Vertically integrated engineering design for combined research and curriculum development in materials engineering and nondestructive evaluation

We have developed and implemented a new approach to the teaching of design within the undergraduate engineering curriculum. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation are exploring a program that provides extensive hands-on laboratory design experience for undergraduates from their sophomore through senior years. This program provides an opportunity to investigate the teaching of practical skills to undergraduates. It is intended to provide a blueprint for the future education of engineers in other departments, in which the practice of engineering is seen to be an integral part of the undergraduate education rather than as a last hurdle before graduation; as the traditional capstone design seems to be currently perceived.