MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
EGN 1817 - Engineering Innovations For the
Twenty-First Century
(2 credits)
Instructor: Professor J. J. Mecholsky, Jr., Ph.D.
100A Rhines Hall
(352) 846-3306
Catalog Description: The students will examine recent patents in the area of engineering in order to learn the latest developments that will be used for components in the future. The students will learn how to analyze the presentation of a patent to determine the usefulness of the patent, to understand the applicability of the courses taken in engineering to the development of the patent and to gain skills in distinguishing well written patents from poorly written patents. The students will become proficient in presenting technical information in a concise and effective manner.
Textbook(s):
No Formal Text; articles from appropriate sources will be distributed.
Computer
Requirements: Laptop
computers will be essential.
Prerequisites: none
Goals: (1) To have fun in learning about engineering.
(2) To teach the skills of analysis of technical documents.
(3) To learn about the basis for fundamental engineering courses and how they are used in engineering.
(4) To develop technical writing and presentation skills.
Topics:
1. Reading Patents, Patent Searches/Internet
2. Report Writing, Research Techniques
3. Making Effective Technical Presentations
4. Patents in Biomedical Engineering
5. Patents in Nanotechnology
6. Biomimetic Systems
7. Patents in Novel Armor
8. Patents in Sports Equipment
9. Patents on Microelectronic Components
10. Writing of Patents- what is necessary?
Projects: Group reports on each patent analysis identifying courses needed to understand the patent in specific technical topics covered in the patent.
Individual reports on each patent summarizing the patent and the primary claims of the patent, as well as assessing the applicability and appropriateness of the patent.
All students will make Powerpoint presentations of a patent of their choice about every two weeks.