Design and Technology (Engineering)

Course summary

From the desk you sit at to the pen you hold, from the computer you work on to the rucksack you carry your books in. These and more have been designed and produced by product designers and engineers. They are the men and women who balance the functionality of a product with its looks, cost, and desirability to give us the consumables that we need for modern living. Where do creative people such as product designers, engineers, and architects start their careers? The answer may be Level Design Engineering, a course that provides an understanding and knowledge of design as well as developing the skills and technical expertise required to produce new products for everyday needs. The course will encourage students to be independent and learn through designing, modeling, and making – the iterative design approach. Students will learn many new manufacturing techniques using equipment based in the technology department including sand casting, routing, turning, welding, brazing, electronics, 3D printing, advanced CAD techniques, and laser cutting to name a few. Students will analyze existing products, demonstrate applied mathematical skills, demonstrate their technical knowledge of materials, product functionality, manufacturing processes, and techniques, and undertake case studies to demonstrate their understanding of wider social, moral, and environmental issues that impact the design and manufacturing industries. Students will also apply their knowledge, understanding, and skills in designing and manufacturing prototypes and products to given situations and problems. Demonstrate their higher thinking skills to solve problems and evaluate situations and the suitability of design solutions.