299: Workshop Practice

Overview

299 Workshop Practice is carried out in the second year of your BE(Hons) programme. This is a zero-point practical component of the BE(Hons).

This course provides you with the opportunity to become confident with new tools, equipment, and techniques for creating physical objects and mechanisms in a variety of materials. Skills learned in the course enable analogous learning about design process for later courses, and empowers students to apply this experience in internships, the workplace, and projects while they study.

Course components:

• Introduction and pre-inductions: Introduction to the course, the project, and the workshop spaces and staff are conducted online via videos on Canvas. Pre-induction modules must be completed before attending the in-person induction for each workshop space.
• Digital Tools sessions: Students learn 3D printing, laser cutting, and circuit board soldering during in-person induction sessions in each of the relevant MDLS workshop spaces (at the City Campus). They must then use what they've learned to produce components for their electric motor.
• Mechanical Tools sessions: Additional workshop safety topics and mechanical prototyping methods are presented in extended (1/2-day) sessions at the Newmarket Student Workshop (Newmarket Campus). Students work with teaching staff to construct, troubleshoot, and test their projects.
  
• Milling/Welding/Turning sessions: These specialised sessions are designed exclusively for students enrolled in Mechanical Engineering (MECHENG), Mechatronics Engineering (MECHTRON), and Biomedical Engineering (BIOMENG). They provide essential hands-on skills tailored to the technical requirements of these disciplines.
  
  MWT sessions are scheduled through Group Appointments in the 299 Workshop Practice Canvas Calendar and are offered in addition to your enrolment via Student Services Online.

Workload expectations

You can expect two hours of online video lectures and room inductions, six hours of Digital Tools sessions and project work on the City Campus, and 14+ hours of Mechanical Tools sessions and project work on the Newmarket Campus.

This is an on-campus practical experience. Attendance is required at scheduled sessions to complete aspects of the course. Completion of the course requires demonstration of your working project. You will be closely supported by our staff, who can assist and answer your questions. There is no test or exam.

Enrolment

Towards the end of each year, Part I students are invited to nominate their preferred Engineering specialisation for Part II. Once your specialisation has been confirmed, you will need to enrol in the 299 version of your specialisation through Student Services Online as in the table below:

Our Academic Services team will add you to the 299 Workshop Practice Canvas page so you can complete your pre-induction quizzes before attending your in-person sessions.