Course content
Year 1- Level C
Design Methods and Projects
You will learn how to develop an approach to simple designs that is creative, dynamic and structured. You will develop time and project planning techniques. You will solve a series of design problems using the skills gained from other units from the first year.
Materials and Processing
You will gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the intelligent selection and specification of suitable materials and production techniques for design. You will learn about the important properties of various metals, plastics, ceramics and composites and why and how they are important in selecting materials and processing methods in product design. You will also learn about the energy and other environmental issues related to materials and their processing.
Design Media
You will learn to present two and three dimension drawings, renderings and designs using both manual and computer visualisation techniques. Further you will be shown how to present design media at a professional level in an industrial situation.
Technological Principles
You will learn how basic scientific fundamentals can help both in the generation of ideas and the proof of solutions, and gain a working knowledge and understanding of a range of mathematical, algebraic, physical and technological principles appropriate to the generation and development of realisable solutions of design problems.
Engineering Applications
In this module, you will learn how to develop an understanding and the ability to apply a range of mechanical and electronic engineering principles. You will also be able to identify the issues involved with these and be able to use simulation tools to aide understanding of the principles.
Year 2 - Level 1
Design Projects
In this module, you will be able to approach increasingly complex designs in a creative, dynamic and professionally structured manner. It promotes, through project work, the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to engage in Design. You will combine techniques, methods and knowledge from a variety of subjects in order to undertake and successfully complete a variety of different projects.
Design for Production
You will further enhance your appreciation of manufacturing and production techniques. This unit covers a broad range of topics from processing considerations to the planning and optimisation of production, and is particularly significant in preparing you for your third year in industry.
Design Visualisation
You will develop further understanding and application of the principles of design visualisation and presentation and use applied 3-D modeling techniques to aid the visualisation, realisation and presentation of your designs. You will also gain the knowledge to support areas of the design process by use of computer and/or physical modelling and presentation skills and be able to apply an integrated workflow using a balanced range of tools and techniques. Finally, you will develop an understanding and application of colour, texture and light through use of computer and/or manual techniques.
Design Mangement and Commercialisation
You will be introduced to the aspects of business and management and will conclude in the final year with the Business Development unit. Students will have an understanding of how they can identify and exploit the company's strengths and evaluate the external opportunities for competitive products.
Engineering Simulation
In this module, you will be able to function and participate in most engineering design practices and be able to perform adequately with minimum levels of dependency and support from others by becoming aware of the new technologies that are available to assist understanding and application of mechanical and electronic concepts. You will become familiar and equipped with industry standard simulation technologies and tools available for today’s design engineers.
Year 3
Industrial Placement (min 40 weeks)
Year 4 - Level H
Final Design Project
In this module, the main aim is to consolidate the application of design criteria to design process, through facilitating an individual, final design project. You will direct, organise, manage and document an entire final design project. You will apply, utilise and manage CAD tools throughout a final design project. You will justify design decisions throughout specification, concept and detail design stages. You will identify design for the needs/requirements of people/technology/industry/society. You will present and communicate design intentions through CAD visualisation media.
Business Development
You will gain a knowledge of the importance of strategic management and how it interacts with the business development process. Your approach to strategic management and thinking will be developed to heighten your entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. This will enhance your capacity to recognise and capitalise on competitive and innovative opportunities in a changing business environment.
Advanced Technology and Innovation
You will learn to further develop a working knowledge and understanding of an increased range of engineering techniques and processes and the associated analytical tools to gain confidence in applying them to engineering design and technological problems at a professional design engineer level. You will be introduced to innovative and advanced technologies related to design and engineering in order to promote creativity, efficiency and innovation. Your problem solving skills will be enhanced and you will develop a learning-centred approach to professional life.
