MEng (Hons) Product Design and Manufacture Integrated Master's degree at the University of Nottingham

Comprehensive introduction to engineering design and project delivery through theoretical understanding and practical application. Covers fundamental design principles, machine elements selection, basic manufacturing skills, and methods to develop and communicate designs through CAE. Includes group and individual practical project work on project planning techniques including scheduling, risk assessment, resource allocation and engineering documentation.

Focuses on broader discipline of Industrial Design with topics including History of Design, Impact on Popular Culture, Role of the Designer, Design Methodology, Ethical Responsibility, Graphical Skills, Photography, Portfolio Skills, Sustainability and Ecology. Includes a short design project.

Introduces properties of materials, selected failure mechanisms and core manufacturing methods used in engineering applications. Understanding of both materials and manufacturing techniques is essential to produce effective and commercially viable products.

Mathematics teaching alongside core programming principles. Covers mathematics required for engineering problems including solving first- and second-order differential equations, algebra of complex numbers, systems of equations with matrix techniques and vectors. Introduction to writing and understanding computer programs including variables, data types, loops, functions, arrays, data plotting and simple computer graphics.

Analysis of mechanical systems in statics and dynamics contexts. Develops core analytical skills by exploring force equilibrium, stress and strain analysis, kinematics, conservation laws and mechanical drive systems. Emphasis on applying these concepts to simplified engineering scenarios.

Develops ability to communicate design work to broad range of individuals including clients, customers, specialist engineers, advertising specialists and other designers. Develops CAD skills including content on surface modelling. Introduces Keyshot software for production of high-end realistic computer-generated images and animations. Covers Solidworks Parametric Modelling, Solidworks Surface Modelling, Digital Sketching & Rendering and Keyshot Photo realistic Rendering.

Develops knowledge, understanding and practical skills in design for manufacturing and product development. Covers design for manufacturability, design for assembly, rapid prototyping and manufacturing, jigs and fixtures, process planning, group technology and design for cost. Two hours lectures and three hours practicals per week.

Building on Industrial Design from first year. First half focuses on branding and marketing and understanding their impact on design. Builds on knowledge of ecology and sustainability. Includes more advanced look into Engineering Drawings. Covers Company Structures, Product Design Industry Supply Chains, Sustainability facts and Sustainability Design Tools.

Introduces design projects with complex problems and guides through structured design process. Addresses user and commercial needs while considering manufacturing processes. Builds awareness of core design skills with focus on material selection and manufacturing techniques.

Addresses engineering materials and their application in sustainable design practice. Develops integrated understanding of material properties, processing and through-life considerations. Covers design requirements and constraints, material performance evaluation, sustainable manufacturing considerations and selection methods.

Introduces ergonomics (human factors) in product design and other applications. Demonstrates importance of ergonomics input to design. Covers Task Analysis, Anthropometric data and Understanding Humans, Human Factors in Design, Designing for Users, User Based research methods, Evaluation Methods, Ethics in Design and Emotional Design.

Advanced module building on CAD modelling and analysis techniques. Covers solid and surface modelling, rendering, finite element analysis, design studies and optimisation. Provides advanced practical CAE skills for use in project work and industry.

Builds on materials and manufacturing knowledge from first two years, focusing on injection moulding process alongside other high-volume plastic manufacturing techniques. Learn to design components suitable for these methods and associated tooling using computational tools like mould flow analysis. Includes design project.

Assessment: Those who do not pass the module will be required to complete a re-assessment exam, with the exam mark determining progression.

Plan and conduct user-based study to inform design of product for diverse user group. Covers cognitive and physical ergonomics, statistical analysis and User Experience (UX). Includes Major Project demonstrating professional responsibility, working in teams and leading specific tasks.

Overview of logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) principles. Covers supply chain strategies, relationships among business partners, operational support, international supply chain networks, lean and digital supply chains, and dynamics of transport and logistics operations.

Builds on materials and manufacturing knowledge from first two years with particular focus on sheet metal and fabrication processes, although other high-volume metal processes are discussed. Learn to design components for these manufacturing techniques. Explores additive manufacturing and rapid tooling technologies. Includes design project with engineering drawings.

Focuses on sustainability in engineering with emphasis on industrial design. Explores topics influencing sustainability and methodologies for promoting sustainability within design process. Includes analytical analysis of data to assess impact of design decisions and design project for sustainable product solutions.

Considers case studies on Cognitive Ergonomics in Design, Human Information Processing Models applied to Product Design, Mental Models, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality tools for Design.

Engineering design project applying engineering mathematics and sciences to develop solutions for industrial design problems while addressing manufacturing details. Challenges to create innovative product design solutions tackling significant societal or cultural challenges. Balance conflicting factors to produce professional, impactful designs using technical and analytical data.

Introduces background and fundamental concepts regarding integration of different Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in modern manufacturing systems. Focus on cyber-physical systems, adaptive and autonomous manufacturing, digitalisation, data analytics and emerging business models through case studies.

Introduces electromechanical systems combining theoretical understanding with practical application. Develops analytical and implementation skills through hands-on projects. Covers fundamentals of electric motors and actuators, power electronics principles, system stability and performance, practical electromechanical integration and control system fundamentals.

Preparation for the Major Project, the final and largest piece of work. Problem area/project title is selected and students undertake substantive body of research and investigation to understand background and relevant requirements prior to design phase. Uses broad range of investigatory methods including User based Research, Questionnaires, Empathy Studies to identify Project opportunities and Develop requirements for the Product and Production of Brief.

The final and largest piece of work undertaken during studies on the programme. Students conduct design and engineering phase of the project over 16 weeks. Requires students to utilise and demonstrate variety of skills learned throughout the course and apply them to develop fully detailed and complete design. Includes final design presentation and engineering drawings.