Case study of an interdisciplinary problem-based engineering design course

This paper describes an interdisciplinary problem-based engineering design course taken by about 170 students in the second year of the Bachelor of Engineering degree program at Trinity College Dublin. The course runs throughout the academic year and consists of three projects, namely: the design and construction of a model railcar to safely carry freight in as short a time period as possible along a racecourse (mechanical); a bridge to support the rail track (civil) and a signaling system to control the movement of the railcar (electronic). Working groups of mixed ability are given written project specifications, timelines and submission deadlines. The projects, which have a plurality of solutions, serve as an engine for invention to assist the students in achieving a range of professional, transferable and social competences under the guidance of a team of professors and demonstrators. The motivation among the students is high and considerable enthusiasm and interaction is generated among the students.