The Engineering Co-op Program was initiated in 1950 by the Mechanical Engineering Department with options in mechanical and industrial engineering. Recently, the program expanded its coverage to include Electrical and Computer Engineering as well. The program provides industrial experience during the last two years of students' academic careers. During this period students complete three full-time industrial assignments alternating with regular academic semesters. Thus, students work one fall semester, one spring semester and one summer. They may begin their work during any semester. Although it is recommended to have three alternating semesters, it is permitted to have two back-to-back semesters. A two-semester sequence is also an option, upon approval from the co-op office.
Two Goals of the Co-op Program
The first goal of the Co-op Program is to provide students with an understanding of an engineer's role in the technical world. The program gives them an opportunity to apply some of their knowledge of fundamental theory to practical problem solving. In most cases it helps students select a direction in the broad field of engineering and thus influences their selection of elective courses. The experience motivates students to plan and successfully complete their academic program.
The second and equally important goal is to improve students’ writing. To this end, students are given a variety of writing assignments. Technical journal assignments introduce them to professional technical writing and give them a taste of the vast amount of published engineering research that is available. The biggest assignment for each course is the report. A draft is required for the 3041 and 4043 reports; these drafts are rigorously reviewed by a Teaching Specialist and then re-written by the student.
Important note: Co-op grades are based on writing; work performance cannot be considered in assigning a grade. Cooperation from company personnel is sometimes required in accomplishing the reports, particularly the 4043W reports.
Summary of Co-op Course Requirements
Students register as they would for regular classes; the Co-op course numbers are 3041, 4043W, and 4044.
The course assignments are as follows:
Summary of an article in a technical journal
Draft and outline (snapshot) of paper.
Final 8 to 11 page paper
4043W Summary of technical article
Draft and outline (snapshot) of paper
Final 25-page design report
4044 Technical Powerpoint Presentation
(20 minute presentation using powerpoint)
2-3 page reflection paper
It is suggested that when possible during their work assignments, students take courses in required non-technical elective areas through University College, which handles evening classes and distance learning. University College classes automatically transfer to the academic records. Students who take heavy technical loads during their Co-op semester may not expect leniency in their writing assignments!
Registration Privileges, Credit Information
Students are considered full time academic students during their industrial assignments even if they register for only the industrial assignment and do not take additional course work.
Students average 12 to 16 credits per semester during their academic terms. After Co-op students have been hired they may register for classes on the first day of registration. If course planning starts early enough, students in the Co-op Program can graduate in four years. Credit is given as follows: ME 3041 is 2 credits, ME 4043 is 4 credits, and 4044 is 2 credits. Completing 4043W fulfills a 4-credit intensive writing requirement. 4044 simply adds extra credits.
8/11/06
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