Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enhance the ability of the student to undertake a project as part of a team, working to time scales, specifications and budgets negotiated with other team members.

Outline Of Syllabus

This collaborative undertaking culminates in a group assignment dedicated to conceiving and constructing a sophisticated system or device or solution, requiring the integration of diverse skill sets across multiple disciplines. Project specifications may be sourced from a local company or a research group within the university, offering valuable guidance throughout the project's evolution. Each project engages groups comprising three to six students, contingent on the scale of the academic stage. A significant portion of the project involves meticulous group coordination and seamless integration of individual contributions. Progress is systematically tracked through monthly formal meetings overseen by two academic staff monitors, ensuring constructive oversight and guidance.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

The knowledge outcomes from this project will be multi-faceted, involving not only conceptual and procedural knowledge associated with the project in general, but also strategic involving planning and organisational strategies etc. at group level.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon completion of the engineering project, students will have acquired a comprehensive skill set and knowledge base, demonstrating the ability to:

>Apply Engineering Principles: Effectively apply theoretical knowledge and engineering principles to real-world challenges. (M1)
>Problem-Solving Proficiency: Demonstrate problem-solving skills. (M2- M6, M9)
>Team Collaboration: Exhibit strong teamwork and collaboration skills by effectively contributing to a group dynamic, sharing responsibilities, and communicating ideas cohesively within a multidisciplinary team. (M11, M16)
>Project Management Competence: Adhere to timelines, manage resource / budget, meeting minutes. (M18)
>Technical Skills Mastery: Showcase technical skills relevant to the specific engineering problem (M12)
>Communication Skills: Communicate complex engineering concepts effectively, both in written and oral formats. (M17)
>Critical Thinking and Innovation: Demonstrate critical thinking skills and evaluating their feasibility and effectiveness. (M13)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This is a group design exercise which requires students to solve a project design /specifications may be sourced from a local company or a research group within the university.

The rational of the group project is Experiential Learning allowing students to gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities encountered in real engineering projects. This firsthand experience enhances their ability to tackle similar situations in their professional careers. Engaging in collaborative group projects fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. This heightened motivation contributes to a positive learning experience.

The group project is run by the students with oversight by two academics invite along to oversee group meetings as required.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The final student mark is based on a combination of: Demonstration, Presentation, Report and Peer Review. The Report contains a group requirement of project management records to be kept with a project timeline. Within the Report each student has an individual contribution section to enable identification of work and allow the academic to give an individual grade. The Demonstration and Presentation have an individual component, so all the group must contribute to the assessment. Finally, an anonymous Peer Review is completed by each group member, rates their team mates and this is used to scale the awarded student marks (thus none participation ensures a weaker peer review mark compared to group member who may have done all the work).

General Notes

Original Handbook text: