Systems design using real-world experiences with industry

The author has co-developed and taught the following courses related to systems design at the author's School of Engineering: Senior Design Project (3 semester hr) Manufacturing Related Topics in Probability, Statistics and Reliability (3 semester hr) Senior Design Seminar (1 semester hr) These systems design courses taught in a traditional classroom setting meet ABET criteria. However, by adding the non-traditional elective Applied Systems Design with Industry (3 semester hr) to the systems design curriculum, students have been provided an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the need and benefit for systems design and systems engineering methodology. This paper describes: 1. the perceived shortcomings of a systems design course curriculum in a traditional classroom setting; 2. the development of a non-traditional systems design course with the cooperation of a local industry partner; 3. examples of off-campus field trips to the industry partner that support systems design learning experiences; 4. the outcomes, feedback, and experiences from partnering with a local industry;² 5. additional student opportunities resulting from developing a partnership with a local industry.