About this course

The course is based on a project-based approach to learning, where workshop activities and project assignments and other forms of active learning are used. As a supplement to this, it will be possible to organize ordinary lectures to support the learning activities. The lectures may include relevant topics such as the history of innovation, innovation history, creative processes and idea creation, idea descriptions, patenting and pattern protection, product design and prototype development, project organization etc.

The workshop-activities (including mandatory hand-ins) are organized so that they will give the students a practical approach to the use of digital tools for design (CAD - Computer Aided Design) and basic equipment for computer controlled modelling and production (3D-printing, Laser cutting etc.). The project assignments consists of two consecutive parts. Part 1: Is focused on concept-verification relative to customer/end-users of a new product, with the aim to verify and establish a "Product market fit". Part 2: This is a "Problem solving project", where the students are to use experiences and knowledge they have acquired during the course to solve a task or a problem. Such tasks may have been suggested by external organizations, industry or be a part of current Research.

Learning outcome

Through a project-based approach to the syllabus one aims to give the students a practical understanding and training in product development and early concept verification. During exercises and project-work the students will get to know modern production methods for Digital Design and prototyping, using the computer program "Fusion 360" and by Rapid Prototyping (RP) tools. An effect of the project-work is that the students will be able to relate to project planning and collaboration, and writing and presenting project reports and results in a practical manner. Furthermore, they will have insight into and have been trained in the creation of ideas, and how these may be stimulated, cultivated and realized throughout different phases of an innovative process. Students will be able to formulate ideas and project descriptions. The course gives the students an introduction to common problems and procedures connected with the clarification of rights, as well as business-related and moral rules for development and innovation operations. Knowledge of typical challenges and bottlenecks that usually occurs in product development are also important elements in this.

  • Learning activities

    The course is based on internal and external expertise on innovation, product development and engineering design, as well as small practice exercises where the students are trained in using their own creative abilities to formulate product ideas and suggestions for technical solutions that may be turned into new products. Workshop-activities provides the basis for aquiring skills in basic forms of physical and computer generated prototyping (Rapid Prototyping). During the project assignments, they learn how to solve more complex tasks as individuals and as a group, and how to report such a process.

  • Teaching support

    Exercises and project-work are followed up by individual supervision of the work groups, the date, time and duration are decided by the students and subject teacher beforehand, as needed. The course has its own NMBU-Canvas page for extra information. While the project part is being carried out, the teacher is available for support via e-mail and during given office hours.

  • Syllabus

    Course-literature and relevant material for exercises and project tasks is revised annually, and can be found at NMBU¿s TIP100-CANVAS-site.

  • Prerequisites

    The course is primarily developed for first year students in technology and natural sciences. However, students with other backgrounds and at least one year of studies at a university behind them, are also accepted and will benefit from the course.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    IMRT100 - Introductory course - Subject oriented project, ECN120 - Introduction to social economics - Macro.

  • Assessment method

    Approved project-reports - Bestått /ikke bestått

    Portfolio Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed

  • About use of AI

    K3 - Full use of AI.

    Use of AI is permitted, but must be in line with the guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    The external and internal examiner jointly prepare the project- and evaluation manual for the subject.

  • Mandatory activity

    Exercises are done individual/in groups and submitted/or presented in plenary. Furthermore, project-work with written project-paper is mandatory, and must be approved for each individual person/group in order to pass the course.

  • Notes

    The course is an introductory course suitable for students in their first, second or third year of study and does not require any prerequisites. The course is part of NMBU's total course offering on innovation and several courses benefit from important basic knowledge and training from TIP100. The course is compulsory for Master-students that choose to specialize in Machine Design, Process and Product Development (MPP and IND-OK-MP-study) as well as some of the other Master-degree offerings in Technology.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures - 20 hours

    Workshops and exercises - 55 hours

    Project - 75 hours

  • Admission requirements

    Special requirements in Science.