MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGF01 – Group Design Project
Code:
Programme:
Alt. Codes(s)
Title:
Level:
UCL credits/ETCS
Start:
End:
Taught by:
MECHGF01
MSc Engineering with Finance
None
Group Design Project (30 credits)
M
30 credits/12 ETCS
September
May
TBC (Module Coordinator)
Supervision from members of staff from Department
Prerequisites
All courses taught in the MSc programme.
Course Aims and Objectives
To provide experience of working as a group, in liaison, where possible, with industry, in order to design a
complex engineering product/system or service under stringent time and resource limitations and to
assess its commercial potential. To provide the students with an opportunity to: apply formal project
management techniques such as planning, resource allocation, cost estimation, project monitoring and
reporting; to develop commercial skills and business awareness.
Method of Instruction
Independent study individually and as a group
Group meetings, progress reports and presentations
Supervision by a member of academic staff and where appropriate by industry.
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 facilities
Content
Groups of students (3-5) will be set an assignment which may involve: the detailed assessment of an
existing engineering product or system with suggestions for improving performance, quality, etc., or
decreasing cost; outlining the design of a new product and assessment of its market potential; the quality
assessment of an existing product with suggestions for design changes to increase its competitiveness.
The final outcome of the project should be a physical prototype accompanied by an evaluation of
economic feasibility or commercial potential, preferably in the form of a business plan.
The groups will be self directed with the supervisor acting as an advisor. The group will elect its own
officers and decide upon the allocation of responsibilities. The group will hold formal weekly meetings
which will be chaired and minuted by its members, and attended, on occasions, by the supervisors.
The module extends over two terms and students expect to spend 300 hours working on the project.
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 contribution is assessed on the basis of
peer and self assessment statements, project portfolio and presentations, and supervisors’ overall
assessment of member’s contribution towards the work
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Learning Outcomes MECHGMYY Group Design Project
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
N/A.
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. Critical analysis is regarded as essential component 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 set by staff so that they usually overlap research areas hence they will be investigating
new and emerging technologies.
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 specifications to prototyping and where
appropriate economic evaluation, showing analytical skills and creativity at all stages supporting all
decisions made.
Design
The ability to apply original thought to the development of practical solutions for products,
systems, components or processes
All groups are expected to think creatively 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 and business awareness 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.
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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