Studying Engineeringin the United KingdomDr Anthony J H SimonsSenior Lecturer in Computer Science

About Me• Dr Anthony J H

Simons• Senior Lecturer in

Computer Science• Faculty of Engineering• The University of

Sheffield

Introducing the Faculty

What is Engineering?

Engineering is Everywhere

What is Engineering?• The art of applying scientific

knowledge to solve practical problems

Engineering Disciplines• Mechanical• Civil & Structural• Chemical &

Biological• Materials• Electronic &

Electrical• Automatic Control

& Systems

• Software Engineering

• Aerospace• Bioengineering

What do Engineers Do?

Group Design Projects• Vintage bus restored, driven

across Eastern Europe• Human powered submarines

raced in Florida• Steam powered racing car

set world speed record• Solar powered car raced in

Australia

Virtual Reality

• Build models in 3D• Test new algorithms• Visualise data• 3D computer games

Group Design Projects• Naval simulation of the

Battle of Trafalgar• Autonomous micro

UAVs – aerial drones• Solar/electric hybrid

clean propulsion• Software systems for

external clients

Competition Success!• Appathon 2011

(1st / 650)• IBM Mainframe

Challenge 2010(2nd / 1200)

• 2005 MicrosoftImagine Cup(2nd / 1350)

Genesys Solutions

• The only UK software company run entirely by students

• Attracts big name clients who pay serious money

• Masters students responsible for managing all aspects

Choosing a University

Reputation• Ranked by University

• Oxford and Cambridge• Russell Group (Top 20)• Other Old Universities• New Universities

• Ranked by Engineering Faculty• Imperial, Oxford and Sheffield (UK Top 3)

What to Look For• Facilities• Industry links• Research

• specialism in your chosen discipline?

• Staff/student ratio• League tables

• teaching, research quality• employment statistics

• Times Higher Education• University of Sheffield

voted "University of the Year, 2011"

• Sunday Times• "Sheffield has the

best students' union"

What Next?

Preparation for studying EngineeringChoosing an Engineering Discipline

Getting on my 1st Choice Course• A Levels / International Baccalaureate

• Mathematics (computing) and Physics (other engineering), sometimes other sciences

• Other subjects? Show off well-rounded skills in writing, language and argument, teamwork

• Get good (predicted) grades, typically AAB• Make a strong personal statement

• Show enthusiasm for your chosen subject

Computer Science• Build software systems

for real customers• Recognise human speech

and written language• Simulate complex systems:

cells, insects, economics• Manipulate 3D graphics

in virtual worlds• Identify patterns and build

artificial intelligence

Chemical & Biological Engineering• Change raw chemicals

into useful products• Develop alternative

product lifecycle technologies

• Combat the effects of• acid rain• lead pollution • greenhouse effect

Civil & Structural Engineering• Bridges• Dams • Towers • Roads• Tunnels• Water supply

Electrical & Electronic Engineering• Power generation• Renewable energy• Machines & actuators• Surveillance electronics

Automatic Control & Systems Engineering

Brings together Computing Electronics Mechanics Aeronautics Biomechanics

Ensures that all components in a systeminteract together in an effective way

Control engineering studies how to manage these systems

Engineering Materials• Materials are the key to

all modern technology• Lightweight alloys for aircraft• Semiconductors for PCs• Superconductors for whole

body scanners• Implants for human body

repairs

Mechanical EngineeringDesign, produce and market• Scientific instruments• Sports equipment • Power stations• Heart valves• Space craft• Car plant

Bioengineering• An interdisciplinary blend

of mechanical and materials engineering

• Solves problems in biology and medicine

• Use materials that mimic the original natural behaviour

• 40,000 hip replacements per year

Aerospace EngineeringAn interdisciplinary

blend of• Mechanical

Engineering• Engineering Materials• Computer Science• Electronic & Electrical

Engineering• Automatic Control &

Systems Engineering

Careers in Engineering

What happens when I finish my degree?Will I get a good job?

Electronic & Electrical Careers, 2009

Type of business Employer Type of workDefence software systems

developer Thales Graduate engineerGovernment department GCHQ TechnologistElectronic equipment

manufacturer Primayer Test engineerAerospace and power systems

engineering Rolls-Royce Graduate engineerElectronic engineers U-Tel Electronic engineerDefence and aerospace systems BAE Systems Electronic engineerEngineering consultancy Atkins Project engineer

Makes wind turbinesSiemens Wind

Power R+D engineer

Mechanical Engineering Careers, 2009Type of business Employer Type of work

Vehicle manufacturerJaguar

LandroverDevelopment and design

engineer

Engineering consultancy AtkinsGraduate mechanical

engineerEngineers solutions for the power industry Siemens Energy Field service engineer

Engineering consultancy Ove ArupGraduate mechanical

engineerManufacturing oil products, chemicals and lubricants

Shell UK Oil Products Rotating equipment engineer

Computer Science Careers, 2011• Good career prospects

• 6 months after graduation

• 90% in work or study• 95% in graduate jobs

• Good starting salary• £23.5K median (all

grad.)• £26K median (IT grad.)• Some over £40K

source: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

Graduate Employers

A Success Story• Nicola Cooper

• undergraduate, 2001• 4-year Masters in Computing

• MComp Graduate• Genesys team leader• class 2/i hons, 2005

• IBM Systems Analyst• starting salary £27K

Nicola inCooper 2012

• IBM Project Manager

• manages the Shell portfolio

• Young IT Professional of the Year

• IBM “face of recruitment”

ToDiscoverAndUnderstand.