Engineering

This course introduces creative thinking methods and tools to foster design thinking in engineering and developing new products. 

As a part of advanced use of biological resources, this course explains the conversion and utilization technology of biomass to energy and materials. This course also refers to the latest technologies and diffusion trends on renewable energy and considers constructing a resource recycling society where renewable energy is utilized.  

This course examines the roles of logistics in supply chain management. It covers business of production; business environment; transport fundamentals and transport decisions; storage and handling systems and decisions; inventory policies; forecasting logistics requirements; facility location analysis; network planning process; purchasing scope and objectives; purchasing structure and organization; purchasing variables – price, time and quality; buying commodities; buying capital goods; buying services; purchasing systems. 

This course examines the fundamentals of engineering project management. It covers project environment; project evaluation; risk management process; project selection and proposal preparation; project scheduling and contingency setting and control; control of variation and claims; project management methodologies and techniques, change management; multi-criteria decision making process; analytic hierarchy process; PERT/GANTT techniques for project control and resources allocation; simulation of critical paths; case studies.

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of biomass feedstock supply for the bioeconomy, with a focus on both dedicated production of biomass and recovery of residues/wastes. The physical characterization and chemistry of biorenewable feedstocks such as bioenergy crops, algae, forestry, and agricultural residues are examined. The course examines the varying supply chains (collection, storage, transport) for different biomass sources for further processing to bioenergy and bioproducts via biorefining. The focus of the course is on the application of engineering science to develop integrated biomass feedstock management systems with an emphasis on sustainability.

This course introduces the principles and methods of life cycle thinking and life-cycle assessment (LCA) with specific reference to agriculture, food, and energy systems using attributional LCA. The course is based around the ISO 14040 methodology and ILCD handbook. It focuses on the four common stages of LCA: definition of the Goal and Scope; Life Cycle Inventory Analysis; Life Cycle Impact Assessment, and Interpretation. Case studies consider LCA studies of agriculture, food, and energy systems. 

This course seeks to immerse students in a professional work environment. Students have the opportunity to observe and interact with co-workers, and learn how to recognize and respond to cultural differences. Students compare concepts of teamwork and interpersonal interactions in different cultures as experienced on the job. Seminar work helps students apply academic knowledge in a business setting and identify opportunities to create value within the company. Students research a specific topic related to their work placement and present their findings in a final research report.

This course covers the fundamentals of mechanical design for devices and systems, including an examination of economic and manufacturing viability. 

Students will learn various design approaches for real engineering problems and, through team and individual projects, will participate in an entire design process from a sketch to a performance test. At the end of the course a contest will be held as a performance test for designed products.   

Topics include fostering creative mechanical design skills, fostering creative implementation skills of product design, collaboration and teamwork skills, concept design, 2D and 3D design, machining and manufacturing skills, and how to create an effective presentation.