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Cummins, Enda
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Cummins, Enda
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Cummins, Enda
Research Output
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Publication
Enhancing the first year learning experience for Biosystems Engineering students at University College Dublin
2010-06, Curran, Thomas P., Doyle, Colleen, Cummins, Enda, McDonnell, Kevin, Holden, Nicholas M.
This paper outlines the development of a problem-based learning module called the Biosystems
Engineering Design Challenge. The focus of the module is on designing and building a working,
bench-scale device that solves a practical problem relevant to Biosystems Engineering. It
provides an early opportunity for students to learn about engineering design, project management
and teamwork. The module aligns well with the academic policy of University College Dublin to
introduce alternative teaching and learning strategies compared to the conventional lecture.
While the original aim of the module was to enhance the learning experience specifically for
Biosystems Engineering students, it was considered beneficial to adopt a multi-disciplinary
approach by allowing students from a wide variety of programs to participate. Students are split
into teams and meet an assigned mentor each week during a 12-week semester to solve a
specified problem with several design constraints. The projects thus far have focused on flood
barrier construction, water-driven electricity generation, treatment of gray water from domestic
buildings, and biofiltration of malodors from food waste.
The student groups are formed in the first week when they meet their mentors and learn about
the technical design constraints of the project and tips for good teamwork and time management.
The second week provides a focus for literature research followed by brainstorming and
evaluation of the key design solutions. A self-assessment is made of the teamwork in the sixth
week and more guidance is provided on the requirements for the compilation of reports and
posters. Weeks eight to ten focus on device assembly while technical performance is evaluated in
the penultimate session. A panel of external technical experts visit the University in the final
week to meet the students, mentors and faculty and to view a display of the devices and
accompanying posters in the main Engineering building. The assessment criteria include
teamwork, minimization of expenditure, device design, innovation, operational safety, system
performance, project journal submission, report writing, poster presentation and appropriate use
of biological and recycled materials. Prizes are awarded to the top teams. Students receive
individual academic grades based on their contribution following a review by mentors and
faculty at the end of the semester. Mentor assessment of students concentrates on meeting
attendance, task completion and participation in the team.
Student feedback has been very positive. They like a “hands-on” approach to learning while
solving problems within a team environment. Awards for the recognition of teaching excellence
have been received from UCD College of Life Sciences and from the American Society for
Engineering Education.
Publication
The biosystems engineering design challenge at University College Dublin
2007-01, Curran, Thomas P., Cummins, Enda, Holden, Nicholas M., McDonnell, Kevin, Blaney, Colleen
The Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge has recently become an academic module
open to all undergraduate students at University College Dublin. The focus of the module is on
designing and building a working, bench-scale device that solves a practical problem relevant to Biosystems Engineering. The module provides an opportunity for students to learn about engineering
design, project management and teamwork. Enrolled students are split into teams of up to seven and
meet an assigned mentor each week during a semester (12 weeks) to solve a specified problem.
The objectives thus far have focused on water-driven electricity generation, treatment of greywater
from domestic buildings,and biofiltration of malodors from food waste. The assessment criteria
include teamwork, minimisation of expenditure, device design, innovation, operational safety, system
performance, report writing and appropriate use of biological and recycled materials. External
experts evaluate each entry and substantial cash prizes are awarded to the top teams. Students
receive individual academic grades based on their contribution. Feedback on the module has been
very positive from both inside and outside the University. The most recent developments have been
the introduction of an online project journal for each student and the involvement of biosystems
engineering graduate students as mentors.
Publication
PROTECT
2022-09-09, Nag, Rajat, Bose, Madhumala, Chhaya, Rhea Sanjiv, Roufou, Styliani, Katsini, Lydia, Feliciano, Rodney, Misiou, Ourania, Malliaroudaki, Maria Ioanna, Guzmán-Luna, Paola, Talari, Gopaiah, Valdramidis, Vasilis P., Impe, Jan Van, Membré, Jeanne-Marie, Koutsoumanis, Kostas, Gomes, Rachel, Hospido, Almudena, O'Brien, John, Mathews, Eleanor, Cummins, Enda
The PROTECT Training Network develops and integrates modelling capabilities to assess the effects of climate change on food safety. This comic is aimed at primary school children (ages 6 years upwards) to illustrate the main concepts and outcomes from the PROTECT Training Network in an uncomplicated and fun way.