KB7043 - Multidisciplinary Design and Engineering Optimisation

You will be introduced to related theories and concepts and example case studies via lectures and seminars. The use of classic design studies and case examples will be used to provide an interactive learning environment, where you will integrate theory and practice.
Formative assessment during taught sessions will offer learning opportunities and the summative assessment will provide written feedback which may be discussed with your tutor. Tutor-directed independent learning will be given for completion between the formally scheduled seminars, for example through the use of on-line resources.

Direct contact with the tutors and demonstrators will provide you with direct support both in class and through the eLearning portal. In addition our open door approach will offer you the opportunity to develop professional methods of engaging with support which will assist you as you progress in your career as an engineer.
Online resources will be made available for independent study with online formative assessments to support learning.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. A systematic understanding of knowledge which is at the forefront of modern engineering design and optimisation
2. Knowledge of conducting essential calculations for reliability driven design and design under uncertainties

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Ability to plan design optimisation processes for complex engineering problems and to formulate their corresponding optimisation problem and identifying the best applicable search method
4. Skill of using optimisation methods to find the optimum solution for a given optimisation problem and develop critiques of the methods and the optimality of the solution

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Increase proficiency in applying new design and optimisation techniques towards designing products and processes with improved performance and less environmental impact.

Formal Marked Assessments
1. Coursework- (50%, 3000 words or equivalent) partially assessing all MLOs.
2. Coursework (50%, 3000 words or equivalent) partially assessing all MLOs.

Individual written feedback will be provided within 20 days on all summative assessments.
Informal Assessment for Learning

You will be formatively assessed on all learning outcomes during the seminar session. Discussion with the tutors and reflection on your performance will allow you to continuously monitor your performance and feed this forward for improvement.

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With advances in technology and an increasing awareness of environmental issues the need for the complex and environmentally friendly products and processes has led to a significant evolution of traditional design and optimisation methods. This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of modern engineering design concepts, methods, and essential knowledge of optimisation techniques. On completion of this module the student will be able to conduct calculations relating to the making of critical decisions in the design process for complex multidisciplinary engineering design and optimisation problems.