Take your first steps into the innovative world of engineering. In this module, you’ll explore how engineers have shaped our past and the technologies that are transforming the future. You’ll be introduced to key scientific principles and mathematical techniques in an engineering context that will help you build a solid foundation for your future studies and career. You’ll explore design methodologies, learning how to approach and solve a range of design challenges. You’ll have opportunities to put theory into practice, completing tasks, sharing ideas with other students and completing experiments in the virtual Open Engineering Lab.
What you will study
The wealth and safety of nations depend upon engineering skills. This module, which is the starting point for a recognised qualification in engineering, shows you why. It uses a combination of books, online resources and media to help you become a:
successful learner
well-informed student of engineering
confident user of mathematics.
This module introduces you to key engineering and design principles while helping you improve your study skills and develop as an independent and reflective learner. You will learn how the broad discipline that is engineering has developed over time, explore current examples of engineering practice, and get a taster of future trends.
Scientific knowledge and mathematical skills are both essential components of engineering. They form a significant part of this module and are included and practised throughout, with the engineering topics providing a clear context for their application.
The module is presented in two parts, each supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided by the module website, which includes interactive online activities, practice quizzes, and media clips. You will have opportunities to communicate and work online with other students and have tutor support throughout the module.
Part one
The first part introduces the scientific and social context within which engineering has developed and is currently practised. It explores the nature and purpose of engineering by looking at examples of engineering products and projects and engineers at work. It provides an opportunity to think about your own experience and plans for the future. The resources needed for engineering are explored. These include people skills, sources of information and guidance, scientific models and mathematical techniques, and physical resources like materials and energy.
The mathematical focus of this part is on algebra and mathematical modelling. Topics will include:
using numbers, symbols and units appropriately
setting out and rearranging equations
working with fractions, percentages and powers
creating a mathematical model
drawing and interpreting graphs.
There are opportunities to check that you have the basic background knowledge needed to study the module and to fill in any gaps, and plenty of chances to practise applying techniques to engineering problems.
Other activities will explore learning styles, time management, study techniques and good academic practice. You will be guided using the OU library and encouraged to interact with other students on the module forums. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.
Part two
This part focuses on design engineering. You will begin by exploring ways of approaching complex design problems and then examine all stages of the design process, from finding problems to testing final design solutions. Case studies will provide examples of the evolution of design projects and how the relationship between creative and analytical thinking can be harnessed.
Key engineering topics covered will be:
design contexts – drivers, conditions and constraints
identifying, framing, representing and researching design challenges
creative techniques and approaches to problem solving
talking about design engineering – words, images, drawings, communication
the design process – iteration, optimisation, physical and digital prototyping
current and future trends in design engineering.
You will have more opportunities to practise and extend your skills in algebra and using graphs, and new mathematics topics in geometry and trigonometry will be introduced. You will be encouraged to experiment using techniques from your growing ‘mathematical toolbox’ to tackle engineering challenges.
Part two of the module will also introduce you to our Open Engineering Lab, a virtual space where you can share work with other students, share ideas, and give and receive feedback on design tasks.
Throughout the module, interactive quizzes will allow you to practise maths questions to prepare for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assignment questions will be based on activities in the module material.
By the end of this module, you will be prepared to continue your studies in engineering.
Entry requirements
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.
You’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
Are you ready for T192? is a diagnostic quiz designed to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module. We provide advice and guidance on what to do next at the end of the quiz.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
The iCMAs don't count towards your final mark, but you must reach a set threshold on at least three.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
access to our Open Engineering Lab, an online collaborative studio.
We also provide physical:
module books
module handbook
assessment guide.
You will need
a scientific calculator
a device to take digital images of your work (e.g. a phone/digital camera or scanner).
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T192 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.
Future availability
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) starts twice a year – in October and April.
It will next start in April 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2029.