Digital Fabrication: technology, craft and theory, 7.5 Credits

Contents

In this course, key phenomena and concepts in the field of digital fabrication are introduced and analyzed. The course deals with digital fabrication based on three overlapping perspectives: technology, crafts, and theory. The technological perspective highlights the technologies, concepts and processes that enable digital fabrication (including additive and subtractive manufacturing, CAD/CAM). The craft perspective puts emphasis on the various craftmanship abilities that are expressed in digital fabrication practices in seeking to transform an idea into a tangible prototype. The theory-focused perspective implies an appreciative feature of the course in which digital fabrication is discussed in terms of what changes digital fabrication can entail for organizations.

Expected learning outcomes

Regarding knowledge and understanding the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:
1.    Explain what characterizes central technologies in digital fabrication.
2.    Explain theories that are relevant to how digital fabrication involves changes for organizations and organizing.

Regarding proficiency and aptitude, the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:
3.    Independently translate an idea into a tangible prototype using techniques and methods in digital fabrication.
4.    From given circumstances, in groups, carry out design work that is materialized through prototypes based on digital fabrication.

Regarding evaluative capacity and approach, the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:
5.    Assess what type or combinations of types of digital fabrication technologies that are appropriate for the task at hand.
6.    Critically review and assess the introduction and shift to digital fabrication in manufacturing organizations.
7.    Analyze organizational imlications of digital fabrication.

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires 90 ECTS from an internationally recognised university in one of the following subjects; Engineering, Design, Architecture, Informatics, Business administration, Economics or equivalent studies. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

Teaching is done preferably in the form of lectures, seminars, group exercises and supervision in connection with self-studies. During the course necessary computer applications, which students shall use on their own, are introduced and maintained. Some assistance is given in the use of these applications. Some teaching moments may be compulsory. Good ability in written presentation and English are important for assimilating the course.

Examination modes

Examination is done by individual assignments, active participation in seminars and group works.  Examination assumes good ability in written and oral presentation in English. The grade given is pass with distinction, pass or fail. For students who do not obtain a pass after the first attempt an additional examination is normally arranged within a short time afterwards. Students who do not obtain a pass after two examination attempts are allowed to participate in three further examinations. In order to do so the student must register for the course during the term the examination is given. For additional attempts to pass the exam special dispensation is needed from the director of studies or the student counsellor.

If special reasons exist, the examiner has the right to decide on another examination form.

Crediting of a course
An application to transfer credits from previous courses should be sent to the registrar (Registrator, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå). The application is then forwarded to the department of Informatics for assessment. The application must state for which course the credit transfer is requested.  Authentic copies of course certificates or equivalent must be presented showing grade, higher education institution, date, field of study, level of study, credit points and so on. Also required is the course syllabus including literature for courses whose credits are to be transferred. For further information see “Transfer of Credits at Umeå University” (DNR: 540-3589-09).

Other regulations