Product Design Engineering

Course Content (including module information)

Stage 1

The emphasis is on engineering science fundamentals:

• CAD modules develop a key skill needed for project work in subsequent years
• Short projects concentrate on dissection and analysis of existing products
• The Introduction to Product Design module develops discipline-specific skills related to design methodology, problem-solving, sketching and model making

Stage 2

Student projects form a significant part of Stage 2, and they focus on the production and testing of prototypes, along with an understanding of the influence of manufacturing processes on design. Supporting modules enable the application of relevant technical knowledge, professional skills and attributes.

Stage 3

In Stage 3, BEng students undertake a major individual project while MEng students work in groups on their major project. Additional industry-focussed project activities are supported by a number of external collaborators. Engineering science subjects focus on materials and manufacturing.

MEng (Stage 4)

At Stage 4, students carry out a semester-long design project embedded in a local company, which also enhances employability skills. Advanced modules focus on engineering design, analysis and materials.

Assessment (general): The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general): As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On this BEng we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Team based design-build-test projects: forming the core of an integrated curriculum these projects facilitate the application of technical knowledge and practical skills developed in related modules in a context which prepares students for professional practice. The scope and challenge of the projects increases in a staged manner through each year of the degree.
• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.
• Practical laboratories: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project-based work etc.
• Tutorials: Most engineering science lectures are supported by tutorial classes, in which students work in groups on the application of theory to applied problems. These provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study: This is an important part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Work placements: Students taking the BEng sandwich programme undertake a work-placement, usually after Stage 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. An employability programme provides support on application and CV completion, interviews and what to expect on placement, while our dedicated Careers Officer provides both information on current placement opportunities, and ‘on placement’ support.
• Work-Related learning/Field Trips/Study Tours: In stages 1,2 & 3 (modules: Product Design Methods and Practice 1, Design and Manufacturing Studies 2 and Product Design and Development Studies 3) students will visit a number of local companies who design and manufacture their own products and will work on assignments and projects based on these visits. They will normally be expected to present their findings to classmates and a panel of lecturers and industry guests.
• Individual supervised projects: In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of design work. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you during the write up stage.
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor during Level 1 and 2 who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.