Category:Engr215 Introduction to Design

[edit] Description

Engr215 Introduction to Design, is a 3-credit semester course aimed at introducing the engineering design process, including critical analysis of problems, teamwork and technical communication. The course meets weekly for 2 hours of lecture and 3 hours of lab. However, these “lecture” periods and “lab” periods are used for multiple learning formats as this course integrates lecture, discussion, student projects, computer labs and outdoor field activities. The format requires active learning. See the Engr215 Introduction to Design syllabus for more.

[edit] Course Objectives

• Students will learn about and experience the engineering design process.
• Students will further develop the many computing skills needed by practicing engineers and scientists. These skills include:
  • word processing
  • spreadsheet
  • CAD (Computer Aided Design)
  • Internet skills, including email, web searches and web pages

• Students will further develop the many communication skills needed by practicing engineers and scientists. These skills include:
  • written communication
  • verbal and visual presentation skills
  • teamwork

[edit] Effecting the objectives

To effect the objectives Engr215 focuses on a real project for a real client. Each team interacts with a client for project definition, criteria analysis and final solution stages to create a custom design, substantial design document and model for potential use. This process is difficult, but prepares students well for future projects.

Below are some recent examples of projects.

[edit] Past projects

• Fall 2005 - Interactive Energy Efficiency Displays (pdf) for Redwood Coast Energy Authority (Instructor Lonny Grafman)
• Spring 2006 - Interactive Energy Installations (video) for the Discovery Museum (Instructor Lonny Grafman)
• Fall 2006 - Appropriate Technology Infrastructure Models for CCAT (Instructor Lonny Grafman)
• Spring 2007 - Interactive Energy Efficiency Displays for Redwood Coast Energy Authority (Instructors Eileen Cashman and Lonny Grafman)
• Fall 2008 - Green building cottages for the planned Humboldt Bay Eco Hostel. (Instructor Lonny Grafman)