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ECE 5805 - Graduate Design Project and Report (3C)

Course Description

Industry-like two-semester, team-based design experience. Design and implement solutions to meet multiple realistic constraints; design to incorporate appropriate engineering standards. A specific, complex engineering design problem taken from problem definition to product realization and testing. Written and oral communication, professional development, project management, and working within a team. 5805: Determine and formulate an engineering problem with multiple realistic constraints. Generate and select design alternatives. Apply design and analysis methods to develop, evaluate, and communicate a detailed project design.

Why take this course?

Providing realistic solutions to open-ended design problems to meet customer needs within realistic constraints is the primary function of all engineering. This course sequence provides a graduate design experience in a team-based project. Within the context of a practical design experience, the course includes further development and application of professional engineering skills. This integrative, practical experience prepares graduate students to succeed as professional engineers. Due to interaction with a specified customer and the long-term design team premise, this sequence must be taken in a consecutive two semester sequence.

Learning Objectives

  • 1. Determine and formulate an engineering problem with multiple realistic constraints applying the engineering design process
  • 2. Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors
  • 3. Prepare and present oral and written technical reports and presentations for a range of audiences
  • 4. Review and revise written and oral communication with peer and instructor critique
  • 5. Participate effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish technical goals, plan technical tasks, and meet technical objectives
  • 6. Apply appropriate learning strategies for establishing the state-of-the-art in the project area by performing patent searches and other research, including an evaluation of the accuracy and trustworthiness of this information

    • Resources & Links

    Textbook List

    The Fall 2024 ECE textbook list is available online for students.
    The Spring 2025 ECE texbook list is available online for students

    Graduate Advising Contacts

    Graduate Advising contacts

    Graduate Program Director and CPE Admission Officer
    Paul E. Plassmann

    Director, Extended Campus and Vice Chair, Graduate Committee
    Joseph G. Tront

    EE Admission Officer
    Gregory D. Earle

    Admissions/Recruiting Contact

    Laura Villada, Graduate Recruiting and Admissions Coordinator. vlaura@vt.edu