Tech-driven: the innovations of Automotive Engineering

This is a Mechanical engineering Subject Spotlight with Rex Keen from the University of Bedfordshire. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Mechanical engineering.

Take this Subject Spotlight to...

Join Rex Keen in this Subject Spotlight as he explores the fast-paced and innovative world of Automotive Engineering! He begins by explaining what exactly Automotive Engineering is, why it's so important, and what Automotive Engineers actually do. He also explores some examples of the unexpected applications of Automotive Engineering! Rex then takes a deep dive into suspension, and its role and importance within vehicle design. He explores what it is, how its design has developed over time, the different types of suspension, and the importance of suspension geometry in designing effective suspension systems. Rex also explores chassis design in depth. He considers what chassis is and why it is so essential, how different types of chassis have developed, and the various applications of these different types. Finally, Rex sets you a task to apply your knowledge about vehicle suspension. He begins with a recap of the key components that influence a vehicle’s suspension before asking you to complete some calculations to help you understand how Automotive Engineers work with applied mathematics to design different types of car suspension.

Take Subject Spotlight

About University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire provides you with a professional learning environment, as well as practical, real-world opportunities to develop your experience so that you’re ready to seamlessly take on the world of work. The Luton campus and accommodation are centrally located, and just a short distance from London – a 25-minute train journey. Bedfordshire believes in supporting students through their time at university and offer a range of well-being and financial initiatives. At Beds, they know going to university isn’t just about gaining a great degree; it’s also about developing skills and having experiences that will help you become a well-rounded individual who stands out from the crowd.

Meet the academics

Rex Keen

Mr Rex Keen is a member of The Society of Automotive Engineers and has spent a lifetime in Professional Motorsport as a Race Engineer and Technical Director before he moved to the Education sector. He obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Must University, USA. Rex also has been awarded a Diploma in Race Engineering from the Motorsport Industry Association UK, an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, and a Diploma in Computer-Aided Design from TAFE Australia. Rex moved from Australia to the UK in 2008 to work for Ferrari in the World SportsCar Championship. Prior to joining the University of Bedfordshire, Rex’s past teaching expertise includes at the National College for Motorsport Silverstone Mercedes Benz UK, the Training Centre Motorsport Industry, the Association Race Engineers School and Intercomp Instruments (the largest manufacturer of Motorsport measuring instruments and component testing equipment in the world). His research interests cover vehicle dynamics, alternative fuels and vehicle simulation.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in, and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Other Subject Spotlights for University of Bedfordshire

See all

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!