There is funding available to buy or rent equipment, pay for laboratory tests or lab time, take short courses, purchase software, and carry out the multitude of other activities required by their projects. Students learn to appreciate general engineering knowledge as the key to solving many current engineering problems in manufacturing and design. The tremendous variety of issues they face on their project gives them a chance to put their engineering education to work. During the periodic oral presentations, students have an opportunity to critique and contribute to the progress of the other projects underway during the semester. Team work and group dynamics are an important part of the experience.
Students learn to coordinate the activities of the individuals who compose the project team.
No other university course is as effective in developing this vital skill for today's engineers. The faculty members in general engineering have research interests and technical specializations that span the spectrum of engineering disciplines. The senior project course provides a regular opportunity for industrial interaction for the teaching faculty. As a result, there is a tremendous wealth of expertise and experience available to the student teams. For information on sponsoring a senior design project, please follow this link or e-mail Peggy Hills with your request.