The university is developing a vertically integrated hands-on component for the mechanical engineering curriculum, which provides timely exposure to state-of-the-art equipment and experimental techniques. The new approach provides for dovetailing of the experiments with the theory leading to better comprehension and retention of engineering fundamentals for the students. It also builds on the previous experiments and theory, enhancing and reinforcing those topics. As such it will be an application of vertical integration of just-in-time experimentation. This new program fits well into the overall curriculum revision the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science has undertaken. The faculty of the department are strongly committed to this curriculum revision. This hands-on component of the curriculum is being utilized starting freshman year and continuilg throughout the rest of the curriculum. To accomplish their goals, the faculty have identified specific areas and equipment. These areas are instrumentation, data acquisition, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, kinematics, controls, and manufacturing. The faculty believe such a curriculum can benefit the students and can be used as a national model that integrates the various curriculum revision trends.
