As a result, the department has some additional requirements over other engineering majors. Some lecturers are also hired directly from industry. The department emphasizes an undergraduate education and recently overhauled its curriculum. About 40 percent of Course II students are female, the remaining 60 percent are male. Students learn about manufacturing and design controls, mechanics and materials, and thermodynamics, fluids, and heat transfer.
Students then take design and manufacturing classes.
In 2.009, for example, students take a project from concept to a working prototype and then present the product to an audience. Students in that class are graded based upon students, faculty, and guest evaluations. Students also take two elective classes from an extensive list, including graduate-level classes. While some core classes are large, the department attempts to keep recitation sizes under 20 students, Cravalho said. Of those returning to school, about half end up earning an MEng or PhD degree from the Institute.