FTE-33806 Biosystems Design

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

FTE-24806 Engineering Design.

Contents:

In the course students will apply a structural engineering design method to a biosystems engineering related design problem with a focus on system innovation. Sustainability aspects, that is ecological, economic and social aspects, play an important role in the course. The problems / cases in this course are more complex and on a higher systems level than in the course Engineering Design (FTE-24806). The design methods taught in FTE-24806 are extended with new ones.
The structure of the course is based on Reflexive Interactive Design, with main steps 1) system and actor analysis and 2) structured design. Methods in systems engineering and in Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ, a Russian abbreviation for 'Theory of Inventive Problem Solving' and keyword for search) like Technology Landscaping, Innovation Trend Analysis and resolving Design Contradictions are taught. The course includes an extensive state-of-the-art analysis (based on intellectual property (IP)-research, knowledge research, market exploration). Also the organisation of a design project gets attention.
Some typical examples of technological innovations in biosystems are presented, discussed and studied. Students will spend most of the course time on applying the theory and the ideas behind it to their own design case.
The case is meant to develop competence in contributing to design teams at the level of:
- problem analysis (analysing the need and setting the design objective);
- IP-research (able to perform a state-of-the-art analysis for a design case);
- generating and evaluating stakeholder requirements and design constraints;
- function and device analysis of hybrid systems or new systems;
- generating working principles with functions and manage proven solutions;
- proposing well-founded design concepts;
- evaluating their compliance with the given requirements;
- presenting and passing on design concepts through visual, oral and textual expression.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to:
- know a range of advanced design methods and be able to apply a structural design method to a typical biosystems engineering design problem;
- have some skill in recognising and describing biosystems design problems;
- be familiar with the theory on technology development and systems innovation and be able to apply this to a typical biosystems engineering design case;
- have developed competence in functioning in and contributing to design teams;
- be able to evaluate and reflect on a design from a sustainability point of view.

Activities:

- lectures;
- practical trainings;
- tutorials;
- project work.

Examination:

- written exam (computer based open book exam with open questions) (40% of final grade);
- report on the design project (group assignment; 50% of final grade);
- final presentation design project (group assignment; 10% of final grade).
Intermediate assignments and presentations (to be passed, no part of final grade).

Literature:

Reader.