Engineering materials, statics and electricity generation and storage are core engineering topics. This module introduces, in an engineering context, underpinning scientific principles, mathematical techniques and design methodologies. You’ll build confidence in framing problems, addressing design challenges and formulating engineering solutions. The development of reflective engineering practice is integral throughout. You’ll share and discuss aspects of your study with other students, conduct remote experiments using our OpenSTEM Labs, and utilise industry-recognised materials-selection software.
What you will study
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.
Entry requirements
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:
OU level 1 study
equivalent work at another university
professional experience.
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.
Preparatory work
Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) and Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193) are ideal preparation for this module.
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)
3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment
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:
remote OpenEngineering laboratory access
Ansys Granta EduPack software.
We also provide physical:
module books
module handbook.
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 only. Any other operating systems, including Mac, are unsuitable.
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 freely available.
If you have a disability
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.
Future availability
Core engineering A (T271) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.