remote experiments in our OpenEngineering lab, and have opportunities to communicate and work online with other students.
This module will develop your understanding of key engineering principles while helping you improve your study skills and grow as an independent and reflective learner. It will expand on and extend the broad base of engineering you’ve studied at a previous level and prepare you for further study. You’ll become proficient in using various engineering techniques and more confident in applying mathematical methods to solve engineering problems.
You’ll learn how the broad engineering discipline has developed over time, extending your experience of engineering practice and trends, building towards professional engineering practice.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T271 is a compulsory module in our:
T271 is an option module in our:
Core engineering A (T271) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, you’ll need a good knowledge of the subject area obtained through any of the following:
You should have an interest in technologies, numeracy skills equivalent to those gained through studying an OU level 1 mathematics-related module, and a standard of academic English appropriate for this level of study.
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) and Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193) are ideal preparation for this module.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T271 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
