Incorporating Applied Learning in a Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Project Course

Applied learning is a crucial part of the learning process, and allows the students to gain hands-on experience by completing projects, courses, or activities that are part of the curriculum.At Farmingdale State College, all baccalaureate program students fulfill 10 hours of minimum approved Applied Learning Graduation Requirement [1].This allows students practice the knowledge and skills they gained through hands-on projects, or experiences as a part of their course work, or as a co-curricular support activity.The concept of Applied Learning is even more crucial in the senior level Mechanical Engineering Technology program courses.At the senior level, students have completed majority of their degree requirements and able to combine multiple different skills and knowledge they gained when they are solving a problem.To ensure students gain the proper applied learning experience and to fulfill the Applied Learning Graduation requirement, senior project course is selected as the designated applied learning course.Senior project course is 3 credit capstone project course, where students complete capstone projects from design/development stage to completion of analysis and prototype development and testing stage.This paper will highlight the applied learning activities and components incorporated in the senior project course along with course timelines, assessment process and student deliverables.