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Sustainable Engineering: Saving Planet Earth

This is a Manufacturing engineering Subject Spotlight with Dave Knapton from the University of Sunderland. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Manufacturing engineering.

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In this exciting subject spotlight, Dave Knapton delves into sustainable engineering, exploring the evolution of sustainable design practices. In episode one, Dave looks at the evolution of sustainable design engineering as well as how it looks in a contemporary setting, outlines the role of sustainable design engineers and identifies the key skills needed for a successful career. In episode two, Dave explores the design process and digital workflow of sustainable engineering, looking at how engineers take an idea and see it through to product testing and getting it ready for manufacture. In episode three, Dave looks at sustainable manufacturing processes and how these follow on from the initial design phase. He also identifies why sustainability can be used as a differentiator within a marketplace. In the final episode, Dave looks at some of the industries where sustainability has led to huge shifts in the way that products are developed and manufactured. He then sets you an activity which encourages you to step into the shoes of a sustainability engineer and think of ways to enhance the sustainable production of a mobile phone. 

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About University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024) and a global institution which offers life-changing opportunities for over 20,000 students across its four campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, placement opportunities and the option to study full or part-time, there’s something for everyone at Sunderland. The University of Sunderland has also received five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and is in the top 10 UK universities for social inclusion (The Times Good University Guide 2024).

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Meet the academics

Dave Knapton

Dave is the Associate Head of School for Engineering in the Faculty of Technology. Having graduated from the University of Sunderland with a BSc (Hons) in Product Design with Management, he garnered valuable experience as a Design Engineer within the tier 1 automotive supply chain. In this role, Dave worked directly for various OEMs, specialising in the design of large-scale injection moulded products and associated assemblies. His extensive industrial background extends to supporting a diverse range of sectors as a consultant of digital tools for manufacturing organisations. Dave's specific expertise and interests revolve around design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and manufacturing processes. Since joining the academic team at the University of Sunderland, Dave has actively contributed to teaching modules in design, reverse engineering, 3D scanning, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, he plays a significant role in academic leadership across the School of Engineering. Dave’s research interests lie in the education of Engineering.

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

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Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!