MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGI01 – Innovation and Group Design Project
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MECHGI01
MSc Engineering with Innovation and Entrepreneurship
None
Innovation and Group Design Project (30 credits)
M
30 credits/12 ETCS
September
May
Prof Mark Miodownik (Module Coordinator)
Prerequisites
All courses taught in the MSc programme.
Course Aims and Objectives
To provide the students with the opportunity
 of thinking creatively as a group in order to design a novel engineering product/system in
response to an unmet customer need under time and resource constraints
 to assess its commercial potential
 to apply formal project management techniques such as planning, resource allocation, cost
estimation, project monitoring and reporting;
 to develop enterprise skills and business awareness.
Method of Instruction
Independent study individually and as a group
Seminars and lectures
Group meetings, progress reports and presentations
Assessment
First presentation (10%) and final group presentation/viva (10%)
Midyear project report 10%
Group report/portfolio (55%)
Individual contribution (15%)
Resources
Departmental workshops, lab facilities
Institute of Making and Make Space facilities
Field trips and external experts
Content
Groups of students (3-5) will be formed in the beginning of term 1 expected to work on an innovative
project of their choice. In order to facilitate this, the students will be provided with some training on team
working, creativity, enterprising and brainstorming techniques by guest speakers and taken on a field trip
to the Design or V&A museum in order to appreciate creative design. A brainstorming session will follow
in which groups are expected to generate ideas for potential projects. A Dragon’s Den session will follow
in which each group will have to reduce their choices down to one voted as the most innovative by group
members and staff.
Once the project choice is made the groups are expected to elect their own officers, decide upon the
allocation of responsibilities and take the project forward. The group will hold formal weekly meetings
which will be chaired and minuted by its members, and attended, by the module leader. The groups will
be self directed with the module leader acting as an advisor or client.
The module extends over two terms and students expect to spend 300 hours working on the project.
Creativity, innovation and high level of professionalism in the conduct of the project are expected. The
final outcome of the project should be a physical prototype accompanied by a business plan and an
advert/podcast promoting the product. Assessment is based on two components with the emphasis being
on the team activity: group component (85%) and individual contribution to group achievement (15%).The
group component is judged on four elements: a project presentation (10%), a midyear progress report
(10%), the formal group project report and portfolio (55%) and a final presentation/viva (10%). Individual
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contribution is assessed on the basis of peer and self assessment statements, project portfolio and
presentations, and module leader’s overall assessment of member’s contribution towards the work.
Learning Outcomes1 MECHGMXX Innovation and Group Design project EIE
General Learning Outcomes
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating environment
Application of formal project management techniques such as planning, resource allocation and
monitoring are essential parts of this module; demonstration of business planning skills is also
expected.
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going basis, and to learn
independently
Group project entails independent learning individually and as a group
The ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or
leader
Students work as part of a group of 3-5 students. Groups are self directed, electing own officers and
deciding upon task allocation. Students are expected to adopt different roles within the team
including leadership.
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods etc and apply these in unfamiliar
situations
Students are expected to learn new concepts and theories on creativity, technology transfer and
entrepreneurship and apply them in order to develop a novel engineering product with business
potential.
Specific Learning Outcomes
Underpinning science & Mathematics
A comprehensive understanding of the relevant scientific principles of the specialisation
N/A
A critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights much of which is at, or informed by,
the forefront of the specialisation.
Awareness of current problems and legislation both existing and planned is expected
An understanding of concepts relevant to the discipline, some from outside engineering, and the
ability to critically evaluate and apply them effectively.
Students are expected to adopt a holistic approach to design by drawing knowledge from a range of
engineering and non engineering modules. Creative thinking and critical analysis are regarded as
essential components of the module.
1
EAB website http://www.engab.org.uk/documentation document Accreditation Of Masters Degrees Other Than MEng last
accessed 10 Aril 2012
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Engineering Analysis
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies
Projects are proposed by the students and selection is based on degree of innovation and
commercial potential; new and emerging technologies are expected to be an essential part in
selected projects.
Ability to apply appropriate models for solving problems in engineering and the ability to assess
the limitations of particular cases;
Students are expected to demonstrate a systematic and creative approach to problem solving; to
select appropriate mathematical and computer based methods for the modelling and analysis of an
engineering problem and apply them in a practical situation.
The ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle
unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the
appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.
A complete design/product is expected starting from idea generation and drawing of specifications to
prototyping and market evaluation, showing analytical skills and creativity at all stages.
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
All groups are expected to generate their own product ideas and produce a design/model/device or
product as part of their output.
Economic, Social and Environmental Context
Knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and
how these may be applied appropriately, in the context of the particular specialisation
Project management, entrepreneurship and business planning are important parts of the project.
The ability to make general evaluations of risks through some understanding of the basis of such
risks
Students are expected to evaluate risks associated with managing the project as well as the financial
risks involved in the marketing of the project output.
Engineering Practice
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely
new developments
Students are expected to consider relevant safety and environmental codes in relation to their
product design and also to work safely in lab and workshop facilities.
Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and
components
In this module an appreciation of engineering materials and a variety of components is expected the
combination f which is project dependant.
The ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial
constraints
Commercial and industrial constrains must be considered within project designs. Students are
encouraged to interact with relevant sectors of industry.
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