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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

• The purpose of this module is to give students the opportunity to use and demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and practical experience to carry out a substantial engineering project. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills in planning and managing projects, risk and health & safety assessments, reviewing literature, defining and implementing an engineering solution, documenting and presenting outcomes and key findings. As a cross-disciplinary domain within engineering, Mechatronic engineering encompasses the three core engineering design elements of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering and software development. As a capstone project on the Mechatronic programme, it is expected that a minimum of two of these three elements would be present in each Mechatronic project.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and explain the scientific principles and engineering technologies and design processes associated with their project area
2. Conduct the required background research related to the project topic and be able to search for, access, review and evaluate publications on given topics
3. Display a level of ingenuity in applying appropriate existing solutions or devising novel solutions to engineering design problems
4. Identify engineering problems and formulate problems in a manner which allows solution
5. Devise appropriate tests or experiments in order to allow exploration, analysis and evaluation of a proposed system design
6. Apply critical analysis to the results of tests or experiments and draw concrete conclusions as to the effectiveness of an engineering design
7. Identify technical requirements for a design and assess the practicality of possible solutions to problems arising in the project
8. Conduct an assessment of health & safety risks and environmental impact of the technologies used and the project outcomes.
9. Write a well structured engineering report which is written to the correct level of technical detail to suit the intended reader
10. Apply project management techniques in the execution of the project in order to undertake all project implementation and development work, and in order to produce a complete project report to deadline
11. Take responsibility for progression of their own work under guidance of a supervisor and identify and report problems and issues as they arise which might impede progress of a project
12. Distinguish between their own work and that of others and credit others’ in a proper manner
13. Resolve differences of opinion on technical matters between themselves and their supervisor
14. Effectively communicate technical concepts and ideas orally, in writing and graphically



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Directed learning100Semester 1 Planning & Development
Directed learning10Presentation Preparation
Independent Study165Project Implementation
Directed learning100Testing, Analysis & Report
Total Workload: 375

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Project
A proportion of the student’s time is dedicated to the project throughout fourth year and it contributes significantly to the final degree classification. Regular meetings with the student allow the project supervisor to provide mentoring to the student on technical and practical issues and to keep an account of progression of the work. Under the supervisor’s guidance the student manages their own work and acquires new engineering knowledge independently by searching for and reviewing relevant literature. Execution of the project work requires integration of this theory with practical constraints and promotes learning and acquisition of skills in the areas of project management, engineering design, problem solving, design of experiments, results analysis, technical documentation and communication.

Project Sequence
A typical sequence of operations will be 1) Literature Survey/Research 2) Analysis of Problem 3) Proposed Solution 4) Implementation of Solution 5) Testing/Results 6) Documentation of Outcomes

Literature survey
This survey should include relevant literature and other sources. Must be properly referenced and form a significant section of the final report

Analysis of the Problem
Use of knowledge to break down the problem statement and analyse the challenge.

Project Plan
Development of a project plan and solution to implement a reasoned engineering approach to complete/advance the project

Implementation of Solution
Activity carried out to fulfill the project plan. May take many forms - laboratory work, computer based analysis, cognitive reasoning etc.

Testing & Results
Evaluating the outcome from the activities and the new information developed during the project in a "critical" manner.

Documentation of Outcomes
Mainly the project report which should document every aspect of the project and reach conclusions. Also includes presentations and interview.

Meetings with supervisor, technical support and others.
Arranged meetings to discuss the advancement of the project and the technical resources required.

Assessment of risks, enviornmental impact, safety & impact on society
Completion of formal risk assessments and health and safety assessments. Give due consideration to impact on the environment and society and engineering ethics.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    22916, Website, 0, Project Loop Website, loop.dcu.ie,
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