Course Catalogue

Engineering

Introduces students to sustainable and ethical issues in design.

Outline Syllabus:Sustainable design: The Circular Economy. Exploiting natural resources without destroying the ecological balance of an area; economic development maintained within acceptable levels of global resource depletion and environmental pollution. Understanding and appreciating the values and beliefs of others, local and regional considerations. Balancing issues: e.g. ensuring profitability and competitive costing of products whilst embracing social, environmental and sustainability issues. Triple bottom line (TBL). Product life cycle and life cycle assessment. Taguchi's 'Total Loss to Society Function'. Simplification, multi-functional designs; source reduction; longevity; design for disassembly and recycling; reduce use of consumables; design with less; light weighting; volume reduction; recycled and bio-degradable materials; energy conservation of equipment; renewable energy systems; eco-design software tools; design checklists; matrices. Legislative Drivers: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE); Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (ROHS); End of Life Vehicles; Eco-design of End Use Equipment Directive (EUE); environmental management system BS14001 and waste management. Right to repair initiative. The growth of ethical consumerism. Design ethics: A design engineer's professional responsibilities: Design ethics, design codes and processes. Characteristics of design processes in relation to ethical issues. Moral responsibility and the trust relationship between engineers and society. Decision making on ethical issues. Professional integrity and the importance of engineering ethics in the career of an engineer. What an engineer should when the employers interest conflicts with the public. Regulative framework, legislation and codes. Inclusive design; design for safety and security; design against violence. Research ethics: Brief history of research ethics; code of practice for research; guiding principles; informed consent; accuracy of scientific knowledge.

Module Overview:
Introduces students to sustainable and ethical issues in design.

Additional Information:UN Sustainable Development Goals This module includes content, which relates to most of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. But with particular reference to: SDG01: No Poverty SDG03: Good Health and Well-being SDG05: Gender Equality SDG06: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG07: Affordable and Clean Energy SDG08: Decent Work and Economic Growth SDG09: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG10: Reduced Inequality SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production SDG13: Climate Action SDG14: Life Below Water SDG15: Life on Land SDG16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions SDG17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal