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senior Project

Senior Projects

The Senior Design Project is a three-quarter, team-based experience where students design, build and test a solution to an externally-sponsored problem. Students develop teamwork and communication skills needed to prepare them for their careers, as well as gain valuable experience working to find a solution to a user’s need.

Project work includes:

    • Defining the problem and scope of work
    • Conceptualizing and modeling potential solutions
    • Developing and analyzing the detailed design
    • Building a functional prototype
    • Testing to verify performance

All ME students complete a senior design project. There are four standard options depending on your concentration and interests:

    • Senior Design Project I & II (ME 4460 & ME 4461) Most ME students take this senior design project course sequence. Both are offered fall and spring.
    • HVAC&R Senior Design Project I & II (ME 4465 & ME 4466): HVAC&R concentration students take this course sequence. Typically, ME 4465 is offered in the fall.
    • Interdisciplinary Senior Project I & II (ENGR 4460 & ENGR 4461): Students wanting to work on larger projects with other engineering disciplines may take this sequence. Typically, ENGR 4460 is offered in the fall. ENGR 4460 requires all the same course pre-requisites as ME 4460. 
    • Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurial Senior Project I & II (ENGR 4463 & ENGR 4464): Students interested in developing a design as part of a business plan may take this course sequence. Typically, ENGR 4463 is offered in the fall.
    • Outside of the department: Although not common, some students complete their senior design project with a different engineering department. If you are interested in this option, please contact the Chair of the ME Department for approval.

Virtual Senior Project Expo: All our students participate in a senior project expo each year. We adapted this in-person expo into an online format in 2020. View projectexpo.calpoly.edu. 

Digital Commons: All senior project teams must develop extensive documentation about their process and results. Visit digital commons for examples of past senior projects.

Administrative Tools for Students – Mechanical Engineering (calpoly.edu)

Do you have a design challenge that you think would make a good mechanical engineering senior project?  We want to hear from you!

Click here for more information about proposing & sponsoring a senior project.