Work in Progress: A Case Study on Large-Course First-Year Engineering Design Projects

Abstract

This work-in-progress paper outlines an approach to project-based learning (PBL) in a first-year engineering design course for all students in the school of engineering at a large research university. Compared to the previous version of the course, emphasis is placed on working through uncertainty in the design process, making the course more appealing to indigenous and New Zealand students, and more directly connecting topics to second-year discipline-specific design classes. The course presents a generic design process from problem understanding through to testing and documentation. Two design-build projects, one individual and one team-based, allow multiple “trips” through the process, with chances to reflect on and discuss the presented design process. Process content is supported by skills development in spatial visualisation, CAD and technical drawing, and basic analysis techniques. Background of staffing, space allocation, material costs, and students are described to provide context; the course aims and methods are described; student feedback is summarized; and plans for evaluation and further development are outlined.