IET Learning Outcomes

IET HANDBOOK OF LEARNING OUTCOMES
FOR BENG AND MENG DEGREE PROGRAMMES
Credits
This document was produced on behalf of the Degree Accreditation Committee by the Output
Standards Working Party. Its authors were Professor Peter Hicks (Chair of the Working Party),
Dr Michael Cunningham, Professor Erik Dagless, Professor Malcolm McCormick, Mr Tom Ridgman
and Mr David Young. Support for the Working Party was provided by Ms Jane Black.
IET Learning Outcomes 3.5.doc, (2) 03/10/2006 1 of 36

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CONTENTS
CONTENTS ........................................................................................................... 3
LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR BENG AND MENG DEGREE PROGRAMMES ..................... 7

0. Introduction..........................................................................................................7
UNDERPINNING SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ........................................................ 10

1. Underpinning Science and Mathematics.........................................................10
US1 Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and
methodology necessary to underpin their education in their
engineering discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and
engineering context, and to support their understanding of
historical, current, and future developments and technologies;..............10
US1m A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own
specialisation and related disciplines;.....................................................10
US2m An awareness of developing technologies related to own
specialisation; .........................................................................................10
US2 Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles
necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline
and to enable them to apply mathematical methods, tools and
notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering
problems; ................................................................................................11
US3m A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical
and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an
appreciation of their limitations; ..............................................................11
US3 Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other
engineering disciplines to support study of their own engineering
discipline. ................................................................................................12
US4m An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including
some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively
in engineering projects............................................................................12
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ..................................................................................... 13

2. Engineering Analysis ........................................................................................13
E1 Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply
them to analyse key engineering processes;...........................................13
E1m An ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and
emerging technologies;............................................................................13
E2 Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems
and components through the use of analytical methods and
modelling techniques; ..............................................................................16

E3 Ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software
relevant to their engineering discipline, in order to solve engineering
problems; .................................................................................................18
E2m Ability to apply mathematical and computer-based models for
solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the
limitations of particular cases;..................................................................18
E4 Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to
engineering problems. .............................................................................20
E3m Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply
in its solution using computer based engineering tools when
appropriate...............................................................................................20
DESIGN .............................................................................................................. 22
3. Design.................................................................................................................22
D1 Investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including
environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and
risk assessment issues; ...........................................................................22
D2 Understand customer and user needs and the importance of
considerations such as aesthetics; ..........................................................22
D3 Identify and manage cost drivers; ............................................................22
D4 Use creativity to establish innovative solution..........................................22
D5 Ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of the problem including
production, operation, maintenance and disposal; ..................................22
D6 Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes...............................22
D1m Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design
processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt
them in unfamiliar situations; ...................................................................22
D2m Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems,
components or processes to fulfil new needs. .........................................22
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT ............................................ 24

4. Economic, Social, and Environmental Context ..............................................24
S1 Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic context
of engineering processes;........................................................................24
S2 Knowledge of management techniques, which may be used to
achieve engineering objectives within that context; .................................24
S3 Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to
promote sustainable development; ..........................................................24
S4 Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements
governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety,
and risk (including environmental risk) issues; ........................................24
S5 Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and
ethical conduct in engineering. ................................................................24
S1m Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and
business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be
applied appropriately;...............................................................................24

S2m The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through
some understanding of the basis of such risks. .......................................24
ENGINEERING PRACTICE ..................................................................................... 26

5. Engineering Practice .........................................................................................26
P1 Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment,
processes, or products; .............................................................................26
P1m A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and
some appreciation of likely new developments; ........................................26
P2m Extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of
engineering materials and components;....................................................26
P2 Workshop and laboratory skills;.................................................................29
P3 Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be
applied (e.g. operations and management, technology development,
etc);............................................................................................................30
P3m Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of
commercial and industrial constraints........................................................30
P4 Understanding use of technical literature and other information
sources; .....................................................................................................31
P5 Awareness of nature of intellectual property and contractual issues;........31
P6 Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry
standards; ..................................................................................................32
P7 Awareness of quality issues; .....................................................................32
P8 Ability to work with technical uncertainty. ..................................................33

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LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR BENG AND MENG
DEGREE PROGRAMMES
0. Introduction
In December 2003 the Engineering Council UK published the United Kingdom Standard for
Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) 1 which defines the threshold standards of
competence and commitment required for the registration of Chartered Engineers and
Incorporated Engineers. Under UK-SPEC the decision to accredit a degree programme as
satisfying the educational requirements for CEng or IEng registration will be made on the
basis of the programme delivering learning outcomes that have been specified by the
accrediting professional body.
Engineering is an enabling discipline which is expanding steadily as new knowledge is
discovered and the range of degrees accredited by the Institution is already very broad. In
addition many practising engineers work in multi-disciplinary teams which require an
understanding of a set of common engineering principles for accurate communication. The
learning outcomes specified for IET accredited programmes have been developed to provide
for variety and flexibility in the design of programmes and encourage innovation while
maintaining a core understanding of engineering principles.
To enable expression of these different learning outcomes as a function of subject area they
have been grouped under the themes listed in Table 1:
THEME
THEME
CODE
A Electrical Engineering
B Electronic Engineering (Analogue/Digital)
C Control and Instrumentation Engineering
D Communication Engineering
E Manufacturing Systems Engineering
F Digital Systems Engineering
G Computer Systems Engineering
H Software Engineering/Computer Science
Table 1. List of Themes
It is important to emphasise that these theme headings do not amount to prescriptive degree
curricula but are exemplars for traditional sub-disciplines accredited by the Institution of
Engineering Technology. Thus a degree with the title Electrical Engineering and Electronics
might be expected to produce graduates who are capable of demonstrating the learning
outcomes in the themes coded A, B, C, D, F and perhaps, to a lesser extent, G and H.
1
UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), Engineering Council UK,
December 2003.

The Degree Accreditation Committee encourages the development of innovative courses for
example to address new and emergent technologies or meet new market demands. It will
expect the organisation requesting accreditation for a particular degree programme to
identify which elements of the above themes A H are brought together to make up the
programme. It is unlikely that a programme containing none of these themes would be
accredited by the Institution, although the Committee is always prepared to consider
modifications or extensions to the table.
In addition to the themes A H listed in Table 1 above there is a need to introduce a further
category, Theme I, which serves as a reminder that some programmes combine electrical
and electronic engineering with other subjects. Examples of the latter include management,
music, medicine and the biosciences. This document makes no attempt to define the
learning outcomes associated with subjects that might be included in Theme I.
Sections 1 to 5 list the five learning outcomes in engineering as defined in the UK-SPEC
Accreditation Handbook 2 . In each case a statement of the UK-SPEC generic learning
outcomes is followed by the discipline-specific exemplars that have been developed by the
Institution. Where necessary the discipline-specific exemplars are expressed separately for
each of the sub-discipline themes A H.
The present document must be read in the context of the two UK-SPEC documents
mentioned previously1, 2. These identify the MEng degree and the BEng honours degree with
further learning as recognised routes that can be followed to achieve registration as a
Chartered Engineer. Desired learning outcomes have been defined for both the BEng
honours degree and the MEng degree and these can be found in the UK-SPEC Accreditation
Handbook. They are repeated in the relevant sections of the present document and have
been colour coded to enable them to be readily identified. Thus the learning outcomes in
pale green boxes (or dotted line) apply to both the BEng honours and MEng degrees
whereas those in purple boxes (or continuous line) are characteristic of the enhanced
outcomes expected of MEng graduates. The latter will be expected to solve a substantial
range of engineering problems and will have acquired the ability through involvement in
industrial and group design projects which will have had a greater degree of industrial
involvement than those in the Bachelors degree. These activities should give students
greater capacities for independent action, accepting responsibilities, formulating ideas
proactively, planning and developing strategies, implementing and executing agreed plans,
leading and managing teams, evaluating achievement against specification and plan and
decision making3. The specific characterisation of MEng graduates has been identified for
each learning outcome.
Degree programmes have aims and expected learning outcomes and these are normally
captured in programme specifications. The course units or modules of which the programme
is composed are similarly specified in terms of their aims and learning outcomes and these
must necessarily be congruent with the aims and learning outcomes for the programme as a
whole.
One of the primary goals of accreditation is to verify that the aims and learning outcomes of a
degree programme and its constituent components are consistent with the standards
expected of a professional engineer. This task reduces to one of mapping and auditing the
declared outcomes for the programme against the UK-SPEC learning outcomes and thereby
ensuring that all of the facets required of a chartered engineer are developed in the graduate
output.
In preparing for accreditation, departments will need to provide a commentary explaining how
this mapping is achieved as well as supplying evidence which demonstrates convincingly
that graduates from the programme have achieved the desired learning outcomes. Following
2
The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK Standard for Professional
Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), May 2004.
3
QAA Engineering Benchmark Review Group Draft 6

an accreditation visit a report will be prepared highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of
the programme and, where necessary, identifying any action points that will need to be
addressed before accreditation can be confirmed.
Further details of the accreditation process can be found in the relevant IET accreditation
guidelines.

UNDERPINNING SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
1. Underpinning Science and Mathematics
Students must be able to demonstrate:
US1 Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology

necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, to enable
appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their
understanding of historical, current, and future developments and technologies.
In addition, MEng graduates may be characterised by the following attributes:
US1m A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own

specialisation and related disciplines;
US2m An awareness of developing technologies related to own specialisation.
Discipline-Specific Exemplars
With reference to learning outcome US1 (and, in the case of MEng students, US1m and
US2m), the underpinning scientific principles and methodologies that relate to Themes A
H in Table 1 (page 7) are:
Electricity and magnetism

Electromagnetic theory
Circuit Theory
Basic Coherent and non-coherent optics,
Properties of materials
Heat and Thermodynamics
Basic quantum theory
Fundamentals of mechanics
Basic fluid mechanics
Vibrations and waves

US2 Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles necessary to

underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to
apply mathematical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis
and solution of engineering problems.
US3m A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and

computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of
their limitations.
With reference to learning outcomes US2 (and, in the case of MEng students, US3m), the
underpinning mathematical principles that relate to Themes A H in Table 1 (page 7) are
encompassed by the range of topics listed below. A more detailed guide to the
mathematical principles that relate to specific themes can be found in Appendix A.
Mental approximation Discrete mathematics (Sets & logic etc.)

Algebraic manipulation Boolean algebra (Switching theory)
Dimensional analysis Number systems & codes
Solution of simultaneous and quadratic Permutations and combinations
equations Probability & statistical analysis
Complex numbers Discrete probability
Trigonometry Bayes rule
Differential & integral calculus Analytical geometry
Line, area & volume integrals Recursion
Probability & statistical analysis Algorithmic strategies
Vector algebra Fundamental algorithms
Exponential, hyperbolic & inverse Complexity classes P & NP
functions
Asymptotic analysis
Fourier analysis
Proof techniques
Laplace transforms
Graphs and trees
Z transforms
Optimisation methods
Convolution
Neural networks
Matrix methods
Solution of ordinary & partial differential
equations
Taylor & McLaurins series
120 degree operator
Vector calculus
Bessel functions

US3 Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other

engineering disciplines to support study of their own engineering discipline.
US4m An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside

engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
These learning outcomes are self-explanatory and need no further elaboration.

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
2. Engineering Analysis
E1 Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to

analyse key engineering processes.
E1m An ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging

technologies.
To establish whether learning outcome E1 (and, in the case of MEng students, E1m) is
being achieved, accreditors will seek to determine whether students can demonstrate
competence in areas that are substantially equivalent to those listed below:
Theme A: Electrical Engineering

Understand and apply mathematical, scientific and engineering principles and tools to the
analysis, synthesis, performance assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation of electrical
engineering processes and systems including:
Circuit theory for the steady-state and transient solution of direct current, single-phase ac
and symmetrical and asymmetrical polyphase circuits
Analogue and digital electronics and associated components
Electromagnetic and electrostatic fields
Measuring equipment and transducers
Electronic Devices
Static and rotating electrical machines
Power conversion and drive systems
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Mathematical modelling

Theme B: Electronic Engineering (Analogue/Digital)
Apply physical principles and quantitative methods to the development of abstract models for
electronic components including
Passive components (e.g. resistors, capacitors and inductors)
Semiconductor devices (e.g. diodes, bipolar junction transistors
Field effect transistors and operational amplifiers).
Demonstrate an understanding of the trade-off between the complexity of the abstract model
and its ability to accurately predict device behaviour.
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the range of applicability of abstract models
of electronic components and their fundamental limitations in linear and non-linear circuit
applications.
Theme C: Control and Instrumentation Engineering

Understand and apply mathematical, scientific and engineering principles and tools for the
analysis, synthesis, performance assessment, critical appraisal and evaluation of control
systems including:
Circuit theory for steady state and transient solution of direct and alternating current
circuits
Analogue and digital electronics and associated components
Active and passive filters and signal processing
Operational amplifiers and feed back control
Classical control theory
Stability criteria Root locus, Bode, Nyquist, Routh Hurwitz
Application of Z transforms
Measuring equipment and transducers
Electronic devices
Mathematical modelling
Theme D: Communication Engineering

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of communication principles and an ability to
apply them to the analysis of communication systems, including:
Fundamental concepts of information theory
Application of Fourier analysis
Communication channels (wired and wireless)
Analogue and digital signals and systems
Electromagnetic propagation and antennas
Concept of the radio spectrum
Modulation and coding techniques
Organisation and operation of communications networks
Network architectures and protocols
Principles of cellular communications and mobile systems
Noise in communications systems

Theme E: Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Demonstrate the ability to apply manufacturing engineering principles to select the optimum
processes for manufacturing components and assemblies, taking into account the design
requirements, nature of customer demand and the level of investment available.
Theme F: Digital Systems Engineering

Demonstrate an understanding of:
Electronic components, digital circuits and logic families and an ability to characterise
them.
Ability to use combinatorial and sequential logic circuits.
Basic computer structure (microcomputer and DSP) and an ability to use computers in
real-time applications.
Number systems and their application.
Ability to use VLSI systems and techniques.
Theme G: Computer Systems Engineering

Demonstrate an understanding of:
Architecture and organisation
Fundamentals of programming
Programming languages
Principles of operating systems
Real time systems
Distributing computing
Software engineering
Human-computer interaction
Cryptography
Graphics and visual computing
Computational methods
Theme H: Software Engineering/Computer Science

Apply computing theory including
Those listed above in Theme G and the following:
Requirements elicitation and analysis
Formal description and specification techniques
Software design
System models
Software tools and development environments
Prototyping and evolution
Integration of software components verification and validation
Software documentation
Information management
Information models and systems
Database systems

Transaction processing
Distributed databases
E2 Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and

components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques.
To establish whether learning outcome E2 is being achieved, accreditors will seek to
determine whether students can demonstrate competence in areas that are substantially
equivalent to those listed below:

See Learning Outcome E1, Theme A.

Apply analytical methods (i.e. circuit theory) and modelling techniques (i.e. electronic device
models) to the identification, classification and description of electronic circuits and their
performance in response to a range of externally applied stimuli.
The range of circuits should include:
Amplifiers
Signal Generators and Waveshaping Circuits
Power Supplies and Voltage Reference Circuits
Mixed Analogue-Digital Circuits
Optoelectronic Devices and Circuits

See Learning Outcome E1, Theme C.

Apply mathematical methods and modelling techniques to the analysis of communications
systems, in particular digital systems and networks.

Demonstrate the ability to design and evaluate manufacturing systems at three levels:
Strategic level including topics such as international productivity and cost comparisons,
location decisions, make versus buy etc.
Factory level covering different types of operations such as job shop, cell, flow line,
continuous process etc. Use modelling and simulation software to compare alternatives
for different levels of customer demand in terms of volume and variety.

Machine level looking at inner loop and outer loop control, cell control systems, for
example this might include basic familiarity with FMS software management techniques,
robotic/automation capabilities and CNC programming.

Model the components in digital circuits to analyse both circuit and logic behaviour and
determine their performance.
Model simple and complex combinatorial and sequential logic circuits to determine
speed, area, power consumption, etc.
Model and analyse a computer's performance in real-time systems and to analyse real-
time responsiveness.
Apply number systems as appropriateness in hardware and software systems.
Analyse VLSI circuits to determine speed, area, power consumption, etc.

Demonstrate an understanding of the main areas of the body of knowledge in computer
engineering and be able to exercise critical judgement across a wide range of issues
involving performance trade-offs, implicit in systems engineering, between hardware and
software in particular to be able to use appropriate metrics at the systems, sub-system
and component level to predict and evaluate total system performance.

Design an integrated system including as appropriate
Demonstrate an understanding of the main areas of the body of knowledge in software
engineering and be able to exercise critical judgement across a wide range of issues
involving performance trade-offs and the use of appropriate metrics at the system, sub-
system and component level to predict and evaluate total system performance.

E3 Ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to their

engineering discipline, in order to solve engineering problems.
E2m Ability to apply mathematical and computer-based models for solving problems
in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

Understand, apply, select and challenge appropriate quantitative methods and computer
software tools for the evaluation, analysis and solution of electrical engineering problems and
situations. Examples include:
Iterative techniques
Nodal and mesh analysis
Matrix inversion

Use quantitative methods and appropriate computer software tools to solve engineering
problems involving the analysis of electronic circuits. The types of analysis will generally
include the following:
DC operating point and transfer characteristic
AC transfer characteristic
Transient analysis (time domain)
Spectral analysis (frequency domain)
Noise analysis
Sensitivity analysis (optimisation)

Understand, apply, select and challenge appropriate quantitative methods and computer
software tools to the evaluation, analysis and solution of control engineering problems and
situations. Examples include:
Transfer function analysis
Stability analysis

Apply quantitative methods and appropriate computer software tools (e.g. spreadsheets,
MATLAB) to the analysis and solution of problems in communication systems.

Demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software to solve
problems and evaluate alternatives for:
Production control techniques such as MRP, JIT and OPT and have a knowledge of
highly integrated ERP packages.
Incentive, reward and motivation schemes and management techniques that optimise
the contribution of each individual towards the organisations goals.
Quality management techniques including metrology, statistical methods and design of
experiments.
Performance Measurement techniques such as OEE, Productivity Measures, Balanced
Scorecard and how these should be used for driving improved performance.

Use schematic entry, hierarchy, hardware description, and finite state design tools to
represent a complex digital design.
Simulate at the functional and timing level to verify the correct working of a digital design.
Use software tools to synthesise and implement a digital design in a variety of
programmable implementation styles.
Use development tools to design, program, implement and test real-time systems with
time critical behaviour.
Use advanced VLSI design tools in the implementation of integrated circuits.

Demonstrate an understanding of critical analysis and application of a range of concepts,
principles and practices of computer engineering in the context of loosely specified problems,
showing competent judgement in the selection of metrics, tools and techniques.

Demonstrate an understanding of critical analysis and application of a range of concepts,
principles and practices of software engineering in the context of loosely specified problems,
showing competent judgement in the selection of metrics, tools and techniques.

E4 Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering

problems.
E3m Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply in its
solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

Apply the concepts associated with Learning Outcomes E1 (Theme A) and E3 (Theme A) to
the design application and utilization of electrical and electronic equipment with emphasis on
a systems approach to real world problems and applications.

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of system-on-chip design methodologies and
apply them to the top-down design of electronic systems.

Apply the concepts associated with Learning Outcomes E1 (Theme C) and E3 (Theme C) to
the design, application and utilization of control equipment with emphasis on a systems
approach to real world problems and applications.

Apply a systems approach to the analysis and design of communication systems.

Apply a systems approach to the analysis and design of manufacturing systems.

Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to apply top-down digital design methods in
the synthesis of a digital system.

Demonstrate the competencies involved in problem identification, analysis, design and
development of a computer system, together with relevant and appropriate documentation.
This work must show an understanding of a range of problem solving and evaluation skills,
together with an ability to marshal supporting evidence in favour of the chosen approach.

In addition, demonstrate an understanding of the construction and design of systems which
are nested hierarchies of other systems.

Demonstrate the competencies involved in problem identification, analysis, design and
development of a software system, together with relevant and appropriate documentation.
This work must show an understanding of a range of problem solving and evaluation skills,
together with an ability to marshal supporting evidence in favour of the chosen approach.
In addition, demonstrate an understanding of the construction and design of systems which
are nested hierarchies of other systems

DESIGN
3. Design
Design is the creation and development of an economically viable product, process or

system to meet a defined need. It involves significant technical and intellectual challenges
and can be used to integrate all engineering understanding, knowledge and skills to the
solution of real problems.
Graduates will therefore need the knowledge, understanding and skills to:
D1 Investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including

environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk
assessment issues;
D2 Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations

such as aesthetics;
D3 Identify and manage cost drivers;
D4 Use creativity to establish innovative solution;
D5 Ensure fitness for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production,
operation, maintenance and disposal;
D6 Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
D1m Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and

methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations;
D2m Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or

processes to fulfil new needs.

To establish whether learning outcomes D1 to D6 (and, in the case of MEng students, D1m
and D2m) are being achieved, accreditors will seek to determine whether students can
demonstrate competence in areas that are substantially equivalent to those listed below:
All Themes A H
(i) Use a structured design process such as:
Neutral Problem Statement
Marketing and Design Specifications
Selection of Evaluation Criteria
Selection and development of Concepts
Detail Design
Verification and Testing
Manufacturing Implementation
Product Launch
either using and demonstrating competence in each step or demonstrating why it is not
relevant for the specific project.
(ii) Demonstrate familiarity with common tools and techniques such as:
Material selectors
Process selectors
CAE techniques
Product costing
Innovation and creativity tools
Quality function deployment
Value analysis
Failure mode effect analysis
Design for manufacture and assembly
(iii) Understand the concepts of new product development management such as:
Project management
Change management
Concurrent engineering
Team working
Health and safety management
Risk management
Supply chain management
Product planning
Design quality management

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT
4. Economic, Social, and Environmental Context
S1 Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic context of

engineering processes;
S2 Knowledge of management techniques, which may be used to achieve

engineering objectives within that context;
S3 Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote

sustainable development;
S4 Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing

engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including
environmental risk) issues;
S5 Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct
in engineering.
S1m Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business

practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately;
S2m The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some
understanding of the basis of such risks.
To establish whether learning outcomes S1 to S5 (and, in the case of MEng students, S1m
and S2m) are being achieved, accreditors will seek to determine whether students can
demonstrate competence in areas that are substantially equivalent to those listed below:
All Themes A H
(i) Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic context of engineering
processes such as:
The market
Technology exploitation
Business planning
Finance

(ii) Knowledge of management techniques which may be useful to achieve engineering
objectives within a commercial and economic context, such as:
Project management,
Risk management
Decision making
Operations management
(iii) Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable

development such as:
Sustainable design and manufacture
Waste management and recycling
National, EU and world legislation
(iv) Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering

activities, including personnel, health, safety, environment and risk such as:
Data Protection Act
Freedom of Information Act
Health and safety legislation and regulation
Functional safety and safety critical systems with applicable Standards (e.g. IEC
61508)
Environmental legislation
Contract law
Copyright and patent law
Professional and product liability
(v) Understanding the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in
engineering such as:
Professional Body Code of Conduct (e.g. IET Rules of Conduct)
Ethical theory
Awareness of ethical dilemma by means of case studies

ENGINEERING PRACTICE
5. Engineering Practice
This involves the practical application of engineering skills, combining theory and experience,
and the use of other relevant knowledge and skills.
P1 Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or

products.
P1m A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some
appreciation of likely new developments;
P2m Extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering

materials and components.
To establish whether learning outcome P1 (and, in the case of MEng students, P1m and
P2m) is being achieved, the coverage of engineering practice will depend on the type of
programme considered for accreditation. Accreditors will seek to determine whether
students can demonstrate competence in areas that are substantially equivalent to those
listed below:
Themes A G
(i) Demonstrate competence in:
Acquired engineering skills
Combining theory and experience
Other relevant knowledge and skills
and an ability to apply these competencies to practical engineering processes,
situations and problems.
(ii) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operating principles of essential test
and measurement equipment, including instruments for the measurement of:
DC and AC voltage, current and power
Electrical resistance, capacitance and inductance
Time and frequency

and an ability to apply these instruments to practical engineering processes, situations
and problems.
Additional competencies that are specific to individual themes are listed below:

Appreciating the characteristics, properties and applications of materials applicable to
electrical engineering equipment and manufacturing
Acquiring knowledge of engineering processes used in electrical engineering equipment
and applications.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the equipment, materials and processes
employed in the design, production and testing of electronic circuits and systems, including:
Specialised test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, function
generators, spectrum analysers and semiconductor parametric test equipment
Electronic Design Automation tools
Semiconductor Integrated Circuit (IC) fabrication technology
PCB production and hybrid technologies
Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

Appreciating the characteristics, properties and applications of materials applicable to
control and instrumentation engineering equipment and manufacturing
Acquiring knowledge of engineering processes used in control and instrumentation
engineering equipment and applications.

employed in the design, production and testing of communications systems, including:
Specialised test and measurement equipment such as signal generators, network
analysers, spectrum analysers, frequency counters and power meters
Electronic Design Automation tools
MMIC fabrication technology
Antennas and waveguides
Fibre optic communications equipment

Identify and understand the capabilities of a broad range of standard production equipment
for example:
Machining centres
Robots
Metal forming equipment
Joining and cutting processes and equipment
Process and light assembly equipment

The student should be able to operate at least one manual machine tool and write a
programme for a computer-controlled device.

employed in the design, production and testing of digital systems, including:
PCBs and their performance at high frequency, modern manufacturing methods for
PCBs and packaging and assembly methods
Logic analysers and high frequency oscilloscopes and linked operation of these to carry
out complex testing work
Performance of connections on PCB structures and signal path matching
Operation of driver circuits to meet signalling or protocol standards on busses or
backplanes
VLSI circuit manufacturing processes and impact on and performance at sub-micron
levels
Microcomputer development systems for designing and testing a real-time application
Electronic Design Automation Tools

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
Software implementation methods for compilers, interpreters, operating systems, device
drivers etc.
Methods for implementing computer simulators to assess computer performance using
conventional languages, hardware description or specialist languages

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
Programming fundamentals
Operating systems
Software tools, development environments, libraries and reusable components

,P2 Workshop and laboratory skills.
To establish whether learning outcome P2 is being achieved, accreditors will seek to

Demonstrate understanding of workshop and laboratory skills:
Health, safety and environmental considerations and appropriate risk assessment
Metrology; measurement and calibration
Electrical circuit protection; Fuses, MCBs & RCDs
Performance testing
Engineering drawing and CAD
Non destructive testing

Work safely in a workshop or laboratory environment while using:
(i) A range of tools and techniques related to the assembly of electronic circuits and
systems, including:
Printed circuit board assembly (component selection and insertion)
Soldering
Circuit prototyping techniques (e.g. wire-wrapping)
Simple metal working (drilling, bending, fastening)
(ii) A range of equipment to perform measurements and procedures of relevance to
analogue electronic engineering, including:
Electronic component characterisation and testing
DC characterisation and testing of electronic circuits (dc voltage and current
measurements; input and output resistance; gain; power consumption)
Characterisation and testing of electronic circuits in the time domain (measurement
of period and delay; transient response)
Characterisation and testing of electronic circuits in the frequency domain
(measurement of amplitude and phase; frequency response)

See Learning Outcome P2, Theme A.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of high speed oscilloscopes and network analysers

Demonstrate proficiency in:
The handling of engineering information. This ranges from interpreting engineering
specifications, standards and drawings either in paper or electronic format to preparing
and ensuring the effectiveness of process instruction sheets for operators.
The ability to critique design proposals from a manufacturing perspective and contribute
to design for manufacture teams.
Using expert knowledge. Manufacturing is a multi-disciplinary subject and it is important
that students understand the limitations of their own knowledge and where to search for
greater expertise.
Integrating the narrow expert view into the wider practical problem.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of:
High speed oscilloscopes and logic analysers
Microcomputer/DSP development tools
Digital CAD tools, including PCB, programmable components and VLSI implementation
styles (i.e. all the tools listed in association with Learning Outcome P1 Theme F)

Demonstrate practical knowledge of designing a method to evaluate and assess the
performance of a computer system against its design requirements.

Demonstrate practical knowledge of designing a method to evaluate and assess the
performance of a software system against its design requirements
P3 Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g.

operations and management, technology development, etc).
P3m Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial

and industrial constraints.
To establish whether learning outcome P3 (and, in the case of MEng students, P3m) is
All Themes A H
Understanding of the professional engineering principles applicable to the management of
engineering projects as well as operation and maintenance of industrial processes. This
requires a working knowledge of:

Manufacturing processes
Written and oral communications
Plant, process and product whole life cycles and applicable design criteria
Plant and equipment monitoring and performance assessment
Product testing
Reliability engineering
Product research and development
Financial control and capital expenditure appraisal
Planning and time control
Management of health and safety Hazard and risk analysis
Environmental management
P4 Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources.
All Themes A H
Familiarity in obtaining, searching and interpreting technical literature and other
documentation from various sources.
P5 Awareness of nature of intellectual property and contractual issues.
All Themes A H
Awareness of the nature, relevance and implications of legal frameworks including:
UK contract law
Intellectual property rights
European and international

P6 Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards.
All Themes A H
An understanding of the requirements of engineering documentation including:
Customer specifications
Industrial engineering specifications
Engineering codes of practice
Engineering standards (British, European and International)
P7 Awareness of quality issues.
All Themes A H
Appreciation of the principles of quality systems and their application to the manufacture of
electrical and electronic engineering components and systems:
Applicable standards e.g. ISO 9001:2000
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Quality tools and control systems
Inspection
Document control
Material and component specification and traceability

P8 Ability to work with technical uncertainty.
All Themes A H
Ability to manage technical uncertainty:
Scenario analysis and identification of credible options
--------- END ---------

Appendix A This matrix relates to Learning Outcomes US2 and US3m of the IET Hand book
Electronic Software
Control and Manufacturing Computer
Electrical Engineering Communication Digital Systems Engineering/
Subject area: Engineering analogue and
Instrumentation
Engineering
Systems
Engineering
Systems
Computer
Engineering Engineering Engineering
Digital Science
Mathematics and Underpinning Science
Mental Approximation Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Algebraic Manipulation Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Solution of Simultaneous
and Quadratic Equations Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Complex Numbers Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Trigonometry Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Differential & Integral
Calculus Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Solution of ordinary and
partial differential equations Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Dimensional Analysis Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Line, Area & Volume
integrals Y Y Y Y
Probability & Statistical
Analysis Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Vector Algebra Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Exponential, Hyperbolic &
Inverse Functions Y Y Y Y
Fourier Analysis Y Y Y Y Y Y
Laplace Transforms Y Y Y Y
Convolution Y Y Y Y Y Y
Matrix Methods Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Z Transforms Y Y Y Y
Taylor & Maclaurin Series Y Y
IET Learning Outcomes 3.5.doc, 03/10/2006 34 of 36

Electronic Software
Instrumentation
Engineering
Systems
Engineering
Systems
Computer
Digital Science
120 Degree Operator Y
Bessel Functions Y
Vector Calculus Y Y
Boolean Algebra (Switching
Theory) Y Y Y Y Y
Number Systems & Codes Y Y Y Y Y
Analytical Geometry Y Y
Permutations and
Combinations Y Y Y
Discrete Mathematics (Sets
& Logic etc.) Y Y Y
Graphs and Trees Y Y Y Y
Asymptotic Analysis Y Y Y
Proof Techniques Y Y
Discrete Probability Y Y
Bayes Rule Y Y
Recursion Y Y
Algorithmic Strategies Y Y
Fundamental Algorithms Y Y
Complexity Classes P & NP Y Y
Optimisation Methods Y Y Y Y
Neural Networks Y Y

Electronic Software
Instrumentation
Engineering
Systems
Engineering
Systems
Computer
Digital Science
Fundamental Scientific Principles
Newton's Laws of Motion Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Circular Motion Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Forces, Energy and Work Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Vibrations and Waves Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Coherent/ non-coherent No Specific
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Competencies
Optics
required but
Basic Quantum Physics Y Y Y Y Y Y Y individual
Thermal Analysis including Student
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Heat Transfer achievements
Basic Properties of will be
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Materials assessed
Basic Electrical and during the
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Magnetic principles selection
DC Electric Circuits Y Y Y Y Y Y Y process
AC Electric Circuits Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Measurement of Flow,
Pressure, Temperature,
Y Y Y Y
Position, Force, Velocity
and Acceleration

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IET HANDBOOK OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

FOR BENG AND MENG DEGREE PROGRAMMES

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LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR BENG AND MENG DEGREE PROGRAMMES ..................... 7

UNDERPINNING SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ........................................................ 10

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ..................................................................................... 13

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ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT ............................................ 24

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ENGINEERING PRACTICE ..................................................................................... 26

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Table 1. List of Themes

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1. Underpinning Science and Mathematics

Students must be able to demonstrate:

US1 Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology

In addition, MEng graduates may be characterised by the following attributes:

US1m A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own

US2m An awareness of developing technologies related to own specialisation.

Electricity and magnetism

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US2 Knowledge and understanding of mathematical principles necessary to

In addition, MEng graduates may be characterised by the following attributes:

US3m A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and

Mental approximation Discrete mathematics (Sets & logic etc.)

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US3 Ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other

In addition, MEng graduates may be characterised by the following attributes:

US4m An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside

These learning outcomes are self-explanatory and need no further elaboration.

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Students must be able to demonstrate:

E1 Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to

In addition, MEng graduates may be characterised by the following attributes:

E1m An ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging

Theme A: Electrical Engineering

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Theme C: Control and Instrumentation Engineering

Theme D: Communication Engineering

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Theme F: Digital Systems Engineering

Theme G: Computer Systems Engineering

Theme H: Software Engineering/Computer Science

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Students must be able to demonstrate:

E2 Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and

Theme A: Electrical Engineering

Theme B: Electronic Engineering (Analogue/Digital)

Theme C: Control and Instrumentation Engineering

Theme D: Communication Engineering

Theme E: Manufacturing Systems Engineering

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Theme F: Digital Systems Engineering

Theme G: Computer Systems Engineering

Theme H: Software Engineering/Computer Science

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