Student academic development through prescribed undergraduate projects

In this paper a methodology for enhancing the academic development of sophomore-level engineering and engineering technology students using undergraduate projects is outlined and discussed. The specific sample project presented in the paper involves the development of MATLAB script files and LabVIEW Virtual Instruments (VIs) for solving several Engineering Mechanics problems. The development of the solution for these problems involves the utilization of a number of valuable programming tools and powerful techniques. The selected students will be guided to write a proposal to seek funding for the project through the College Office of Undergraduate Research (COUR) at the author's institution. The requested funds will be used to financially support the students during the summer. At the conclusion of the project the students are required to document their work in a concise and well written report in a publishable format. The students are also expected to present their project orally in an annual COUR Symposium held on campus, as well as in other off-campus venues. The selected project benefits each involved student in a variety of ways. A discussion will be incorporated in the paper to clearly establish the contribution of each component of the project in terms of the academic development of students and the overall value of the project. Included in the paper will also be examples of MATLAB script files and LabVIEW Virtual Instruments the students have to develop in this project. These examples clearly establish the utility and purpose of the proposed activity.