A 3000-word project-based assignment investigating the design process, developing a solution to meet a set design brief and reflecting on engineering and workshop practices weighted at 70%, assessing learning outcomes 2, 3 & 4 meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: C5, C12, C13 & C17

A 1-hour examination focusing on materials properties and manufacturing processes, weighted at 30%, assessing learning outcomes 1 meeting AHEP 4 Outcome: C13

Formative assessment and feedback will be undertaken during the module to assess and develop student learning.

Engineering professional body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 30% unless otherwise stated.

This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge to help develop an understanding of engineering processes, materials, and design methods that you can build upon and utilise for the remainder of your studies.

There are several aspects to the module:

- Introduction to Classifications of materials
- Sustainable Materials and applications in engineering design and product lifecycle
- Atomic Bonding & Crystal Structure
- Properties & Applications of material groups and Ferrous/Non-Ferrous Alloys, Ceramics
- Manufacturing Processes: Shaping, Joining, finishing
- Materials Selection
- The Engineering Design Process
- Defining Design-Research, Concept Generation and Development, Concept Screening and Selection
- Parametric modelling (CAD) using a variety of appropriate features, references, constraints, and dimensions to effectively capture the design intent.
- FMEA considerations
- Testing, Evaluation and Reflection
- Technical communication: reports, drawings, and presentations

1. Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the role of materials and manufacturing processes in engineering design and development. This includes reference to sustainability in engineering and how adverse impacts can be minimised. (AHEP 4: C13)

Prpgramme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Undertake structured engineering design activities, including research, concept generation, and evaluation, using appropriate tools and methods (AHEP 4: C5, C17)

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving, Research Skills

3. Reflect on the knowledge of engineering and workshop practices for the realisation of physical prototypes, recognising limitations and sustainability. (AHEP 4: C12, C13)

Prpgramme Learning Outcome: Reflection

4. Communicate engineering design solutions, technical information, and sustainability considerations effectively using appropriate written and graphical formats. (AHEP 4: C17)

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication

This module will enable you to develop understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems, and create solutions through a variety of learning activities, including:

Taught Lectures: To provide a structured introduction to key concepts and underpinning theory.

Tutorials: Interactive sessions designed to reinforce learning, explore concepts in greater depth, and provide opportunities for guided problem-solving and discussion.

Practical Activities: Hands-on sessions using appropriate tools, techniques, or methodologies to support the application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will take place throughout the module to support learning, monitor progress, and guide development.

- Blackboard VLE Resources
- Library facilities
- Office365
- Computer Aided Design Parametric Software i.e. Autodesk Fusion/Inventor or equivalent
- University Manufacturing facilities, 3D Factory/Smartzone

Ashby, Michael F (2022) Materials and sustainable development, 2nd Ed., Elsevier

Land, K. M. (2023) Improving CAD Designs with Autodesk Fusion 360: A Project-Based Guide to Modelling Effective Parametric Designs. Packt Publishing, Limited

Lefteri, C. (2019) Making It: Manufacturing Technologies for Product Design, 3rd Ed., Laurence King.

Lefteri, C. (2014) Materials for Design, 1st Ed., Laurence King.

Surampalli, R.,Zhang, T. (2020) Sustainability: fundamentals and applications, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN:

Ulrich, K. T. and Eppinger, S. D. (2025) Product Design and Development. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill India.

The books listed above for design and sustainability are recognised standard works in the field, providing rigorous coverage of core and foundational concepts. Although they are not the most recently published texts, they remain widely used and continue to provide essential theoretical grounding, supported by more recent industry publication included in the reading list.

In this module, you will explore the concepts of engineering design and professional practice through hands-on project work. You will learn how engineers identify problems, generate and evaluate design concepts, apply basic analysis, and consider sustainability, ethics, and societal impact. You will also develop key skills in technical communication and reflection. This module helps you build the core knowledge, practical skills, and professional mindset required for success in your engineering degree and future engineering careers.