Langara College

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

This project-based course is the second in our first-year Engineering Design sequence. In this course, students expand their understanding of engineering design and explore systems comprising electrical, mechanical, and software sub-systems. They apply engineering tools, including CAD tools and microcontroller programs, to create and control physical embodiments of their designs. Students work in teams of 4-5 on projects with specific practical goals using Arduino microcontrollers. These projects require teams to document and present their design solutions, illustrating key aspects using projected slides, engineering graphics, and live demonstrations. Additionally, students learn about sustainability and its impact on engineering design, as well as engineering ethical practices. Students in CPSC 1491 have already completed coursework in programming (C++), engineering drawing, and CAD (SolidWorks). The projects in this course utilize microcontrollers as the central component.