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.

Distribution Requirements: MM - Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.

ENGR 121 engages students in understanding the applications of small-scale, sustainable energy technology in resource-limited regions where compact, robust, and low-cost systems for generating power are required. The technologies are focused primarily at the household level; students will explore the benefits and limitations of existing and proposed solutions. For each renewable energy technology studied, students will use hands-on lab experiences to deepen their understanding of the application’s function, gain an understanding of the fundamental physics governing them, and develop engineering estimation strategies to assess them. Methodologies for participatory development and co-creation will be explored in the context of evaluating the trade-offs for energy-related engineering projects. Students will learn to use life cycle assessment to analyze processes and products and look at energy infrastructure globally.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 16

Prerequisites: Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement.

Distribution Requirements: NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes:

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 (OnShape); modeling and controlling physical systems using the MATLAB programming environments; and feedback and control using digital electronics (Arduino microcontrollers).

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 18

Prerequisites:

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall; Spring

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.

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: Not open to First-Year students. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement and one ENGR, PHYS, CS, or PEAC course, or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

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.

Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.

Units: 0.5

Max Enrollment: 4

Prerequisites: ENGR 250

Typical Periods Offered: Fall and Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: Mandatory Credit/Non Credit.