Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C5: Design Case Studies, 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr P Kristensson and Prof J Clarkson
Lab Leader
Dr P Kristensson
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 14 lectures + coursework. Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- illustrate the multi-disciplinary nature of engineering design.
- demonstrate the importance of considering user needs.
- illustrate the above through case studies of form, component and system design.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the importance of multi-disciplinary systems design.
- select simple components from catalogues.
- understand relations between customer requirements, commercial requirements and product forms.
- appreciate the role of aesthetics and ergonomics in engineering design.
- understand the importance of design for manufacture and assembly.
Content
The course will be based on two case studies.
Each case study will occupy eight lectures slots with the last one or two in each case study being used for coursework.
Topics to be covered within individual case studies include: multi-disciplinary systems design; component selection; risk analysis; product testing, aesthetics and ergonomics; and design for manufacture and assembly.
Notes will be handed out summarising the main points covered in each case study.
Coursework
There will be a coursework exercise linked to each of the case studies with multi-part written assignments, using computer software where appropriate.
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Inhaler Test Machine The purpose of this case study is to expose students to the complete design process for an inhaler test machine. Learning objectives:
|
Two individual reports Anonymously marked |
Approximately Weeks 2 and 4 (exact date TBD) [30/60] |
|
Wearable Device The purpose of this case study is to expose students to an open-ended design process that results in a systematic design of a wearable device that fulfils users’ needs and is safe to use. Learning objectives:
|
One individual report Anonymously marked |
Approximately Week 8 (exact date TBD) [30/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D2
Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as aesthetics.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
E4
Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P4
Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 21/05/2018 15:01
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C5: Design Case Studies, 2021-22
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof J Clarkson and Dr N Crilly
Lab Leader
Dr N Crilly
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lecture slots, including lectures, group discussion and time for coursework. Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- illustrate the multi-disciplinary nature of engineering design
- illustrate the relationship between requirements, functions and solutions
- illustrate the importance of considering risk, error and safety
- illustrate the importance of understanding users and the contexts they operate in
- illustrate how to design for users' needs and preferences
- achieve the above through case studies of industrial systems and consumer products.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- demonstrate the skills and knowledge listed under each coursework element.
Content
The course will be based on two case studies. Each case study will occupy eight lectures slots with the last one or two in each case study being used for coursework.
Topics to be covered within individual case studies include: multi-disciplinary systems design; component selection; risk analysis; product testing; design for manufacture and assembly; user research; aesthetics; ergonomics; branding. Notes will be handed out summarising the main points covered in each case study.
Coursework
There will be a coursework exercise linked to each of the case studies with multi-part written assignments, using computer software where appropriate.
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Industrial System The purpose of this case study is to expose students to the complete design process for an inhaler test machine. Learning objectives: After completing this coursework, students should be able to
|
Two individual reports. Anonymously marked |
Approximately Weeks 2 and 4 (exact date TBD) [30/60] |
|
Consumer Product The purpose of this case study is to expose students to a research and development process for a design concept focussed on recreational use (sports, hobbies and pastimes). Learning objectives: After completing this coursework, students should be able to
|
One individual report. Anonymously marked |
Approximately Week 9 (exact date TBD) [30/60] |
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D2
Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as aesthetics.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
E4
Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P4
Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 24/05/2021 08:44
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C5: Design Case Studies, 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof J Clarkson and Dr N Crilly
Lab Leader
Dr N Crilly
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lecture slots, including lectures, group discussion and time for coursework. Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- illustrate the multi-disciplinary nature of engineering design
- illustrate the relationship between requirements, functions and solutions
- illustrate the importance of considering risk, error and safety
- illustrate the importance of understanding users and the contexts they operate in
- illustrate how to design for users' needs and preferences
- achieve the above through case studies of industrial systems and consumer products.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- analyse and develop functional requirements for multi-disciplinary systems
- identify solution principles and components from catalogues, and combine them to fulfil system requirements
- identify and analyse risks associated with the development and delivery of multi-disciplinary systems
- research, analyse and describe the needs of users in specific product usage scenarios
- analyse, develop and justify decisions about product form and function in relation to user requirements and branding constraints
- analyse, develop and justify decisions about product form and function in relation to principles of physical and cognitive ergonomics.
Content
The course will be based on two case studies. Each case study will occupy eight lectures slots with the last one or two in each case study being used for coursework.
Topics to be covered within individual case studies include: multi-disciplinary systems design; component selection; risk analysis; product testing; design for manufacture and assembly; user research; aesthetics; ergonomics; branding. Notes will be handed out summarising the main points covered in each case study.
Coursework
There will be a coursework exercise linked to each of the case studies with multi-part written assignments, using computer software where appropriate.
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Industrial System The purpose of this case study is to expose students to the complete design process for an inhaler test machine. Learning objectives: After completing this coursework, students should be able to
|
Two individual reports. Anonymously marked |
Approximately Weeks 2 and 4 (exact date TBD) [30/60] |
|
Consumer Product The purpose of this case study is to expose students to a research and development process for a design concept focussed on recreational use (sports, hobbies and pastimes). Learning objectives: After completing this coursework, students should be able to
|
One individual report. Anonymously marked |
Approximately Week 8 (exact date TBD) [30/60] |
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D2
Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as aesthetics.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
E4
Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P4
Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 01/09/2020 10:30
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C5: Design Case Studies, 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr P Kristensson and Prof J Clarkson
Lab Leader
Dr P Kristensson
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 14 lectures + coursework. Assessment: 100% coursework
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- illustrate the multi-disciplinary nature of engineering design.
- demonstrate the importance of considering user needs.
- illustrate the above through case studies of form, component and system design.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the importance of multi-disciplinary systems design.
- select simple components from catalogues.
- understand relations between customer requirements, commercial requirements and product forms.
- appreciate the role of aesthetics and ergonomics in engineering design.
- understand the importance of design for manufacture and assembly.
Content
The course will be based on two case studies.
Each case study will occupy eight lectures slots with the last one or two in each case study being used for coursework.
Topics to be covered within individual case studies include: multi-disciplinary systems design; component selection; risk analysis; product testing, aesthetics and ergonomics; and design for manufacture and assembly.
Notes will be handed out summarising the main points covered in each case study.
Coursework
There will be a coursework exercise linked to each of the case studies with multi-part written assignments, using computer software where appropriate.
| Coursework | Format |
Due date & marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Inhaler Test Machine The purpose of this case study is to expose students to the complete design process for an inhaler test machine. Learning objectives:
|
Two individual reports Anonymously marked |
29th January 2018 and 12th February 2018 [30/60] |
|
Wearable Device The purpose of this case study is to expose students to an open-ended design process that results in a systematic design of a wearable device that fulfils users’ needs and is safe to use. Learning objectives:
|
One individual report Anonymously marked |
12th March 2018 [30/60] |
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D2
Understand customer and user needs and the importance of considerations such as aesthetics.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
E4
Understanding of and ability to apply a systems approach to engineering problems.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P4
Understanding use of technical literature and other information sources.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 19/01/2018 10:58
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C4: Design Methods (shared with IIA), 2025-26
Leader
Lecturers
Prof. PO Kristensson, Prof. JM. Cullen
Timing and Structure
Shared with IIA. Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + 2 examples classes. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- present useful tools for designers of all disciplines and illustrate the practical application of systems engineering and risk management techniques.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- formulate a design problem, allowing the widest range of valid solutions.
- evaluate competing design concepts systematically.
- use techniques such as quality function deployment, and various creative methods.
- search for ways in which a design can fail, and assess likelihood of failure.
- appreciate how basic evaluation techniques can be applied to a complex design.
- appreciate how decisions regarding product architecture influence performance.
Content
Design Tools (7L)
Introduction to the design process; problem formulation; methods of searching for solutions; techniques for design evaluation; guidelines for embodiment design.
Systems Engineering (3L)
Introduction to systems engineering; system thinking; Dependency Structure Matrices; sustainable systems.
Risk Management (4L)
Introduction to risk management; rework; verification and validation; risk in systems; risk assessment.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P8
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 05/06/2025 15:18
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C4: Design Methods (shared with IIA), 2018-19
Leader
Lecturers
Timing and Structure
Shared with IIA. Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + 2 examples classes. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- present useful tools for designers of all disciplines and illustrate the practical application of systems engineering and risk management techniques.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- formulate a design problem, allowing the widest range of valid solutions.
- evaluate competing design concepts systematically.
- use techniques such as quality function deployment, and various creative methods.
- search for ways in which a design can fail, and assess likelihood of failure.
- appreciate how basic evaluation techniques can be applied to a complex design.
- appreciate how decisions regarding product architecture influence performance.
Content
Design Tools (8L)
Introduction to the design process; problem formulation; methods of searching for solutions; techniques for design evaluation; guidelines for embodiment design.
Systems Engineering (3L)
Introduction to systems engineering; system decomposition, integration and evaluation; Dependency Structure Matrices.
Risk Management (5L)
Introduction to risk management; rework; risk analysis; probabilistic design.
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P8
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 21/05/2018 14:54
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C4: Design Methods (shared with IIA), 2021-22
Leader
Lecturers
Dr J.M. Cullen, Prof P O Kristensson
Timing and Structure
Shared with IIA. Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + 2 examples classes. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- present useful tools for designers of all disciplines and illustrate the practical application of systems engineering and risk management techniques.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- formulate a design problem, allowing the widest range of valid solutions.
- evaluate competing design concepts systematically.
- use techniques such as quality function deployment, and various creative methods.
- search for ways in which a design can fail, and assess likelihood of failure.
- appreciate how basic evaluation techniques can be applied to a complex design.
- appreciate how decisions regarding product architecture influence performance.
Content
Design Tools (8L)
Introduction to the design process; problem formulation; methods of searching for solutions; techniques for design evaluation; guidelines for embodiment design.
Systems Engineering (3L)
Introduction to systems engineering; system decomposition, integration and evaluation; Dependency Structure Matrices.
Risk Management (5L)
Introduction to risk management; rework; risk analysis; probabilistic design.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P8
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 20/05/2021 07:43
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C4: Design Methods (shared with IIA), 2024-25
Leader
Lecturers
Prof. P O Kristensson, Prof. J.M. Cullen
Timing and Structure
Shared with IIA. Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + 2 examples classes. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- present useful tools for designers of all disciplines and illustrate the practical application of systems engineering and risk management techniques.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- formulate a design problem, allowing the widest range of valid solutions.
- evaluate competing design concepts systematically.
- use techniques such as quality function deployment, and various creative methods.
- search for ways in which a design can fail, and assess likelihood of failure.
- appreciate how basic evaluation techniques can be applied to a complex design.
- appreciate how decisions regarding product architecture influence performance.
Content
Design Tools (8L)
Introduction to the design process; problem formulation; methods of searching for solutions; techniques for design evaluation; guidelines for embodiment design.
Systems Engineering (3L)
Introduction to systems engineering; system decomposition, integration and evaluation; Dependency Structure Matrices.
Risk Management (5L)
Introduction to risk management; rework; risk analysis; probabilistic design.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P8
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 31/05/2024 10:02
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C4: Design Methods (shared with IIA), 2020-21
Leader
Lecturers
Dr J.M. Cullen, Prof P.J. Clarkson
Timing and Structure
Shared with IIA. Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + 2 examples classes. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- present useful tools for designers of all disciplines and illustrate the practical application of systems engineering and risk management techniques.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- formulate a design problem, allowing the widest range of valid solutions.
- evaluate competing design concepts systematically.
- use techniques such as quality function deployment, and various creative methods.
- search for ways in which a design can fail, and assess likelihood of failure.
- appreciate how basic evaluation techniques can be applied to a complex design.
- appreciate how decisions regarding product architecture influence performance.
Content
Design Tools (8L)
Introduction to the design process; problem formulation; methods of searching for solutions; techniques for design evaluation; guidelines for embodiment design.
Systems Engineering (3L)
Introduction to systems engineering; system decomposition, integration and evaluation; Dependency Structure Matrices.
Risk Management (5L)
Introduction to risk management; rework; risk analysis; probabilistic design.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P8
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 01/09/2020 10:44
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4C4: Design Methods (shared with IIA), 2022-23
Leader
Lecturers
Prof. P O Kristensson, Prof. J.M. Cullen
Timing and Structure
Shared with IIA. Michaelmas term. 14 lectures + 2 examples classes. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- present useful tools for designers of all disciplines and illustrate the practical application of systems engineering and risk management techniques.
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- formulate a design problem, allowing the widest range of valid solutions.
- evaluate competing design concepts systematically.
- use techniques such as quality function deployment, and various creative methods.
- search for ways in which a design can fail, and assess likelihood of failure.
- appreciate how basic evaluation techniques can be applied to a complex design.
- appreciate how decisions regarding product architecture influence performance.
Content
Design Tools (8L)
Introduction to the design process; problem formulation; methods of searching for solutions; techniques for design evaluation; guidelines for embodiment design.
Systems Engineering (3L)
Introduction to systems engineering; system decomposition, integration and evaluation; Dependency Structure Matrices.
Risk Management (5L)
Introduction to risk management; rework; risk analysis; probabilistic design.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
D1
Wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.
D4
Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
D6
Manage the design process and evaluate outcomes.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
P8
Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 27/09/2022 11:25

