ME 418-419
SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT — SAE Section

Course Description

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Student groups design, build, and test a device that solves an open-ended mechanical engineering design problem. ME 418 focuses on background research and engineering analysis, ME 419 on prototype construction and testing. As the designated ME Writing-Intensive Course, ME 418-419 also focuses on the refinement of students' engineering communications skills and their use of writing as a critical-thinking and learning tool.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of ME 418-419, students will be able to perform the following tasks:

• Plan, schedule, and carry out an engineering design project.
• Develop and implement manufacturing plans for mechanical parts and assemblies.
• Design and implement test plans and evaluate results.
• Collaboratively produce written project reports that effectively communicate project information to their target audience(s)—i.e., that are rhetorically appropriate for these audiences and follow disciplinary conventions of usage, vocabulary, format, and citation.
• Participate effectively in the peer review process.
• Compose a variety of job-search-related texts, including resumes, cover letters, and professional email communications.
• Prepare and present formal project-management reviews and other oral presentations.