This hands-on class will explore how products are created, including an exploration of ideation and brainstorming, reverse engineering, and the product development process. An emphasis will be placed on the role of human factors engineering, including usability successes and failures of specific products. Students will learn about these topics through two approaches: disassembly and study of existing products and creation of simple product prototypes for specific, local nonprofit organizations serving populations such as those with developmental or physical limitations. By the end of the semester, students will be able to comprehend and independently apply both the product development process and specific human factors engineering approaches used in the design of many everyday objects; they will also have developed their own creativity and better understand how to further develop and apply that skill.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 16
Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement.
Instructor: Banzaert
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Typical Periods Offered: Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.
A project-based exploration of the technical challenges facing under-served communities locally and in developing countries. Technologies are focused primarily at the household level, exploring the benefits and limitations of existing and proposed solutions. Students will learn and apply engineering design skills-including estimation, prototyping, and creativity-to address real problems facing community partners affiliated with the class. Methodologies for participatory development and co-creation will be considered and utilized as appropriate. The necessity for interdisciplinary work when generating solutions will be emphasized.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 16
Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement.
Instructor: Banzaert
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes: Wendy Judge Paulson '69 Ecology of Place Living Laboratory course. This course does not satisfy the Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory requirement. Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.
Engineering is about combining ideas from mathematics, physics, computer science, and many other fields to design objects and systems that serve human needs. This project-based course introduces the big ideas of engineering and prepares students for taking additional engineering courses at Olin College or MIT. Topics include: the design and construction of mechanisms using rapid prototyping tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and computer-aided design software (SolidWorks); modeling and controlling physical systems using the MATLAB programming environments; and feedback and control using digital electronics (Arduino microcontrollers).
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 18
Prerequisites: Pre- or co-requisite - PHYS 107 or CS 111 or PHYS 120, or permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Banzaert
Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences
Typical Periods Offered: Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes:
Through hands-on exploration, students will learn about analog and digital electronics, optical systems, and foundational techniques in the modern physics laboratory. A framework for data analysis will be developed, with a focus on model-data comparison, model selection and statistical inference. This course helps prepare students for independent research and internships in physics and related fields.
Units: 1.25
Max Enrollment: 10
Crosslisted Courses: ENGR 210
Prerequisites: PHYS 108.
Instructor: Belisle, Hall
Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences; MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving; LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF)
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Notes:
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
Units: 0.5
Max Enrollment: 15
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Instructor:
Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring
This course explores the intersections between social justice, conflict, and engineering using an interdisciplinary, hands-on, case study approach. We will explore four technologies (drones, cell phones, cookstoves and water pumps), exploring in each case both the embodied engineering concepts and the ethical and political implications of using the technology. The case studies will inform our discussions of the following big ideas: technology is directly linked to social justice and can have both highly beneficial and? highly problematic results for the development and transformation of conflicts; understanding technology at a deeper level is critical to understanding the justice impact on communities and people; media communication about technology and technological innovations' benefits can be hyperbolic and requires a critical lens. Peace and Justice Studies majors must register for PEAC 305. Students in other majors may register for either PEAC 305 or ENGR 305 depending on their preparation.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 15
Crosslisted Courses: ENGR 30 5
Prerequisites: For PEAC 305 - PEAC 104 and PEAC 204, or permission of the instructor (Confortini). For ENGR 305 - one ENGR course, or a comparable course at another institution, or permission of the instructor (Banzaert).
Instructor: Confortini, Banzaert
Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis
Typical Periods Offered: Every other year
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes: Wendy Judge Paulson '69 Ecology of Place Living Laboratory course. This course does not satisfy the Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory requirement.
Units: 1
Max Enrollment: 6
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.
Instructor: Banzaert
Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall
Notes:
Units: 0.5
Max Enrollment: 4
Prerequisites: ENGR 250
Instructor: Banzaert
Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring
Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring
Notes: