Group design-build-test projects as the core of an integrated curriculum in product design and development

Figures & data

Figure 1 Sampleof stakeholder survey results (QUB and MIT)

Figure 2 N. Ireland A-level trends 200–2009

(Source: Joint Councilfor Qualifications)

Figure 3 UKA-level trends2001-2009

(Source: Joint Councilfor Qualifications)

Table 1 Intake and graduation statistics for QUB PDD degrees 2004–2009

	Year of Entry to PDD Stage 1
2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09	2009/10
BEng entry	8	6	32	28	20	30
MEng entry	6	5	4	4	3	6
Total entry	14	11	36	32	23	36
Withdraw	0	1	2
Transfer	0	0	1
BEng grad	3	2	7
MEng grad	11	8
Total grad	14	10
Retention %	100	90.9

Table 2 QUB PDD degree overview

	Focus of content	CDIO phases
Year 1	Creative skills and the discipline of design. Introductory course.	C and some D
Year 2	Focus on design and manufacturing. Group prototyping projects.	C, D and some I
Year 3	Focus on business and production management. Major group project.	C,D, I and some O
Year 4	Engineering design and analysis. Work placement/study abroad.	C, D, I, O

Figure 4 Fundamental structureof PDD degree

Figure 5 Integrated curriculum-Year 1 PDD