2025-26

Engineering Tripos Part IIA, 3E11: Environmental Sustainability & Business, 2025-26

Timing and Structure

Mondays, 14:00 - 16:00

Content

[Full syllabus document on moodle]

Sustainable markets require a fundamental realignment of business practices and system-wide innovation. Planetary boundaries are being transgressed. Climate change, biodiversity loss, plastic and chemical pollution, freshwater scarcity, and inequality in access to safe and healthy workplaces demand immediate attention. This course will explore the challenges and opportunities for businesses to develop, integrate, and promote more environmentally and socially sustainable practices, processes, and policies.

The course will concentrate on three primary strategies of sustainable business practices, each vital for businesses to function both socially and environmentally responsibly.

First, businesses must reduce the negative ecological impact of their activities to remain within planetary boundaries. Innovations that mitigate and adapt to climate change are essential, and engineering for sustainability is one approach.
Second, ensure that the social impact (S) of the business is positive and enhances welfare for employees, customers, and society as a whole; no one in the supply chain should be deprived of life's essentials; providing fair and safe working conditions boosts workers' motivation and trust, while also strengthening the resilience of supply chains.
Third, design and ensure effective governance (G) and due diligence in all business processes; sustainability strategies should align with the business model and tackle the challenges faced by the respective industry.

These dimensions are discussed within the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework, which is now widely adopted and assists companies in achieving their sustainability and economic objectives. Additionally, investors are interested in how a company mitigates ecological and social risks and how it capitalizes on opportunities arising from the transition to more sustainable markets and lifestyles. While the ‘E’ has long dominated the corporate sustainability agenda, many businesses today strive to deliver on the ‘S’ and the ‘G’ equally, expanding their focus from planet to people, politics, profits, governance, and ethical issues.

The current “poly-crisis” – comprising climate change, biodiversity loss, rising geopolitical conflicts, energy and food insecurity, recession fears, and political instability – disrupts markets and value chains. These global issues have concrete impacts at the local level and present significant challenges for businesses. As the scientific evidence becomes increasingly compelling (for example, the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, IPCC, and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, IPBES), attempts to mitigate and manage these risks through regulation (for instance, the European Green Industrial Deal), economic incentives, and agreements at national and multinational levels (such as the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals) become ever more ambitious. This, in turn, results in a more demanding regulatory framework for both small and large businesses. The business world responds with green and social innovations in products and processes, higher sustainability standards and goals, and various initiatives aimed at promoting market sustainability. However, there is also “greenwashing” and political lobbying against transformation to secure vested interests. More recently, ESG has faced mounting pressure, and there has been a rollback of green regulations alongside a decline in sustainable business activity.

This serves as the backdrop for the course. Over eight sessions, we will explore the concepts, frameworks, and models available to the corporate world for developing managerial solutions that promote more sustainable markets and businesses. We will examine strategies, approaches, and tools for managing environmental and social sustainability, expanding our scope beyond what the course title suggests. We will learn about the positive and negative, intended and unintended impacts that businesses have on the sustainability of markets, societies, and stakeholders, including employees, consumers, and individuals along global supply chains. We will assess opportunities for change within a business's operations, from improved products (innovation) to enhanced processes (circular economy) and more effective policies. We will investigate sustainable investment decisions.

After completing this course, you will be able to understand the framework of systems and stakeholders within which business operations are embedded. You will be equipped to assist organisations in integrating environmental and social sustainability into their operations and in designing more sustainable business processes and product-service bundles (‘ecological engineering’). Additionally, you will learn to utilise ‘behavioural insights’ to initiate and sustain behaviour change in organisations, businesses, and markets.

Overview of Course Sessions

Session 1 (13/10/25): What is at stake – and why sustainable business conduct matters. Lucia A. Reisch

Session 2 (20/10/25): Sustainability as a system condition: Doing business in times of climate change within planetary boundaries. Lucia A. Reisch

Session 3 (27/10/25): How to manage, measure, and monitor corporate sustainability: ESG and beyond. Speaker: Leonie Decrinis

Session 4 (03/11/25): Can commerce mimic nature? The promises of a circular economy. Lucia A. Reisch

Session 5 (10/11/25): From ESG Metrics to Market Impact – Aligning Capital with Sustainability. Speaker: Atiyeh Yeganloo

Session 6 (17/11/25): Entrepreneurship for Sustainability: Building Sustainable Ventures for Lasting Impact. Speaker: Mark Khater

Session 7 (24/11/25): How to promote greener markets with behavioural insights? Nudging for Good. Speaker: Malte Dewies

Session 8 (01/12/25): Sustainable Engineering and digitisation: Do the benefits outweigh the costs? Speaker: Billy Shi

Aims

Students will gain an understanding of the following key areas:

The role of corporations as participants in the systemic view of planetary boundaries and the ‘Doughnut Economy’.
The motivation of corporations to transcend ‘The business of business is business’ and the implications of Sustainable Engineering.
The dimensions of ‘Environment-Social-Governance’ (ESG) and methods for selecting, measuring, and monitoring respective sustainability goals.
The tools and strategies that corporations can employ to develop sustainable business practices and processes, such as the circular economy.
The practical challenges and opportunities businesses encounter when integrating sustainability into their operations and value chains.
The policies that governments and the regulatory environment can implement to promote more sustainable business practices.

The skills gained in this course include (but are not limited to) fostering the ability to

know and apply different approaches to measure ecological footprint and handprint,
understand and evaluate tools of ESG management,
assess critically sustainability metrics, business reporting and information, and the sustainability strategies of corporations; detect Greenwashing,
apply a ‘behavioural lens’ to promote behaviour change in organisations,
learn how to use scientific literature and write academic essays.

Further notes

Teaching Methods

Pre-class assignments are discussed in class, including online games and simulations; interactive lectures, and guest talks from experts.

Coursework

Your grade will be determined solely by the exam. The university exam will take place at the end of May 2026 and will last for 1.5 hours. There will be three questions, of which two must be answered. You will receive further guidance on the exam during class and supervision.

Additionally, you may submit one piece of coursework by 01 December 2025. The coursework consists of an academic essay of up to 2,000 words. The topics will be provided at the beginning of the course. This coursework offers you the opportunity to receive personalised feedback and enhance your essay-writing skills. Please check Moodle for an information sheet on Coursework.

Booklists

Please refer to the Syllabus PDF and Moodle.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 15/09/2025 15:10

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SL5: Spanish, 2025-26

Leader

Mr S Bianchi

Timing and Structure

Wednesdays am plus timeslots to be determined (compatible with the other project timetable) for a weekly supervision with a PhD Assistant (native speaker).

Prerequisites

Previous or current study of Spanish at intermediate (middle or upper) or advanced level

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To use Spanish in the context of ﾑlanguages for work and lifeﾒ by including specific scientific and engineering tasks which require specific technical input and knowledge.
To encourage students to adopt the mode of ﾑlearning languages for lifeﾒ by stimulating independent study and research.
To increase language performance by means of practice and reinforcement of all four linguistic skills (listening, reading, writing and particularly speaking) so as to be able to operate to a satisfactory level in Hispanic countries or regions.
To extend technological knowledge and understanding of Hispanic industry in its historic and socio-political environment.
To encourage the handling of authentic materials in Spanish in any particular format.

Content

NB: First introductory session of 2 hours TBA.

Students will be encouraged to research, dissect and find solutions to existing or potential problems/issues using technology and its application to the Hispanic world. This should be done by using all four linguistic skills and a specific knowledge of the correct terminology and structure of Spanish.

All students will have to complete an in-class assessment, submit a report (up to 8 pages) and do a 10 minute oral presentation.

TOPICS Students will choose a topic in agreement with the project leader and/or the PhD student that will support them throughout the project. The following is a list of suggested areas:

High-speed train technology in Spain
Airbus Spain
Telecommunications in the Hispanic World
Energy and its exploitation in the Hispanic world
Dams and canals in Spanish America.

FORMAT

In order to achieve results applicable to the Spanish-speaking context, tasks will be underpinned by the following principles:

task-based approach - to reflect the realities of current language use.
skill integration - to operate efficiently in real life.
language integration - to achieve the greatest degree of realism and authenticity.
cultural awareness - to operate successfully in a linguistic and social sense.

Weekly: 4 hours contact teaching + 1 hour supervision + 12 hours untimetabled / research.

Group teaching, group work, pair work and individual work will be employed.

The projects will be run from CLIC (Centre for Languages and Inter-Communication) to enable full use of the resources therein.

Assessment will be based on current and technical language (60%) and engineering (40%) content.

ACTIVITIES

listening: understanding spoken discourse of a technical nature, without prior preparation, and summarising effectively in spoken or written form.
speaking: initiating technical discussions or responding to them fluently and accurately.
reading: reading, understanding, interpreting, extracting data from technical sources.
writing:writing using the appropriate structure, vocabulary and registers. Special emphasis will be placed on report writing.

FURTHER INFORMATION

A Foreign Language Projects information session will be held in Michaelmas in CLIC. See ‘Key Dates [2]’ to find out the exact date.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
In-class assessment	Week 2 of the project, exact date TBA	10
Final written report	Week 5 of the project, exact date TBA	30
Final oral presentation	Week 5 of the project, exact date TBA	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:30

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SL4: Advanced German, 2025-26

Leader

Mr Jan-Moritz Bogdanovic

Timing and Structure

Wednesday mornings (group teaching) plus timeslots to be determined (compatible with the other project timetable) for a weekly supervision with a PhD student (native speaker) and a weekly meeting with the project leader (for language support).

Prerequisites

'Advanced' projects are intended primarily for students who have studied German to A-level standard at school, and who have also attended 'Advanced' or 'Advanced Plus' level classes during Part I of the Engineering Tripos, and for bi-lingual students.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To teach German within the framework of the Council of Europe guidelines contained in the theme of 'languages for work and life' by including specific engineering tasks which require significant technical input and knowledge.
To encourage students to adopt the mode of 'learning languages for life' by taking responsibility for their own learning.
To consolidate and develop linguistic competence in listening, speaking and reading skills, and to extend competence using writing skills within work-related situations.
To develop technological knowledge and understanding of German industry.
To learn to handle authentic materials, in any medium, in German.

Content

NB First introductory session of 2 hours (tba)

Students will be encouraged to explore, dissect and present a current issue in research in the field of Engineering and its bearing on the German-speaking world. This should be done by using all four linguistic skills and a specific knowledge of the correct terminology and structure of German.

All students will have to complete an in-class assessment, submit a report (up to 8 pages) and do a 10 minute oral presentation.

Students may choose a topic in consultation with the project leader and/or the PhD student that will support them throughout the project.

FORMAT

In order to achieve results applicable to the German-speaking context, tasks will be underpinned by the following principles:

task-based approach - to reflect the realities of current language use.
skill integration - to operate efficiently in real life.
language integration - to achieve the greatest degree of realism and authenticity.
cultural awareness - to operate successfully in a linguistic and social sense.

A minimum of 2 hours (and up to 4 hours) contact teaching + 1 hour supervision + 12 hours untimetabled / week.

Group teaching, group work, pair work and individual work will be employed.

The projects will be run from CLIC to enable full use of the resources therein.

Assessment will be based on current and technical language (60%) and engineering (40%) content.

ACTIVITIES

Class activities will aim to develop students’ oral and aural skills, as well as their reading and writing skills (including report writing).

FURTHER INFORMATION

A Foreign Language Projects information session will be held in Michaelmas in CLIC. See ‘Key Dates’ to find out the exact date.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
In-class assessment	Week 2 of the project, exact date TBA	10
Final written report	TBA	30
Final oral presentation	TBA	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:30

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SL3: Intermediate German, 2025-26

Leader

Mr Jan-Moritz Bogdanovic

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

'Intermediate' projects are intended primarily for students who have studied German to GCSE level at school, and who also attended 'Middle Intermediate' or 'Upper Intermediate' level classes during Part I of the Engineering Tripos.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To teach German within the framework of the Council of Europe guidelines contained in the theme of 'languages for work and life' by including specific engineering tasks which require significant technical input and knowledge.
To encourage students to adopt the mode of 'learning languages for life' by taking responsibility for their own learning.
To consolidate and develop linguistic competence in listening, speaking and reading skills, and to extend competence using writing skills within work-related situations.
To develop technological knowledge and understanding of German industry.
To learn to handle authentic materials, in any medium, in German.

Content

NB First introductory session of 2 hours (tba)

All students will have to complete an in-class assessment, submit a report (up to 8 pages) and do a 10 minute oral presentation.

Students may choose a topic in consultation with the project leader and/or the PhD student that will support them throughout the project.

FORMAT

In order to achieve results applicable to the German-speaking context, tasks will be underpinned by the following principles:

task-based approach - to reflect the realities of current language use.
skill integration - to operate efficiently in real life.
language integration - to achieve the greatest degree of realism and authenticity.
cultural awareness - to operate successfully in a linguistic and social sense.

A minimum of 2 hours (and up to 4 hours) contact teaching + 1 hour supervision + 12 hours untimetabled / week.

Group teaching, group work, pair work and individual work will be employed.

The projects will be run from CLIC to enable full use of the resources therein.

Assessment will be based on current and technical language (60%) and engineering (40%) content.

ACTIVITIES

Class activities will aim to develop students’ oral and aural skills, as well as their reading and writing skills (including report writing).

FURTHER INFORMATION

A Foreign Language Projects information session will be held in Michaelmas in CLIC. See ‘Key Dates’ to find out the exact date.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
In-class assessment	Week 2 of the project, exact date TBA	10
Final written report	TBA	30
Final oral presentation	TBA	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:29

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SL2: Advanced French, 2025-26

Leader

Mr Clément Courouve

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

'Advanced' projects are intended primarily for students who have studied French to A-level standard at school, and who have also attended 'Advanced' level classes during Part I of the Engineering Tripos, and for bi-lingual students.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To teach French within the framework of the Council of Europe guidelines contained in the theme of 'languages for work and life' by including specific engineering tasks which require significant technical input and knowledge
To encourage students to adopt the mode of 'learning languages for life' by taking responsibility for their own learning.
To extend linguistic competence in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, with particular emphasis on the latter, to enable operation at an appropriate level in Europe.
To extend technological knowledge and understanding of French industry.
To learn to handle authentic materials, in any medium, in French.

Content

NB First introductory session of 2 hours TBA

Students will be encouraged to research, dissect and find solutions to existing or potential problems/issues using technology and its application to the French-speaking world. This should be done by using all four linguistic skills and a specific knowledge of the correct terminology and structure of French.

All students will have to submit a report (up to 8 pages) and do a 10 minute oral presentation

Students will choose a topic in agreement with the project leader and/or the PhD student that will support them throughout the project.

FORMAT

In order to achieve results applicable to the French-speaking context, tasks will be underpinned by the following principles:

task-based approach - to reflect the realities of current language use.
skill integration - to operate efficiently in real life.
language integration - to achieve the greatest degree of realism and authenticity.
cultural awareness - to operate successfully in a linguistic and social sense.

A minimum of 2 hours (and up to 4 hours) contact or online teaching + 1 hour supervision + 12 hours untimetabled / week.

Group teaching, group work, pair work and individual work will be employed.

The projects will be run online or from CLIC to enable full use of the resources therein.

Assessment will be based on current and technical language (60%) and engineering (40%) content (but bilingual students will be marked on content for 60% and language for 40%).

ACTIVITIES

Class activities will aim to develop students’ oral and aural skills, as well as their reading and writing skills (including report writing).

FURTHER INFORMATION

A Foreign Language Projects information session will be held in Michaelmas in CLIC. See ‘Key Dates’ to find out the exact date.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
In-class assessment	Week 2 of the project, exact date TBA	10
Final written report	TBA	30
Final oral presentation	TBA	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:29

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SL1: Intermediate French, 2025-26

Leader

Mr Clément Courouve

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

'Intermediate' projects are intended primarily for students who have studied French to GCSE level at school, and who also attended 'Intermediate' level classes during Part I of the Engineering Tripos.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To teach French within the framework of the Council of Europe guidelines contained in the theme of 'languages for work and life' by including specific engineering tasks which require significant technical input and knowledge.
To encourage students to adopt the mode of 'learning languages for life' by taking responsibility for their own learning.
To consolidate and develop linguistic competence in listening, speaking and reading skills, and to extend competence using writing skills within work-related situations.
To develop technological knowledge and understanding of French industry.
To learn to handle authentic materials, in any medium, in French.

Content

NB First introductory session of 2 hours TBA

All students will have to submit a report (up to 8 pages) and do a 10 minute oral presentation.

Students will choose a topic in agreement with the project leader and/or the PhD student that will support them throughout the project.

FORMAT

In order to achieve results applicable to the French-speaking context, tasks will be underpinned by the following principles:

task-based approach - to reflect the realities of current language use.
skill integration - to operate efficiently in real life.
language integration - to achieve the greatest degree of realism and authenticity.
cultural awareness - to operate successfully in a linguistic and social sense.

A minimum of 2 hours (and up to 4 hours) contact or online teaching + 1 hour supervision + 12 hours untimetabled / week.

Group teaching, group work, pair work and individual work will be employed.

The projects will be run online or from CLIC to enable full use of the resources therein.

Assessment will be based on current and technical language (60%) and engineering (40%) content.

ACTIVITIES

Class activities will aim to develop students’ oral and aural skills, as well as their reading and writing skills (including report writing).

FURTHER INFORMATION

A Foreign Language Projects information session will be held in Michaelmas in CLIC. See ‘Key Dates’ to find out the exact date.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
In-class assessment	Week 2 of the project, exact date TBA	10
Final written report	TBA	30
Final oral presentation	TBA	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:29

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SF2: Image Processing, 2025-26

Leader

Dr A Grafton

Timing and Structure

Thursdays 9-11am plus afternoons and Mondays 11-1pm

Prerequisites

3F1, 3F3, 3F6 useful, none presumed

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To gain understanding of the main processes in an image compression system, and the typical trade-offs in designing such a system:
An input filtering (or transformation) process, which compacts most of the energy of the image data into a relatively small number of filter output samples;
A quantisation process, which represents these samples to some desired accuracy;
##A lossless entropy coding process, which codes the quantised samples into the minimum number of bits that still allows the samples to be recovered to their quantised accuracy in the decompressor.

Content

This project introduces you to some of the essential design tradeoffs which must be made during the design of image data compression systems. The main purpose of such systems is to compress as far as possible the size of data file required to store an image (typically a real-world scene) while still preserving the quality of the decompressed image at an acceptable level.

The project covers techniques which to some extent reflect the compression inherent in the JPEG, JPEG2000 and JPEG-XR standards. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the image compression standard from 1992 still commonly used today. JPEG2000 and JPEG-XR are more modern versions which are gradually becoming more widespread. The images above are examples of the same data compressed to the same size but using three different schemes.

FORMAT

Students will work in pairs. Each student will write interim reports by the end of weeks 1 and 2 and a final report by the end of week 4.

ACTIVITIES

The project introduces you to each of these processes in turn and allows you to make a number of inter-related design decisions. New concepts are introduced as the project progresses, rather than by trying to introduce too much theoretical material at the beginning.

At the end of the project all groups will use their final design solutions to compress a small set of images to given file sizes, and the quality of the reconstucted images will be assessed both subjectively and objectively in a competition (complete with a prize!) to select the best design.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
Interim report 1 (2 pages + appendices)	TBA	12
Interim report 2 (3 pages + appendices)	TBA	18
Final report (9 pages + appendices)	TBA	50

Dates TBC

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:19

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SC2: Bicycle Design, 2025-26

Leader

Prof M P F Sutcliffe

Timing and Structure

Tuesdays 9-11am plus afternoons, and Fridays 11-1pm

Prerequisites

Part I Mechanics, Materials and Structures

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To apply engineering principles to bicycle design
Propose and develop an individual project on one aspect of bicycle design
Develop project skills

Content

The project will investigate the mechanical, structural and materials design considerations for the bicycle.

1. Introduction (joint sessions).

An introductory session will put the bicycle in its historical perspective and discuss the specification of various types of bicycle.

2. Mini-projects (students work individually).

Students will undertake a mini-project on one aspect of bicycle design. Mini-projects will be directed through the use of timetabled supervision. Project can be theoretical, numerical or experimental, or a mixture of all three. Discussion between students is encouraged. It is expected that students will have controlled access to laboratory facilities and technical support. Possible project ideas include:

Optimisation on cost or performance
Tyre rolling resistance
Wheel design
Aerodynamics
Human factors
Bearing and chain performance
Fork and frame design
Fatigue failure of frames and spokes
Power matching

The project will be split into phases with corresponding reports and feedback:

Very rough draft mini-project plan
Literature review
Finalised project plan
Presentation
Final report

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
Draft project plan/Forum	Mon 18 May 2026	3+5
Finalised project plan	Mon 25 May 2026	10
Literature review	Mon 1 June 2026	12
Presentation	Wed 10 June 2026	10
Mini-project final report	Thur 11 June 2026	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:18

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SC1: Automotive Suspension, 2025-26

Leader

Dr R Roebuck

Timing and Structure

Fridays 9am-11am and 2pm-4pm, and Tuesdays 11am-1pm

Prerequisites

This project preferably involves use of Solidworks.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

introduce the requirements and constraints associated with the design of an automotive suspension assembly.
perform relevant design calculations to predict and optimise the performance of particular components of the assembly.
understand the importance of selecting appropriate materials, manufacturing processes and standard parts.
perform the embodiment design of a sub-assembly of an automotive suspension.
prepare detail design information necessary for manufacture.

Content

This project involves the design of components of an automotive suspension assembly for a Formula Student race car. Tasks include conceptual, embodiment and detail design, all performed individually. The project should appeal to students interested in mechanical design and automotive engineering.

FORMAT

Lectures will be given on automotive suspension systems and mechanical design. Demonstrators will be available at other timetabled sessions to discuss individual design work. Students work individually, but discussion of ideas will be encouraged. Work takes place in the Dyson Centre in week 1, and in the DPO during weeks 2-4. Solidworks will be used extensively in the second half of the project. Detailed instruction on the use of Solidworks will not be given. You may wish to revisit the IA CAD tutorials and tasks if you have not used Solidworks since IA. Pencil/paper drawing is an acceptable alternative but it may constrain your ability to make good design decisions.

ACTIVITIES

Week 1: Review existing design solutions. Estimate the forces and stresses in a suspension assembly. Perform a material selection exercise for several components of a suspension assembly. Review the Formula Student Technical Regulations. Identify the key design requirements and constraints. Write a short report.

Week 2: Select a design concept. Perform calculations to estimate the forces in the suspension assembly. Select standard parts. Write a short report. Begin designing non-standard components.

Week 3: Design component geometries, select materials and manufacturing processes, while satisfying the requirements and constraints. Prepare a CAD model, a 2D design arrangement drawing, and a parts list.

Week 4: Prepare a dimensioned and toleranced detail drawing of one component of the assembly. Write final report.

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
Interim report 1	4pm Thu 22 May 2025	15
Interim report 2	4pm Thu 29 May 2025	15
Final report	4pm Fri 13 June 2025	50

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:18

Engineering Tripos Part IIA Project, SF4: Data Logger, 2025-26

Leader

Prof I Lestas

Timing and Structure

Fridays 11-1pm and Tuesdays 9-11am plus afternoons

Prerequisites

3B1 / 3B2 advised

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

To introduce electronic system design concepts.
To gain familiarity with computer-aided design methodology required for electronic system realisation.
To gain experience in testing and performance evaluation of electronic systems.

Content

This project is based on designing an electronic system which can capture data and store/process it on a PC. It is intended to serve as a practical introduction to a number of aspects of embedded electronic system design and to result in the development of a prototype electronic product.

The project will utilise a microcontroller development board (Arduino) and custom hardware to produce a prototype device. There is a free choice of application, but all projects involve the design and implementation of analogue data capture electronics, firmware for the microcontroller, a communications protocol, and a Windows application.

A reference design will be provided to the students in the first instance. By the first week, students will have constructed and tested a simple device which can demonstrate PC-control (via blinking an LED). The ultimate goal is to build a PC-based application, for example a digital/analogue oscilloscope. The second week will be spent on deciding on the system specifications (eg. the voltage range, frequency range etc in the case of an oscilloscope), functions (eg. gain control, offset control, triggering, etc) and data processing (eg. on-screen measurement, fast fourier transform). The students will then need to produce a design for their specification and a bill-of-materials (on a fixed budget). This must be submitted during the second week. The last two weeks will be based on the implementation and testing to specification of the prototype. The end result of the project is a portable data logger-based device which students can take home and use on their own PC.

This project will involve analogue and digital electronic hardware design. There will also be a significant amount of software development with respect to microcontroller firmware mainly in C/C++. Some prior experience of one or more of these areas would be useful.

FORMAT

Students will work in groups of two, with each group designing and testing their own data logger.

ACTIVITIES

Week 1:ﾠBuild and test your reference design data logger

Week 2:ﾠSpecification issue, design (circuit, comms protocol, Windows application interface) and bill of materials (interim report).

Week 3:ﾠCircuit construction and test.

Week 4:ﾠFinal testing and demonstration of data logger (final report).

Coursework

Coursework	Due date	Marks
First report	end of week 2	10
Demonstration	end of week 4	30
Final report	4pm end of week 4	40

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

Last modified: 01/12/2025 07:28

Search form

Module Leader

Lectures

Lab Leader

Timing and Structure

Content

Overview of Course Sessions

Aims

Further notes

Coursework

Booklists

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

FORMAT

ACTIVITIES

FURTHER INFORMATION

Coursework

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

FORMAT

ACTIVITIES

FURTHER INFORMATION

Coursework

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

FORMAT

ACTIVITIES

FURTHER INFORMATION

Coursework

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

FORMAT

ACTIVITIES

FURTHER INFORMATION

Coursework

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

FORMAT

ACTIVITIES

FURTHER INFORMATION

Coursework

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

FORMAT

ACTIVITIES

Coursework

Examination Guidelines

Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Content

1. Introduction (joint sessions).

2. Mini-projects (students work individually).

Coursework