Integration of different competences in a group project in a basic course in mechanics in mechanical engineering

Paper in proceeding, 2014

The introductory course in mechanics in the first year of the Product Design Engineering Program (a three years Bachelor of Science program) at Chalmers covers the topics of statics and introduction to particle dynamics. An essential part of the course is a group project and it is this project that will be presented here. Usually a project in a course in mechanics has a tendency to focus only on analytical and numerical treatment of a system that is given in advance. In this case, however, it is a completely open problem with no specific solution. The aim of the project, which can be described as a des ign - implement (or design - build) project, is to present a suggestion for a bridge ( pedestrians and cyclists ) over one of the canals in Gothenburg. An important and unique feature, as distinguished from a fictive problem, is that the project in this way deals with a real problem since there are present plans for such bridges over the canals. The results of the project should be presented with sketches, presentation models, drawings and mechanical calculations on a simplified model . To support the working process a team of teachers from the areas of Applied M echanics, Architecture , and C ommunication are working with the project, in order to integrate different competences. This integration supports the students in achieving the lear ning outcomes of the course, and this will be inves tigated in further detail here. In conclusion, the project contributes considerably in connecting learning objectives, activities and examination according to Constructive Alignment .