Facilities
Our main mechanical laboratory is a large open-plan space designed to accommodate the study of thermo-fluids, solid mechanics and dynamics. It also hosts an area with machine tools for the manufacture of student designs.
Engine test cell
This purpose-built engine testing facility measures engine performance and emissions. Typical student projects include running the engine with alternative fuels, such as biofuels, to test performance and emission characteristics.
Energy laboratory
Equipped to teach a wide range of thermo-fluid applications including air-conditioning and heat-pumps, this laboratory also enables students to conduct fundamental experiments such as measuring thermal conductivity.
Materials science laboratory
Boasting a range of tools for material microstructure examination and properties testing. Equipment includes microscopes and various properties testers for tensile testing, fatigue testing, wear testing, corrosion testing, hardness testing and impact testing.
Dynamics and control laboratory
A laboratory dedicated to the study of gyroscope theory, vibration theory, no-linear control, inertia bending and more.
Robotics Laboratory
The new robotics laboratory includes a wide range of robots used in research and industrial applications. From small size Dobot Magician Arm to middle size Cobot (collaborative robot) Franka Emika to a larger robotic arm UR5, we have robotic arms of various sizes equipped with different end-effectors (Robotiq, OnRobot, Vacuum suction) that can be used in various industrial settings and tasks. In addition, the robotics laboratory has a mobile robot (Turtlebot) for service robot applications.
Design Studios
You will also have access to computer laboratories equipped with CAD and Finite Element Modelling Software. The primary packages used are CREO and AUTODESK Simulation for FEA modelling.
Library and learning zones
On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.
As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.
We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, 91Â鶹¾«Æ· Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.
The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.
More flexible ways to learn
We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.
Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘91Â鶹¾«Æ· Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.