BEng (Hons)Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Core modules

Maritime Electrical Machines

Electrical machines are critical to the operation and maintenance of systems aboard ships. This module will introduce you to the working principles of common electrical machines found on board ship, such as motors, generators, and transformers, as well as the operation of electronic devices in power circuits.

Maritime Mathematics for Engineers

Mathematical analytical skills are critical to your future career as an engineer. This module will allow you to develop your mathematical abilities to solve engineering problems in a maritime context and underpins the mathematical requirement to prepare you for future numerical based modules within the course.

Maritime Thermodynamics and Mechanics

Thermodynamics and mechanics are critical in the understanding of the design, operation and maintenance of marine engineering plant systems. During this module you'll learn about property changes and energy transfer processes in closed and open thermodynamic systems, develop the knowledge and understanding to describe heat transfer processes and perform simple calculations involving such processes. You'll also have an opportunity to investigate energy transfers in an open system such as internal combustion engines, basic steam power cycles, and refrigerators.

Operational Electrical and Electronic Control Systems

The safe operation of modern merchant vessels relies on electrical and electronic control systems to accurately and efficiently monitor ship systems. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of control systems engineering and electrical engineering, with a focus on electrical distribution on board ship.

Operational Marine Engineering Knowledge

This module gives you the opportunity to learn about the construction and operation of ships' systems in the engine room and the critical safety considerations which must be taken into account when they are being operated. You'll be exposed to different types of marine propulsion systems and their associated auxiliary systems and will be asked to look at various aspects of operation and maintenance of these systems to evaluate both commonality and difference between ship types.

Operational Maritime Law and Project Management

This module will familiarise you with the relationship between laws, codes, and various forms of guidance related to ship and crew safety, as well as operational procedures. You'll gain an understanding of the laws governing the shipping industry, both nationally and internationally, and an insight into the organisational structures used by your company, both ashore and onboard. Additionally, you'll explore the factors that can influence decision-making, such as stress, fatigue, culture, and situational awareness, and learn techniques to mitigate these influences.

Operational Naval Architecture and Stability (Engineering)

This module will familiarise you a typical ship’s structure and the salient features of a range of ship vessel types, in addition to applying the principles of ship stability to box- and ship-shaped vessels in routine situations.

Core modules

Applications of Power Electronics in Electrical Motor Drive Systems

This module is designed to allow students to understand the application power electronics in electrical motor drive systems - crucial for managing the ship’s electrical propulsion, auxiliary systems, and overall power distribution. You'll also have an opportunity to consolidate your knowledge and skills in power electronics and electrical motor speed control by undertaking an investigation into the operation and performance of an electronically controlled motor speed control system in a marine context.

Distributed Control Systems and High Voltage Systems

In this module, you'll enhance your knowledge of control systems engineering through the understanding and application of distributed control systems (DCS) common in merchant vessels. As the module progresses, you'll understand the concept of DCS and be able to apply appropriate controls to a DCS through appropriate operator interfaces. Students will also analyse the additional precautions taken in onboard high voltage systems, including high voltage distribution and feeder protection systems.

Marine Analogue and Digital Electronic Principles

In this module, you'll gain knowledge and understanding of a wide range of discrete and integrated circuit analogue electronic devices.

Marine Navigation and Radio Communication Systems

Marine navigation and radio communication systems ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of ship operations. The ETO plays a vital role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and ensuring the proper functioning of these systems - this module will equip you with the necessary knowledge to manage these systems.

Power Electronics and Logic Controllers

Power electronics and logic controllers play a significant role in the automation, control, and efficiency of a ship's electrical and mechanical systems. During this module, you'll develop knowledge, understanding and skills in the characteristics and applications of a range of power electronic devices. You'll also learn to work safely on electrical circuits, equipment and systems where the risk exists of explosion due to hazardous gas substances.

Shipboard Management

This module will allow you to analyse shipboard management and safety management systems, including the management of personnel, operations and resources on board, in accordance with current legislative requirements. You'll analyse the role of the senior officer with regard to health and safety, budgeting, employment law, and management of shipboard resources.

Maritime Electrical and Electronic Control Systems

This module will develop your knowledge from the previous electrical and controls module to prepare you to be effective in the role of a senior engineering officer on board a vessel. During the module, you'll develop your knowledge of marine electrical systems and modern electronic control systems.

Core modules

Dissertation

In this module you'll bring together the skills and knowledge gained throughout your course, both in the classroom and at sea. You'll have the opportunity to choose a topic that excites you and to undertake a piece of in-depth research and analysis. The aim is to demonstrate your best work and to highlight your knowledge of your chosen topic.

Fundamentals of Engineering System Design

In this module, you'll learn how to manage stakeholder expectations and identify key players within the lifecycle of a large engineering project to define requirements and establish a proposed system architecture, and to design and manage key interfaces between organisations and system components. Success criteria will be investigated through verification, validation and commissioning processes. You'll learn how the design process should provide a basis for the full life cycle management of your delivered project.

Leadership and Management

This module will enable you to understand how effective and efficient people management adds to a company’s success. The module analyses the integrated nature of people management and how this is achieved through a range of management tools and techniques, and identifies current themes and issues that relate to managing people from the perspective of the line manager in an organisation.

Marine Surveying and Accident Investigation

The module focuses on the process of statutory surveys and inspections, and the investigation of potential breaches of statutory requirements resulting in damage and loss. During the module, you'll explore the role of investigators appointed by maritime certifying authorities, government maritime accident investigation agencies, shipping companies, and protection and indemnity (P&I) insurers.

Maritime Sustainability

During this module, you will develop the skills in leadership and management needed to sustainably manage business activity and projects. The module begins by focusing on developing your understanding of sustainability and addresses the development of sustainability, its contested nature and interdisciplinary application. The module then moves on to discuss the concepts of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and their application to the industry, followed by a consideration of the tools and technology available to meet the needs of industry in reaching a more sustainable future.