Call Number: ME 4902.1/2 and ENGR 4901/2
Offering: Fall and Spring
Description: One of the fundamental learning objectives is to incorporate the engineering design process and we focus a great deal on two key elements. Student teams are encouraged to thoroughly research their problem to fully understand the root causes and the important needs of the end user. Carefully interviewing people and canvassing the literature leads to thorough problem definition, conceptual design ideas, and finally effective design solutions. Additionally, the course emphasizes user validation to ensure that the design solution—whether a system, process, or product—meets the original need. Throughout the course, we teach professional skills associated with intellectual property protection, confidentiality, effective technical communication, business ethics, project management, teamwork, and resourcefulness.
Learning Objectives:
1. Perform Professionally - Students individually exhibit integrity, accept responsibility, take initiative, and provide leadership necessary to ensure project success as part of a multi-discipline team.
2. Produce Quality Designs - Students collectively produce designs that meet important authentic performance requirements while satisfying relevant societal and professional constraints.
3. Establish Team Relationships for Quality Performance - Students establish relationships and implement practices with team members, advisors, and clients that support high performance and continuous improvement.
4. Manage Project Schedule and Resources - Students plan, monitor, and manage project schedule, resources, and work assignments to ensure timely and within-budget completion.
5. Apply Knowledge, Research and Creativity - Students utilize prior knowledge, independent research, published information, patents, and original ideas in addressing problems and generating solutions.
6. Make Decisions Using Broad-Based Criteria - Students make design decisions based on design requirements, life-cycle considerations, resource availability, sustainability, and associated risks.
7. Use Contemporary Tools - Students demonstrate effective use of contemporary tools for engineering and business analysis, fabrication, testing, and design communication.
8. Test and Defend Design Performance - Students collectively test and defend performance of a multi-discipline design with respect to at least one primary design requirement.
9. Communicate for Project Success - Students use formal and informal communications with team members, advisors, and clients to document and facilitate progress and to enhance impact of designs.
10. Pursue Needed Professional Development - Students individually assess and pursue personal professional growth in concert with project requirements and personal career goals.
