This course provides students with the opportunity to explore, develop, and refine a chosen design-engineering tool, process, or project. After defining a project, the student will prepare a formal proposal and create a detailed project schedule. The student will then deliver a presentation outlining the project’s scope and the methods they intend to use to achieve its objectives.

Once the project proposal has been approved, the remainder of the semester (with the exception of the final week) will be dedicated to project execution. Any modifications to the project or schedule must be documented in the weekly Status Report. During the final week of class, students will prepare a comprehensive Final Report and present their completed project.

As this is a project-based course, there are no quizzes or examinations.

Course Materials

All the course material required for this course is in this Canvas Course.

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to engage in a real-world design project—either individually or as part of a team—while developing expertise in a selected engineering design tool or process. Additional objectives will vary based on the specific projects selected and assigned.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Develop and write a comprehensive project proposal.
• Create a step-by-step plan for completing the project.
• Develop a detailed project schedule.
• Identify and document clear project objectives.
• Present their project concept to peers and instructors.
• Document required changes and progress throughout the semester using weekly Status Reports.
• Reflect on and articulate lessons learned during the project development process.
• Evaluate the success of the project by assessing outcomes relative to the stated objectives.
• Produce a complete written Final Report documenting the finished project.
• Deliver a final presentation summarizing the completed work.

Grade Policy

Final grades will be determined based on the categories outlined below. Students will have continuous access to their scores through the Canvas grade book throughout the semester.

Practice Project – 10%

Students must complete a Practice Project Proposal and participate in a Peer Review activity.

Project Proposal and Schedule – 20%

Students are required to write a professional project proposal and develop a detailed, realistic project schedule. In addition to submitting the written proposal, students must present their project plan. The instructor must approve the proposal and schedule before work on the project may begin.

Maintain Project Documentation – 20%

Students must document project progress, challenges, and time spent by submitting a Weekly Status Report through Canvas.

Completion of Project per Proposal – 20%

This portion of the grade will be based on the extent to which the project objectives identified in the proposal are met. Not all objectives must be completed; however, any unmet objectives must have valid, documented reasons included in the Weekly Status Reports.

Final Project Report – 20%

Students will submit a comprehensive Final Report describing the project, its development process, challenges encountered, and final outcomes.

Final Project Presentation – 10%

Students will deliver a Final Presentation and create a poster summarizing and communicating their project. This visual presentation should effectively represent the work completed during the semester.

Submission Requirements

File Naming Convention:
When uploading documents to Canvas, use the following naming format:
FirstnameInitialLastname AssignmentName.docx
Example: JFranklin Project Proposal.docx

Submitting Multiple Files:
For assemblies or submissions requiring multiple files, place all files in a single folder, name the folder using the naming convention above, and upload it as a compressed (.zip) file.

Feedback on Assignments

Feedback will be provided during in-class lab time.

Grade Access

Students may view their grades at any time through their Canvas account.

• Understand the components of a comprehensive project proposal
  
  
• Develop and write a formal project proposal
  
  
• Identify and document clear and measurable project objectives
  
  

• Create a detailed, step-by-step plan for completing the project
  
  
• Develop a structured project schedule outlining major tasks, milestones, and deadlines
  
  

• Prepare and deliver an initial project concept presentation to peers and instructors
  
  
• Communicate project goals, scope, and anticipated outcomes effectively
  
  

• Implement the approved project plan throughout the semester
  
  
• Document changes, progress, and challenges through weekly Status Reports
  
  
• Maintain clear records of decisions, lessons learned, and project evolution
  
  

• Reflect on the project development process and articulate lessons learned
  
  
• Evaluate the success of the project by assessing outcomes relative to stated objectives
  
  

• Produce a complete written Final Report documenting the completed project
  
  
• Deliver a professional final presentation summarizing the finished work, findings, and key insights
  
  

Late Assignments

There are no makeups for missed Weekly Status Reports.

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

I strive to respond to all emails and Canvas messages within one business day of receipt. Feedback is an essential component of the learning process, and the most substantive feedback will be provided during class after homework has been submitted. Additional comments will be included in the comment sections of homework assignments; however, these remarks will be brief.

If you have questions regarding the in-class feedback or the written comments, please contact me for clarification. It is the student’s responsibility to review and follow up on all feedback provided.

Student Expectations

• Be engaged and motivated. Actively participate in all course activities and maintain a productive learning attitude.
• Monitor Canvas regularly. Review the modules and calendar to stay informed about requirements, deadlines, and upcoming activities.
• Be prepared. Take notes, complete homework, and invest the necessary time to develop the skills needed to meet the stated course objectives.
• Follow all instructions. Read all assignment, quiz, and test instructions carefully before submitting any work.
• Stay on schedule. Time passes quickly—remaining current with assignments and project milestones is essential to success in this course.
• Ask for help when needed. If clarification or assistance is required, please reach out. While office hours are posted, I also maintain an open-door policy.
• Demonstrate professionalism and fairness. Conduct yourself respectfully in all interactions and uphold academic integrity.
• Save and back up your work. Save files frequently and maintain reliable backups of all assignments and project materials.

Instructors Commitments

• Be engaged and motivated. Serve as an active and supportive participant in the learning process.
• Provide meaningful learning opportunities. Use proven pedagogical methods to support student understanding and skill development.
• Communicate expectations clearly. Ensure that requirements for homework, quizzes, tests, and deadlines are explicit and consistently communicated.
• Challenge students and prepare them for success. Support students in preparing for the CSWA exam and, more importantly, equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for real-world engineering and design careers.
• Provide timely and constructive feedback. Offer detailed feedback on homework, quizzes, tests, and projects to guide student improvement.
• Model professionalism and fairness. Demonstrate respectful, equitable, and ethical conduct in all interactions and assessments.

Syllabus Statements for the Use of AI Tools in this Course

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI

The use of generative AI tools (e.g.ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.)is permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
• Finding information on your topic (it is your responsibility to cross-check and verify that information);
• Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is NOT permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat;
• Completing individual or group work that your group has assigned to you;
• Writing a draft of a writing assignment;
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs, or papers to complete class assignments;

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws or contain misinformation or unethical content). Using AI tools must be appropriately documented and cited to stay within university policies on academic honesty. Any assignment found to have used generative AI tools in unauthorized ways will receive a zero in the assignment. When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification.

Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.