Introducing hands-on experiences in design and manufacturing education

ME250 (Introduction to Design and Manufacturing) is a core-course for undergraduates in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Michigan. It was introduced based upon recommendations from a review committee analyzing the mechanical engineering curriculum. This course is now a mainstay in the design/manufacturing sequence. We describe the objectives, philosophy, contents and teaching methods of ME250. It provides the mechanical engineering sophomores with a hands-on experience in design and manufacturing. The benefits of this course are now being felt in the curriculum, particularly in the capstone senior design projects course.