Our first-year engineering course we call Engineering Principles is an innovative projects-based experience centered around the essence of engineering. You will develop depth of expertise in valuable skills used by engineers. You then gain practical design experience by applying those skills in completing several significant projects.
The skills you learn:
Machining and prototyping
Electronics assembly and testing
Engineering graphics, 3D modeling
Computer programming
Engineering analysis and design methods
Project management
Effective teamwork
Professional presentations
Spreadsheet applications
Computer simulation
The projects you build:
Oscillating Air Engine, a.k.a. "The Wobbler": design and fabricate your own one- or two-cylinder engine
Reverse Engineering: deconstruct, analyze, and redesign an existing product for improved performance
Robotic Arm System: configure an autonomously controlled robotic arm. You design the sensor system, write the controlling program, and build the PC interface board
End result - a solid foundation for the engineering knowledge that you acquire over the next three years … and beyond.
An Oscillating Air Engine in action.
2007 WOBBLE OFF
The official results are in from the 4th Annual GFU Wobble Off! The freshmen competed with engines they each designed and machined in the following categories: max speed, max coast, min vibration, cost efficiency, min cost, and craftsmanship/creativity. See results
STUDENT QUOTE
"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. This course gave us a real-life experience. We did not just learn about or watch engineers at work - we were engineers at work!"
Line-following robot car project
This page was last updated 5-1-2008 16:16:55.
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