You'll study in greater depth to expand your development as an engineer, underpinning science and mathematics; engineering analysis; design; environmental and economic context; and engineering practice. Further development of reflective engineering practice is integral throughout. You'll discuss aspects of your study with other students and your tutor, conduct remote experiments using our OpenSTEM Labs and use industry-recognised software.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | T272 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 2 |
| SCQF level | 9 |
| FHEQ level | 5 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 4 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| Examination | |
| No residential school | |
The module consists of three parts – each supported by a printed book:
Part 1: Stress Analysis for Structural Design
In this first part, you'll build on your understanding of different types of loading and stress in engineering structures; you'll move on to explore complex stress analysis in two dimensions. The module uses real-world engineered products (e.g. an aircraft wing) as case studies to demonstrate how engineering structures experience combined loading conditions leading to complex stress states. Alongside hand calculations for stress analysis, it will introduce you to computer-based methods. You'll explore the use of finite element analysis software, for the stress analysis of simple engineering structures. It will also introduce you to failure criteria; and how to use stress analysis to predict or design against failure.
Part 2: Dynamic Analysis for Engineering Design
The subject of the second part is motion – you'll learn how to describe, model and analyse motion. First, you'll study the movement of objects and the reason for that movement – in other words, the forces that are acting on those objects and causing them to move. You'll go on to study dynamics using energy methods and applying laws of thermodynamics to dynamic systems. You'll also learn design methods to encourage good vibration when required, or to limit unwanted vibration that could cause damage.
Part 3: Engineering Materials for Improved Performance
The final part of the module is about what limits the useful life of engineered components and what engineers can do to make them last longer. You'll look at some of the failure and degradation mechanisms that act within engineering components over time and reduce their lifetime in service. This part will introduce you to some of the methods that engineers have developed to extend a component's lifetime in service, by choosing the right material to start with and then manipulating or treating it in some way.
Remote experiments in our OpenEngineering lab will enhance the theoretical underpinning – you'll interact with equipment in real-time or with an on-going experiment, from your own computer. You'll also gain industrially relevant skills in core aspects of stress and structural analysis by exploring the use of an industry- standard finite element analysis (FEA) software package. The module has mathematics teaching integrated into the engineering materials, giving both context and an opportunity to practice its 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 must have passed one of the following modules:
The module assumes a level of mathematics skill and prior knowledge which you'll get from successfully completing one of the modules above. It assumes, and builds on, existing knowledge and skill in the use of trigonometry; differential and integral calculus; vectors; polar coordinate systems; and complex numbers.
Also, to begin T272, you must have passed (or be waiting for your result for) Core engineering A (T271). You may, however, enrol on T272 while still studying T271.
You'll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They'll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
The module uses a mixture of printed and online materials. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; interactive online activities including the remote OpenEngineering Laboratory; use of industry-standard software; animations; multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
This module has online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
You'll have the opportunity to work with other students. This could include looking at, and commenting on, others' work and reflecting on others' comments on your work.
Online laboratory practical work is required to achieve or consolidate your learning. You'll use the remote OpenEngineering Laboratory. If you have a visual impairment or limited manual dexterity, you may need an assistant to complete this element successfully. Some of the activities are required as part of an assessment, others are optional but will help your learning.
You'll be required to use mathematical and scientific symbols and expressions throughout the module and within assessment.
The study materials contain a considerable number of diagrams, graphs and photographs. Reading, interpreting, and producing examples of these are an important part of the study of this module, and will form an element of the module assessment. We provide descriptions for most figures.
You could be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online, and we might assess this. We can provide alternatives for required/assessed research material if needed to enable you to meet the learning outcomes of the module.
In this module, you'll be working with specialist reading material such as mathematical notation. We'll present these online and in printed form.
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) that you must submit via the online TMA service, interactive computer-marked assignments and self-assessed assessment-preparation quizzes completed online, and a remote exam.
You'll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you'll will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We'll support you in developing these skills.
This module uses specialist symbols – common in engineering – that standard accessibility tools might not cover. The module materials and assessment ask you to use ANSYS FEA software, which is not accessible with screen reader or voice recognition software. Assistance for screen reader users and students unable to use a mouse would therefore be required.
Core engineering B (T272) starts once a year – in April.
This page describes the module that will start in April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2027.
This course is expected to start for the last time in April 2027.
This module is a compulsory part of our undergraduate engineering qualifications. The learning outcomes of these qualifications are designed to fulfil the Engineering Council's educational requirements under UK-SPEC1. Several of the leading engineering institutions accredit our engineering qualifications.
1 UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence) sets out the requirements for UK engineers to achieve professional status.