Students conduct six laboratory experiments in a 3 hour lab session for each one. They analyze and interpret the data in their lab writeups. The CD-read head dynamics lab in particular requires them to design some parts of the lab. This is a major emphasis of the course in the form of the design project. Rather, projects are evaluated in terms of how well they meet a stated need.
Students are thus free to trade analog vs. digital designs etc.
An ability to function of mutlidiciplinary teams . They are then assigned into project teams by the instructor in such a way that the skill levels ar balanced in each team. This ensures multi-disciplinary teams and encourages students to learn from each other. At the end of the project, team members evaluate each other's level of effort and quality of contributions to the team. The instructor takes these evaluations into advisement in assigning credit to individuals for the project results.