Engineering: origins, methods, context
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This module examines the range of human activity that is ‘engineering’, setting current practice in a historical context and looking forward to developments that will shape the future. It introduces and explains key scientific principles, mathematical techniques and design methodologies to equip you with a toolkit for further engineering study. It presents mathematics in an engineering context to emphasise relevance and build your confidence in framing problems, addressing design challenges and formulating solutions. Reflective practice is encouraged throughout, and you’ll have the opportunity to share and discuss aspects of your work with other students.
What you will study
The wealth and safety of nations depend upon engineering skills. This module, which is the starting point for a recognised qualification in engineering, shows you why. It uses a combination of books, online resources and media to help you become a:
- successful learner
- well-informed student of engineering
- confident user of mathematics.
This module introduces you to key principles of engineering and design engineering, while helping you to improve your study skills and to develop as an independent and reflective learner. You will learn how the broad discipline that is engineering has developed over time, explore current examples of engineering practice, and get a taster of future trends.
Scientific knowledge and mathematical skills are both essential components of engineering. They form a major part of this module and are included and practised throughout, with the engineering topics providing a clear context for their application.
The module is presented in two parts, each supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided from the module website, which includes interactive online activities, practice quizzes and media clips. You will have opportunities to communicate and work online with other students, and have tutor support throughout the module.
Part one
The first part introduces the scientific and social context within which engineering has developed and is currently practised. It explores the nature and purpose of engineering by looking at examples of engineering products and projects, and of engineers at work, and provides an opportunity to think about your own experience and plans for the future. The resources needed for engineering are explored. These include people skills, sources of information and guidance, scientific models and mathematical techniques, as well as physical resources like materials and energy.
The mathematical focus of this part is on algebra and mathematical modelling. Topics will include:
- using numbers, symbols and units appropriately
- setting out and rearranging equations
- working with fractions, percentages and powers
- creating a mathematical model
- drawing and interpreting graphs.
There are opportunities to check that you have the basic background knowledge needed to study the module and to fill in any gaps, and plenty of chances to practise applying techniques to engineering problems.
Other activities will explore learning styles, time management, study techniques and good academic practice. You will be guided in using the OU library and encouraged to interact with other students on the module forums. You will use a learning log to record and reflect on your progress.
Part two
Design engineering is the focus of this part. You will begin by looking at ways of approaching complex design problems and then look at all stages of the design process, from finding problems to testing final design solutions. Case studies will be used to provide examples of the evolution of design projects, and how the relationship between creative to analytical thinking can be harnessed.
Key engineering topics covered will be:
- design contexts – drivers, conditions and constraints
- identifying, framing, representing and researching design challenges
- creative techniques and approaches to problem solving
- talking about design engineering – words, images, drawings, communication
- the design process – iteration, optimisation, physical and digital prototyping
- current and future trends in design engineering.
You will have more opportunities to practise and extend your skills in algebra and using graphs, and new mathematics topics in geometry and trigonometry will be introduced. You will be encouraged to experiment with using techniques from your growing ‘mathematical toolbox’ to tackle engineering challenges.
Part two of the module will also introduce you to Open Engineering Studio, a virtual space where you can share work with other students, share ideas, and give and receive feedback on design tasks.
Throughout the module, interactive quizzes will give you a chance to practise maths questions to prepare for the interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs). Assignment questions will be based on activities in the module material.
By the end of this module you will be very well prepared to continue your studies in engineering.
If you are considering progressing to Engineering: frameworks, analysis, production (T193), normally you should have completed or be studying this module.
Entry requirements
This is a key introductory OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.
You’ll need some knowledge of mathematics, an interest in technology, and the ability to read and write to a good standard of English.
is a diagnostic quiz designed to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module. We provide advice and guidance on what to do next at the end of the quiz. (Note the interactive features of the quiz do not run on mobile and tablet devices.)
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
- OpenEngineering studio - an online collaborative studio.
You’ll also be provided with two module books, a module handbook and assessment guide.
You will need
A scientific calculator, basic drawing equipment and a device capable of producing digital images (e.g. a smartphone, digital camera or scanner).
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.