First Year Engineering Product Realization

A recognized need for product realization and design topics is occurring throughout engineering curriculums nationwide. Current engineering curriculums demand such activities due to ABET EC 2000 criteria and employer demands. During the past year, a modified course structure was piloted at Grand Valley State University to include the product realization process. In addition, manufacturing principles were included. The new course organization will be fully implemented during the upcoming 2000 – 01 academic year. Entering first-year engineering students from all disciplines offered are the target audience for the course, which is comprised of two lecture and one laboratory sessions per week. Topics covered include 3D solid modeling design techniques and hands-on experiences in computer-numerically controlled (CNC) milling. Students are introduced to both the product realization process and specific manufacturing principles during their first semester of study, as opposed to initial exposure in upper division courses. Discussion of the implementation process and course organization is outlined. Additionally, examples of lecture and laboratory sessions are included.