Introduction

In 4^th year projects, student teams develop professional-level experience by applying, honing, integrating and extending previously acquired knowledge in a major design project.

The important elements of the projects are engineering design practice and team work. The projects integrate mathematics, basic sciences, the engineering sciences and complementary studies in engineering design of components, systems and or processes to meet specific needs. Students are required to work in groups to complete a major design task. Students are responsible for partitioning the work amongst the members of the team and setting milestones for each team member. Project groups must meet regularly with their faculty supervisor to report on progress. A project proposal, interim report, oral presentations, and a comprehensive final report are required. The projects in the Electronics Department typically involve design/development of microelectronic, RF/microwave and photonic components/systems, and/or development of CAD tools for modeling and design of these components/systems.

Through the projects, students are encouraged to develop professional skills necessary for real-world engineering practices dealing with issues such as health/safety, reliability, codes and standards, and environmental considerations. The projects should be treated not only as an academic activity, but also as a rehearsal for developing products in a real-world industrial/business environment. Students need to develop strong sense of responsibility for team success, self-discipline, making timely deliverables, as well as having sound product economics and project management.