Recommended Study Sequence

This unit aims to engender in participants an understanding of the many facets of professional practice that can be pursued as an Engineer or Designer. Communication, teamwork and problem solving skills will be fostered through a series of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Case studies and assessment tasks aim to develop for the students their own personal ethos for practice, study and lifelong learning in line with the graduate outcomes desired by UWS.

This unit provides an introduction to physical units, tolerancing, statics, dynamics and optics for students studying Industrial Design. It also covers basic electricity and magnetism, concepts of momentum, energy, work, power and operation of motors and machines.

Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between people, their living and working environments and the objects they use in those environments. Scientific information and research concerning humans is applied to the design of objects, systems and environments they interact with. A sound understanding of the principles of this applied science allows a designer to develop products, systems and environments with optimum usability, providing increased comfort, pleasure and productivity of the end user/operator. Other interchangeable terms for ergonomics are Biotechnology, Ergonometrics, Human Engineering, Human Factors Engineering and Human Factors.

This unit is designed to assist in the transition from secondary school mathematics to university first year level mathematics, and gradually bring students to the required standard. It provides a sound foundation in basic mathematical tools in the areas of algebra, probability and calculus, which are particularly relevant to first year mathematics and statistics core subjects. The algebra section revises basic arithmetic manipulation before introducing series, functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, solving equations, matrix manipulation and applications. The probability section covers basic concepts of probability, including permutations, combinations and probability calculations. The calculus section includes limits, differentiation, maximum and minimum values, graphing and integration. These mathematical methods and simple concepts are illustrated using practical examples derived from many different subject areas. Students entering without assumed knowledge of 2 Unit Mathematics are recommended to take this unit as an elective.

This unit equips students with the fundamental skills that will enable them to use creative design and engineering approaches to solve challenging problems and to understand the design process. Students will be exposed to 2D and 3D visualisation techniques, will learn how to interpret abstract information and will work on practical projects in an interdisciplinary context.

The presentation and promotion of designs in the form of 2D graphics is an essential part of the overall design process. The ability to apply a wide range of both manual and computer based processes in the production of these graphical images and presentations is essential. The objective of this unit is to introduce students to the industry standard software and hardware employed to generate this type of material, and more importantly to the techniques used by professionals who currently work in this area of the design community. Industrial Graphics 1 Presentation is part of a sequence of five units that constitute the sub-major in Industrial Graphics, and eight units that constitute the major in Interactive Industrial Graphics.

This unit introduces basic thermodynamics, properties of fluids as well as mechanical and thermal properties of materials. It covers basic physical and chemical properties of metals, ceramics and plastics and discusses in some detail how these materials are chosen for fabrication of particular products as a result of their physical and chemical properties. In addition, the manufacturing methods used to produce various products will be described and justified on the basis of the materials used.

This unit is a survey of the marketing process, introducing students to the marketing concept, strategic and marketing planning, marketing research, consumer and customer behaviour, issues of market segmentation, targeting and positioning as well as all the elements of the marketing mix (product/service, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies).

Global markets and continuing fragmentation of market segments now demand that designers understand sub-cultural groups and changing lifestyle trends in niche markets. This unit delivers creative design concepts and technical development methodologies to enhance product-form related aspects (‘aesthetics’) of design that are inspired and driven by cultural research.

Designers prescribe the use of our limited materials resources with every product that transpires from their work. With an informed approach to design, based on a sound knowledge of materials from their origins to their disposal as well as manufacturing processes, systems and technologies, a designer can minimise the impact products have on the global community.

Engineering drawing is the formal graphical communication language used by professionals engaged in design, manufacture and management of manufactured items. This language provides the facility to describe and document three dimensional objects or concepts in two dimensions using linework, characters and symbols. This language is based on guidelines provided by Standards Australia and is compatible with a range of international drawing standards. The aim of this unit is to examine in detail the language and tools used to generate engineering drawings and to provide students with practical skills that will allow them to communicate with other professionals using this language.

Design Studio 2 will develop the ability of students to advance a design concept up to the point of pre-production. The unit explores the often complex influences on a design proposal - from the methods used to identify the needs of people, future purchase patterns, production limitations to price point analysis. It focuses on the integrative nature of the process of designing.

If science and planning march under the banner of “everything is possible�, design culture must know how to point out a path for these potential possibilities, a path that can be completely opposed to that which technological – scientific development has followed up to now. This unit explores the challenges facing design culture in which the designer must now provide scenarios that visualise some aspects of how the world could be and, at the same, time, present it with such characteristics that can be supported by complex ecological equilibria, which are acceptable socially and attractive culturally.

The documentation of design concepts in the form of three dimensional (3D) computer models provides data that can be applied in a wide variety of ways to facilitate the understanding and production of parts and assemblies. The objective of this unit is to introduce students to the industry standard software and hardware employed to generate these models, via a “hands on� approach to creating 3D data. In addition to this, students will be provided with the background history related to computer modelling in general and Feature Based Solids Modelling in particular. Issues such as data transfer, rapid prototyping, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and visualisation will also be discussed.

Students explore design perspectives within an industry interactive project theme including user centred design; reduced environmental impact guided by sustainable design principles; discuss technological and cultural viewpoints; experience 'designer as manager' client relations; value analysis and production technologies. Research is conducted in groups and proposals define a strategy of activities that contribute to the detailing of a product system - realisation. The focus is on the most cost-effective user centred criterion-based design for manufacture whilst observing social, economic and environmental balances. Integration of prior knowledge and reporting of this synthesis is essential to progression in this unit.

Key learning outcomes include that students: understand manufacturing paradigms and their impact on the product development process and the design process; understand the impact of organisational structures, strategies and processes on the design process; develop and gain experience of using key skills that will enable them to work successfully with various organisational members in the product development process. These skills include teamwork, decision-making and communication, analysis and problem solving. Develop and gain experience of using distance communication and virtual teamwork skills, skills that are becoming increasingly important in new product development.

Design Studio explores the strategies for Industrial Design within the complex and contradictory context of operating as designers in late-industrial cultures. The complexity of designing in Australia for a global economy with local peculiarities will be studied with a particular emphasis on designing for users who are increasingly difficult to know. These same users are also demanding more protection from goods and services they consume and demonstrate increasing doubts about the claims that advertisers make. These factors are bringing new issues into the Industrial Design context. Product innovation with an emphasis on rapid prototyping will form the basis of assessment in this unit.

This unit instructs students in the practical techniques required for designing, conducting and presenting research, in an action-learning environment. Actual research projects based on design-related issues will be explored. A range of research methods will be presented and students will be assisted in the strategic selection of appropriate methods in designing their research. This unit provides a forum for students to bring together and present both the design and results of research. Students will have the opportunity to select and explore their own research topics developed in consultation with the lecturer or tutor, design data collection instruments, analyse data and engage in peer discussions about the significance of their findings.

The final year program provides students with the opportunity to synthetise their knowledge in relation to professional practice. This unit is the research initiation stage of the student's final year program that culminates with the final year graduation exhibition. The aim for a student is through research to identify opportunities and propose possible solutions to a given design problem supported by documentation that will be used in the Industrial Design Project (Completion) unit to guide the subsequent project design realisation.

This unit is the project realisation component of the student's final year program. The unit offers students the chance to consolidate the range of methodologies and processes developed and evaluated in Industrial Design Project (Commencement) that contextualise the principles and practices that will lead to the realisation of their identified design solution. The final design outcome will form part of the final year graduate exhibition. The design solution which students will be developing and submitting for this unit is supported by documentation that was presented and submitted for Industrial Design Project: (Commencement) as an identified solution(s) to a given design problem.

Students will gain real-life experience in developing new products within a company or organisation and be exposed to some of the decision-making processes that affect the development process of industrially produced products whilst experiencing the multidisciplinary nature of the interaction of all those involved in the product development process from the conception of the idea to the introduction of a new product to the market place. Students use this opportunity to test the validity of the concepts studied in various course units to date in a real life situation and develop a sense of a company's "culture".

The final year program provides the student with the opportunity to synthetise their knowledge in relation to professional practice. Major Project Commencement is the project initiation stage of the student's final year program that culminates with the final year graduate exhibition. The aim for a student is to identify opportunities and propose possible solutions to a given design problem, supported by documentation that will be used in the Major Project Completion unit to guide the subsequent project design realisation.

This unit focuses on the development of the product/service audit process and study of a corporation's image and identity as perceived by the target groups it aims to reach. Students will study the approach taken to develop a strategic design management plan that pursues established aims and controls the way a corporation presents itself to its target audience(s) and differentiates itself against its competition in the targeted market(s).

Starting with a sketch, drawing, physical model, or only an idea, having the ability to accurately model your designs ready for rendering, animation, drafting, engineering, analysis and manufacturing is an essential skill set for designers in all disciplines. The ability to generate 3 dimensional data and in particular, free-form 3D data within a computer and display that data in a range of formats provides a powerful design, visualisation and analysis tool. This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D Wireframe, NURBS Surface and Boundary Representation (Brep) Solids Modelling and then focuses on the tools and processes available for producing a range of image types from these 3D models.

Major Project Completion is the project realisation component of the student's final year program. The unit offers the student the chance to consolidate the range of methodologies and processes developed and evaluated in Major Project Commencement, that contextualise the principles and practices that will lead to the realisation of their identified design solution. The final design outcome will form part of the final year graduate exhibition. The design solution which students will be developing and submitting for this unit is supported by documentation that was presented and submitted for Major Project Commencement as an identified solution(s) to a given design problem.

In Design Management 2 students will develop, based on the Corporate Image Brief and Research established in Semester 1, a methodology and program to study a corporation's approach(es) to communicate with its market audience. The evaluation of the study leads to the formulation of the corporate identity design strategy and brief. The information summarised in the design brief is then used to establish the corporate identity design program, which informs the development of the components of a client company's corporate identity. The company chosen by the students as a case study in Design Management 1, on which the assignments are based, should be followed through to Design Management 2.

Design Management unit focuses on fundamental issues of design process and design management. It exposes students to the various theories and models underlying trade-offs and choices in design process. Experiential exercises and contemporary case studies are used throughout the unit. Thus, at the conclusion of the unit, students should be able to gain a broad awareness and critical understanding of vital concepts and issues relating to design process; as well as managing intellectual property. This unit is part of a sequence of four units that constitute the sub-major in Design Management and eight units that constitute the major in International Design Management and Innovation Design Management.

The ability to draw on a broad range of industrial graphics skills and techniques and to apply them appropriately to design projects is a cornerstone of the modern design process. It is the aim of this unit to synthesise the components of the industrial graphics strand and provide a single project with a range of components to which these skills can be applied and evaluated. The lecture component of this unit will provide the forum for introducing and demonstrating the latest techniques and technologies in this field while the practical sessions will provide the students with the opportunity to apply their skills.

This unit covers areas of manufacturing processes, automated production systems and an introduction to CAD/CAM systems. Aspects of automated manufacturing are included and require students to model simple products in CAD and produce CNC toolpath programs by using the CAM part of the system. Also, it involves students using a CNC lathe and mill to manufacture the product. The mechanics of metal cutting in machine tools is included and ties in with cost estimation techniques of manufacturing processes. Tool materials and wear estimation are also covered. Some of the common forms of manufacturing that are included in this unit are metal forming, extrusion, welding, rolling and metal spinning. In addition, automation systems such as flexible manufacturing, robotic cells and mass production methods are described. Computer-aided manufacturing, process planning and robotic assembly will also be covered.

Students will gain real-life experience in developing new products within a company or organisation and be exposed to some of the decision-making processes that affect the development process of industrially produced products whilst experiencing the multidisciplinary nature of the interaction of all those involved in the product development process from the conception of the idea to the introduction of a new product to the market place. Students use this opportunity to test the validity of the concepts studied in various course units to date in a real life situation and develop a sense of a company's "culture".

This unit is a survey of the marketing process, introducing students to the marketing concept, strategic and marketing planning, marketing research, consumer and customer behaviour, issues of market segmentation, targeting and positioning as well as all the elements of the marketing mix (product/service, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies).

Key learning outcomes include that students: understand manufacturing paradigms and their impact on the product development process and the design process; understand the impact of organisational structures, strategies and processes on the design process; develop and gain experience of using key skills that will enable them to work successfully with various organisational members in the product development process. These skills include teamwork, decision-making and communication, analysis and problem solving. Develop and gain experience of using distance communication and virtual teamwork skills, skills that are becoming increasingly important in new product development.

This unit focuses on the development of the product/service audit process and study of a corporation's image and identity as perceived by the target groups it aims to reach. Students will study the approach taken to develop a strategic design management plan that pursues established aims and controls the way a corporation presents itself to its target audience(s) and differentiates itself against its competition in the targeted market(s).

In Design Management 2 students will develop, based on the Corporate Image Brief and Research established in Semester 1, a methodology and program to study a corporation's approach(es) to communicate with its market audience. The evaluation of the study leads to the formulation of the corporate identity design strategy and brief. The information summarised in the design brief is then used to establish the corporate identity design program, which informs the development of the components of a client company's corporate identity. The company chosen by the students as a case study in Design Management 1, on which the assignments are based, should be followed through to Design Management 2.

Design Management unit focuses on fundamental issues of design process and design management. It exposes students to the various theories and models underlying trade-offs and choices in design process. Experiential exercises and contemporary case studies are used throughout the unit. Thus, at the conclusion of the unit, students should be able to gain a broad awareness and critical understanding of vital concepts and issues relating to design process; as well as managing intellectual property. This unit is part of a sequence of four units that constitute the sub-major in Design Management and eight units that constitute the major in International Design Management and Innovation Design Management.

Innovation is an imperative for the competitiveness of enterprises. This unit gives students an understanding of innovation and product development as management processes within an enterprise that provide impetus for their continuing competitiveness. Studies have shown that the development of new products has a greater leverage on a company's profits than any other growth strategy, including acquisition. This unit also gives students insight into how the process of innovation can be enhanced within enterprises. It also examines various processes adopted by enterprises for undertaking new product development, and how product development can be a means of achieving growth for a firm.

Consumer Psychology is the study of how people relate to and involve with products and services that they purchase or use. It attempts to describe, predict, explain, and/or influence consumer responses to products and service-related information and experiences. It contains a broad range of theoretical, conceptual, and methodological perspectives. It is indeed the psychology of how consumers think, feel, reason, and select between different alternatives (e.g., brands, products); how the consumer is influenced by his or her environment (e.g., culture, family, signs, media) and what leads to buying behaviour. By understanding the consumer, we will be able to make informed decisions and apply appropriate marketing and advertising strategies.

This unit examines the theory, practise and nature of entrepreneurship, as a virtual but often neglected and misunderstood mode of management. A basic premise underlying this unit is that all business entities require enterprising management to enhance their survival ability. This proposition is relevant to new and older, small and large organisations. Additionally, contemporary management practice requires the modern manager to be creative in a learning context and the ways in which these creative environments are reached through entrepreneurship are explored.

The presentation and promotion of designs in the form of 2D graphics is an essential part of the overall design process. The ability to apply a wide range of both manual and computer based processes in the production of these graphical images and presentations is essential. The objective of this unit is to introduce students to the industry standard software and hardware employed to generate this type of material, and more importantly to the techniques used by professionals who currently work in this area of the design community. Industrial Graphics 1 Presentation is part of a sequence of five units that constitute the sub-major in Industrial Graphics, and eight units that constitute the major in Interactive Industrial Graphics.

Engineering drawing is the formal graphical communication language used by professionals engaged in design, manufacture and management of manufactured items. This language provides the facility to describe and document three dimensional objects or concepts in two dimensions using linework, characters and symbols. This language is based on guidelines provided by Standards Australia and is compatible with a range of international drawing standards. The aim of this unit is to examine in detail the language and tools used to generate engineering drawings and to provide students with practical skills that will allow them to communicate with other professionals using this language.

The documentation of design concepts in the form of three dimensional (3D) computer models provides data that can be applied in a wide variety of ways to facilitate the understanding and production of parts and assemblies. The objective of this unit is to introduce students to the industry standard software and hardware employed to generate these models, via a “hands on� approach to creating 3D data. In addition to this, students will be provided with the background history related to computer modelling in general and Feature Based Solids Modelling in particular. Issues such as data transfer, rapid prototyping, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and visualisation will also be discussed.

Starting with a sketch, drawing, physical model, or only an idea, having the ability to accurately model your designs ready for rendering, animation, drafting, engineering, analysis and manufacturing is an essential skill set for designers in all disciplines. The ability to generate 3 dimensional data and in particular, free-form 3D data within a computer and display that data in a range of formats provides a powerful design, visualisation and analysis tool. This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D Wireframe, NURBS Surface and Boundary Representation (Brep) Solids Modelling and then focuses on the tools and processes available for producing a range of image types from these 3D models.

The ability to draw on a broad range of industrial graphics skills and techniques and to apply them appropriately to design projects is a cornerstone of the modern design process. It is the aim of this unit to synthesise the components of the industrial graphics strand and provide a single project with a range of components to which these skills can be applied and evaluated. The lecture component of this unit will provide the forum for introducing and demonstrating the latest techniques and technologies in this field while the practical sessions will provide the students with the opportunity to apply their skills.

Through lectures students develop an understanding of fundamental concepts and processes inherent in designing for on online environment. Students also develop fundamental computer software skills and design understandings appropriate to that medium using the major web software packages and develop a working understanding of production literacies for online design. Students will engage in practical studies of web authoring using HTML, Dreamweaver, image optimisation using Fireworks or Imageready. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the roles, functions and features of each software package in the design production context of online delivery, integrated use, and a working understanding of the responsibilities inherent in the digital production process.

This unit focuses on design methodology for the development and delivery of contemporary interactive media applications. Particular concepts addressed will also include conceptual integration and convergence of various media forms, screen design, navigational hierarchy and structures, and designing engaging interactive interfaces. General principles of interface, interaction design and information architecture will be introduced, alongside basic principles of digital media production.

This unit focuses on interactive design from an experience design perspective. Approaches utilising current digital technologies for advanced interactive design are explored. Students will design and produce interactive products and examine and critique current content and trends within these technologies. The focus of the unit is communication and experience design, rather than technical implementation. Interactive design examples are examined from the context of shifting production languages, convergent technologies and design professional context.

This unit is a survey of the marketing process, introducing students to the marketing concept, strategic and marketing planning, marketing research, consumer and customer behaviour, issues of market segmentation, targeting and positioning as well as all the elements of the marketing mix (product/service, pricing, distribution and marketing communication strategies).

Key learning outcomes include that students: understand manufacturing paradigms and their impact on the product development process and the design process; understand the impact of organisational structures, strategies and processes on the design process; develop and gain experience of using key skills that will enable them to work successfully with various organisational members in the product development process. These skills include teamwork, decision-making and communication, analysis and problem solving. Develop and gain experience of using distance communication and virtual teamwork skills, skills that are becoming increasingly important in new product development.

This unit focuses on the development of the product/service audit process and study of a corporation's image and identity as perceived by the target groups it aims to reach. Students will study the approach taken to develop a strategic design management plan that pursues established aims and controls the way a corporation presents itself to its target audience(s) and differentiates itself against its competition in the targeted market(s).

In Design Management 2 students will develop, based on the Corporate Image Brief and Research established in Semester 1, a methodology and program to study a corporation's approach(es) to communicate with its market audience. The evaluation of the study leads to the formulation of the corporate identity design strategy and brief. The information summarised in the design brief is then used to establish the corporate identity design program, which informs the development of the components of a client company's corporate identity. The company chosen by the students as a case study in Design Management 1, on which the assignments are based, should be followed through to Design Management 2.

Design Management unit focuses on fundamental issues of design process and design management. It exposes students to the various theories and models underlying trade-offs and choices in design process. Experiential exercises and contemporary case studies are used throughout the unit. Thus, at the conclusion of the unit, students should be able to gain a broad awareness and critical understanding of vital concepts and issues relating to design process; as well as managing intellectual property. This unit is part of a sequence of four units that constitute the sub-major in Design Management and eight units that constitute the major in International Design Management and Innovation Design Management.

This unit focuses on the role of brand and product management in the context of planning and implementing marketing strategies and is intended to develop a critical appreciation of the inherent challenges contemporary firms encounter in creating and maintaining brand equity.

In an era of ever increasing globalisation, it is essential that students of management are aware of salient global factors and issues that determine the process of applying management concepts and techniques in a multinational environment. This unit provides this knowledge through an examination of topics such as: the nature of international management and emergence of the global economy; determinants of the international competitiveness of nations, agencies and firms (with a focus on the Australian Situation); the cultural/political/economic/financial dimensions of the international management environment; international law; dimensions of internation business strategy; the internationalisation of the firm, and organisation and control of international operations.

This unit examines the theory, practise and nature of entrepreneurship, as a virtual but often neglected and misunderstood mode of management. A basic premise underlying this unit is that all business entities require enterprising management to enhance their survival ability. This proposition is relevant to new and older, small and large organisations. Additionally, contemporary management practice requires the modern manager to be creative in a learning context and the ways in which these creative environments are reached through entrepreneurship are explored.

Key learning outcomes include that students: understand manufacturing paradigms and their impact on the product development process and the design process; understand the impact of organisational structures, strategies and processes on the design process; develop and gain experience of using key skills that will enable them to work successfully with various organisational members in the product development process. These skills include teamwork, decision-making and communication, analysis and problem solving. Develop and gain experience of using distance communication and virtual teamwork skills, skills that are becoming increasingly important in new product development.

This unit focuses on the development of the product/service audit process and study of a corporation's image and identity as perceived by the target groups it aims to reach. Students will study the approach taken to develop a strategic design management plan that pursues established aims and controls the way a corporation presents itself to its target audience(s) and differentiates itself against its competition in the targeted market(s).

In Design Management 2 students will develop, based on the Corporate Image Brief and Research established in Semester 1, a methodology and program to study a corporation's approach(es) to communicate with its market audience. The evaluation of the study leads to the formulation of the corporate identity design strategy and brief. The information summarised in the design brief is then used to establish the corporate identity design program, which informs the development of the components of a client company's corporate identity. The company chosen by the students as a case study in Design Management 1, on which the assignments are based, should be followed through to Design Management 2.

Design Management unit focuses on fundamental issues of design process and design management. It exposes students to the various theories and models underlying trade-offs and choices in design process. Experiential exercises and contemporary case studies are used throughout the unit. Thus, at the conclusion of the unit, students should be able to gain a broad awareness and critical understanding of vital concepts and issues relating to design process; as well as managing intellectual property. This unit is part of a sequence of four units that constitute the sub-major in Design Management and eight units that constitute the major in International Design Management and Innovation Design Management.

The presentation and promotion of designs in the form of 2D graphics is an essential part of the overall design process. The ability to apply a wide range of both manual and computer based processes in the production of these graphical images and presentations is essential. The objective of this unit is to introduce students to the industry standard software and hardware employed to generate this type of material, and more importantly to the techniques used by professionals who currently work in this area of the design community. Industrial Graphics 1 Presentation is part of a sequence of five units that constitute the sub-major in Industrial Graphics, and eight units that constitute the major in Interactive Industrial Graphics.

Engineering drawing is the formal graphical communication language used by professionals engaged in design, manufacture and management of manufactured items. This language provides the facility to describe and document three dimensional objects or concepts in two dimensions using linework, characters and symbols. This language is based on guidelines provided by Standards Australia and is compatible with a range of international drawing standards. The aim of this unit is to examine in detail the language and tools used to generate engineering drawings and to provide students with practical skills that will allow them to communicate with other professionals using this language.

The documentation of design concepts in the form of three dimensional (3D) computer models provides data that can be applied in a wide variety of ways to facilitate the understanding and production of parts and assemblies. The objective of this unit is to introduce students to the industry standard software and hardware employed to generate these models, via a “hands on� approach to creating 3D data. In addition to this, students will be provided with the background history related to computer modelling in general and Feature Based Solids Modelling in particular. Issues such as data transfer, rapid prototyping, computer numerical control (CNC) machining and visualisation will also be discussed.

Starting with a sketch, drawing, physical model, or only an idea, having the ability to accurately model your designs ready for rendering, animation, drafting, engineering, analysis and manufacturing is an essential skill set for designers in all disciplines. The ability to generate 3 dimensional data and in particular, free-form 3D data within a computer and display that data in a range of formats provides a powerful design, visualisation and analysis tool. This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D Wireframe, NURBS Surface and Boundary Representation (Brep) Solids Modelling and then focuses on the tools and processes available for producing a range of image types from these 3D models.

The ability to draw on a broad range of industrial graphics skills and techniques and to apply them appropriately to design projects is a cornerstone of the modern design process. It is the aim of this unit to synthesise the components of the industrial graphics strand and provide a single project with a range of components to which these skills can be applied and evaluated. The lecture component of this unit will provide the forum for introducing and demonstrating the latest techniques and technologies in this field while the practical sessions will provide the students with the opportunity to apply their skills.

This unit introduces basic thermodynamics, properties of fluids as well as mechanical and thermal properties of materials. It covers basic physical and chemical properties of metals, ceramics and plastics and discusses in some detail how these materials are chosen for fabrication of particular products as a result of their physical and chemical properties. In addition, the manufacturing methods used to produce various products will be described and justified on the basis of the materials used.

Designers prescribe the use of our limited materials resources with every product that transpires from their work. With an informed approach to design, based on a sound knowledge of materials from their origins to their disposal as well as manufacturing processes, systems and technologies, a designer can minimise the impact products have on the global community.

If science and planning march under the banner of “everything is possible�, design culture must know how to point out a path for these potential possibilities, a path that can be completely opposed to that which technological – scientific development has followed up to now. This unit explores the challenges facing design culture in which the designer must now provide scenarios that visualise some aspects of how the world could be and, at the same, time, present it with such characteristics that can be supported by complex ecological equilibria, which are acceptable socially and attractive culturally.

This unit covers areas of manufacturing processes, automated production systems and an introduction to CAD/CAM systems. Aspects of automated manufacturing are included and require students to model simple products in CAD and produce CNC toolpath programs by using the CAM part of the system. Also, it involves students using a CNC lathe and mill to manufacture the product. The mechanics of metal cutting in machine tools is included and ties in with cost estimation techniques of manufacturing processes. Tool materials and wear estimation are also covered. Some of the common forms of manufacturing that are included in this unit are metal forming, extrusion, welding, rolling and metal spinning. In addition, automation systems such as flexible manufacturing, robotic cells and mass production methods are described. Computer-aided manufacturing, process planning and robotic assembly will also be covered.