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Student experience

We offer a lively and rewarding environment for students
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At LSBU, we’ve been educating professional engineers for over 125 years. That history lays a rock-solid foundation where amazing facilities, academic excellence and cutting-edge research combine. This creates an exciting, dynamic environment for both teaching and learning.

Extracurricular Activities

Engineering students at LSBU have a variety of extracurricular activities to take part in. Our talented students share their first-hand experiences.

Dragone  Club

Inspired by dragonflies, this project focuses on using biometrics to enhance drone flight.

The team has successfully developed a flapping mechanism, and corrugated wings and conducted testing. Their goal is to participate in the Natural Robotics Competition 2024.

Students can get involved in this project to develop skills in:

  • teamwork, collaboration and communication
  • research
  • technical skills such as CAD, prototyping, design fabrication, testing and experimentation.

The Dragone Club has surpassed expectations under the leadership of Hamed Rajabi and a dedicated team. This diverse group, consisting of individuals from various backgrounds, divisions, and years, fosters creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, and ingenuity.

Develop small, human-friendly dragonfly-inspired drones that can fly in proximity to people, and then participate in an international drone-design competition. Email Hamed Rajabi, rajabijh@lsbu.ac.uk

Micro Python Robotics Extra Curricular Activities

This project is led by Juan Felipe Proano, who uses PyCharm to code a small Microbit robot.

Students go through the basics of Python programming, covering different parts of the robot week by week, and then use this knowledge to create code.

In 2023 the robot had to move through a 3D-printed maze, and students had free reign on how the robot could move. Students came from different engineering disciplines to have fun or learn coding for their course.

David Cheadle, MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering student joined the robotics club to learn more about robotics, learning coding in Python and controlling robots. He says the "highlight has been competing in the Unibots competition in Cambridge" in 2023, where the team came third overall. The winner of the 2023 micro python competition was Linda Irakoze, who will also be running for 2023–2024 with a new challenge.

Learn microcontroller programming and hardware to build and navigate a robot car. Email Juan Felipe Proano Vasconez, proanovj@lsbu.ac.uk.

AI and Machine learning boot camp

If you're interested in AI and machine learning, this bootcamp is for you!

You don't need experience in data science to take part. Dr Ali Salimian will take you through the basics of Python programming on Google Collaboratory, deep learning and artificial neural networks.  Google Collaboratory is well-suited for machine learning, and casual AI is increasingly changing the way businesses make decisions.

Two Electrical and Electronic Engineering students, Arman Sarabian and Alexandru Mihai Sara, joined the club due to their interest in AI and machine learning. They say it has kickstarted their programming skills, and appreciate the straightforward and hands-on approach of the course.

The club will run online outside of usual lecture times. Participants will have access to tutorials and weekly challenges.

Design and build robotics

Do you want to learn how to build robots and program them? Joining a robotics club might be the perfect way to get started!

Ran by former student Jerome Alexander Graves, the Robotics Society came third in the 2023 Unibots competition.

Weekly meetings involve practical engineering and creative thinking as they build a robot from scratch, utilising all aspects of engineering to learn how to program, build and control robots.

This interdisciplinary team is a great way to meet like-minded people, in different years and courses. There is a big focus on teamwork, research, the transfer of knowledge and skills from your course to the project, and innovation.

Student David Simon Cheadle, part-time MSc in electrical and electronic engineering, talked about his experience in how the club allowed him to explore the practical aspects of robotics, learning alongside his modules, and how by joining more than one activity (Micro python and Robotics) he was able to transfer knowledge between both in order to succeed in the competitions.

Formula Student

If you’re a fan of cars, mechanics, motorsport or Formula 1, then this is a great place to turn that hobby into a reality. Our team takes part in the national Formula Student competition every year, and are responsible for building and racing their own vehicle.

The student-run club runs like a business, and requires everybody to collaborate. Students say it’s challenging, rewarding, and high-pressure, but there is competition and comradery among the group.

There is a wide range of people involved from across the School of Engineering and other degrees such as fashion, film, business and sport.  The success of project lies in the diversity of the students! There are lots of roles available and you can use knowledge of CAD, lab skills, and electrical engineering to further the project. It opens huge opportunities by preparing you for jobs in the future, and even though there is lots of work, it is extremely gratifying.

The team has accomplished a lot. Joseph Hutchinson, Nathan Walsworth, Jo D’arcy, and Dom Goluch say the highlights of their time were: passing scrutineering out of 67 teams so the car could race, attaining an A+ on the SCS, passing the final break test, and getting the car working.

Joseph Hutchinson states it was the "greatest achievement and not like anything else!". Is the perfect place to advance your experience in engineering and make friends along the way. The best part is that you get to see Silverstone first-hand.


Be a part of the team who design and build the university's racing car, to compete on the track at Silverstone next summer. All skills needed - programmers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs. Email Craig Porley - craig.porley@lsbu.ac.uk.

Energy Advice Centre (EAC)

This EAC was founded in December 2022 in response to rising energy costs. Student consultants give tailored advice on cutting energy costs to local residents and business owners.

Shwan Hussein Awla (Masters in Mechanical Engineering) is a student adviser greeting customers in the shopfront writing up reports from residents based on details given under the supervision of a technical supervisor. It’s a great opportunity to implement and apply the knowledge learned in class to real-world issues and give it back to society.

This programme helps students grow professionally by giving them the opportunity to apply and develop practical skills in a customer-focussed setting. For example:

  • customer service,
  • interpersonal skills
  • technical knowledge
  • report writing.

The EAC has received plenty of positive feedback from customers, including one who successfully got government support and funding after receiving EAC advice.

Shwan says, "It was a joyful moment when you see the positive impact of our services on the residents."

Joining the EAC can help with applying for placements and internships. There’s also gratification in knowing you’re helping your community and getting access to in-depth knowledge about energy consumption.

Aim93

This adventurous student team, led by Barney Townsend, is on a mission to build the world’s fastest bike which aims to achieve a grand speed of 93 mph. The team has the opportunity to travel to Nevada for test drives seeing what records they can break and competing in the World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) every September.

Mozes Baiden (Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering student) has been involved in the project for the past year and has been involved in developing systems for the project and designing the electronics for the vision system. There is much to do in the project and they’re looking for dedicated people willing to learn new skills, be challenged and apply their engineering knowledge, such as programming and design, in a practical setting.

Baiden says his favourite moment was the adrenaline rush he got when racing the bike witnessing the team's hard work paying off and said it “has been invaluable in expanding my knowledge and practical skills.” For engineering students, this is the perfect project if you enjoy challenging thrilling experiences and want to reinforce the lessons from the classroom into practical application.

Be part of the project to design and build the world's fastest bicycle. Email Barney Townsend, barney.townsend@lsbu.ac.uk.

Green Energy Society

Make green everyday products and learn to engineer our sustainable future. Email Maria Centeno, centenom@lsbu.ac.uk. 

Silent Film Processing

Work on a live project with a film archive, using deep learning models to add subtitles to silent films. Email Daqing Chen, chend@lsbu.ac.uk.

CAD Club

Learn advanced CAD, gain industry-recognised qualifications, compete nationally, and work on design-and-build projects. Email Peter Wong, peter.wong@lsbu.ac.uk.

Material Futures Design Lab

Work in the emerging field of biomaterials, regenerative design and the circular economy. You'll get the chance to experiment and make your own biomaterial. Email Susana Soares, soaress@lsbu.ac.uk.

REFORM

Get a practical understanding of recycling, and make something new from something old, in hands-on projects with injection moulding and casting. Email Ben Clarke, ben.clarke@lsbu.ac.uk.

Industry 4.0

Learn how machines can communicate and collaborate to create new products and services: robot programming, digital twining, process planning, machine vision, and AI-based digital life-cycle management solutions. Email Bugra Alkan, alkanb@lsbu.ac.uk.

IMechE Design Challenge

Next year, LSBU will host the finals of the IMechE Design Challenge. Be part of the student teams who build tabletop vehicles for the competition. Email Elisa Puccinelli, guimare4@lsbu.ac.uk.

Industrial Site Visits

Go and see engineering in action. We're arranging a variety of field trips to engineering sites, including geothermal facilities, chemical plants, and engineering for nuclear power. Email Anna Axelsson, a.k.axelsson@lsbu.ac.uk.

Mandarin Lessons

We want future engineers to be able to collaborate internationally, so we're offering taster sessions in mandarin, the official language of China. Email Ben Lishman, ben.lishman@lsbu.ac.uk.

Learning with Experts

Come and hear guest speakers from across engineering, design and computing science - from our recent graduates to established leaders in the field. Email Deborah Andrews, deborah.andrews@lsbu.ac.uk

The LSBU Energy Advice Centre

The LSBU Energy Advice Centre offers paid employment to students, giving advice to our local community on how to reduce energy bills and design green homes. Email Kristina Kerwin, kerwink2@lsbu.ac.uk

LSBU Pop-Up Shop

You'll be mentored to develop, design and manufacture small gift items, which you can then sell through the LSBU pop-up shop. This is a chance to generate real income from your creativity, engineering and design skills. Email Alessio Corso, corsoa@lsbu.ac.uk

SoE Indoor Games

A chance to get together and play tabletop games, including mancala, carrom, cricket darts, and tower-of-cards. Email Paul Carden, paul.carden@lsbu.ac.uk.

LSBU Robotics Society

Design and build robots to compete in national competitions. Last year we came third in the UK: this year we want to improve on that! Email Jerome Graves, gravesj2@lsbu.ac.uk.

Thanks to the following students and staff for helping to create this article:

  • Arman Sarabian
  • Alexandru Mihai Sara
  • Benjamin Lishman
  • David Simon Cheadle
  • Dr Ali Salimian
  • Dom Goluch
  • Grace Anthony
  • Joseph Hutchinson
  • Jo D’arcy
  • Juan Felipe Proano
  • Nathan Walsworth
  • Shwan Hussein Awla.

Case Studies

Mahesh Dissanayake, BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering, international student

Yasmin Harris-Boadi, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Imedouane Abdoullah, Belgian student, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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