Information for new Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students

Congratulations on securing your place at The University of Manchester! We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the Department. Here you will find all the information you need to get started at the University, including all of the available events happening over Welcome.

All these sessions are mandatory and will take place online. 

Week 1 - week commencing 21 September

Your induction session was on Monday 21 September, but don't worry if you missed it - all sessions are being recorded so you can watch it back at your convenience in your programme's Blackboard area.

The rest of the University sessions this week are available to book on the What's on page.

Week 2 - week commencing 28 September

During this week there will be several events that you will need to attend as a new undergraduate student. 

  • Welcome to the Department which will include a welcome message from our Head of Department and will also offer a more in depth look at the programme you will be studying.
  • What is Blended Learning and how does it work? This is your opportunity to learn how the University of Manchester and the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering will be approaching blended learning. How does this work for you as students and how can you be prepared to make the most of this style of teaching.
  • Mandatory Online Assessments which are assessments on Health and Safety and Academic Malpractice which you are required to complete in Blackboard. These modules are compulsory for all new students and you must complete these before starting any lab based work in the Department.
    • Health and Safety – MACE13110
    • Academic Malpractice – MACE14100
  • Diagnostic Exercise will take place on the Blackboard unit MATHS19661.
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  • Introduction to PASS and student wellbeing, our Peer Assisted Study Sessions for all 1st Year students. This scheme is a great way to get help with your studies from your peers and make some great friends along the way. Our PASS sessions are fun and engaging and this session will let you meet your leaders and meet students from your programme. This session will also include a guide to some wellbeing support available to you throughout your studies.
  • An introduction to Academic Advising, covering what you can expect from your academic advising sessions. Each student is assigned an academic adviser, a member of academic staff who can help you during your studies.
  • Future Climate Change Challenges in Engineering, a Climate Change lecture delivered by Professor Alice Larkin, to discuss the challenges engineers face when it comes to climate change and how we can make a difference.

Personal timetable of events

Once you have activated your account and confirmed your attendance you will be able to gain access to the University Student Portal ‘My Manchester’ where you will be able to access a personal timetable that will include all the events that you will need to attend for your programme during the welcome and induction period. There will also be further information available to you in your Departmental Blackboard Area.

Getting started with your studies

You can also get ahead with some of your recommended reading and take the practice maths diagnostic test (we know this isn't a fun way to start the term, but it is important).

Recommended reading

Engineering Mathematics

  • Author: K A Stroud
  • Publisher: Palgrave; 7th edition, 2013

Mathematics for Engineers

  • Author: Dr Anthony Croft and Robert Davidson
  • Publisher: Prentice Hall

Maths diagnostic test

When you join our Department, we will ask you to take the maths diagnostic test. This test is compulsory but you shouldn't be worried about it. We use the test to help us assess your knowledge of mathematics and offer you suitable options for progression. We also use it to assign your tutorial groups so the support you receive from us is tailored to your abilities.