ITI60020 Digital Fabrication and Making (Spring 2025)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Elective course in the master programme in applied computer science full-time and part-time.

There must be at least 7 students to run the course.

Lecture Semester

Second semester (spring) in the full-time programme.

Fourth semester (spring) in the part-time programme.

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

By participating in the theoretical modules, the student learns to:

• identify and describe the central principals of digital fabrication.

• understand and reflect on the maker movement and its impact on society.

• analyse and assess methods and techniques for digital fabrication in relation to prototyping and product development.

Skills

The student is able to:

• independently translate an idea into a prototype using digital fabrication techniques.

• critical assess what types of digital fabrication technologies are appropriate in new domains.

• analyse technical and organizational limitations of digital fabrication.

• document digital fabrication processes in a way appropriate for sharing and collaborating.

General competence

The student gains:

• competence in critical reading and reflection.

• group-work skills.

Content

In this course, key phenomena and concepts in the field of digital fabrication are introduced and analysed. The course presents digital fabrication from two perspectives: digital fabrication technologies and the maker movement. The technological perspective is based on hands-on activities and project work to familiarize students with technologies and processes for developing physical prototypes including additive and subtractive production technologies and electronics. The perspective on maker movement discusses digital fabrication in terms of enabling sustainable and democratizing practices for the digital society. The course will include invited speakers working and researching in the field of digital fabrication and making.

Presented technologies include, but not limited to:

• Modelling for digital fabrication

• 3D printing

• Laser cutting and engraving

• CNC machining

• Electronics programming and production

Forms of teaching and learning

The course consists of project work and theoretical modules. The following methods are used:

• Project Work

• Laboratories and workshops

• Reading Circle

• Lectures

• Supervision

The course is hands-on and practical, and it is expected that students work on their own and in groups.

Workload

Approx. 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

The student must during the semester:

• present at least one item from the reading list (individually or in groups of 2-3 students).

• complete up to 4 mandatory projects (individually or in groups of 2-3 students) handed in at predefined dates by the course responsible

Coursework requirements must be accepted to qualify for the exam.

Examination

Prototype and poster session with oral presentation (individually or in groups of 2-3 students)

The students need to develop a prototype from project work. The students are given an individual tentative grade on the prototype using the A - F grading scale. This grade can be adjusted at the poster session / oral presentation.

The poster session with oral presentation is carried out at the course exhibition. Duration of oral presentation is approx.15-20 min. Except the presentation, no supporting materials are allowed. An individual grade will be given.

The prototype must be passed before the poster session with oral presentation can be carried out.

All group members must contribute to the prototype and poster session with oral presentation.

If the student decides to challenge the assessment, the prototype must be re-assessed. If the new assessment affects the tentative grading of the prototype, a new poster session with oral presentation will be arranged.

Examiners

One external and one internal examiner, or two internal examiners will be involved in the assessment.

Conditions for resit/rescheduled exams

Upon re-examination, both parts of the examination must be retaken.

Course evaluation

This course is evaluated by a

• Final course evaluation (compulsory)

The responsible for the course compiles a report based on the feedback from the students and his/her own experience with the course. The report is discussed by the study quality committee at  the Department of Computer Science and Communication.

Literature

The current reading list for 2024 Spring can be found in Leganto