Module manager: Dr Andrew Jackson
Email: A.E.Jackson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to more complex designs of mechanisms and assemblies using an engineering methodology, including solid modelling using CAD, integration of sensors and actuators with mechanical hardware, and hands-on manufacturing of prototypes using workshop hand and power tools and a brief introduction to 3D printing.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1- Prepare solid models, sketches, detailed and layout drawings.
2- Produce bills of materials.
3- Perform bottom-up and top-down design of mechanisms or assemblies using an engineering methodology, including preparation of simple specifications.
4- Apply higher engineering science to students’ own designs and develop proof-of-concept prototypes.
5- Select appropriate standard components for applications and be able to discuss standardization and design knowledge reuse.
6- Describe the iterative nature of design, in which the design evolves through analysis, simulation and test, into a concrete product definition.
7- Explain multiobjective design (DFX) and apply a design for assembly methodology.
8- Describe implementation of software with sensors and actuators with mechanical hardware.
9- Describe the need for trade-offs in product functionality.
10- Assess a design against simple financial criteria.
11- Practice project planning and appreciate team working.
12- Take into account ethical considerations such as sustainability issues, product life-cycle assessment when designing engineering products.
13- Explain the rationale of the engineering design choices they have made.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Describe a range of common manufacturing processes (e.g. bulk deformation, casting and joining processes) and use this knowledge to identify the likely manufacturing methods for a set of components.
2- Prepare simple sketches, detailed and layout drawings and interpret them as corresponding 3D objects, create complex assemblies.
3- Understand the principles of multi-objective design methodologies, and be able to apply a Design For Assembly (DFA) method to a simple mechanical assembly.
4- Apply Level 1 and 2 engineering science to students own designs and develop proof-of-concept prototypes.
5- Select appropriate standard components for a simple application and create a bill of materials.
6- Understand and apply real-time data acquisition and control to a mechatronic system that uses sensors and actuators.
7- Demonstrate problem solving, conflict resolution, project planning and team working skills.
8- Create good quality academic posters to disseminate their work.
9- Take into account ethical considerations for such areas as weapon development and autonomous systems and apply these ethical considerations to their Conceive Design Implement Operate (CDIO) activities.
These module learning outcomes contribute to the following AHEP4 learning outcomes:
10- Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model broadly-defined problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed. [C3]
11- Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address broadly-defined problems. [C4]
12- Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to broadly-defined problems. [C7]
13- Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct. [C8]
14- Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks. [C10]
15- Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems. [C12]
16- Recognise the need for quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of broadly-defined problems. [C14]
17- Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. [C16]
18- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences. [C17]
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a- Teamwork/Collaboration
b- Decision-making
c- Applying Creativity and Innovation
d- Planning and Mobilising Resources
e- Computer Aided Design
f- Workshop practice
g- Design for manufacture
- Manufacturing processes including casting, bulk deformation, welding and others;
- Assessment of appropriate manufacturing processes based on accuracy, material properties and financial criteria;
- Multiobjective design (DFX), specifically applying a Design For Assembly process to a standard off-the-shelf mechanical assembly;
- Undertake Concieve, Design, Implement, Operate (CDIO) projects to address complex engineering problems;
- Integration of sensors, actuators and real-time controllers into mechanical systems to solve complex engineering problems;
- Application of higher engineering science concepts to address complex engineering problems;
- Application of established design methodologies to determine appropriate solutions to set problems based on a formal specification;
- Production of CAD models for complex assemblies based on students’ own designs;
- Undertaking of an interative design process, using the assessment of prototype designs to produce a further design;
- Use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce prototype components for testing;
- Undertake group coursework, developing transferable skills including project management and report writing;
- Production of academic posters to communicate design choices and explain the application of engineering science to an audience;
- Ethics as applied to design and manufacture including sustainability and autonomous systems and jobs.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 17 | 1 | 17 |
| Practical | 17 | 2 | 34 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 145 | ||
| Private study hours | 0 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team