MSc Anthroengineering

Modules are informed by applied research from within the department and from close links within industry and enterprise organisations.

There are two pathways being offered. Those with a background in engineering (or a similar field) take the Engineering Pathways. Those with a background in anthropology (or a similar field) are encouraged to take the Anthropology Pathway.

Engineering Pathway

• Introduction to Anthropology and Biology
  This module provides primer information on (biological) anthropology and biology for those with a background in engineering or related disciplines. Topics covered in this module range from hominins and human evolution to biological variation and primatology. It will bridge archaic and topical concepts ranging from who are we and how did we get here? to race as a social construct.
• Mechanical Modelling of Biological Systems I: Physical to Digital World
  This is the first of two modules on the mechanical modelling of biological systems. When constructing mechanical models, data must be acquired from the real-world and translated into the digital one. These data include geometry, boundary conditions, such as forces and motion, and mechanical properties. Here, students will be taught traditional and state-of-the-art methods related to the acquisition of this data, along with the underlying theories for these methods. By combining theory with hands-on experience, students will leave this module with the ability to gather and post-process data relevant to the creation of digital mechanical models.
• Hard Tissue Biology and Mechanics
  Primates have an internal skeletal system that provides support and structure to the body. The teeth, responsible for food item breakdown and energy intake, are the only portion of the skeleton exposed to the external environment. Lacking self-repair mechanisms, dental enamel exhibits unique adaptation against mechanical failure. This module will cover the basics of hard tissue biology and physiology. The mechanics and mechanical adaptations of hard tissues will be investigated in the context of primate and hominin evolution.
• Technical Research and Professional Skills
  This module teaches how to search and gather relevant technical information, how to extract the essence from a piece of technical literature, how to carry out a critical review of a research paper, how to write a feasibility report, how to give presentations and put your thoughts across effectively, and how to manage a project in terms of time and progress in a group project environment. These objectives are designed to enhance the technical and analytical background that is necessary for the respective Master’s stream.
• Seminar Series
  In this module, we will invite experts who use theories and methods from both anthropology and engineering in their research and/or work to give talks on their areas of expertise. Students will be provided with a list of speakers at the beginning of the semester and are expected to research the speakers before the talk. Group discussions about the topic and its relevance to anthroengineering will occur after presentations.
• Musculoskeletal Evolutionary Biomechanics
  This module focuses on the relationship between muscles, bones, and movement in the human body. It teaches students methods for capturing, processing, and interpreting motion capture and electromyography data. It discusses trade-offs between form and function, and how to biomechanical data in an evolutionary framework. Finally, it discusses how biomechanical studies can be used to reconstruct the lives of our ancestors, and how human biological variation effects biomechanical performance today. 
• Mechanical Modelling of Biological Systems II: Digital Models, Validation, and Interpretation
  This is the second of two modules on the mechanical modelling of biological systems. This module focuses on the construction of biomechanical models of hard tissues using the data acquired using methods from mechanical modelling part I, the validation of these models, and interpretation of the results in both mechanically and biologically relevant manners. Two classes of models – finite element and musculoskeletal models (linking Musculoskeletal evolutionary biomechanics module with this one) – will be focused on for this module. Validation methods are introduced, discussed, and applied.
• Design Anthropology
  This module will cover how human-centred design and ethnographic methods work together to understand the interactions between people and technology. This includes design ethnography: how to understand different users and specific cultural and social contexts using human-centred design methods. It will also include an introduction to observation and documentation methods such as visual (digital photography and video), user-centred and participatory design approaches
• Project in Engineering
  This module requires MSc students to undertake a major project in an area that is relevant to their MSc course. Students choose their projects by contacting relevant research centre academics and engage on actively creating a project title and expected outcomes, carrying it out under the guidance of their supervisor. At the end of the project, the students are required to present a dissertation, which forms a major element of the assessment. The dissertation assesses the student’s ability to integrate information from various sources, to conduct an in-depth investigation, to critically analyse results and information obtained and to propose solutions. The other element of the assessment includes an oral examination (viva-voce). The Individual Project carries 60 credits and is a major part of MSc program.

Anthropology Pathway

• Solid Mechanics and Materials
  This module will give you a broad introduction to the properties and limitations of engineering materials and an understanding of the fundamental structural characteristics governing these properties. The module will also introduce you to the fundamental concepts of engineering mechanics, particularly statics at BEng Level 4. The module will emphasise the relationship between theory and real engineering systems, and will involve a set of appropriate practical laboratory experiments.
• Mechanical Modelling of Biological Systems I: Physical to Digital World
  This is the first of two modules on the mechanical modelling of biological systems. When constructing mechanical models, data must be acquired from the real-world and translated into the digital one. These data include geometry, boundary conditions, such as forces and motion, and mechanical properties. Here, students will be taught traditional and state-of-the-art methods related to the acquisition of this data, along with the underlying theories for these methods. By combining theory with hands-on experience, students will leave this module with the ability to gather and post-process data relevant to the creation of digital mechanical models.
• Hard Tissue Biology and Mechanics
  Primates have an internal skeletal system that provides support and structure to the body. The teeth, responsible for food item breakdown and energy intake, are the only portion of the skeleton exposed to the external environment. Lacking self-repair mechanisms, dental enamel exhibits unique adaptation against mechanical failure. This module will cover the basics of hard tissue biology and physiology. The mechanics and mechanical adaptations of hard tissues will be investigated in the context of primate and hominin evolution.
• Technical Research and Professional Skills
  This module teaches how to search and gather relevant technical information, how to extract the essence from a piece of technical literature, how to carry out a critical review of a research paper, how to write a feasibility report, how to give presentations and put your thoughts across effectively, and how to manage a project in terms of time and progress in a group project environment. These objectives are designed to enhance the technical and analytical background that is necessary for the respective Master’s stream.
• Seminar Series
  In this module, we will invite experts who use theories and methods from both anthropology and engineering in their research and/or work to give talks on their areas of expertise. Students will be provided with a list of speakers at the beginning of the semester and are expected to research the speakers before the talk. Group discussions about the topic and its relevance to anthroengineering will occur after presentations.
• Musculoskeletal Evolutionary Biomechanics
  This module focuses on the relationship between muscles, bones, and movement in the human body. It teaches students methods for capturing, processing, and interpreting motion capture and electromyography data. It discusses trade-offs between form and function, and how to biomechanical data in an evolutionary framework. Finally, it discusses how biomechanical studies can be used to reconstruct the lives of our ancestors, and how human biological variation effects biomechanical performance today. 
• Mechanical Modelling of Biological Systems II: Digital Models, Validation, and Interpretation
  This is the second of two modules on the mechanical modelling of biological systems. This module focuses on the construction of biomechanical models of hard tissues using the data acquired using methods from mechanical modelling part I, the validation of these models, and interpretation of the results in both mechanically and biologically relevant manners. Two classes of models – finite element and musculoskeletal models (linking Musculoskeletal evolutionary biomechanics module with this one) – will be focused on for this module. Validation methods are introduced, discussed, and applied.
• Design Anthropology
  This module will cover how human-centred design and ethnographic methods work together to understand the interactions between people and technology. This includes design ethnography: how to understand different users and specific cultural and social contexts using human-centred design methods. It will also include an introduction to observation and documentation methods such as visual (digital photography and video), user-centred and participatory design approaches
• Project in Engineering
  This module requires MSc students to undertake a major project in an area that is relevant to their MSc course. Students choose their projects by contacting relevant research centre academics and engage on actively creating a project title and expected outcomes, carrying it out under the guidance of their supervisor. At the end of the project, the students are required to present a dissertation, which forms a major element of the assessment. The dissertation assesses the student’s ability to integrate information from various sources, to conduct an in-depth investigation, to critically analyse results and information obtained and to propose solutions. The other element of the assessment includes an oral examination (viva-voce). The Individual Project carries 60 credits and is a major part of MSc program.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

This MSc includes lectures, guest lectures from other academics and industries, seminars, practical laboratory experiments, practical application of taught methods, tutorials, practical workshop classes, practical laboratory experiments, and field trips.

You will learn both individually and in groups. Each module is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, etc. all of which amounts to directed teaching (classroom contact). There is a variance in the makeup of the number of hours dedicated to lectures, workshops, etc. but the total number of study hours attached to each module is dependent on the module weighting in credits. Typically, a 20-credit module is attached to 200 hours of learning which constitutes both directed learning and independent learning (1 credit is equal to 10 hours). This is split between contact time and independent learning. Generally, this equates to a maximum of 78 hours of contact time per module, and a minimum of 122 hours of independent learning time.

In order to be considered for entry to the course, applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:

• A degree equivalent to UK Honours degree (minimum 2nd class) in Mechanical Engineering, Anthropology, or related disciplines (e.g., electrical engineering, physics, general biology)

or

• Professional qualifications (e.g., CENG) along with several years of relevant industrial experience. The relevant industrial experience is to be assessed by the Course Director. Relevant industrial experience could include working in museums, constructing / analysing 3D engineering / mathematical models, and / or field work.

A minimum GCSE / Level 2 Functional Skills or equivalent in maths are recommended. If you have concerns about your mathematical abilities, please email the course director.

Accreditation of Prior Learning / Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APL / APEL) will not be allowed on the course.

Overseas applicants are encouraged to apply. They are required to have a minimum English language IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any of the components.

This course is recruiting for September 2022; the fee that is quoted is for September 2022.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 226 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 226 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations; read notices of PhD studentships.