Unit information: Advanced Techniques in Multi-Disciplinary Design in 2022/23

Unit name	Advanced Techniques in Multi-Disciplinary Design
Unit code	AENGM2005
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Poole
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	Department of Aerospace Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Unit Information

This Unit instructs students in numerical optimisation methods and architectures for executing automated multi-disciplinary sizing of aerospace vehicles. The unit is segmented into four areas of instruction:

1. The design process and requirements for numerical synthesis;

2. Design search and optimisation methods;

3. Advanced multi-disciplinary sub-space simulation and architectures;

4. Design space sensitivities and synthesised solution robustness.

A series of practical examples in conjunction with well-documented case studies will complement the presented material. The coursework emphasises a hands-on approach comprising assignments and a group project.

Your learning on this unit

Upon successful completion of the Unit the student will:

• summarise optimisation methods, including single and multi-objective methods, gradient-based, constraint handling and global methods, and explain the implications of different approaches
• recall definitions of optimisation terminology and explain the conditions for optimality
• select different optimisation approaches for specific problems and defend those choices through appropriate presentation of arguments and data
• develop judicious multi-disciplinary optimisation architectures for solving complex engineering optimisation problems and interpret results through analysis
• present technical data and arguments effectively

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

How you will be assessed

75% coursework

25% algorithms test

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. AENGM2005).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.