A multidisciplinary approach to introductory engineering design

Bachelor of engineering students at Dartmouth College are required to complete engineering sciences 21: introduction to engineering, an introductory course that teaches a systematic, broadly applicable methodology for creative problem solving. During the 46 years that the course has been offered, Dartmouth engineers consider ES21 to be a career-changing experience in their education. Consistent with Dartmouthpsilas liberal arts DNA, the course centers around a multidisciplinary project experience that requires integrative thinking in solving problems and that forces students to work outside their knowledge base. Working in groups of 4-5, students conceive, design and fabricate original prototype devices that address the needs of their chosen users. This experience teaches students how to bring engineering methods to bear on the solution of a societal problem. Evaluating and appropriately acting upon ethical issues that influence the engineering process, and exercising effective communication skills through development of written and oral reports are also essential parts of the course. Each group is required to estimate the production costs of their solution and develop a basic business plan for producing and marketing their product.