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International Design Semester
| Starts September and February Course structure Programme contents Student prerequisites How to apply |
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International Design Semester gives an insight into the process of
designing a product using computerised visualising tools, from the
initial idea to the prototype, and proposing materials and production
methods. Students at the International Design Semester also achieve an
understanding of the development process by being part of a development
team composed of engineering and design students.
Starts September and February
The semester is offered twice a year, starting in early September and early February. Classes and project work are completed before Christmas or the beginning of June. Evaluation and exams take place in January or June, and students receive their diplomas at the end of January or June.
Course structure
Copenhagen University College of Engineering was awarded University status on 1 April 2007, and the International Design Semester (IDS) has been restructured to follow IHK's new course structure and teaching philosophy.
Future presentations of the IDS will have this new structure, reflecting the entry knowledge and experience of participating students:
The programme contents
Read about the specific programme contents below.
Product Design (project) (15 ECTS)
This course is project-based. In
cooperation with a client, the project team establishes target
specifications for a simple, technical product. Based on these
specifications, the team develops concepts that meet the specified
requirements using advanced computer programs, primarily Solid Works.
Read more about
the project period.
The students will acquire an understanding of the importance of the
design aspect in relation to engineering and aesthetics. The
engineering student learns to communicate with an external designer on
design issues, taking into account choice of materials and surfaces,
user interface, ergonomics and sales considerations. The goal is to
create an attractive product that matches the identity of the company
and is realistic in terms of production terminology.
Finally, using Rapid Prototyping, the student has the opportunity to produce a model of the component. During the project, international engineering students from Copenhagen University College of Engineering and design students from the Danish Royal School of Architecture work together in teams. It is important that the international students apply their own knowledge of engineering disciplines, as this will be their particular contribution to the product design.
Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (5 ECTS)
In this module material selection and application is considered alongside the suitability of manufacturing processes to achieve the desired product in terms of process capability, quality, cost, etc. Both materials and processes are considered from an overall classification system that is presented in the early stages.
The module briefly reviews traditional materials and manufacturing processes before moving on to consider more recent developments and applications in both areas – for example, polymers, ceramics, composites, powder metallurgy, electro-discharge machining, waterjet machining, rapid prototyping, etc.
The overall focus is on designing with materials with due consideration to manufacturing requirements and feasibility.
CAD & Solid Modelling (5 ECTS)
The aim of this module is to provide students with a basic insight into working with modern CAD systems, in particular feature-based solid modelling systems, and follows a process-based approach. The basic elements for building standard models are extended into more advanced modelling techniques such as developing freeform shapes that will support the design requirements of the IDS project.
The ability to develop freeform shapes and models and multi-body assemblies will be used to prepare production drawings and to develop steriolithography (STL) files for use on the rapid prototyping equipment at IHK. Other relevant considerations will include reverse engineering (3D scanning), 3D visualisation tools, casting techniques, etc.
Industrial Design (5 ECTS)
The aim is to provide engineering students with insight regarding
the process of designing a product using different methodology and to
provide knowledge about the phases and elements of product
development.
The students learn how to create products by specification, concepts
generating and detailing where subjects like architecture, variants,
user interaction will be included. The Product Design course will be
taught by engineering and design lectures during the
semester.
- please note that the autum semester typically covers 16 weeks whereas the spring semester typically lasts for 17 weeks due to spring holidays.
Student prerequisites
A prerequisite for joining the International Design Semester is two years of completed university studiets in engineering or design. Copenhagen University College of Engineering is, however, open for discussion on alternative student qualifications.
Computer skills and English
Students must be familiar with word processing and spread sheet programs, such as MS Word and Excel, and have some knowledge of computerised drawing such as AutoCad or Solid Works, ProEngineering.
Some students may already have taken a comparable Materials course. In that case, a course in Project Management may be chosen instead.
It is important that students have a good working knowledge of
English in order to participate in and contribute to the teamwork and
to follow lectures.
Copenhagen University College of Engineering offers optional English
and Danish courses for all exchange students. Read more about the
optional courses.
How to apply
If you want to apply you will have to fill in the student application form. In order to fill in the form you must have a precise idea of the study programme you wish to follow at Copenhagen University College of Engineering, elaborated in conjunction with the home institution's internation or departmental coordinator.