Aims and Fit of Module

The module aims to enable students to have acquired the basic skills in project management and problem solving in robotics and other mechatronics systems, as well as provide an appreciation of electrical engineers’ responsibilities in the context of sustainable development. It raises the awareness of environmental issues, and examines the principles and tools for sustainable product design.

Through presentation and oral communication skills, students acquire a practical understanding of the pressures facing the industry in terms of integrating Sustainable Design into an established product development process (e.g. internal drivers, legislation), and an appreciation of current range of tools and resources available for Sustainable Design and understand how to use some of the most common tool (e.g. Life Cycle Analysis)


This is an important module in that it improves students’ computer literacy and develops the ability to solve 'real' engineering problems by numerical methods, provides the basic building blocks of electrical circuits, and helps students correlate theory in textbooks with its practical application.

Learning outcomes

A	Show knowledge of how to use basic electronic lab equipment and design software

B	Design and construct an electronic product

C	Provide an appreciation of electrical engineers’ responsibilities in the context of sustainable development

D	Solve mathematically-oriented problems by writing simple programmes 

E	Demonstrate creative in design, be able to evaluate results 

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching philosophy of the module follows very much the philosophy of Syntegrative Education. This has meant that the teaching delivery pattern, which follows more intensive block teaching, allows more meaningful contribution from industry partners. This philosophy is carried through also in terms of assessment, with reduction on the use of exams and increase in coursework, especially problem-based assessments that are project focused. The delivery pattern provides space in the semester for students to concentrate on completing the assessments.

Seminars  will be given about sustainability theory, covering two case studies. Students will have team discussion sessions among themselves for the case studies. They will be responsible for the topics they choose for a selected case study and write a report on sustainability.


Practical exercises: with the aid of scripts, students complete experiment by building new robot devices and design new circuits (e.g., clock). Practical skills will be developed by building a system with electronic and mechanical components, system testing and trouble shooting.

Progress tutorial/quiz will be held to monitor the progress.

Lectures will be given on programming in lecture hall.