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Study information

Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEMulti-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project CREDIT VALUE30
MODULE CODEENG1005 MODULE CONVENERMr Ceri Howells (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 240
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
The University declared an environment and climate emergency in May 2019. The future of our planet and community is at stake. We know though that simply declaring an environment and climate emergency is not enough so you will be part of a team involved in this real-world Project Based Learning (PBL) module to show our commitment to leading the change required. Your career as a professional engineer will require you to work effectively with multi-disciplinary teams on complex and challenging projects. In preparation for this working environment your first task as a new engineering student will be to work on energy harvesting during this multidisciplinary challenge project.
 
The PBL driving question is ‘How can we harness ocean energy and convert it into reliable, sustainable and cost-competitive electricity that can be used to power homes, transport, and industries’.
 
Your team project will be completed over two terms and PBL will be the vehicle for putting the core knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics into practice in a collaborative group setting. To support your project work you will undertake workshops in study/research skills, sketching, technical communication, 3D modelling and prototyping. Your team PBL project will culminate in a presentation using both multimedia, 3D modelling and basic physical prototyping such as card modelling, 3D printing, laser cutting or blue foam modelling.
 
You must show leadership and courage when presenting your projects and potential solutions that may be part of influencing governments, businesses and communities. 
AIMS - intentions of the module
The purpose of this module is to:
 
Address the climate emergency through a team project focused on energy harvesting. The PBL project will facilitate the application of the core engineering knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics.
 
Develop 21st century skills in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and technology literacy.
 
Gain valuable experience in research/study skills, sketching, technical communication, 3D modelling and prototyping.
 
Steering projects through the design process and creating prototypes for a final PBL ‘Public Product’. 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of energy harvesting and hone your ability to research current and future developments and technologies

2. integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of your own engineering discipline

3. demonstrate understanding of the core knowledge gained in Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics and the ability to apply it to analyse key engineering processes

4. apply computational methods in order to solve engineering problems and to implement appropriate action

5. develop 3D modelling skills and apply them to generate conceptual designs, test prototypes and illustrate final designs

6. demonstrate knowledge and experience of prototyping tools such as laser cutting, card modelling and 3D Printing

7. extract and evaluate pertinent data and apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems

8. work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies

9. show an awareness of the principles of the design process, demonstrate design skills, and incorporate those principles through research and development

10. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes

11. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of individual and project management techniques to ensure individual and project deadlines are met and outcomes are continually monitored and evaluated

12. understand real-world contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied

13. demonstrate knowledge of characteristics of energy harvesting equipment, processes, or products

14. apply prototyping skills to the PBL driving question

15. communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences and have the ability to present ideas effectively

16. understand the use of technical literature and other information sources and document appropriate references

17. work with technical uncertainty

18. work as part of a team, resolve conflict and assess your own and others skills and performances

19. work independently, using IT and personal skills such as time and stress management, monitoring your own progress, generating ideas, setting realistic targets, reflecting on the effectiveness of your learning strategies and modifying your targets and learning strategies appropriately
 
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
1: Introductory Lecture:
2: Project Launch – energy harvesting  inspiration:
3:  Circular economy: 
4:  Multi-media communication:
5: Study skills:
6: Research skills:
7: Freehand sketching:
8: Technical communication:
9: Computer aided 3D modelling tutorials and practice CSWA exam: 
10: Prototyping:
11: Project management:
12: PBL support sessions:
13: Presentation skills:
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 70 Guided Independent Study 230 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 10 Lectures
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 25 Tutorials, SolidWorks
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 10 Low-fi concept prototyping and maker space prototyping
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 20 PBL facilitator group support
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 5 Project Launch
Independent study 230 Research, development, 3d modelling, innovation, multimedia

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of assessment Size of assessment ILOs assessed   Details
PBL Support Sesion 2 hours All   Verbal feedback from panel

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (hours) ILOs assessed Feedback method 
Coursework - Certified SolidWorks Associate 15% 3 hours - exam 5 Instant feedback post exam
Coursework - Table of Research Findings 10% 750 words/student 1-4, 6-19 Written feedback
Coursework - Group Project Design Specification 10% 4 x A4 pages  1-4, 6-19 Written feedback
Coursework - Minutes of Meetings 5%

1 x A4 page/fortnight

All No feedback given
Presentation - Concept Design 20% 10 min presentation  All Verbal feedback from panel
Final Presentation - Concepts, Detailed design, final design and prototype 30% 10 min Presentation All Verbal feedback from panel

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Final Presentation - Concepts, Detailed design, final design and prototype Presentation - Concepts, Detailed design, final design and prototype (60%) - 17 slides 5 Referral/deferral period
N/a Project Gantt Chart (10%) - 2 slides 1-4, 6-19 Referral/deferral periodd
N/a Hypothetical Group Scenario (20%) - 1 slide 1-4, 6-19 Referral/deferral period
N/a Groupwork Essay (10%) - 750 words All Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE:

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Gordon, J. E. Structures: or why things don’t fall down 10: 0306812835
Set Jarvis, Chase Creative Calling Harper Business 2019 10: 0062879960
Set Norman, Don The Design of Everyday Things Revised and Expanded Edition MIT Press 2013 10: 0262525674
Set Petroski, Henry To Engineer is human: the role of failure in successful design Vintage Books 10: 0679734163
Set Redwood, Ben, Filemon Schöffer & Brian Garret The 3D printing handbook 10: 9082748509
CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 16th December 2021 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 28th May 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Multi Disciplinary, innovation, offshore, sustainability, circular economy, prototyping, design, collaboration, energy harvesting

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.