KB7043 - Multidisciplinary Design and Engineering Optimisation

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about current design techniques and concepts in engineering and optimisation methods, such as; direct and inverse design, integrated design within a multidisciplinary design context. You will be guided to develop your understanding of design processes; for example the use of; conceptual/system-level/detail design, design decision support systems, multi-criteria decision analysis, uncertainties in engineering design, deterministic and robust design, design sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo and Taguchi methods.
Your learning about design and optimisation techniques will be illustrated by case examples which incorporate aspects such as design for reliability: fault and failure, reliability analysis, fail to safe design or fault tolerated design as appropriate.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be introduced to related theories and concepts and example case studies via lectures and seminars. The use of classic design studies and case examples will be used to provide an interactive learning environment, where you will integrate theory and practice.
Formative assessment during taught sessions will offer learning opportunities and the summative assessment will provide written feedback which may be discussed with your tutor. Tutor-directed independent learning will be given for completion between the formally scheduled seminars, for example through the use of on-line resources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Direct contact with the tutors and demonstrators will provide you with direct support both in class and through the eLearning portal. In addition our open door approach will offer you the opportunity to develop professional methods of engaging with support which will assist you as you progress in your career as an engineer.
Online resources will be made available for independent study with online formative assessments to support learning.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. A systematic understanding of knowledge which is at the forefront of modern engineering design and optimisation
2. Knowledge of conducting essential calculations for reliability driven design and design under uncertainties

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Ability to plan design optimisation processes for complex engineering problems and to formulate their corresponding optimisation problem and identifying the best applicable search method
4. Skill of using optimisation methods to find the optimum solution for a given optimisation problem and develop critiques of the methods and the optimality of the solution

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Increase proficiency in applying new design and optimisation techniques towards designing products and processes with improved performance and less environmental impact.

How will I be assessed?

Formal Marked Assessments
1. Coursework- (50%, 3000 words or equivalent) partially assessing all MLOs.
2. Coursework (50%, 3000 words or equivalent) partially assessing all MLOs.

Individual written feedback will be provided within 20 days on all summative assessments.
Informal Assessment for Learning

You will be formatively assessed on all learning outcomes during the seminar session. Discussion with the tutors and reflection on your performance will allow you to continuously monitor your performance and feed this forward for improvement.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

With advances in technology and an increasing awareness of environmental issues the need for the complex and environmentally friendly products and processes has led to a significant evolution of traditional design and optimisation methods. This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of modern engineering design concepts, methods, and essential knowledge of optimisation techniques. On completion of this module the student will be able to conduct calculations relating to the making of critical decisions in the design process for complex multidisciplinary engineering design and optimisation problems.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 16 months full-time
2 other options available

Department Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start January 2024 or January 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

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