| Unit name | Sustainable Design |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADEM0001 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Phoebe Xu |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Sustainable Systems |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important
The world needs new design solutions and paradigms if it is to avoid a number of catastrophic impacts such as mass extinction and climate collapse. This unit is designed to prepare students to go out into the world and create these solutions, using their existing engineering knowledge, and their newfound understanding of sustainable systems. The unit will be practical, fast paced and at times challenging. But above all we hope it will change students’ view of design.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
Following on from “Sustainable Systems” this unit will build on the concepts from that unit whilst also beginning to drill down into the detail of Sustainable Engineering. The unit is part of the core Sustainable Engineering MSc content and is designed not just to deliver some of the core content, but also to prepare students for the group project.
Whilst the first unit is about systems, this unit is about the on the ground delivery of real and impactful sustainable solutions, including design tools that can be used to assist in making sustainable decisions (e.g., lifecycle analysis tools, sustainability checklists, sustainability software tools).
An overview of content
Having observed and understood the system and defined the problem to solve or opportunity this unit will look at practically developing student skills in creating sustainable concept designs. It will explore where ideas come from, how to know which solutions to select and how to quantify and measure the impacts of the design decisions. The unit will include developing critical evaluation skills to enable the improvement of both other designs and our own. The unit will take students through different design processes on a small number of projects.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
As a result of this unit students will:
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful engagement with the unit, students will be able to:
The unit will have a blended learning approach incorporating a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lectures, guest lectures and practical classes, as well as several self-directed study and research. Space will be created for supported group work, but additional group work will need to be carried out outside the classroom.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The unit will include a number of short team assignments which will create an authentic learning environment. You will be prepared to carry out the reflective report (summative, detailed below) by utilising a scaffolded approach. Firstly, as you progress with each formative project you will complete (with dedicated class time) a register of activities that demonstrate the ILO in question. This is a process used in industry for chartership. Alongside you will have a series of workshops where you practice reflective writing structured around the format of the submission.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Individual reflective report which will outline how you have fulfilled ILO1-3 and will critically appraise your approach (ILO4) 100%. A reflection on minimum of two of the formative short assignments must be included in the report. You can only include reflection on assignments for which there is clear evidence of participation in the assignment. The final report will draw together the register and the workshops to enable you to deliver the report.
When assessment does not go to plan
Individual reflective report which will outline how you have fulfilled ILO1-3 and will critically appraise your approach (ILO4) 100%. If the number of formative short assignments undertaken during the unit is less than required in the above, additional formative assignments must be completed before the report can be submitted.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CADEM0001).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
