Design II
Module code: MEU33EM3 · Semester: Full year · ECTS: 10
Themes: Theme 1: Energy; Theme 2: Bioengineering/Manufacturing; Theme 3: Mechanical/Manufacturing
Resources
How it's assessed
Exam: 35% of the module (mid-term and end-of-semester exams). TCD doesn't list past papers for it.
An integrated approach to mechanical system design (microprocessors, sensors and actuators, control, power, standard components and tolerancing), building up to a group design project with prototyping.
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Mid-term exam | 15% |
| End-of-semester exam | 20% |
| Semester 1 assignment | 15% |
| Mid-term assignment | 15% |
| Design presentation | 10% |
| Final design assignment | 25% |
- Reassessment is an individual design project over the summer, with a design diary.
Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.
From students who've done it
Questions by Year
Topics
- Microcontroller programming LO5–7
- Actuators and sensors LO5–6
- Introduction to control LO6–7
- Batteries, power systems and wiring LO8
- Standard components: bearings, gears, springs, fasteners LO1
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing LO2
- Additive manufacturing for prototyping LO3–4
Learning outcomes (exam covers LO5–9)
- Carry out detailed design, including selecting standard components
- Communicate designs through presentations, reports and drawings
- Prototype designs to check function, form and fit
- Make prototype parts by additive manufacturing
- Read sensors and drive actuators with a microcontroller
- Build microcontrollers and sensors into designs and program system behaviour
- Write software to control a mechatronic system
- Solder and wire DC mechatronic systems well
- Think critically about how things are designed and made; develop early concepts
- Reflect on your own and your group's performance