 |
Clinic Program |
The Freshman Clinic is focused on engineering measurements and reverse engineering. The Fall semester of the Freshman Engineering Clinic has laboratory components from all major engineering disciplines. In the Spring semester, students work on a semester-long reverse engineering project. Reverse engineering is the systematic testing of existing products, for the purpose of improvement. For example, students have reverse engineered coffee makers, hair dryers, remote-control cars, electric toothbrushes, and portable water filters.
The Sophomore Clinic is focused on engineering design. For perhaps the first time, students are exposed to realistic design problems best solved by multidisciplinary engineering teams. This course has significant communication components, both writing and speaking. Past projects include the design of landfills and baseball parks, and the design and construction of guitar effect pedals and small bridges.
In Junior and Senior Clinics , students work in small teams of juniors and seniors on open-ended projects under the supervision of one or more professor. Each team works on a unique project, which can be multiple semesters in length. A typical sequence includes: information search and review; development of a clear and concise problem statement; research and/or design and testing activities; and presentation of results via written report and presentation. Projects have ranged from evaluating the Betsy Ross Bridge to designing new wastewater treatment systems. Most projects are funded by industry or governmental agencies.
|
