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WM297-30 Automation Group Project

Department
WMG
Level
Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader
Rob Thornton
Credit value
30
Module duration
24 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

Automated systems often have to operate in dynamic environments. In this second group project, teams of engineers will work through a design project to deliver a functional prototype to an open-ended engineering problem, using industry-appropriate tools and techniques. The project will culminate in the manufacture, presentation and competitive demonstration of a working prototype.

Module aims

Apply engineering principles and techniques, and experience gained since the start of the degree programme to plan, design, manufacture, test and evaluate a prototype for a broadly-defined engineering problem requiring the application of automation to its solution.

Learners will consider other design factors in more depth such as commercial, manufacturing and sustainability.

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.

-Systems Development Life Cycles (SDLCs)
-Leadership in project management
-Tools and techniques for managing teams
-Risk assessment and mitigation methods
-Interpersonal skills development for diverse team contexts

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Develop an inclusive project management and stakeholder engagement plan [AHEP:4-C9, C11, C15].
  • Develop a technical specification and functional architecture in response to stakeholder requirements, and initial system simulation [AHEP:4-C4, C6].
  • Working as a team, apply engineering principles and industry-appropriate tools to develop detailed engineering designs, with evaluation of environmental impacts [AHEP:4-C5, C7, C16].
  • Manufacture a prototype for competitive testing, with proactive management of safety [AHEP:4-C12, C13].
  • Critically reflect on the performance of the project team and prototype, to professionally present technical outcomes to technical and non-technical audiences [AHEP:4-C16, 17].

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

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
Assessment 1 25% 30 hours No

As a team develop and present a project management and stakeholder engagement plan for an automated system, including functional architecture and initial system simulation. Subject to peer marking in line with WMG policy.

Reassessment component
Assessment 1 reassessment No

Develop and record a project management and stakeholder engagement plan for an automated system, including functional architecture and initial system simulation.

Assessment component
Assessment 2 50% 60 hours No

As a team prepare and submit technical system documentation covering the detailed design of the prototype, and demonstrate its functionality through live demonstration. Subject to peer marking in line with WMG policy.

Reassessment component
Assessment 2 no reassessment No

No reassessment possible due to PSRB requirements - specifically the need to demonstrate team work.

Assessment component
Assessment 3 25% 30 hours No

As a team evaluate the performance of the prototype against wider system and stakeholder requirements, and the execution of the project, and present your findings to an audience of peers. Subject to peer marking in line with WMG policy.

Reassessment component
Assessment 3 reassessment No

Evaluate the performance of a prototype against wider system and stakeholder requirements, and the execution of a project, and record a presentation of your findings aimed at an audience of peers.

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.