KB7016 - Interdisciplinary Group Project

This module is based around the completion of a design according to practice simulating that in industry. An initial short series of lectures will present the project brief and supporting resources and will assist you in identifying the problem parameters and beginning to consider solutions. Thereafter you will work in groups to formulate design options and choose a final solution, this process being supported by weekly face to face and/or online seminar sessions with the opportunity to work together, discuss issues with staff and to hear short presentations on issues of relevance to all groups where these arise. Many seminars will take the form of role-play client meetings where you will learn to act as a designer in industry, relating to their client. There may be occasions within the semester where normal teaching will be suspended to allow your learning to be supplemented by a range of activities such as design workshops, guest presentations, professional body events, site visits and field work.

You will be supported in seminars, giving you ample opportunity to ask questions regarding the design task, as well as to seek specific help, for example with the creation of the assessment submissions. At other times, you will have regular access to University academic staff online, including the use of discussion boards and chat rooms in the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). This will allow you to access support regularly at convenient times.

The module and the wider programme teams offer a supportive approach, enabling you to quickly and easily access and speak to any member of the programme team, as required.

The University Library and other student services also offer a variety of academic skills training both online and face to face, which you can access as needed.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Analyze a complex Civil Engineering problem to develop design criteria
2. Apply knowledge gained throughout the degree programme to date to develop solutions to specific issues within the problem

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Develop a design solution to a complex and multi-faceted Civil Engineering problem and evaluate its effectiveness against stakeholder criteria
4. Explain the chosen solution to stakeholders

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Work effectively in a team to deliver a project on time and of high quality

You will be assessed by two coursework tasks.

The first coursework will demonstrate your ability to capture the design brief and identify the various issues and constraints which will affect the final design solution. This will assess MLOs 1 and 4 and will be worth 30% of the module.

At the end of the module you will prepare a design report on your final design including text, calculations and drawings of your final solution together with a design risk register and outline method statement for its implementation. This will require you to identify your individual contribution to your group’s design. This will assess MLOs 1, 2, 3 and 5, and will be worth 70% of the module.

Formative assessment will be by means of regular meetings with academic staff during seminars, many of which will take the form of client meetings, roleplaying the design process in industry.

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This module is the culmination of your learning on the programme and will give you the opportunity to demonstrate management, business, computer modelling and technical engineering skills which will enhance your employability and prepare you as a lifelong learner as you enter your chosen profession. You will work in teams and individually on a project from inception to completion and you will be involved in the business planning and design of a civil engineering system, presenting the critical analysis of the solution as well as showing your ability to plan, organise and work with others. The work will be challenging as you work within realistic constraints, exploring unfamiliar knowledge and address considerations which a professional engineer must take account of. You will be supported throughout by the tutor and peers.