This combined program has two components. Mechanical Engineering is concerned with the design, development, construction, operation and maintenance of machines, plants and factories. Manufacturing Engineering is concerned with the application of basic scientific and engineering knowledge to the development, manufacture and distribution of goods of all types. The school has strong links with industry, making site visits and collaboration on undergraduate thesis projects easy and the staff has a wide range of experience, both in research and industry, and the combination is a powerful influence. The school has first-rate laboratories, workshops and computing facilities, which are considered essential for a well-rounded engineering education.