KB5041 - Automotive Fluids & Energy

What will I learn on this module?

This module gives you opportunities to build on fundamental thermodynamic knowledge and examine practical and applied fluid flow and energy systems associated with vehicles, including the areas associated with different types of flow and how they may influence automotive engineering considerations, as well as energy conversion systems. The changes and challenges associated with a move from fossil fuels to providing a more sustainable energy future are also explored in this module and how this may influence automotive development. Based upon the application of relevant mathematical and engineering principles you will use analytical and computational techniques to solve problems associated with vehicle fluid flows and energy systems that have some limited degree of uncertainty in their definition. By addressing such issues using an informed and skilled engineering approach incorporating creativity and curiosity, you will be able to derive substantiated conclusions as a result of your investigations.

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning sessions will be used to allow you to engage with elevated material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic, broadly defined engineering problems that may involve conflicting and/or incomplete information. A problem-solving focused curriculum will allow you to explore and understand how well-proven solutions can be applied to more open-ended problems and provide further opportunity for innovative discovery of alternatives. Learning activities will enable students to work collaboratively through the further development of teamwork and communication skills, and the encouragement of creative thinking to solve engineering problems.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

During your active learning sessions, academic support will be available to facilitate your exploration of the problem-solving activities. Formative feedback will be provided by the module team, including answering student queries and providing guidance concerning the module such as assessments and your academic progress. The electronic learning platform (eLP) provides a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning. Contact with academic tutors and your peers outside formal teaching hours is encouraged through dedicated ‘office hours’, discussion boards and messaging systems within the eLP. Professional support staff, such as Ask4Help, provide the first point of contact for a range of queries, including, for example, those concerning assessment submission, late submission/extensions, and other administrative issues.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Relate knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science, and engineering principles to broadly defined fluids and energy problems and how they specifically relate to vehicles.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO2. Compare and contrast appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model broadly defined problems relating to automotive fluids and energy.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO3. Apply creativity and curiosity to analyse broadly defined automotive problems reaching substantiated conclusions based on analysis of fluids and energy approaches.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally scheduled teaching sessions or using the eLP. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by two pieces of assessment:
Component 1 to assess your knowledge and understanding of the application of computational and analytical techniques to broadly defined problems in fluids and energy specifically relate to vehicle systems (MLOs 1 and 2) through completing an industry compatible written submission.
Component 2, will evaluate your ability to apply creativity and curiosity to solve broadly defined problems in vehicle fluids and energy systems reaching substantiated conclusions (MLOs 1 & 3) in an industry compatible written submission.

Feedback will be provided electronically through the eLP or student email within 20 working days of the date of submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module gives you opportunities to build on fundamental thermodynamic knowledge and examine practical fluid flow and energy systems related to automotive scenarios, including the topics associated with different types of flow and how they may influence engineering considerations. It allows the exploration of the engineering associated with different types of energy systems, and how they relate to various sectors of the automotive sector. The changes and challenges associated with a move from fossil fuels to providing a more sustainable energy future are also explored. In the module, you will be encouraged to investigate and gain confidence in research and critical thinking through the application of appropriate knowledge and methodologies to tackle broadly defined problems in the subject area. Active learning sessions will be used to allow you to engage with new material and assist you in exploring key concepts and topics within the module. Sessions will involve a combination of content delivery and practical learning exercises to enable you to apply your learning to authentic engineering problems. The module utilises the electronic learning platform (eLP) to provide a comprehensive resource for integrated learning incorporating learning materials and reading lists that will facilitate directed and self-directed learning.

Course info

UCAS Code H3P5

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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