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Session 1302

The CDIO Capstone Course: An Innovation in Undergraduate Systems Engineering Education

David W. Miller, Doris R. Brodeur, John E. Keesee Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Abstract

In February 1999, the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT initiated a new three- semester capstone laboratory and space systems design experience taught in the context of authentic engineering practice, i.e., Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate (CDIO). The objective of CDIO is to teach the basic concepts and disciplines of engineering in the context of hands-on exercises where students have the opportunity to manipulate concrete objects and ground abstract thought in experience. At the capstone level, a CDIO approach immerses students in all aspects of the lifecycle development of an engineering product, exposing them to important aspects of systems engineering not always experienced in conventional laboratory and design courses. A three-semester course sequence allowed students to develop a concept for a satellite formation flight laboratory for the International Space Station, build a high-fidelity prototype, and operate it for short periods of micro-gravity on NASA’s KC-135. In addition, students experienced stages in the evolution of an aerospace product. This paper details this three-semester sequence, describes the project in the context of the learning experience, provides an assessment of the educational innovation, and suggests future modifications of the concept. The current capstone experience will also be described briefly. Overall, the first capstone experience was quite successful: a highly motivating project, a cohesive team of students, and a product that is being used nationally to advance space technology.

Introduction

Most engineering programs include senior design capstone courses because they provide opportunities for upper-level undergraduate students to apply what they have learned to real- world problems. 1-3 The MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics has broadened the scope of a capstone design course to provide students with experiences in not only the design, but also the prototyping, testing, fabrication, and operation of a complex aerospace system. The CDIO Capstone Course is a component of major CDIO educational initiatives in the Department that include new teaching laboratories, a reformed curriculum, emphasis on active and experiential learning, and applications of technology for teaching, learning, and assessment.

The CDIO approach grew out of the need to provide students with more authentic learning experiences that would prepare them for the demands of current engineering practice and research. Most beginning engineering students, today, have had few prior experiences in building and repairing things, e.g., cars or radios. They often lack the requisite foundation for

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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Miller, D. W., & Brodeur, D. (2002, June), The Cdio Capstone: An Innovation In Undergraduate Systems Engineering Education Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10978