Enigneering: Creating Technologies that Help People

Module description
This module will explore the potential of combining engineering with social entrepreneurship in creating a powerful tool for improving the lives of people all over the world. You will engage in a project to deliver a technical solution to one of a portfolio of challenges set by local community groups and NGOs working in sustainable development projects in deprived areas, and regenerative-medicine practitioners. Through an innovative combination of lectures and teamwork, you will learn how to carry through projects from planning to delivery, how to manage time and resources and how to work together with the client to deliver an appropriate and sustainable solution. 

This module will consist of a minimum of 45 contact hours with teaching taking place between 9 am and 5 pm from Monday to Friday.

Learning outcomes and objectives

By the end of the module, you should have:

• gained understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied e.g. the development of technology, the solving of technical problems.
• investigated and defined the problem, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations.
• applied problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose.
• communicated your work to technical and non-technical audiences.
• understood the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development.
• widened your knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes.

Teaching pattern

• Lectures
• Fieldwork / laboratory 
• Tours of department laboratories and facilities
• Project work / private study

Module assessment
Project plan (15%)
Project deliverable (software or device) (70%)
Presentation to client (15%)