CVEN20140 Design and Communications

Academic Year 2023/2024

This course represents a comprehensive coverage of communications in engineering. The ‘design’ element of the module, together with the associated ‘design’ exercises focuses primarily on developing techniques of graphical communication. The skills of sketching and model making are introduced and the appropriate use of these throughout the engineering design process is considered. In addition, a significant element of the course focuses on conventional communication techniques. Effective communication is defined and potential barriers and impediments to message delivery are discussed. These are contextualised in detailed instruction relating to oral presentation skills and technical report writing but the basic elements of effective correspondence in terms of electronic communication and business letter writing are also explained. Stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills are an increasingly important element in the delivery of engineering projects and these are covered. Career development in the context of job applications is a feature of the course and lectures on CV preparation and interview skills are provided. The importance of independent research is recognised and instruction in accessing scientific and engineering literature through the extensive range of electronic resources available in UCD is also provided.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students will:
• Understand and be aware of all requirements pertaining to all aspects of professional correspondence;
• Be aware of sketching and model making skills in the context of graphical communication techniques;
• Be able to prepare technical reports that conform to the generally accepted standards of good report writing;
• Be capable of delivering professional presentations with clear and concise illustrations and drawings to both small and large audiences;
• Be able to prepare convincing job applications and be aware good practice in professional job interviews.
• Be able to avail of the full range of scientific and engineering related electronic databases in UCD for conducting independent research.

Indicative Module Content:

For the Communications component of the module, the following will be covered:

(1) Impediments to Communications
(2) Communicating effectively in a professional setting
(3) Technical report writing
(4) Delivering effective oral presentations
(5) Organising meetings
(6) Career management

The Design component of the moduls will be underpinned by design exercises throughout the semester.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Small Group

12
Studio

36
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

112
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The Communications content will be delivered through lectures, active/ task based learning and group work. The Design component of the module utilises peer and group work, lab/ studio work, case based learning and student presentations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: THIS MODULE DOES NOT HAVE AN END-OF-SEMESTER EXAMINATION. The assessment of the module is based on the marks obtained in assignments, reports and presentations that are submitted through the semester. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

100

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Ms Nicola Fortune Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr James Molloy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30, 33 Fri 15:00 - 17:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31, 32, 33 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 15:00 - 17:50
Spring