University of Technology Sydney

43028 Space Engineering Design Studio

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Honours Embedded Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours Degree owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Degree co-owned by FEIT OR 120 credit points of completed study in Bachelor's Combined Honours Degree co-owned by FEIT
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

In this studio, students are tasked with solving a space industry inspired engineering problem. Students are expected to apply engineering design principles and methodologies to analyse the project requirements and lead their project through to completion.

The subject aims to enhance students' capabilities to apply engineering design processes. While the emphasis is on realistic engineering-team/client/boss interactions, needs exploration, project development and delivery, this subject also draws heavily on the technical expertise the students have developed up until this stage of the course. Problems are often multi- or inter-disciplinary.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Develop engineering solutions that solve genuine, real-world space problems using design methodologies. (C.1)
2. Actively engage with stakeholders to analyse and evaluate the true needs of engineering solutions, i.e. need finding. (B.1)
3. Actively shape the direction of an engineering project by implementing and documenting a robust design process for the team. (E.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Socially Responsible: FEIT graduates identify, engage, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs and cultural perspectives, establish priorities and goals, and identify constraints, uncertainties and risks (social, ethical, cultural, legislative, environmental, economics etc.) to define the system requirements. (B.1)
  • Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
  • Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

  • 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
  • 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
  • 1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
  • 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline.
  • 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
  • 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
  • 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
  • 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.
  • 3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
  • 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
  • 3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour.
  • 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
  • 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
  • 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject revolves around project-based activities in a studio environment. Students are organised into teams and work in collaboration on a space engineering project which they complete throughout the session whilst applying the design principles that are taught. Students are required to control the shape of their project, work with the project stakeholders, set project deliverables and see the project through to completion.

The subject utilizes an agile methodology and is structured as a series of “sprints”, with four sprints over the session. Each sprint starts with a planning session by the team and their tutor. Goals for the sprint are defined and tasks allocated to team members. At the conclusion of each sprint the outcomes are discussed, contributions are analysed and reflections are made. Goals are then set by the team for the next sprint. This process continues until the project is delivered at end of session.

Each team is required to implement a suitable design process for their project. Learning materials regarding modern design processes such as human-centred design, systems design, and others are provided online. Each team is provided a tutor to provide feedback, support and guidance to the team as they shape the direction of their project.

Industry partners will propose the projects and act as clients and reviewers throughout the process.

Content (topics)

Professional Studio challenges will vary. Details will be provided on Canvas.

Students are provided with design process resources to apply to their projects when appropriate.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Project Execution

Intent:

Students demonstrate their ability to execute the project, contributing to the teamwork using an agile methodology.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1 and E.1

Type: Demonstration
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark

Assessment task 2: Video Report

Intent:

To validate problem solution was achieved through collaboration, iteration and justified by evidence of quality

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1 and E.1

Type: Report
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark

Assessment task 3: Client Delivery

Intent:

To successfully meet client needs as agreed upon at the start of the design process

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

B.1, C.1 and E.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: Mandatory task that does not contribute to subject mark

Minimum requirements

To achieve a pass grade, students must meet the pass grade requirements stipulated in the subject’s performance standards.