PDM x EEE Collaboration Project 2022-23

27 April 2023


Interdisciplinary Learning (IL) is regarded as the solution for industry’s future needs. It is at the core of the knowledge economy and is the key to solving complex real-world problems. IL can be defined as an approach to curriculum integration that generates an understanding of themes and ideas across disciplines and connections between different disciplines, and their relationship to the real world.

As product designers and electronic engineers work closely together in industry, it is essential for students to experience such working scenarios before they graduate. Therefore, an opportunity was identified for interdisciplinary learning between the BEng Product Design and Manufacture (PDM) and Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEE) programs. Mr. Amarpreet Gill and Dr Jing Wang, the module convenors of the MMME2040 - Industrial Design and Professional Practice 2 and the EEEE1039 - Applied Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Construction Project modules, co-developed and co-taught the PDM x EEE Collaboration Project. With the aim of providing students with a practical and relevant learning experience, advance their knowledge and comprehension of each discipline, foster teamwork and soft skills, and prepare them to succeed in real-world situations. The PDM and EEE students worked in interdisciplinary teams to design and develop an Autonomous Smart Robot, programming the internal functional components and 3D printing the exterior body design.

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This novel approach to design and engineering education brings together student groups who usually do not have the opportunity to work together, develops key 21st century soft skills, advances deeper learning regarding design for manufacturing and assembly, advances learning about electronics, programming, and packaging electrical components. This collaboration is support by the Zhejiang Province Higher Education 14th Five-year Plan Teaching Transformation/innovation Project Award.