Integrated projects: Positioning design as the underlying ingredient towards integrating subject areas within an undergraduate programme - A case study

Sangarapillai Sivaloganathan, Tamer Shahin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper provides a case study on how design as a process can be used as an underlying foundation to link and integrate several subject areas. The paper discusses the process in which learning outcomes from different subject areas are identified and the creation and execution of an 'integrated project' is delivered to students in order to improve the students' understanding these outcomes, both individually and holistically. Assessment of the learning outcomes of the course before and after the introduction of such an integrated project is presented as well as a detailed account of the results and experiences of both the students work and academics observations. Also, observations on increased students' engagement is highlighted and lessons learned are documented. The case study was a mini-project given within the 'Introduction to CAM' course, which is typically a course that does not cover other subject areas as part of its curriculum. The main subject areas covered for the integrated project case study included but were not limited to: geometric modelling, CAD, NC manufacture, machining, industrial design, entrepreneurship, and project management; all under the umbrella of a design process to design and build an artifact. Both a quantitative and qualitative approach is used to analyse the outcomes of such an integrated project and the results are extremely encouraging.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 15th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education
Subtitle of host publicationDesign Education - Growing Our Future, EPDE 2013
Pages320-325
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Event15th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education: Design Education - Growing Our Future, EPDE 2013 - Dublin, Ireland
Duration: Sept 5 2013Sept 6 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 15th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education: Design Education - Growing Our Future, EPDE 2013

Other

Other15th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education: Design Education - Growing Our Future, EPDE 2013
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period9/5/139/6/13

Keywords

  • Bezier curves
  • Design activity model
  • Integrating projects
  • Learning outcomes
  • NC machining

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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