Module Descriptors
DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION
MECH30487
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 3
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Christopher Wayman
Email: C.J.Wayman@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 96
Independent Study Hours: 204
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- COURSEWORK - REFLECTIVE REPORT weighted at 50%
- LAB BASED CLASS TEST (Allocate Slot on ExTimetable SUG2) weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The Learning Culture
Learning styles, teaching vs learning. Familiarisation with VLE particularly Blackboard. Library Introduction, how to access library catalogue, how to perform a basic literature review.
Introduction to Plagiarism
What is plagiarism? How to avoid accusations of plagiarism. The consequences of plagiarism. The importance of correct referencing in reports. Examples of locating plagiarism using Turnitin.
Communication
Presentation skills including PowerPoint. Academic and technical report writing skills. Effective use of Word for report writing.
Design skills
Reading a technical drawing. Dimensioning and tolerancing techniques. 2D CAD - creating and editing geometry, annotating drawings.
Reading circuit diagrams. Understanding electronic symbols for resistance, capacitance etc. 2D CAD ¿ creating and editing circuits, annotating drawings.
Sharing CAD drawings electronically, file formats and data exchange.
Group working
Understanding group dynamics, roles and responsibilities, leading a group and documenting progress. For each engineering design challenge different roles will be assigned to students.
Problem Solving
Prototype design and construction using standard components and appropriate software. Practical tasks to solve a variety of problems.
Sketching
Understand the advantages of visual communication. Choosing the correct communication medium for a given audience. Practical exercises will be introduced through which taught skills can be demonstrated.
Learning styles, teaching vs learning. Familiarisation with VLE particularly Blackboard. Library Introduction, how to access library catalogue, how to perform a basic literature review.
Introduction to Plagiarism
What is plagiarism? How to avoid accusations of plagiarism. The consequences of plagiarism. The importance of correct referencing in reports. Examples of locating plagiarism using Turnitin.
Communication
Presentation skills including PowerPoint. Academic and technical report writing skills. Effective use of Word for report writing.
Design skills
Reading a technical drawing. Dimensioning and tolerancing techniques. 2D CAD - creating and editing geometry, annotating drawings.
Reading circuit diagrams. Understanding electronic symbols for resistance, capacitance etc. 2D CAD ¿ creating and editing circuits, annotating drawings.
Sharing CAD drawings electronically, file formats and data exchange.
Group working
Understanding group dynamics, roles and responsibilities, leading a group and documenting progress. For each engineering design challenge different roles will be assigned to students.
Problem Solving
Prototype design and construction using standard components and appropriate software. Practical tasks to solve a variety of problems.
Sketching
Understand the advantages of visual communication. Choosing the correct communication medium for a given audience. Practical exercises will be introduced through which taught skills can be demonstrated.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Student must be registered on the Foundation Year in Engineering.
Module Resources
Practical construction elements such as Meccano, Lego, Kinetix etc.
2D mechanical CAD software such as AutoCAD
Electrical circuit diagram software
2D mechanical CAD software such as AutoCAD
Electrical circuit diagram software
Module Texts
Product Design and Development, Ulrich & Eppinger, (2011), McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 0073404772
Engineering Drawing with CAD Applications, D Ostrowsky, (1997), ISBN: 0340706023
Sketching : the basics, Eissen, Koos .Steur, Roselien, (2011), Amsterdam, ISBN: 9063692536
Skills for Success, Cottrell, Stella (2003), Palgrave MacMillan, ISBN: 1-4039-1132-0
Engineering Drawing with CAD Applications, D Ostrowsky, (1997), ISBN: 0340706023
Sketching : the basics, Eissen, Koos .Steur, Roselien, (2011), Amsterdam, ISBN: 9063692536
Skills for Success, Cottrell, Stella (2003), Palgrave MacMillan, ISBN: 1-4039-1132-0
Module Learning Strategies
1 hour per week as a formal lecture
3 hours per week in laboratories undertaking practical exercises, design challenges and group activities.
3 hours per week in laboratories undertaking practical exercises, design challenges and group activities.
Module Additional Assessment Details
2 equally weighted elements, written report and practical examination
50% weighting for:
1) A final reflective report based on the group working activities. Each student will write a 2000 word reflective report based on a different one of the group’s engineering design challenges and present outcomes to peers and staff assessing learning outcomes 2, 3 & 4
50% weighting for:
1) A practical 2hr examination of CAD skills using practical expertise and computer software to replicate a simple design documentation process assessing learning outcomes 1 & 2
50% weighting for:
1) A final reflective report based on the group working activities. Each student will write a 2000 word reflective report based on a different one of the group’s engineering design challenges and present outcomes to peers and staff assessing learning outcomes 2, 3 & 4
50% weighting for:
1) A practical 2hr examination of CAD skills using practical expertise and computer software to replicate a simple design documentation process assessing learning outcomes 1 & 2