Thermodynamics in a Broad Based Course

Synopsis

The Special Engineering Programme (SEP) is one of the original eight enhanced engineering courses introduced by the UGC. The course incorporates Mechanical, Electrical and Production Engineering with Business Studies. SEP is taught at Brunei in a specially created department — Engineering and Management Systems (E. and M.S.); and like all Brunei undergraduate courses it is a b year thin sandwich programme. Entry to the course is limited to about 30 highly able and motivated students each year. The scale and philosophy are such that much use is made of student active learning and a variety of small group techniques; project work is significant in all four years.

Whilst the thermodynamics syllabus is conventional, the integration of the material into the course is less conventional; applications are emphasised throughout the programme. In year 1 a Thermofluid Dynamics course provides a background that can be utilised in project work based on Artefacts. In Year 2, a Power Systems course combines the thermodynamics of prime movers with electrical power engineering. The course is continuously assessed using a variety of techniques, including: tests, essays and precis. In Year 3 a Mechanical Technology course combines fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, with heat transfer providing a useful linking element. For the associated labwork students devise their own experiments based on selected test rigs. An important part of Year 4 is project work; in addition students take a selection of final year options chosen from the whole of the Technology Faculty.

Throughout the course the emphasis is on application, and this is supported by close industrial links — for example all 3rd and 4th Year projects should be industry based. The department also runs an M. Eng. course for SEP graduates; the main component of this is an industrial project. In conclusion, the aim of the programme is to produce versatile, creative, articulate engineers, with the ability to tackle wide ranging projects in a commercial context.