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AMMAR ALSALKA and Click Start

The engineering design process allows engineers to execute both small- and large-scale projects by applying scientific knowledge to the solution of technical problems. Understand the key principles and techniques of engineering design that will help you to develop in this field.

In this course, you will explore the fundamental aspects of engineering design, including requirement gathering, problem-solving and project management. You will actively engage in real-world design scenarios, honing your problem-solving abilities and gaining hands-on experience.

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The engineering design process allows engineers to execute both small- and large-scale projects by applying scientific knowledge to the solution of technical problems. Understand the key principles and techniques of engineering design that will help you to develop in this field.

In this course, you will explore the fundamental aspects of engineering design, including requirement gathering, problem-solving and project management. You will actively engage in real-world design scenarios, honing your problem-solving abilities and gaining hands-on experience.

By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently gather requirements and solve complex problems, ensuring your designs contribute positively to society.

Enrol now to learn key skills that may help you to start your professional journey in engineering design.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Understanding engineering design
Welcome to Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design! The first week of the course will give you a basic understanding of what we mean by 'engineering design', as well as an exploration of the product life cycle. You will learn about the the engineering design process this week too, which is what designers do in order to come up with a new product. This will give you a solid foundation on which to build on in Week 2. Let's get started!
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops problem-solving abilities, which are core skills for engineers
Teaches engineering design in practice, which helps learners understand how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects
Explores requirement gathering, which is essential for understanding user needs and designing products that meet those needs
Taught by professionals, AMMAR ALSALKA and Click Start, who are experienced in engineering design
Suitable for beginners, as it provides a solid foundation in engineering design principles
Provides hands-on experience through real-world design scenarios, allowing learners to apply their knowledge

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Reviews summary

Foundational engineering design skills

According to learners, this course offers an excellent introduction and a solid foundation in engineering design, making it ideal for beginners or those starting a professional journey. Students consistently praise its clear explanations, well-structured content, and the practical relevance of topics like requirement gathering and problem-solving abilities. The inclusion of soft skills and a conceptual design case study is frequently highlighted as beneficial. While it provides a strong basic understanding, some learners note it may be too high-level or lack depth for those with prior experience seeking advanced techniques or more hands-on projects.
Emphasizes real-world relevance through case studies and key skills.
"The case study in week 2 really brought everything together."
"The focus on soft skills and project management was a pleasant surprise and very relevant for real-world application."
"I appreciate the focus on gathering requirements and problem-solving."
The course is well-organized and easy to follow, enhancing learning.
"I found the explanations very clear and the week 1 content on the design process was particularly helpful."
"Very well-structured and easy to follow. The instructors made the 'what we mean by engineering design' clear from the start."
"The lessons are engaging and easy to digest."
Provides a comprehensive and clear entry point for new learners.
"Excellent introduction to engineering design. As someone new to the field, I found the explanations very clear..."
"Perfect for kickstarting my understanding of engineering design."
"This course is a great starting point. It breaks down complex ideas into manageable pieces."
Some learners wished for more extensive practical projects.
"I would have liked more complex, hands-on projects beyond the single case study, but it's great for understanding the overall process."
"Was looking for something more hands-on."
"It feels like a very broad overview without practical application."
May be too basic for experienced individuals seeking advanced knowledge.
"It's okay, but felt a bit too high-level. I was hoping for more detailed examples or tools for engineering design."
"Anyone with prior experience might find it too basic."
"Too general for me. I already knew most of this from my basic engineering degree."

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 Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design with these activities:
Review high school algebra
Strengthen your mathematical foundation by reviewing the essential concepts from high school algebra.
Browse courses on Algebra
Show steps
  • Go through your algebra notes or textbooks.
  • Practice solving equations and inequalities.
  • Work on graphing linear and quadratic functions.
Learn about the engineering design process
Enhance your understanding of the key steps involved in designing and developing engineering solutions.
Show steps
  • Watch online tutorials on the engineering design process.
  • Read articles and books about engineering design.
Discuss engineering design concepts with peers
Engage in discussions with fellow students to exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, and strengthen your understanding.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or study groups dedicated to engineering design.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
  • Share your own insights and experiences.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve engineering design problems
Develop your problem-solving abilities by working on real-world engineering design challenges.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your solutions and learn from your mistakes.
Attend engineering design workshops
Expand your knowledge and skills by participating in hands-on workshops led by industry professionals.
Show steps
  • Research and find engineering design workshops in your area.
  • Register and attend the workshops.
  • Actively participate and learn from the experts.
Design a solution to a real-world problem
Apply your knowledge and skills to create an innovative solution that addresses a specific engineering problem.
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world problem that interests you.
  • Research the problem and gather information.
  • Brainstorm and develop a solution.
  • Create a prototype or model of your solution.
Mentor junior engineering students
Share your knowledge and experience with junior engineering students to enhance their learning and support their professional development.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior students through university programs or outreach initiatives.
  • Provide guidance and support to your mentees.
  • Share your insights into the engineering design process and industry best practices.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Engineering Design Engineer
An Engineering Design Engineer uses their understanding of engineering design, from requirements gathering to project management, to create new products and solutions to technical problems faced by real-world clients. A solid foundation in the core principles and techniques of engineering design can help aspiring Engineering Design Engineers entering the workforce to more quickly take on responsibilities.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. As project management forms one of the key pillars of engineering design, this course could be a valuable asset for Project Managers wishing to build a foundation in the principles of engineering design.
Design Engineer
Design Engineers apply engineering design principles to the development of new products and solutions. They use their understanding of the engineering design process, from requirements gathering to project management, to create products that meet the needs of clients, while adhering to safety and quality standards.
Product Design Engineer
Product Design Engineers focus on the design and development of new products, ensuring that they are functional, safe, and meet the needs of end-users. This course's focus on the fundamentals of engineering design, including requirements gathering and problem-solving, would be a valuable foundation for those looking to pursue a career in product design engineering.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems and components. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these systems function efficiently and reliably. This course would provide a valuable foundation for aspiring Mechanical Engineers, helping them to develop the core skills and knowledge required for this role.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these systems are safe, efficient, and reliable. As engineering design is fundamental to this field, this course may be useful for those considering a career in aerospace engineering.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these structures are safe, efficient, and meet the needs of the community. This course may be useful for those considering a career in civil engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and components. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these systems function efficiently and reliably. While this course focuses on general engineering design, it may be useful for those considering a career in electrical engineering.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and processes. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these processes are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. This course may be helpful for those considering a career in chemical engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these processes are efficient, cost-effective, and produce high-quality products. This course may be useful for those considering a career in manufacturing engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and evaluate medical devices and systems. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these devices and systems are safe, effective, and meet the needs of patients. This course may be helpful for those considering a career in biomedical engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these systems function efficiently and reliably. This course may be useful for those considering a career in systems engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. While this course focuses specifically on engineering design in a more general sense, it may be useful for those considering a career in software engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design and problem-solving.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer systems and networks. While this course focuses specifically on engineering design in a more general sense, it may be useful for those considering a career in computer engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design and problem-solving.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers design, develop, and test materials. They use their understanding of engineering design principles to ensure that these materials meet the specific requirements of the application. This course may be helpful for those considering a career in materials engineering, as it provides a foundation in the core principles of engineering design.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of product design and development. It can be used as a textbook or as a reference.
Provides an overview of engineering design and rapid prototyping. It can provide additional insight into the use of rapid prototyping in the engineering design process.
Provides an introduction to engineering design graphics using SolidWorks. It can be used as a companion to this course if you are interested in learning more about CAD.
Provides insights into the design of everyday objects. It can help you to develop a better understanding of what makes a good design.
Provides an overview of design thinking. It can be helpful in understanding the creative process and how it can be used in engineering design.

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