Course description
This is a capstone course in which students formulate a well-defined engineering problem, create a project management plan, and apply the engineering design process to complete a semester-long engineering design project. Students apply knowledge of mechatronic systems to conceptualize, design, and fabricate a working prototype. Students create an engineering documentation package that captures their overall prototype development process, and deliver a final technical presentation.
Course content
Problem Definition:
- needs assessment
- constraints and requirements identification
- feasibility assessment
- evaluation criteria
- validation and verification
Conceptual Design Solutions:
- background research
- concept generation
- brainstorming and ideation
- decision making
- functional risk assessment
Project Management:
- scope, deliverables, and milestones
- deadlines, contingency, and dependencies
- scheduling tools
- budget
- risk assessment and risk management
- project progress check-ins and updates
Detailed Design Solutions:
- mathematical analysis/physical modelling
- domain specific technical documentation (CAD, computer code, circuit schematics)
- design for assembly (DFA) and design for manufacturing (DFM) considerations
Prototyping:
- fabrication
- testing and evaluation
- iteration
Project Documentation:
- project design documentation package
- project post-mortem analysis and future work
- project management report, including updates and revisions
Learning activities
Most of the instruction will be on a one–to–one basis between students and instructor to guide the students through a self–managed work plan.
Criteria for Selection of Project Topics:
- Students, in consultation with the course instructor, select an appropriate project.
- A project must entail some form of mechatronic development.
- A project's scope and depth must be such that its objectives can be satisfied in one semester.
- A project's technical depth must be sufficient for a capstone project, as determined by the course instructor.
Means of assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Assignments: 0% - 10%
Project proposal report: 5-15%
Project management plan: 15% – 25%
Project management progress reports (minimum of 2): 10% - 20%
Final deliverable package: 25% - 35%
Final presentation and prototype demonstration: 10%
Total: 100%
Learning outcomes
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- formulate a well-defined engineering problem from an open-ended problem statement for a semester-long engineering design project, which includes scope, requirements, and constraints;
- generate and evaluate conceptual design solutions for an engineering design project, taking into account needs assessment and feasibility considerations;
- apply decision making processes to analyze and choose a conceptual design solution for an engineering design problem, taking into account problem requirements and design constraints;
- propose and execute a project management plan for an open-ended semester-long engineering design project, including a schedule, intermediate milestones with deadlines, budget and cost estimates, and contingencies;
- formulate detailed engineering design specifications for a chosen conceptual design solution;
- produce a functional mechatronic prototype of a design solution using appropriate fabrication and rapid prototyping processes and tools;
- test, evaluate, and document the performance of a mechatronic prototype;
- produce a technical documentation package that captures the prototype design and fabrication process;
- prepare a post-mortem analysis for an engineering design project, including project management plan revisions, design solution shortcomings, and unexpected problems (such as cost overruns, project management plan deficiencies, lead times, and technical complexities);
- prepare a future development plan for an engineering design project solution, including suggestions for improvements, refinements, and further expansion;
- prepare and deliver an oral presentation of the solution to an engineering design project, including a demonstration of a working prototype.
Textbook materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- P. Ostafichuk, M. Fengler, and A. Hodgson. (Current edition). The Engineering Design Process: An Introduction for Mechanical Engineers, Amazon KDP
- B. Hyman. (Current edition). Fundamentals of Engineering Design. Prentice Hall.
- G. Dieter, L. Schmidt. (Current edition). Engineering Design. McGraw Hill.
- Douglas College Custom Courseware on Project Management
- T. Schmidt. (Current edition). Strategic Project Management Made Simple: Practical Tools for Leaders and Teams. Wiley.
- E. Stark. (Current edition). Project Management For Beginners: Proven Project Management Methods To Complete Projects with Time and Money to Spare. Clyde Bank Media.
- H.R. Kerzner. (Current edition). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.