Based on the first-year undergraduate Design Methodology and Engineering courses, students will work in small teams to design a product from concept to prototyping. The academy is designed to demonstrate the importance of teamwork and planning in successfully completing large, complex, time-constrained projects and introduce the application of physical and mathematical principles in solving practical engineering problems. Students will enhance their knowledge base of material properties, structures, and manufacturing processes, enhance their creativity, and build confidence in their ability to handle challenging assignments. The class will present steps to bring a product from concept to functional prototype: defining specs, developing concepts through research and ideation methods, modeling performance, developing working drawings, selecting materials, and constructing, testing, and revising a working prototype. Students will leave this course with a practical understanding of the challenges as well as the opportunities facing modern-day engineers to create cutting-edge, innovative solutions for a rewarding career.

Supplemental course fee of $295 to cover lab and materials costs.