MET 481Project Design

3 credits · Mechanical Engineering Technology · Penn State

This course is the first of a two-part course sequence that comprises the capstone design experience in the MET major (the second course is MET 486 , Project Design). In this course students study the engineering design process, begin working on their senior design project, and learn about professional topics related to industry. Topics in the engineering design process include needs identification, concept generation, concept selection, costing, and project planning. Professional topics include communication, team work, ethics, safety, and sustainability. Engineering economics and its application to the capstone design project is a featured topic. Students are evaluated through assignments and quizzes. One major component of the course is to begin work on a capstone design project. Students typically work in teams of 3 to 4 on an industrially-sponsored project or other project approved by the faculty. The student teams work with the sponsor to develop a project scope and plan, perform background research, begin to solve the problem, and present their project proposal orally and in written form. Students are evaluated on both their technical and presentation skills, as well as their ability to function as a team. This capstone course is required in the Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) program.