Engineering Product Design BSc (Hons)

Modules

Methods of assessment for course overall: 96% coursework

• Design Methods
  This project-based module will develop your existing design skills and introduce new ones, to establish a broad foundation upon which to build your career. Content includes creativity techniques, design methods, and prototyping skills.
• Digital Design and Modelling
  You will learn how to use a range of industry standard CAD systems to produce three-dimensional digital models, and communicate manufacturing information through two-dimensional engineering drawings, to correct industry standards.
• Introduction to mechanical and electronic engineering
  The module develops concepts in engineering science, covering principles of mechanical engineering and low voltage electronic engineering content. Although the content is in two sections, the teaching method provides an integrated approach to the subject as a foundation for the rest of the degree course.
• Engineering mathematics
  This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin IEng accredited degree courses. It is specifically designed consolidate your knowledge and understanding of mathematics necessary to support the application of key engineering principles.
• Visual Communications
  This module develops your visual literacy; you will learn how to communicate and develop your ideas graphically, using both freehand sketching methods, technical drawing, and digitally using the Adobe software suite.

• Design Thinking and Applications
  This module builds on the design skills that you have learned in the first year, with an emphasis on deeper thinking and more challenging project briefs. You will learn more about technical design issues and manufacturing processes, and consider human factors, sustainability and enterprise in your projects.
• Virtual Engineering and CAD
  You will develop your skills in advanced use of CAD, with output to digital manufacturing tools in order to develop, communicate, and test your design ideas. You will also be introduced to the use of Computer Aided Engineering techniques to perform structural analysis.
• Machine Drives and Mechatronics
  This module covers the fundamental theory and calculations behind the design of mechatronic devices. You will explore the use of mechanical drives, transmission systems, sensors, electric motors and microcontrollers through creative engineering projects; past examples include the design and assembly of 3D printers.
• Solid mechanics and FEA
  This module will provide new concepts in the deformation of materials under different loading conditions and extend the application of fundamental principles of solid mechanics to more advanced systems, building on knowledge gained through the Introduction to Mechanical and Electronic Engineering module in the first year. The module will provide basic concepts and the principles of the finite element analysis (FEA) techniques and the application of FEA in structural and stress analysis.
• Design Contexts and Communications
  This module enhances your employability in preparation for your placement job applications. You will learn how to communicate your skill set effectively through CV writing and a strong design portfolio.
• Design and Manufacture by Project
  This module gives you the chance to showcase and develop the skills that you have learned throughout the course so far by applying them to an in-depth engineering design project. You will learn more about how to write project briefs and specify requirements through a PDS. You will also consider manufacturing processes and costs, and build a working prototype.

• Placement year
  You're encouraged to spend this year on a work placement, which will give you the chance to develop your design skills in preparation for the final year of the course, and improve your graduate employability.

• Engineering Design Project
  The project is the culmination of your degree course in which you will apply your design and engineering knowledge to the development and prototyping of solutions to real human needs. This is your chance to set the direction of your future career by conducting extensive and detailed design work that area, and to demonstrate your passion and aptitude for it to future employers. Students are expected to explore a wide range of creative ideas, refining them iteratively and analytically to result in a fully functional and highly resolved prototype.
• Research Methods for Design Projects
  This module will teach you how to identify and research real-world problems in order to select a suitable topic for your major Engineering Design Project. You will develop your project management skills, learn about how to search for and protect intellectual property, and explore branding and exhibition design for your final Design Degree Show.
• Manufacturing Systems and Materials Technology
  This module covers a range modern manufacturing systems and their applications in the product realisation process. You will also learn the science of how materials behave and how to approach their selection and specification.
• Portfolio Engineering Projects
  This module will develop your skills in advanced engineering analysis techniques including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). You will apply these to technical design challenges.
• Innovation and enterprise
  Through this module you'll practice ways of finding new ideas, testing those ideas and developing them, and will write your own business strategies, risk assessments and scenario testing to demonstrate their commercial viability. This might be a product or a service (such as consultancy or contract management). Lecture topics will include intellectual property, market research, market placement, advertising and finance.

The final year of the course revolves around the delivery of a major design project, you'll be required to design, develop, prototype and manufacture a product to your own specifications. You'll need to choose the appropriate manufacturing techniques and materials to make and test a working prototype of your product using our innovative IT and workshop facilities. The result will be showcased at the University's annual design show.