Advanced Aerospace Systems Design

Module overview

The SESA2001 Systems Design and Computing module integrates practical and theoretical learning through lectures, tutorials, and hands-on prototyping exercises. It challenges students to collaboratively address mechatronic engineering design problems. This approach enables students to apply theoretical engineering knowledge in practical contexts while further enhancing their interpersonal and communication skills.

The core assessment for this module is a team-based, detailed mechatronic engineering design project. Students are given the opportunity to select their preferred projects in Semester 1.

These projects are designed to promote the application of Part 1 and Part 2 engineering and computing competencies within a single, practical engineering design project. Assessment milestones are distributed across both semesters, requiring teams to collaborate effectively under tight deadlines. Students must deliver both theoretical and practical prototyping solutions in engineering design and computing.

Student teams will defend their design process and final prototype during a detailed design viva. They will also demonstrate the functionality of their prototype in an appropriate indoor or outdoor environment.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Semester 2 assessment: students need to show they have designed a solution to a complex engineering problem utilising their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
Semester 2 assessment: all projects require students to solve complex problems at some stage of the project using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
Semester 1 & 2 assessment: students build CAD models and use computational methods to design and analyse complex problem solutions.
Semester 2 assessment: throughout projects students will investigate societal and user needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health safety, cultural, societal and environmental matters.
Semester 2 assessment: in all projects students select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes to build test rigs and working prototypes. Students are encouraged to recognising their limitations.
Semester 1 & 2 assessment: all projects apply a systems design approach in the context of solving a complex problem.
Semester 1 & 2 assessment: all projects require the building and testing of physical prototypes.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

This module will be delivered through a combination of the following:

1. Lectures for the delivery of new material and concepts.

2. Practical sessions where students will tackle a set of design and computing tasks.

3. Workshop sessions for students to work in teams and develop design proposals. Demonstrators/ academic staff will be available to answer questions and provide feedback during practical and workshop sessions.

The teaching pattern is summarised below:

SYSTEMS DESIGN: Lectures on formal design theories.

Lectures introduce the module and the design project briefs. Formative lab/tutorial sessions support students pursuing design, manufacturing and structural analysis exercises.

COMPUTING: Computer-based practical classes and exercises to introduce a microcontroller and programming system.

DESIGN PROJECT (12 weeks):

Weekly Workshop sessions enable students to pursue a design project in teams within the Design Studios/Workshops and testing (potentially subject to weather conditions) at a suitable location.

Academic teaching teams provide weekly timetabled support in Design Studios/ Workshops. Student teams can use the Design Studios/ Workshops in addition to timetabled sessions, during open access times.

Study time
Type	Hours
Practical classes and workshops	48
Assessment tasks	10
Lecture	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	40
Follow-up work	40
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Software - Available on managed university computers. • SolidWorks (Student version also available to download for use on personal computers). • MATLAB • Arduino

Textbooks

Edited by A. van Boeijen, J. Daalhuizen, and J. Zijlstra (2020). Delft design guide : perspectives, models, approaches, methods. Amsterdam: BIS.

Margolis, M., Jepson, B. and Weldin, N. R. (2020). Arduino cookbook : recipes to begin, expand, and enhance your projects. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media.

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Project marks are awarded to the team. Individual student marks can vary within a group should the assessors deem that there have been unequal contributions from the students within the group. Students provide formative individual weekly engagement evidence. A moderation meeting involving the project tutors will be held once project assessment results are finalised.

This module is coordinated with the co-requisite module FEEG2006 Engineering Management and Law. A proportion of the marks for FEEG2006 will be awarded for management practice associated with the Group Design Project of this module.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Design Report	10%
Interim Design Review	20%
Final Design Review	70%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Design Review	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal