Experiential Learning and Research is a beneficial supplement to students’ traditional coursework. It can offer both hands-on and team experience as well as provide opportunities to gain additional skills that may be advantageous in the workplace or in graduate school. Students should consult with an academic advisor to learn how some of the opportunities below can count toward their degree requirements.
The DURI program is designed to immerse undergraduates in the interdisciplinary research environment of Discovery Park. The program provides opportunities for students to work with faculty on cutting edge research projects that involve combining two or more disciplinary strengths. Working closely with faculty, students experience the excitement, challenge, and power of truly interdisciplinary research in this fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
ECE 29600 and ECE 49600 are variable title courses that allow students to partner with an ECE faculty member to engage in research for credit, either independently or as part of a small group. Students are responsible for approaching faculty and discussing expectations for their projects. An academic advisor should be consulted to review how the course will count toward their degree as well as to obtain the necessary Form 23V to register for the course.
A structured approach to the development and integration of embedded microcontroller hardware and software that provides senior-level students with significant design experience applying microcontrollers to a wide range of embedded systems (e.g., instrumentation, process control, telecommunications, intelligent devices, etc.). The primary objective is to provide practical experience developing integrated hardware and software for embedded microcontroller systems in an environment that models one which students will most likely encounter in industry.
Lecture sessions provide the student with background information on the design and management of projects. Formal lectures cover design for manufacturability, design for quality, test and evaluation, reliability and ethics, patents and copyrights, plus case studies. During the lab sessions, the students work in teams on a challenging open-ended electrical engineering project that draws on previous course work. Projects routinely involve standard design facets (such as consideration of alternative solutions, feasibility considerations and detailed system descriptions) and include a number of realistic constraints (such as cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics).
Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) courses create a vertical project track under which students work in multidisciplinary teams on long-term engineering-based design projects. Projects of at least one-year in duration are intended to solve real problems that are defined in consultation with "customers" from not-for-profit community and education organizations. EPCS courses are open to students from all disciplines; each student contributes expertise in his/her academic discipline. Each team consists of a mix of first year, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
SURF matches undergraduate students with a faculty member and graduate student mentor who introduce them to research in the areas of science, engineering, and technology. During the summer, SURF is an 11-week program during which students conduct research 40 hours per week. SURF is also sometimes offered during the academic year, where full-time students conduct research activities for approximately 10 hours per week.
These courses provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to explore and develop comprehensive applications of electrical and computer engineering technologies, especially as they relate to active research areas of faculty members. VIP creates a vertical project track under which students work in teams on long-term engineering projects. Each team consists of a mix of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Projects are intended to solve real world problems that are defined in consultation with faculty members, graduate students, or representatives of industry or the end-user population.
