This hands-on, project-based course introduces students to the foundations of problem solving through the exploration of societal challenges such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals with an emphasis on the pursuit of making the world a better place. Working in collaborative teams, students engage in the problem-solving cycle, from problem definition and research to model-building, testing, and implementation, with the objective of improving conditions for humankind. Guided by faculty, students will apply mathematics, problem-solving strategies, and computational tools to design and analyze solutions to open-ended societal problems. Through collaborative, active learning, students gain experience with problem-solving strategies, teamwork dynamics, communication, and ethical reasoning. Emphasis is placed on the application of mathematics as a language for problem-solving and the integration of computational tools for data analysis and visualization. During this course, students will apply problem-solving techniques, work collaboratively in teams, analyze data, and communicate results in a professional manner.

This is the Senior Design course that engages MMET students with open-ended, real-world problems. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, the design process, and project management tools addressing project scope, schedule, milestones, deliverables, risk, and cost. The course also focuses on developing oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. In this course, cross-disciplinary student teams develop their proposed mechanism or machine after identifying customer needs, and possible alternative concepts.

Students will rigorously develop their thesis research ideas, conduct literature reviews, identify and plan methodologies, prepare schedules, and gain a clear understanding of the expectations of the faculty and the discipline. Each student will be required to prepare a committee approved thesis research proposal and may begin work on their thesis.

Thesis is based on thorough literature review and experimental substantiation of a problem, by the candidate, in an appropriate topic. A written proposal has to be defended and authorized by the faculty adviser/committee. The proposal defense is followed by experimental work, a formal written thesis, and oral presentation of findings. The candidate should have completed the requisite courses for the program before enrolling for the thesis.

This course provides the MMSI graduate students an opportunity to complete their degree requirements by addressing a practical real-world challenge using the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies. This course is not only the culmination of a student's course work but also an indicator of the student's ability to use diverse knowledge to provide a tangible solution to a problem. The capstone project topic can be in the areas of product development, manufacturing automation, management system, quality management or electronics packaging. The course requires a comprehensive project report and a final presentation.

Continuation of Capstone. It is expected that students will defend their capstone by the conclusion of the semester.