Engineering
International Foundation Programme in Engineering
Programme Structure
Progression
Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Core Modules
Engineering Specific Modules
Engineering Analysis
Algebra and Engineering Functions
Engineering Materials
Foundations of Modern Physics
Opportunities for Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate Study
Cardiff Engineering School
A Record of Excellence
Cutting-Edge Facilities
Programme Structure
We have designed this programme to give you a solid grounding in Engineering as well as to give you the best possible information and assistance that you will need for your time as a student in the UK. The International Foundation Programme is a modular programme, divided into two main parts:
- Core Modules
- Engineering Specific Modules
You will take a total of twelve modules, six in each semester.
Progression
All students who achieve a pass in each module of the programme are guaranteed entry to their chosen degree scheme.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course employs several teaching methods, all chosen to deliver the tuition you need in the best possible way.
Lectures
Lectures allow you to gain a comprehensive base of knowledge. Lecturers make use of a range of resources and facilities to provide the information you need. During lectures you will be given written material (handouts), information about exams and essays, and multi-media presentations. You may even find that you are invited to give your own presentation.
Seminars
These are smaller discussion groups of three to ten students, led by tutors. This is an ideal time to discuss any questions after lectures, and an opportunity to fully understand the subjects you are studying.
Tutorials
You can arrange to meet any tutor to discuss any aspect of the course. For example, if there is something you did not understand in a lecture or seminar, or if you want to discuss the progress of your project or essay - or any other topic you want to talk about.
All students are encouraged to speak individually to their tutors if they have any questions or problems; your tutor will always be pleased to see you and happy to help.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used including written essays, reports, presentations, project work and final examinations. All written tasks are word processed and normally submitted electronically. You will be awarded a score out of 100 for each
module:
40% and above - Pass
50% and above - Merit
65% and above - Distinction
Attendance
Attendance and participation in all classes, lectures, and tutorials on the International Foundation Programme (IFP) at Cardiff University are compulsory and essential for academic success. Please note that, due to new immigration rules, we will be required to keep records of attendance.
Core Modules
- English Language & Study Skills
- English for Academic Purposes
One of the most important aims of the Foundation Programme is to provide the ideal preparation for you to do well in an academic course taught in English. The course will review your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary and help you to improve so that you can develop a solid foundation for academic use. You will practise reading, writing, listening and speaking to develop accuracy and fluency. The course will include different written and spoken formats to help develop academic style. You will also receive specialist classes to prepare you for the technical vocabulary of your chosen degree.
Study of the culture and requirements of British higher education will prepare you for different teaching and learning methods, such as presenting a seminar or writing an extended essay. By the end of the course you should feel confident enough with your English ability to be able to contribute fully to class discussions, complete written assignments and get the most out of your studies here.
- Integrated Study Skills
This module combines the study skills taught in the core modules. You are encouraged to practise these skills in practical everyday university situations, for example, by giving a presentation using ‘Powerpoint’. You will learn about the specific computing systems and software used at Cardiff University. We want to ensure that you have the minimum IT skill level required for Higher Education, that you are able to use the Internet as a resource for further study and use it to communicate with your tutors and classmates. This module will provide you with an opportunity for written self-reflection and give you the opportunity to set personal targets (Personal Development Planning).
Cardiff is one of the UK's most progressive and well equipped universities in the UK and has several well stocked libraries and resource centres. Printed reference materials are located in ten Resource Centres close to the departments they serve. All the Resource Centres are equipped with computers, photocopiers and quiet study places. There are also staff available to provide advice and assistance.
As a Foundation student you will have access to the University's extensive library and computing facilities. You will be given a username and password to enable you to use the computer stations situated all around the University. You can access the computers 24 hours a day and all the computing services are free of charge, including e-mail and internet access. You will learn all the basic skills such as following software tutorials and knowing how to seek help from the University Computing Advisory Service when necessary.
By the end of the course, you will know how to use the University workstations for word-processing, e-mail and internet and you will have used them to produce academic work, such as essays and reports. You will also be confident enough to easily locate written material in the libraries as well as locating information from our wide range of journals and CD-ROMs.
- British Social and Cultural Environment
We will introduce you to British institutions, traditions, habits and cultural diversity to help you to understand the British life way of life and to fulfil your potential at university.
You will learn about British systems, such as education, government, healthcare and the media, and visit places of cultural interest. The course will explore issues associated with cultural identity such as the use of humour and colloquial language.
A significant part of the course will examine Cardiff's cultural identity and give context to your geographical location within an emerging European capital city. There will be a mixture of lectures, discussions and visits to nearby locations including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Welsh Life and the National Assembly for Wales.
There will also be an introduction to everyday life skills, such as finding your way around, opening a bank account and using a cheque book, travelling on public transport, shopping, and registering with the police, doctor and dentist. By the end of the course, you will be familiar with the social and cultural background to the education system in the UK.
If you have any questions about any of these practical matters at any time there are fully trained staff at hand to help guide you through all of these situations.
Engineering Specific Modules
The International Foundation Programme in Engineering is designed to prepare you for undergraduate study in engineering and related disciplines at Cardiff, or at other schools of engineering in the UK. The modular programme includes:
- Trigonometry and Further Calculus 1
- Engineering Analysis
- Algebra and Engineering Functions
- Engineering Materials
- Further Calculus
Trigonometry and Further Calculus 1
The Trigonometry and Calculus module is an introduction to trigonometry and differential calculus suitable for those without A-levels in mathematics.
Engineering Analysis
The Engineering Analysis modules will enhance your understanding of the use of graphical techniques and statistical analysis, and develop your understanding of a range of engineering related topics, providing you with an excellent introduction to our engineering degree schemes.
Algebra and Engineering Functions
This part of the course gives an introduction to the basic ideas and methods of engineering mathematics. The module will include review and study of algebra and functions relationships, engineering functions, coordinate systems and vectors.
Engineering Materials
This section introduces the basic mechanical, thermal and magnetic properties of materials, together with materials’ applications in the realm of engineering. The course will include case studies of familiar systems such as power generation and distribution, domestic machinery and consumer electronics.
Further Calculus
This module gives students an an introduction to maxima and minima, curve sketching and applications of differentiation to elementary practical problems and integration including determination of areas.
Opportunities for Undergraduate Study at Cardiff School of Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic and Communications Engineering
- Integrated Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Engineering
Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate degree programmes at the School cover nine areas of Engineering. On all of the degree schemes you will be taught the fundamental concepts of Engineering through a combination of lectures, design classes and tutorials, supplemented by the practical aspects of engineering which are taught through laboratory and project based work.
Teaching is organised into modules and you will take twelve modules per year, normally six in each of the two semesters. Each semester consists of eleven teaching weeks, one revision week and an examination period. Help with specific aspects of a module can be directly obtained from the lecturers concerned. Staff are happy to clarify any material or answer any of your questions. Your progress will be assessed using a variety of different methods including written examinations, case studies, assignments and project work.
Cardiff Engineering School
The Cardiff School of Engineering is recognised as one of the best-equipped Engineering schools of all UK universities in terms of facilities, research and teaching.
A Record of Excellence
In the most recent UK government assessment of the quality of teaching in UK universities, the School of Engineering received the following grades:
Civil Engineering EXCELLENT
Electrical and Electronic Engineering EXCELLENT
Electronic Engineering EXCELLENT
Environmental Engineering EXCELLENT
Manufacturing Engineering EXCELLENT
Mechanical Engineering EXCELLENT
The quality of teaching on the Architectural Engineering schemes and the Computer Systems Engineering scheme has also been assessed and graded as satisfactory. Integrated Engineering has not been separately assessed, as its teaching is an amalgam of the teaching on the Electronic, Mechanical and Manufacturing degree schemes.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
The School of Engineering is based in modern purpose-built facilities of the very highest quality and provides an outstanding environment in which to study.
You will have full, 24-hour a day access to extensive computing facilities. The University's network provides a comprehensive range of software packages, plus full e-mail and Internet facilities. Engineering students also have their own common room with in-house coffee shop and a refectory that serves hot and cold meals throughout the day. The Students' Union is only an eight minute walk away and there are also Halls of Residence located nearby. A large and well-equipped library containing a broad range of books and journals, the latest computer and CD-ROM reference media and other reference materials is located on site for convenient access. The Library also contains numerous quiet areas for studying.