Monozukuri: Making Things from edX

This course introduces fundamental topics related to Monozukuri covering engineering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, design, and dynamics of machinery. This is a new type of course in which learners not only view video lectures and answer quizzes but also learn while actually engaging in their own hands-on learn-by-doing project.

You will learn about propulsion mechanism related to a small pop-pop (heat powered) steamboat. By introducing monozukuri (the art of manufacturing or preparing tangible objects) which is a philosophy of how to make things with precision that work extremely well. The principle standing behind Japanese high quality manufactured goods will be revealed. Interviews with craftsmen and student organizations that design and make things including the all Japan university competition on human-powered aircraft will be given as an example. This course is recommended course for learners who want to learn engineering principles and about making things in Japan.

This course is a revision of the previous course on the same topic and was revised taking into account learner feedback. It also contains materials on experiental learning, which is the learning process by which one learns via their experiences. Furthermore, building a milk-carton boat out of an aluminum can was added in case wood and copper tubing are not available.

What's inside

Learning objectives

1) introduction to science and engineering concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, design and dynamics of machinery
2) japanese monozukuri craftsmanship

3) japanese monozukuri philosophy
4) experiental learning principles

1) introduction to science and engineering concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, design and dynamics of machinery
2) japanese monozukuri craftsmanship
3) japanese monozukuri philosophy
4) experiental learning principles

Good to know

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Provides learners with hands-on projects and experiential learning to develop comprehension of engineering principles

Introduces Japanese Monozukuri philosophy and its contribution to precision engineering and manufacturing

Suitable for learners interested in Monozukuri, engineering, and hands-on projects

Introduces fundamental engineering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and machinery dynamics

Taught by Hiroto Tanaka and Cesar A. Hernandez Reyes, who have expertise in engineering and manufacturing

Uses a hybrid learning approach with video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on projects

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Monozukuri: Making Things with these activities:

Take a refresher course on kinematics

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Review and strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of kinematics before starting this course.

Browse courses on Kinematics

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Enroll in an online or in-person kinematics refresher course
Complete all the assigned readings and exercises
Take the practice quizzes and exams to assess your understanding

Review the principles of fluid dynamics

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Refresh your knowledge of the basic principles of fluid dynamics to prepare for this course.

Browse courses on Fluid Dynamics

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous fluid dynamics courses
Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Watch online videos or tutorials on fluid dynamics concepts

Solve practice problems on propulsion mechanisms

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Practice applying the principles of propulsion mechanisms to solve problems and deepen your understanding.

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Collect a set of practice problems on propulsion mechanisms
Solve the problems using the principles learned in this course
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with an expert

Four other activities

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Create a presentation on a Japanese manufacturing technique

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Research and present on a specific Japanese manufacturing technique to gain a deeper understanding of Monozukuri.

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Choose a specific Japanese manufacturing technique to research
Gather information from books, articles, and online resources
Create a presentation that explains the technique, its benefits, and its applications

Attend a workshop on Monozukuri philosophy and practices

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Immerse yourself in Monozukuri by attending a workshop led by experienced practitioners.

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Find and register for a Monozukuri workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in your own projects

Mentor other students in the course

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Share your knowledge and help other students succeed by becoming a mentor in the course.

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Sign up to be a mentor in the course
Connect with students who need help
Provide guidance and support on course topics

Follow online tutorials on experimental learning

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Discover the principles of experimental learning by following online tutorials.

Browse courses on Experiential Learning

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Search for online tutorials on experiential learning
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
Reflect on your learning experience and how it applies to Monozukuri

Career center

Learners who complete Monozukuri: Making Things will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers improve production processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This course, which offers hands-on learning about Monozukuri (the art of manufacturing with precision) can help Manufacturing Engineers optimize the production process with an understanding of the principles behind high-quality manufactured goods.

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Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems for managing industrial production processes. This course can help Industrial Engineers gain insights into the principles of Monozukuri and traditional Japanese manufacturing techniques, which can be applied to optimize industrial processes for efficiency and quality.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers apply the principles of engineering, physics, and materials science for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. In this course, learners will obtain knowledge of relevant topics such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and dynamics of machinery through the lens of Japanese manufacturing principles. This knowledge and understanding of mechanical systems can help Mechanical Engineers excel at designing, building, and maintaining a wide range of machines and systems, from small components to large-scale industrial machinery.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. This course, which teaches engineering principles such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can provide Aerospace Engineers with a strong foundation in the scientific principles that govern aircraft and spacecraft design and performance.

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Automotive Engineer

Automotive Engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture automobiles and their components, and they may specialize in a particular area such as engines, transmissions, or vehicle dynamics. This course, which covers topics such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and dynamics of machinery, can help Automotive Engineers build a foundation in the principles that govern vehicle performance and design.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers research, develop, and test new materials, and they may specialize in a particular area such as metals, ceramics, or polymers. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and materials science, can help Materials Engineers understand the properties and behavior of materials used in various engineering applications.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain robots and robotic systems, and they may specialize in a particular area such as mobile robots, industrial robots, or medical robots. This course, which covers topics such as dynamics of machinery and control systems, can help Robotics Engineers build a foundation in the principles that govern robot design and performance.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and operate complex systems, and they may specialize in a particular area such as information systems, control systems, or transportation systems. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Systems Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and operation of complex systems.

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Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers design, develop, and operate mines and other mining facilities, and they may specialize in a particular area such as surface mining, underground mining, or mineral processing. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Mining Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and operation of mines and other mining facilities.

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Marine Engineer

Marine Engineers design, develop, and operate ships and other marine vessels, and they may specialize in a particular area such as ship design, ship construction, or ship propulsion. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Marine Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and operation of ships and other marine vessels.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and processes, and they may specialize in a particular area such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, or energy production. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Chemical Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and operation of chemical plants and processes.

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Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design, develop, and operate oil and gas wells and other petroleum production facilities, and they may specialize in a particular area such as drilling, reservoir engineering, or production engineering. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Petroleum Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and operation of oil and gas wells and other petroleum production facilities.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Civil Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and performance of civil infrastructure systems.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities, and they may specialize in a particular area such as reactor physics, nuclear safety, or nuclear waste management. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Nuclear Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and operation of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems and components, and they may specialize in a particular area such as power systems, electronics, or telecommunications. This course, which introduces topics such as thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, can help Electrical Engineers understand the principles that govern the design and performance of electrical systems and components.

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