Teaching aims

The aims of Part I of the Engineering Tripos are to encourage and enable students to:

• develop a sound understanding of the fundamentals of engineering science across a broad range of engineering disciplines;
• acquire basic skills in modelling and analysis and the ability to solve straightforward technical problems;
• acquire basic design skills and the ability to create simple engineering designs using a multi-disciplinary approach;
• develop an awareness of the responsibilities of engineers in economic, social and environmental matters;
• develop practical skills and the ability to conduct and evaluate experiments;
• learn to create, use and evaluate computer software;
• develop communication skills, both oral and written;
• develop cooperative skills through group and teamwork activities;
• acquire basic study skills and develop independence of learning;
• develop a responsible and professional attitude.

General objectives

At the end of the Part I course students should:

• by means of lecture courses, associated examples papers and appropriate reading have learnt the fundamental principles of engineering science;
• by means of laboratory courses have witnessed phenomena associated with the material in the lecture courses, have gained an understanding of experimental methods and have experience of experimental techniques;
• by means of practical computing courses be able to create and evaluate software;
• by means of projects have been introduced to research and design;
• by means of a course in exposition and subsequent practice have developed powers of presentation both orally and in writing;
• by means of lecture courses, occasional lectures, essay assignments and industrial experience have gained an introduction to manufacturing, management and the economic, environmental and social responsibilities of engineers.

The progress of each undergraduate is measured by Tripos examinations and by assessed coursework. Tripos classes and details of marks are notified to undergraduates through CamSIS or by their Colleges, and progress with coursework is communicated by staff marking individual coursework activities.

Achievement of the general objectives is dependent on an undergraduate reaching detailed objectives set for individual activities of the course. These are listed in the syllabuses for each series of lectures and the instruction sheets for coursework.