WM1AB-30 Mechatronics Sprint Project
Introductory description
Engineers are often faced with demanding timelines and budgets in which to deliver solutions. In this first group project, teams of engineers will work together on a project sprint to deliver a first iteration solution to an open-ended engineering problem, culminating in the manufacture, presentation and competitive demonstration of a working prototype. In doing so, they will experience the realities (e.g. frustrations, conflict, collaboration, excitement, tribulations, and hopefully celebrations) of working in a team!
Module aims
Apply engineering principles and techniques learned throughout the first year to plan, design, manufacture, test and evaluate a prototype for a broadly-defined engineering problem.
Learners will work in teams on a sprint project to develop a mechatronic device, for competitive testing and evaluation.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Fundamentals of project management for sprint projects.
Identifying and mitigating common risks to projects.
Roles, responsibilities and working practices in engineering teams.
How to design a simple testing framework.
How to present technical projects to stakeholders.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Create project risk assessments and devise risk mitigation strategies [AHEP:4-C9, C15].
- Develop and present concept designs to meet design specifications for a broadly-defined engineering challenge [AHEP:4-C5, C17].
- Work as a team and apply engineering principles to develop and report on detailed engineering designs, with consideration of environmental impacts [AHEP:4-C6, C7, C17].
- Manufacture a prototype for competitive testing, with consideration of safety [AHEP:4-C12, C13].
- Critically reflect and report on the performance of the project team and prototype, to present technical outcomes to technical and non-technical audiences using appropriate techniques [AHEP:4-C11, C16, C17].
Indicative reading list
Turner, R. (2022). Project Management in Practice. Routledge.
Hillson, D. (2023). Practical Project Risk Management: The ATOM Methodology. Kogan Page.
Larson, E. and Gray, C. (2022). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill.
Subject specific skills
Create basic project risk management plans.
Working as part of a collaborative engineering team to deliver technical outcomes.
Iterative testing and design modification.
Critical reflection of team performance and project outputs.
Presenting technical content.
Transferable skills
This module will contribute to the development of the following from the Warwick Core Skills framework:
Critical Thinking: Interpreting, analysing
Problem Solving: Problem creation
Teamworking: Collaboration
Digital Literacy: IT skills
Professionalism: Attention to detail
Sustainability: Community citizenship
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Seminars | 6 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Practical classes | 48 sessions of 1 hour (16%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 60 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
| Private study | 60 hours (20%) |
| Assessment | 120 hours (40%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Online learning (independent): Engagement with recommended materials and resources (from supervisory meetings and other expert consultants) - review, interpretation and learning to apply knowledge.
Private study: Independent identification, learning and development of new knowledge, skills and tools required for project.
Creation of own tools and resources - e.g. theoretical / physical models, computational simulations, project planning tools, budget calculators, etc.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Assessment 1 | 25% | 30 hours | No |
|
Deliver a group presentation outlining the plan for a sprint project, to an audience of peers, including identified risks and mitigation strategies, and design concept selection process. Subject to peer marking in line with WMG policy. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Assessment 1 reassessment | Yes (extension) | ||
|
Deliver an individual presentation outlining the plan for a sprint project, aimed at an audience of peers, including identified risks and mitigation strategies, and design concept selection process. |
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Assessment component |
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| Assessment 2 | 50% | 60 hours | No |
|
Prepare and submit a group technical report covering the detailed design of the prototype, and demonstrate its functionality through live demonstration. Subject to peer marking in line with WMG policy. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Assessment 2 reassessment | Yes (extension) | ||
|
Prepare and submit an individual technical report covering the detailed design of a prototype, and reporting its functionality from live or recorded demonstration. |
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Assessment component |
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| Assessment 3 | 25% | 30 hours | No |
|
Evaluate the performance of the prototype and the execution of the sprint project, and deliver a group presentation of your findings to an audience of peers. Subject to peer marking in line with WMG policy. |
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Reassessment component |
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| Assessment 3 reassessment | No | ||
|
Evaluate the performance of a prototype and the execution of a sprint project, and record an individual presentation of your findings aimed at an audience of peers. |
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Feedback on assessment
Formative: Verbal feedback during interactive class sessions and practical sessions; Verbal feedback during supervisory and ad hoc meetings; Verbal feedback following presentations.
Summative: Written feedback and marks aligned with University 20 point marking scale.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.