151-3201-00L  Studies on Engineering Design

SemesterAutumn Semester 2017
LecturersK. Shea, P. Ermanni, M. Meboldt
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThis course introduces students to the exciting world of Engineering Design research, which crosses disciplines and requires a variety of skills. Each student identifies a topic in Engineering Design for further investigation, either based on those proposed or a new, agreed topic.
ObjectiveStudents gain their first knowledge of Engineering Design research and carry out their first, independent scientific study. Students learn how to read scientific literature and critically analyze and discuss them, gain hands-on experience in the area and learn how to document their work concisely through a report and short presentation.
ContentStudents identify 5-10 journal articles, or scientifically equivalent, in consultation with the supervisor and can define a small, related project in the area to gain hands-on experience. In the beginning of the semester, students develop with the supervisor a 2-page proposal outlining the objective of the study, tasks to be carried out and a brief time plan for the work. Once agreed, the project starts resulting in a report combining the state-of-art literature review and project results, if carried out.

The students work independently on a study of selected topics in the field of Engineering Design. They start with a selection of the topic, identify scientific papers for the literature research and can define a small, related project. The results (e.g. state-of-the-art literature review and small project results where defined) are evaluated with respect to predefined criteria.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents take this course in parallel to the Lecture "Grand Challenges in Engineering Design". A general meeting will be held in the beginning of the semester to propose topics for the studies. Studies are carried out individually and can be the pre-study for a Bachelor thesis.