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.

Students will apply engineering problem solving methods used in industry to complete projects involving engineering topics such as mechanics, circuits, robotics, and thermodynamics. Software tools are used to model their designs, perform design calculations, collect and analyze data. Finally, students will present their work professionally using both written and oral communication software. The goal of the class is to have students become familiar with the many aspects of mechanical engineering through hands on, experiential learning and prepares them to work professionally and effectively in a team setting both in college and in industry.

This course examines modeling, instrumentation, and measurement of electrical, mechanical, fluid, and thermal systems containing elements such as sensors and actuators used in feedback control systems. Analytical and experimental techniques of general importance in systems engineering are presented, including sensor utilization in feedback control. Engineering measurement fundamentals, including digital and frequency domain techniques noise and error analysis are covered. Closed-loop system analysis will include the use of proportional, integral, and derivative elements to control system response. Hands-on projects and laboratories are utilized to reinforce fundamental measurement and control system concepts. Software skills include the use of MATLAB and the graphical programming language, LABVIEW.

Students will learn the applications of mechanics through the examination of mechatronic elements and systems. It is broken into two parts: Fundamentals of Mechanics of Materials (a.k.a. Strength of Materials) You will learn to calculate stresses and deflections in members loaded under axial, transverse, and torsional loads. Fundamentals of Dynamics You will learn to use kinematics (study of motion without regard to forces) and kinetics (study of forces required to cause motion, e.g., Newton’s Laws of Motion) to calculate the motion of particles and rigid bodies in motion. You will also gain experience with computational tools, laboratory equipment, experimental methods, teamwork, project management and communications as you complete project assignments.

This course will introduce students to the design of complex mechanical systems through the perspective of the mechatronics engineer. Students will learn about different forms of power transfer, and machine elements such as gears, belts, chains, and brakes. Students will apply this knowledge to the selection of prime movers such as motors, using data sheets and power curves. Students will also learn different methods of instrumentation and control of complex machines using sensors such as; encoders, proximity sensors, thermal measurement, and control devices such as relays, pulse width modulation (PWM), variable frequency drives (VFD), and motor control.