Module Descriptors
DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION
MECH31020
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: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- Coursework - portfolio - (2000 words) weighted at 40%
- Exam - practical exam of CAD skills weighted at 60%
Module Details
Module Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic competence in the use of CAD modelling software Learning
2. Identify key challenges in a design related problem and strategy to solve a range of simple design and communication related challenging problems.
Problem solving
Application
3. Select and implement an appropriate communication method based on information, situation and audience. Communication
4. Communicate and reflect on the personal achievements of self and other members working in a team and understand a successful group dynamic.
Reflection
Communication
2. Identify key challenges in a design related problem and strategy to solve a range of simple design and communication related challenging problems.
Problem solving
Application
3. Select and implement an appropriate communication method based on information, situation and audience. Communication
4. Communicate and reflect on the personal achievements of self and other members working in a team and understand a successful group dynamic.
Reflection
Communication
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. A portfolio of reflective report based on the group work activities of 2,000 words (40%) covering learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4.
2. A practical 2-hour examination of CAD skills using practical expertise and computer software to replicate simple design documentation process (60%) covering learning outcomes 1 and 2
You will be provided with formative assessment and feedback on your work during tutorial sessions.
2. A practical 2-hour examination of CAD skills using practical expertise and computer software to replicate simple design documentation process (60%) covering learning outcomes 1 and 2
You will be provided with formative assessment and feedback on your work during tutorial sessions.
Module Indicative Content
The Design and Communication module will provide you with a range of basic principles and techniques of engineering design process and communication skills. As part of this module you will get to use and develop your design and communication related skills in specific areas of technology as well as gaining knowledge and experiences with group projects that are based on real world engineering problems. You will learn to write reports for group activities and team work at a University level and evaluate, analyse and reflect on your own self-development as well as team development. You will also be taught design strategies and engineering drawing and CAD sketching and editing tools. Following topics and areas will be covered in the teaching and learning sessions of this module;
The Learning Culture and 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. Plagiarism examples 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.
The Learning Culture and 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. Plagiarism examples 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 Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered over two semesters.
A total of 72 hours of contact time will be used, enabling you to learn through different individual and group activities where a blended mixture of lectures and CAD-based practical activities which will allow you to understand basic theories and concepts of design and communication. The allocation of a large amount of contact time will allow you to engage intensively with the module with an emphasis on focussed experiential learning.
A total of 72 hours of contact time will be used, enabling you to learn through different individual and group activities where a blended mixture of lectures and CAD-based practical activities which will allow you to understand basic theories and concepts of design and communication. The allocation of a large amount of contact time will allow you to engage intensively with the module with an emphasis on focussed experiential learning.
Module Texts
Ulrich, K & Eppinger, S. (2011) Product Design and Development, 5th Edn., McGraw-Hill Education, London.
Ostrowski, D. (1997) Engineering Drawing with CAD Applications, Butterworth-Heinemann.
Eissen, K. & Steur, R. (2011) Sketching: the basics, BIS Publishers.
Cottrell, S. (2015). Skills for Success. 3rd Edn., Macmillan Publichers Ltd, Basingstoke.
Northedge, A. & Thomas, J. (2002) The Sciences Good Study Guide, Open University, Milton Keynes.
Ostrowski, D. (1997) Engineering Drawing with CAD Applications, Butterworth-Heinemann.
Eissen, K. & Steur, R. (2011) Sketching: the basics, BIS Publishers.
Cottrell, S. (2015). Skills for Success. 3rd Edn., Macmillan Publichers Ltd, Basingstoke.
Northedge, A. & Thomas, J. (2002) The Sciences Good Study Guide, Open University, Milton Keynes.
Module Resources
PC Laboratories and Engineering Software
Practical construction elements such as Meccano, Lego, Kinetix etc.
2D mechanical CAD software such as AutoCAD
Electrical circuit design software
Practical construction elements such as Meccano, Lego, Kinetix etc.
2D mechanical CAD software such as AutoCAD
Electrical circuit design software