AS Level Product Design Course Description

AS Level Product Design • Unit 1 - PROD1 Materials, Components and Applications• Unit Description • This unit will provide the opportunity for you to learn and understand the content required at AS level. You will use

this knowledge and understanding to inform your coursework. • • The work you will carry out for this unit will be through the analysis of everyday products. You own observations of

products is very much encouraged and will benefit you greatly as you work through this unit. The content of this unit is split into three main areas; Materials and Components, Design and Market Influences, Processes and Manufacture and when appropriate your analysis of products will look at all three areas together.

• Materials and ComponentsYou will need to develop an understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of a broad range of materials and components, and should understand why these are used ion specific applications. You will also need to consider their application in terms of the life-cycle of the product including manufacture, use and disposal.

• Design and Market InfluencesThrough your study of products you will also need to develop an understanding of the broader issues for the designer such as: environmental sustainability of products and their manufacture, ergonomic and anthropometrics, inclusive design and consumer safety.

• Processes and ManufactureYou should also develop a good understanding of the ways materials and components can be manipulated in order to manufacture products. Through study and first hand experience in your project work you will develop knowledge af health and safety issues relevant to working with materials. You will also have the opportunity to learn about CAD/CAM and basic quality control measures.

Unit 2 - PROD2 Learning through Designing and MakingUnit Description

This is a design and make unit where your knowledge and understanding of the AS subject content from unit 1 is applied to the design and making of a product .

The Assessment Criteria for your AS level coursework is given in your assessment booklet. It is included to help you manage your work in order to maximise your

acheivement.

Your work for this unit will be one design and make project. The content of the project has been structured to progressively develop your knowledge and understanding of the processes of designing and making products. You will also have the opportunity to develop your CAD skills by working with a number of CAD packages and CAM equipment for manufacturing.

Materials and Components unit 1Objectives

At AS level you should be developing an understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of a broad range of materials and components.

You should understand why these are used in specific applications with particular emphasis on the life-cycle of products including manufacture, use and disposal.

Types of materials

• Plastics• Metals• Woods• Ceramics• Glass• Composite materials• Smart materials

For each type of material you need to know:• The general properties• The source• Application• Processes• Its uses• Finishes and finishing processes• The effect the environment has on it

Autumn Half TermWhat you will study:

Polymers and processesBiodegradableAdditivesCompositesErgonomicsIntro into sustainabilitySkills you will develop:3D sketchingMarker renderingHealth and safetyPlastics forming-lineVacuum forming-drapeInjection mouldingProduct AnalysisUsing resins

Autumn Half Term to December

What you will study:

MetalsMetal formingJoiningMetal finishesSafety ( consumer products)Intro into mark scheme

Skills you will develop:Health and safetyPewter castingSand castingEngravingEnamelingSheet metal bendingBending bar/tubeSpot weldingBrazing

Jan to Spring Half term

What you will study:

WoodsManufactured boardsJoining processesFinishesEcodesignHealth and safety in Industry

skills you will develop:

Steam bending timberWood turningModelling and making skillsProDesktopCAD CAM

Spring Half term to Easter

What you will study:

Modern materialsSmart materialsEcodesign

Mock exam

Skills you will develop:

Oral presentationModelling and making skillsProduct Analysis

Easter to May half term

What you will study:

Graphic products and processesModelling materials and finishingQuality control/assurance

Unit 1 exam prep

Skills you will develop:Evaluation of all skills developed so far

June to JulyIntro into A2 course theory:Design and the environment

Developing essay writing skillsDeveloping independent research skills