Here's how it works. Students register for the integrated course appropriate to their level. They're then divided into teams with representation from each level. Each team is assigned a project, for example, researching John Deere's corrosion resistant alloy development or Maytag's new enamel formulation or solving a problem in breaking a component. As students begin to analyze the problem, a hierarchy of mentoring gradually takes shape.
Juniors learn to apply practical skills, contributing as working engineers.
All this is accomplished within the existing curriculum by adding three courses - starting from the sophomore through senior years. While working on the projects, students have direct contact with industry representatives, who communicate with their research team through weekly e-mail progress reports. At the end of the semester, students make final presentations. A compelling reason to incorporate industry-related work dynamics into the MSE curriculum was a result of growing industry concerns, said MSE Chairman Akinc. Employers were very satisfied with the technical capabilities of students, but frequently complained about their limited communication skills and teamwork concepts.