So, you’ve made it through first year, had a nice relaxing summer, and now you’re expecting more of the same, right? As Mr T would say, “I pity you, fool!”

Second year is a whole lot different from first year, not least because of the much larger volume of work. Also, there is the dreaded ‘d’ word…  Second year is run the same way as your last year – five modules a semester. You’ll still have the ever-exciting lab reports to keep you busy, too.

Semester 1

See below for the modules for the first half of the year:

Modelling Techniques 1

Modelling Techniques is another name for ‘computer programming’, and this module is all about making the computer do your work for you.  At the time of writing, the course teaches you how to use MATLAB

Thermofluids 3

Ah, good old Thermofluids.  If you enjoyed last year’s modules, well, I’m very sorry for you.  On another note, this is mighty similar to the things you did last year – just a bit more difficult.  There’s some interesting stuff on turbines/jet engines, and some less interesting stuff on heat transfer.  Don’t worry if the heat transfer stuff is a bit confusing – as far as I can remember there’s only a few certain questions they’ll ever ask you in an exam.  Probably a good plan to understand the engine cycle stuff, especially if you plan on doing Aero next year.

Systems and Control

Despite its exciting (read: dull) sounding name, this is not one of the most exciting modules you’ll ever have the pleasure to study.  If robot-based videos and short simulations of cruise-control systems are your thing, then great.  See you around sometime.  Of course, I won’t, as you’ll be in your room, watching robot videos.  Otherwise, prepare to enter a world of incomprehensible charts, diagrams, and massive algebra.  That’s all I can remember, anyway.  EDIT: Apparently, this is now an open-book exam, so should be just about the easiest thing ever.

Solid Mechanics 3

Much like Thermofluids 3, this is a continuation of last year’s modules.  Right now, I have no recollection of it at all, so will come back with more info later. Please bear with me

Design 3

Ah yes – design. If you haven’t already noticed, you might find this slowly taking over your life. A module that is only worth 20% of the semester can end up eating over 50% of your time. Sure it’s good fun, and you get to design cool machines, but pop in to the DAC on the night before a hand-in deadline and you’ll see just how much work it involves…

Top tip: don’t leave your printing until the morning of the hand-in, unless you particularly enjoy practising your ‘queueing politely’ skills.

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Semester 2

And now for part 2:

Modelling Techniques 1

If you were disappointed by the lack of any modules with ‘mathematics’ in the title, then fear not, because Mod Tech features more maths, just hidden under a different title.

Thermofluids 4

Text here.

Solid Mechanics 4

Text here.

Manufacturing – DMS

Possibly one of the more

Design 4

Text here.