Much of this material has lead times requiring purchase well in advance of the course. In addition, the School of Engineering purchases the material in quantity and usually obtains a substantial discount. Students gain productive project time, save labor and have lower material costs when the School of Engineering purchases lab materials for the student. Instructional fees provided to the School of Engineering for these courses do not cover these costs and therefore require reimbursement. The intended goal is to minimize the lab fee or at least keep the cost within that of a text book.
Student get to keep their microcontroller and hand tools.
Lab fee shows range from minimum to maximum, dependent upon requirements. Maximum amount may be exceeded when students purchase some parts on their own. If lab fee is set at the minimum amount, student should expect to purchase most project parts on their own. Fee also covers reasonable printer use while in the lab. Parts and material are to be purchased separately by student.