Freshman Engineering Design II is an elective that combines reverse engineering with the creation of a simple device. In reverse engineering, an object – such as a floppy disk drive, a toy robotic arm or a computer mouse – is dissected and the components and the assembly are analyzed, sketched and discussed.

For the first five weeks of the project, students explore the design rationals for selected materials, operations, dimensions, manufacturing, patents, economics of production, marketing and recycling. They keep a journal, report their findings orally and in writing, and prepare a short video demonstration.

After that experience, students spend the next 10 weeks designing a product. The product must be embodied in a prototype of 10 pieces or less and the presentation must include a patent search and a marketing plan.

Click on the Part I and Part II links above to learn more about the class modules.