Comprehensive Course Structure
The curriculum of the Design program at G D Goenka University Gurugram is meticulously designed to provide a robust foundation in design principles while allowing students to explore specialized areas. The program spans eight semesters, each with a carefully curated selection of core subjects, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory courses.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DES-101 | Introduction to Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | DES-102 | Design Thinking Workshop | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | MAT-101 | Calculus and Linear Algebra | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | MAT-102 | Probability and Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY-101 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CHM-101 | Chemistry for Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | DES-201 | Visual Communication | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101 |
| 2 | DES-202 | Ergonomics and Human Factors | 3-0-0-3 | DES-101 |
| 2 | MAT-201 | Differential Equations | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-101 |
| 2 | PHY-201 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-101 |
| 2 | CHM-201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-101 |
| 3 | DES-301 | Design Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | DES-201 |
| 3 | DES-302 | Materials and Manufacturing | 3-0-0-3 | DES-201 |
| 3 | MAT-301 | Numerical Methods | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-201 |
| 3 | PHY-301 | Quantum Physics | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-201 |
| 3 | CHM-301 | Physical Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-201 |
| 4 | DES-401 | User Experience Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-301 |
| 4 | DES-402 | Prototyping and Testing | 3-0-0-3 | DES-302 |
| 4 | MAT-401 | Advanced Mathematics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-301 |
| 4 | PHY-401 | Optics and Lasers | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-301 |
| 4 | CHM-401 | Chemical Engineering Principles | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-301 |
| 5 | DES-501 | Sustainable Design | 3-0-0-3 | DES-401 |
| 5 | DES-502 | Design for Accessibility | 3-0-0-3 | DES-402 |
| 5 | MAT-501 | Advanced Probability and Statistics | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-401 |
| 5 | PHY-501 | Atomic and Nuclear Physics | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-401 |
| 5 | CHM-501 | Environmental Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-401 |
| 6 | DES-601 | Design Innovation Lab | 2-0-2-3 | DES-501 |
| 6 | DES-602 | Design Management | 3-0-0-3 | DES-502 |
| 6 | MAT-601 | Mathematical Modeling | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-501 |
| 6 | PHY-601 | Relativity and Cosmology | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-501 |
| 6 | CHM-601 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-501 |
| 7 | DES-701 | Advanced Design Project | 2-0-4-4 | DES-601 |
| 7 | DES-702 | Creative Leadership | 3-0-0-3 | DES-602 |
| 7 | MAT-701 | Stochastic Processes | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-601 |
| 7 | PHY-701 | Quantum Computing | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-601 |
| 7 | CHM-701 | Nanotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-601 |
| 8 | DES-801 | Final Year Capstone Project | 2-0-6-6 | DES-701 |
| 8 | DES-802 | Design Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3-0-0-3 | DES-702 |
| 8 | MAT-801 | Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | MAT-701 |
| 8 | PHY-801 | Advanced Topics in Physics | 3-0-0-3 | PHY-701 |
| 8 | CHM-801 | Advanced Materials Science | 3-0-0-3 | CHM-701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Students can choose from a variety of advanced departmental electives that align with their interests and career goals. These courses are designed to deepen understanding and foster specialization in niche areas of design.
User Experience Design (UXD-401)
This course delves into the principles and practices of user experience design, emphasizing empirical research methods, usability testing, and iterative design processes. Students learn how to conduct interviews, create personas, and prototype interfaces that enhance user satisfaction and engagement.
Design for Sustainability (DES-501)
Focused on environmental responsibility in design, this course explores sustainable material selection, lifecycle assessment, and circular economy principles. Students engage in projects that aim to minimize environmental impact while maximizing functionality and aesthetics.
Interaction Design (ID-601)
This elective focuses on designing interactive systems and digital products, covering topics such as information architecture, interaction patterns, and responsive design. Students learn to create intuitive interfaces that enhance user experience across multiple platforms and devices.
Social Innovation in Design (SIN-701)
Designed for students interested in using design as a tool for social change, this course explores community engagement strategies, participatory design methods, and impact measurement techniques. Projects often involve working with NGOs and community organizations to address real-world issues.
Digital Fabrication (DIG-801)
This advanced course introduces students to cutting-edge digital fabrication technologies including 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining. Through hands-on projects, students gain practical skills in creating complex designs and prototypes using modern manufacturing tools.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
G D Goenka University Gurugram's Design program is built on a project-based learning philosophy that emphasizes experiential education and real-world problem-solving. The curriculum includes mandatory mini-projects throughout the first four semesters, followed by a final-year capstone project.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are structured as short-term assignments (typically 2–3 months) that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. These projects focus on specific design challenges and require students to conduct research, develop concepts, and present solutions. Evaluation criteria include creativity, feasibility, and alignment with design principles.
Final-Year Capstone Project
The final-year capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that spans the entire semester. Students select projects from a list of industry-sponsored challenges or propose their own innovative ideas. Each student works closely with a faculty mentor to refine their concept, conduct research, and develop a fully realized solution.
Faculty Mentorship
Each student is assigned a faculty mentor who guides them through the project selection process and provides ongoing support throughout their academic journey. Mentors are selected based on expertise in relevant fields and availability to provide meaningful guidance and feedback.