Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ENGI4301: GROUP DESIGN PROJECT

Department: Engineering

ENGI4301: GROUP DESIGN PROJECT

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H300
Tied to H420

Prerequisites

  • MEng(Overseas)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module is for students intending to fulfil the requirements of the M.Eng streams in General Engineering (H100), Mechanical Engineering (H300) and Aeronautics (H420).
  • The module enhances graduates' understanding of the design process and the way advanced theoretical work contributes to design.
  • The module gives an introduction to the New Product Development process (NPD) and how it operates in a real engineering environment.

Content

  • Design Project.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • An understanding of how specialised, theoretical knowledge supports the design process.
  • An understanding of the different stages of a complex engineering design process, from problem conception to detailed design.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Specification, planning and management of an engineering design project.
  • Application of specialised theoretical knowledge gained from other courses to the novel solution of a problem.
  • Preparation and delivery of an in-depth technical report.
  • Preparation and delivery of a group technical presentation.
  • Preparation and delivery of a concise commercial feasibility report.
  • Providing an imaginative and innovative solution to a complex technical problem.
  • The specialised use of IT relevant to engineering, such as project management software, electronic circuit simulation software and fluid simulation software.
  • Application of design processes in a professional environment.
Key Skills:
  • Effective communication of advanced technical information.
  • Team working in combination with independent research.
  • Ability to seek out relevant information from a variety of sources.
  • Ability to organise a body of information into a coherent structure.
  • Time and resource management.
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Students undertake a multi-disciplinary group design project which requires the application of highly specialised and advanced computational and analytical knowledge and skills. They are required to plan and manage the project with the assistance of a design tutor who acts in a consultative capacity. The assessment of this element is based upon a substantial, written report which brings together, and takes responsibility for, the specialised contributions of team members. All aspects of the project are taken into consideration, including the feasibility report, the presentation, the quality of the final design, the management of the project and team-working. The report must demonstrate the ability to work within the bounds of professional practice.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 1 1 in term 1. 1 hour 1
Project meetings 12 3 in term 1, 1 per week in term 2 1 hour (first meeting only) or 2 hours 23
Preparation, design work and reading 176
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Continuous Assessment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Feasibility Report, Presentation and Design Report. 18 weeks 100% No

Formative Assessment:

None


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University