Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The course offers a program of education in the discipline and professional practice of industrial design. It is intended for students who wish to seek professional or executive employment in the field of industrial design and related areas of design or industry and commerce. Industrial design is concerned with the research and development of design in consumer and industrial products used by people. These range from industrial equipment to motor vehicles and from medical equipment to domestic appliances. The industrial designer works as a part of a team involving engineering, production and marketing.

This professional degree course may be awarded with a level of honours depending upon the grades achieved during the course. The major industrial design units are supported by a cluster of relevant unit modules that include drawing, ergonomics, materials and manufacturing, digital imaging and technology. A range of elective units allows students to extend their education into specialist industrial activities or other art and design disciplines.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Industrial Design will have:

• knowledge and an understanding of the disciplines of design and industrial design
• developed significant skills in design strategy, concept forming, problem solving, design development, detailing and communication
• gained an understanding of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of industrial design and the ethical responsibilities of the professional designer
• the necessary skills to resolve and communicate technical and manufacturing aspects of industrial design projects to a professional standard
• knowledge and understanding of the aesthetic aspects of design and a high capability at aesthetic resolutions
• knowledge, understanding and skills in project and business management relevant to the practice of industrial design
• acquired skills in project and business management relevant to the practice of industrial design.

The course consists of the following areas of study:

(a.) Design studios (72 points)

This is the main study of the course. There are design studios at each level of the course.

(b.) Supporting studio disciplines (42 points)

General area of study for the acquisition of additional skills in mathematics, mechanics, modelling and ergonomics, electronics, materials and manufacturing related to industrial design to aid the student's main industrial design studio practice.

(c.) Theory of art and design (18 points)

Students undertake a minimum of 18 points on the study of the theory, context and cultural aspects of art and design.

(d.) Drawing and visual structures (12 points)

Students take both a common drawing and a specialist drawing unit in the first year.

(e.) Digital imaging (18 points)

All students are required to take digital imaging units for a total of 18 points. In addition, a range of electives is available to extend knowledge and skills in this area.

(f.) Research/professional strands

Students select one of the following two strands in final year (12 points):

Preparation for higher degree strand:

• research methods in art and design
• research seminar in art and design

Professional practice strand:

• design research methods and seminar
• professional practice and business planning for design.

(g.) Electives (18 points)

Elective studies are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the University are also available.

(h.) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

First year (48 points)

First semester

• DGN1001 Design studio 1 (6 points)
• DIS1103 Digital processes for art and design 1 (6 points)
• DWG1301 Drawing 1C (6 points)
• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
• TAD1203 Introduction to design history and theory (6 points)

Second semester

• IDE1112 Industrial design studio 2 (6 points)
• IDE1502 Modelmaking and workshop practice (6 points)
• IDE1602 Product drawing (6 points)
• IDE1802 Materials and manufacturing 1 (6 points)

Second year (48 points)

First semester

• IDE2113 Industrial design studio 3 (6 points)
• IDE2211 Engineering drawing (6 points)
• IDE2701 Product interface (6 points)
• TAD2214 Critical issues in design (6 points)

Second semester

• DIS1911 3D design and visualisation (6 points)
• IDE2114 Industrial design studio 4 (6 points)
• IDE2303 Ergonomics (6 points)
• IDE2811 Mechanics and electronics for industrial design (6 points)

Third year (48 points)

First semester

• IDE3115 Industrial design studio 5 (6 points)
• IDE3814 Materials and manufacturing 2 (6 points)
• TAD3214 Contemporary discourse in design (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Second semester

• DIS2904 3D modelling (6 points)
• IDE3116 Industrial design studio 6 (12 points)
• elective (6 points)

Fourth year (48 points)

First semester

• IDE4117 Industrial design studio 7 (12 points)
• TAD4503 Advanced art theory(6 points) or TAD4523 Design research methods and seminar (6 points)
• elective (6 points)

Second semester

• IDE4118 Industrial design studio 8 (18 points)
• TAD4504 Research seminar in art and design (6 points) or PPR4102 Professional practice and business planning for design (6 points)

Bachelor of Industrial Design

Bachelor of Industrial Design (with honours)

Where more than one award is listed the actual award conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved, or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.