Lecture topics introduce aspects of project development. Laboratory meetings are for project progress report, consultations with the course instructor, and group meetings. The problems will be defined by the instructor, who will also play the role of the customer. The solutions, including a clear definition of the problem, will be developed by the students. As in the work place, it is the responsibility of the engineer to seek, acquire and study the necessary information and knowledge which are needed to successfully complete the project.
Careful preparation is essential for successful accomplishment.
The two major projects are assigned early in the semester, so that the students will have enough time to study the relevant background, contact potential suppliers and manufacturers and obtain information about components that may be needed for the projects. In addition, a small design project will be assigned within the first six weeks of the term. This 'minor' project will be due within a week from the date it is handed out. The second major project is a complete detailed design, including testing of a demonstration prototype. Both projects will require the use of computer aided engineering.