Summer Learnin', Had Me A Blast

The past few months have been a whirlwind. I’ve now passed two modules of my first year at the OU: engineering with a distinction, and the maths module with a level 2 pass which I am so proud of, because that module was brutal.

The maths exam was entirely online, just a matter of entering answers into a box on the exam site, so no extra points for showing your working. It was similar to the practice papers we’d been given, which was both a blessing and a curse. The final two questions on those practice papers were absolute killers and I ended up not being able to complete them. But I do think it was those two questions that taught me the most (outside of the explicit maths of course), because now I know where to focus my revision for next time, and that’s a win in my book.

We had to submit rough working to ensure we didn’t use AI, which is a concept I still find baffling for university work. I’ve heard reports of students using AI to cheat, but we’re here to actually learn the content. AI has its uses, but cheating on assignments that test our ability to succeed and understand isn’t one of them. That said, I do plan to do the Google AI Professional Certificate in the coming months to ensure I can use AI efficiently and ethically. AI is transforming engineering, by optimising supply chains or simulating complex systems, and I want to be part of the innovation that’s happening in that space. AI can be used as a tool to solve problems faster and smarter, not to avoid the hard work and humanity of something like learning.

The day after the maths exam we were off to the first of two weddings, this one in the south of France, then it was on to Norway to celebrate my 30th birthday with the people I love the most. We explored Bergen and Oslo, and in my (completely unbiased) opinion, Bergen is the superior city. Being surrounded by nature while still being in the second-largest city in the country is something special.

While in Norway we took the Bergensbanen, which, for the uninitiated, is an engineering marvel. It is a train line that connects Bergen to Oslo, climbs over 1200 metres above sea level, and traverses some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe if not the world. It’s a masterclass in how infrastructure can coexist with nature. As a certified public transport nerd, it was pure magic. And seeing fresh snow on the mountains in June was otherworldly.

Bergensbanen views

After a week back home, it was off to Devon for a stag do. Another stunning location, another inexplicably fun time with the best people. My competitive side came out during the activities, and I now know two things for certain: I can no longer hit a ball with a rounders bat, and I can run ferociously after three strikes. Because persistence beats perfection every time. Failure is data and now I definitely know how to not hit a ball.

Worse places for a stag...

A few more weeks at home were spend studying my current module, Engineering: Frameworks, Analysis, Production, and completing its most recent assignment. The questions were a delight, because we had two design tasks. The first was to check material utilisation of an invented product of our choice. I went with a cat door - something I built to stop the cats from getting into my room while still allowing airflow through the house in the summer months. The second task was a manufacturing exercise, where we had to list the steps for the theoretical production of an item. We had a few options but I chose a coat rack. The coat rack was made of metal (sure for its industrial vibes, but moreso for its structural integrity and finishing options to protect against wet coats), had a shelf and removable pegs on threads that can be moved into different positions for children or people with accessibility needs. I’m a little sad I don’t have the welding gear to make it myself, because I ended up falling in love with it and needing it in my house.

Coat rack in all her glory

Speaking of things I need in my house: Battersea Power Station. If they could miniaturise it and put it in my living room that would be grand. This is, of course, not simply a random statement, but near the location of our second wedding of the year, taking place at the beautiful Fulham Palace with some beautiful people and a beautiful day to cry in a chapel from pure joy. The day after was my second visit to Battersea Power Station, but I must be clear, I’m not there for the consumerism; I’m there for the building itself, the icon of industrial design and history that she is. Once the heart of London’s electricity supply, the power station is a testament to how we can revive historic structures for modern use. Think of the construction and creativity it took to transform the building from function to function. Great design comes from vision, adaptability and a respect for the past, something I am hoping to learn more of during my studies at the Open University.

From the top of the Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station

The module will soon be coming to a close, and it’s been fascinating to dive into the heavier side of the industrial processes and materials science. Of course the design process is where I get to let my creativity flow freely, so that has been a highlight. I’m looking forward to all three modules that start in October, but I feel the Design for Engineers module will be a welcome brain-side-switch from mechanical engineering and other core concepts we’ll be tacking. That said, I’m already prepared for some more maths.

So, only one more module result to go before Stage 1 is over and we move into Stage 2, ramping up the intensity in terms of content and adding an extra module into the mix. It’ll all be worth it in the end… I just wish my textbooks would hurry up and arrive already.

Happy summer!