Active Learning in the Curriculum
Through innovative teaching methods, students are provided with opportunities toÌýlearn by doing. Examples of active learning include hands-on exposure to engineering tools, technologies and materials, working on projects with real applications, group discussions in class, using clickersÌýand case studies. At CU Boulder, opportunities for active learning areÌýincorporated throughout the mechanical engineering curriculum.Ìý
Â鶹ÒùÔº learn to cast aluminum in Manufacturing Processes and Systems
Manufacturing Processes and SystemsÌýemphasizes hands-on learning and interaction with industry.ÌýÂ鶹ÒùÔº participate in tours of manufacturing facilities, hear about manufacturing roles and processes from practicing engineersÌýand gain hands-on experience with different fabrication techniques.
Â鶹ÒùÔº create a mold for casting aluminum in Manufacturing Processes and Systems
Teams of students enrolled in Manufacturing Processes and SystemsÌýworked together to create molds and practice the aluminum casting process.ÌýOther hands-on components of the class includeÌýplastic injection molding, geometric dimensioning and tolerancingÌýand a video case study project.
Â鶹ÒùÔº wire a strain gauge during a lab in Data Analysis and Experimental Methods
The recently redesigned Data Analysis and Experimental Methods course focuses on integrating a foundational understanding of data acquisition and analysis techniquesÌýwith hands-on lab exercises. Â鶹ÒùÔº learn how to design an experiment, use data collection hardware and softwareÌýand analyze and communicate their results.Ìý
Third-year students build bikes powered by a drill in Component Design
Student teams in Component Design apply their understanding of mechanical components and systems to design and build a vehicle powered by a cordless drill.ÌýThe teams compete in an end-of-semester run-off with challenges including maneuverability, speed and endurance.
Â鶹ÒùÔº use clickers and work collaboratively in classes like Fluid Mechanics or Heat Transfer
Clickers allow faculty to engage students and quickly gauge understanding in large classes. Through the clicker system, faculty can build time for both group and individual work into their lectures while adjusting their teaching in real-time.
Â鶹ÒùÔº complete a lab in Design of Coffee
Design of Coffee is a new class taught for the first time in fall 2019. Â鶹ÒùÔº learn about the full coffee production process and participate in hands-on labs that challenge them to apply their learning from topics like thermodynamics and material science to brew the best tasting coffee with the least energy input.
Â鶹ÒùÔº complete industry-sponsored projects over the year in Capstone Design
Over 200 students per year participate in Capstone Design projects sponsored by industry.ÌýThe industry clients provide an initial problem statement and work closely with their teams throughout the year to support them in developing a functional, high-quality engineering solution.
Â鶹ÒùÔº in Capstone Design present their work at design and manufacturing reviews
There is a strong focus in Capstone Design on pulling components of the engineering workplace into the classroom.ÌýThrough that process, students learn to facilitate team meetings, manage their project progressÌýand complete a full design cycle including design, manufacturing, financeÌýand test plan reviews.Ìý
Â鶹ÒùÔº present Capstone Design projects to judges at the CU Engineering Projects Expo
The CU Engineering Projects Expo provides an opportunity for over 140 project teams from across the College of Engineering to showcase their work to both industry clients and the larger community. Over 40 mechanical engineering teams participated in 2019, showcasing work from both the Industry and Engineering for Social Innovation sections of Capstone Design.
Â鶹ÒùÔº lead high school students through a semester-long project exploring air quality
The Air Quality Inquiry (AQIQ) program conducts outreach to rural high schools.ÌýCU students travel to schools throughout Colorado to provide training on air quality monitoring, data collectionÌýand experimental methods.ÌýThe K-12 students collect their own data and present it at a poster symposium in the spring.
Â鶹ÒùÔº meld art with the physics of fluid flow through Flow Visualization
Flow Visualization is an interdisciplinary course including students in both engineering and the arts.ÌýÂ鶹ÒùÔº learn about the physics of imaging and fluid flow and work together to explore methods for photographing different kinds of fluid flows.