Integrated Capstone Design Experience

The Civil Engineering Department at the University of Rhode Island has modified the undergraduate curriculum by introducing a theme design project in the junior year. Portions of the design are then undertaken in each of the subsequent courses. The project is completed in a capstone design course in the last semester. In the capstone design course the project work is carried out by design teams with a different student acting as project engineer on each technical phase. Calculations, written reports, and engineering plans are required for each phase. At the completion of the project each team gives an oral presentation which is judged by practicing engineers. The comprehensive projects completed include a reservoir‐dam complex, a new civil engineering building, and a resource‐recycling facility. Students are apprehensive when beginning the capstone course, but soon involve themselves enthusiastically in their assignments. The course experience is very similar to what the student might expect in a design office. Response from students as well as that from practitioners involved in the program has been very positive.