This module builds on the concepts and techniques in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192). It begins by focusing on invention, innovation and the advisory or legislative frameworks that promote good practice and ensure safety. It examines examples of patents, standards and an energy case study, providing a basis for introducing key engineering and mathematics topics. Next, it takes you on a tour of modern manufacturing methods and explores how they relate to materials’ properties, product design, environmental sustainability and profitability. It also introduces and applies more advanced mathematical techniques, including basic calculus, in an engineering context.
What you will study
Part 1: Engineering to innovate
You will explore the ideas of innovation and invention, and the advisory or legislative frameworks used to promote good practice and ensure safety. These include patents, standards, industry guidelines, and other official data sources, information and guidance. Examples will be chosen for closer examination that introduce key engineering topics. You will study aspects of the mechanical and electrical properties of materials, the behaviour of structures under load, and introductory chemistry.
Part 2: Energy and power
In this part, you’ll explore the important topic of producing energy for human use. You will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of fossil fuels and the growing need for low-carbon energy. A case study looks more closely at one alternative approach – producing electricity from sunlight using photovoltaic panels. Fundamental topics covered include chemical equations, the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, and the structure and properties of electronic materials.
Part 3: Manufacturing
Next, you will build on your growing understanding of materials' properties. You will learn about key manufacturing techniques and when and how they can be used to make products. The techniques covered include casting, forming, cutting, joining, surface engineering, and additive manufacturing.
Part 4: Materials and resources
The final part will present some case studies of using materials and resources, putting manufacturing into a broader context of environmental and economic considerations.
Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and is included throughout the module. You will have opportunities to revise and build on the mathematics covered in Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192), by applying it to new topics in engineering. New mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphical representation, statistics and calculus will be introduced and applied.
You will be helped to develop your information literacy skills through library searches and technical reading linked to patents and standards. The Open Engineering Studio provides an online space where you can share work with other students and work together on collaborative activities. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.
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.
This module provides ideal preparation for the third of our introductory engineering modules, Engineering: mathematics, modelling, applications (T194).
Entry requirements
You must have passed or currently be studying one of the following modules:
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192)
Introduction to computing and IT (TM111)
My digital life (TU100) – now discontinued
You need knowledge of basic engineering and design concepts, and be able to solve problems using mathematics.
If you’ve passed T192, or if you’ve not received your result but achieved 40% on your assignments, you'll be adequately prepared.
If you've completed TM111 or TU100, you might benefit from revising some topics in this optional maths resource. before starting T193.
Are you ready for T193?
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:
2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment
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 OpenStudio, an online collaborative studio
access to our OpenEngineering Laboratory, a remote-access laboratory based at our Milton Keynes campus.
We also provide physical:
module books
module handbook
module map
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 T193 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: frameworks, analysis, production (T193) 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 October 2029.