Courses

The PDL is an open resource for many students and directly supports students from three different courses: SE101A, SE101B and SE402.  Our students get hands-on experience dissecting real products, designing life-like CAD models, 3D printing their designs, and assessing the function and improvement of a product.  Check out student projects below and on our youtube channel.

SE101A: Engineering Graphics & Design (with BIM)

SE101A is an introductory course in engineering graphics and design focusing on building information modeling (BIM).  Students work in teams to create a analyze a building on campus and create a realistic 3D model.  Students review structural drawings and perform site visits.  Design reviews are held throughout the semester with a final presentation at the end for students to showcase their work. During the course, students also hone their hand sketching skills.  Below are some past examples of student projects.

SE101B: Engineering Graphics & Design (with CAD)

SE101B is an introductory course in engineering graphics and design focusing on geometric modeling (CAD).  Teams analyze, dissect, and 3D model a product.  Students learn tolerancing, 3D modeling strategies, CAD in industry, and hand sketching skills.  Design reviews are held throughout the semester with a final presentation at the end for students to showcase their work.  Below are some past examples of student projects.

SE402: Computer-Aided Product Realization

SE402 is an advanced design course focusing on reverse engineering and prototyping (3D Printing).   Student teams select a community project and are paired with a local sponsor.  Teams are diverse, with majors ranging from Industrial Design to Mechanical and Systems Engineering.  Students use CAD to create their designs and are given a budget to test prototypes and iterate on their ideas.  Feedback is given by course instructors and project sponsors and, on multiple occasions, directly from the prospective user.  Throughout the course, students learn how to facilitate design-thinking in teams.  A final presentation is held at the end of the semester to showcase the students’ work.  Below are some past examples of student projects.