This is a foundational course that equips students with the basic concepts of current engineering practice. It is a pre-requisite for the subsequent engineering design courses. It has three elements; a lecture series, computer aided design (CAD) practicals using CATIA and workshop practicals using the lathe. In the lecture series, student are introduced to the systems engineering approach to complex engineering problems, introduced to the main manufacturing processes and taught the fundamentals of fastenings, cutting tools and mechanical assemblies (fits, limits and tolerances).