**5. Consolidation of prior learning leading to the activity**

The activity was designed to integrate prior knowledge from several modules through collaboration amongst learners. The learning outcomes for each of the modules were as follows:

	- 1.Have a working knowledge of 2D draughting in BS 8888 by both manual methods and using a standard CAD package and a basic working knowledge of 3D CAD.
	- 2.Understand and use common engineering vocabulary and terminology.
	- 3.Appreciate the differences in the basic mechanical properties of materials and basic strengthening mechanisms for metals.
	- 4.Make informed decisions on the selection of materials.
	- 5.Design a basic engineering artefact including the selection and use of common engineering components and materials and to create engineering drawings which could be used for its successful manufacture.
	- 1.To understand the design decisions taken by others by studying existing products.
	- 2.Possess the knowledge to investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk assessment issues.
	- 3.Be able to use creativity to establish innovative solutions and represent those solutions in the form of 3D and technical drawings whilst demonstrating the ability to select a number of bought-out parts.

Mechanical design as a formally delivered module on the BEng Mechanical Engineering course in an intermediate subject delivered in year 2. This is because students require certain prerequisite knowledge and skills prior to embarking on a design process and ultimately communicating a carefully considered solution with validation. Included in prior learning are skills such as effective graphical communication using both manual (technical and creative) illustrations as well as tools such as 3-dimensional (3D) Computer-Aided Design (CAD). They must be able to refer to and apply relevant Technical Drawing skills in accordance with standards such as those that relate to technical representation of engineering components. They must be aware of how to validate a design through appropriate analysis using correct procedure, for instance, the selection of a simple rolling element bearing or the analysis of a structural member using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method. Awareness of available materials and the production methods used to process these is also an important aspect of design for manufacture. With such skills and knowledge gained through prior learning, learners are able to apply and extend their depth of cognition [5] through design synthesis. The Mechanical Design module at intermediate level offers learners the opportunity to further hone their learning and understanding of the detailed design process once they have been guided through the creative design phase. This is achieved by means of a combination of lectures and by examining existing products in order to attempt the early stages of the design process in assignment work. The complete process will lead them from the conceptual stage to the final engineering design which will be represented by technical engineering drawings. The process may commence from identifying a need for a product through concept to detail design for manufacture.

Students are assessed on the following criteria:


Learning Outcomes of the Mechanical Design Module. Evidence is sought through five key learning outcomes:

