Design Expo FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find the answer you're looking for here? Contact engin-mdp@umich.edu!

It is material/information that may be protected under the patent, trademark, and/or copyright laws. Intellectual Property projects will typically require you and your team to sign a confidentiality agreement at the beginning of the term. Always review this condition with your instructor and sponsor before registering for Design Expo.
Your project will have a scheduled “presentation time” on the day of Design Expo in a private conference room. Your presentation time will be scheduled by your faculty or by the Design Expo coordinator. Typically, faculty will schedule presentation times. This will also mean that your project will not be displayed for the public. Again, confirm with your faculty member before registering for Design Expo as an IP project.
Your team will receive an easel only.
Your team will receive a table, table cover and an easel. In the event that space is limited in your section, you may find it helpful to put the easel on your table along with any display prototypes.
Yes, power strips and extension cords will be provided for teams who indicate that electricity is required. Every effort is made to locate your project adjacent to an electric outlet. All cords must be secured to the floor to avoid hazards (tape will be provided). All cords, power strips, and tape must be returned to the Design Expo coordinator by 4pm on the day of the Design Expo. Plan for this.
Yes, your poster should be mounted on poster board or form core. There are several locations on North Campus that will do this including Ground Works, the Duderstadt 3D Center, and Fed Ex. Ground Works | phone number: (734) 647-5739 | groundworks@umich.edu Duderstadt 3D Center | phone number: (734) 615-9699 | emaslows@umich.edu Fed Ex (2609 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor) | phone number: (734) 996-0050 | usa0465@fedex.com
Teams can arrive to set-up anytime between 9 am – 11:45 am. Design Expo starts promptly at 12pm. All projects must be set and ready to display by 12 pm.
Each team will be assigned a specific easel/table and location in the Expo areas. You will be notified of your location within 7 days of the Expo. Your easel/table will be labeled with your name and number.
This is a project that will not fit on a 4'×2' table. However, if your project is very large/heavy (larger than 10’x10x10’ or exceeds 250 lbs.) you may need to coordinate your delivery time with the Design Expo coordinator.
The size of your poster depends on your course. Please check with your faculty/GSI about the size. We recommended posters be no larger than 48” x 36”.

goback

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ENGR 456

ENGR 456: Mentorship/Leadership Experience

Prior to ENGR 456:

Students should have completed a minimum of two semesters of significant, curricular participation on team/organization in multidisciplinary engineering design at the 300 level or above.

Role within host organization:

Students take on the role of leader or mentor focusing on engineering, engineering instruction and/or engineering design. Ideally the organization they mentor will be the same as their multi-term project; however, other outside organizations could be allowed by petition (this is often the case if the multi-term project organization no longer exists).

Examples include:

    • Leadership role within a student competition team (Chief Engineer, Subteam Lead, senior member)
    • Mentor for MDP-organized partner sponsored projects, leadership position within faculty research groups
    • Mentor/instructor to a Michigan Engineering Zone team
    • Class mentor for ME 350
    • FIRST Robotics mentor

Mentoring portion:

Please note that organizations may have requirements in addition to those listed below and a student may have personal goals which they wish to pursue.

Requirements:

    • Define a set of goals (2 minimum) that support the objectives of the host organization. The goals must be focused on the transfer of engineering skills/knowledge, development of people, development /improvement of the organization’s structure or capability, and/or the improvement of processes within the engineering organization. This experience may not be defined in terms of delivering an engineering technical function.  These goals are detailed in first writing assignment of the seminar.
    • Work toward achieving their goals while reflecting upon their personal experience obtained in their MDP multi-term project, their engineering education as a whole, and content (e.g., models and framework) presented in the seminar portion of the course.
    • The effort required is 54 hours (equivalent to 4 hours per week/14 weeks).
    • The achievement/effort is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
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Requirements to earn credit on an MDP Project for ISD 503 Credit

ISD Requirements for earning 503 credit on an MDP project team:

  1. Good academic standing through the entire 2 semester project requirement
    1. Completed minimum 18 credits prior to semester with 503 enrollment  (Fall 2018 for the 2018 MDP cohort).
    2. Students may not receive 503 credit based on the 1st semester of an MDP 2-semester project.
  2. Both the MDP Faculty Mentor and the ISD Program Director must approve student’s individual project proposal. Projects proposals may be written any time after the MDP Team’s Requirements Design Review has been completed (typically mid-February). The MDP Faculty Mentor will function as the ISD Faculty Advisor.
  3. The student is solely responsible for completing the proposal paperwork and correctly submitting to all parties, first to MDP Faculty Mentor and then to the correct ISD Grad Program Coordinator (who will send it to the Program Director).

Degree Programs and Graduate Program Coordinators:

Program Course Program Director Grad Program Coordinator
Automotive Engineering AUTO 503 Jim Freudenberg Ronda Hamilton
Energy Systems Engineering ESENG 503 Suljo Linic Ronda Hamilton
Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering AUTO 503 or MFG 503 Albert Shih Kathy Bishar
Program in Manufacturing MFG 503 Judy Jin Kathy Bishar
Systems Engineering and Design ISD 503 Bogdan Epureanu Gail Carr
  1. The student must receive approval for the 503 proposal from the ISD Program Director no later July 1 prior to the semester where they will utilize the substitution.   (Students are strongly encouraged to plan ahead.)
  2. Project proposals must be submitted and approved before a student may register for 503.
  3. In order to receive a Satisfactory Grade in 503, MDP Students must receive a grade of ENGR 599 with B- or better AND receive a Satisfactory Grade on their final report.
  4. 503 students must fulfill all MDP team requirements whilst enrolled in 503.

MDP Requirements

  1. Participation in “JumpStart” workshop (early January).
  2. Successful completion of all project assignments (Design Reviews, Peer Evaluations, Workshops, Poster Sessions, etc.).
  3. Consistent, successful, weekly team participation
  4. Average 8 hours effort / week

Term

Course Enrollment / Actions

Grade end of Winter Term

Grade end of Fall Term

 Winter    2017

ENGR 599, 1 Credit Hour

Grade: “Y” – Placeholder Grade for Winter Term. This converts to a letter grade at the end of the Fall Term.

  Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 1 credit placed in the   transcript in Winter term

 Summer  2017

Submit 503 Proposal to ISD (Due July 1, 2017) 
 Fall 2017

IF APPROVED: Enroll in XXX 503, 3 Credit Hours

Grade 503 S/U

IF NOT APPROVED: Enroll in ENGR 599, 3 Credit Hours

Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 3 Credits Fall  term
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Requirements to earn credit on an MDP Project for ME Technical Elective Credit

ME 290, 390 or 490 (Technical Elective) Substitution Information

Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors may utilize Mechanical Engineering RISE projects (ME 290, 390, or 490) for one semester (3 credits) of their two-semester (7 credits total) requirement in MDP Partner Sponsored Projects. Students who successfully complete all requirements of ME 490 are able to count it for Technical Elective 1 or Specialization Elective credit from the ME department.

In order to substitute ME x90 for ENGR x55 students must complete all requirements of both courses.

 

Instructions to ME Substitution

To receive ME department credit for MDP projects, students must fulfill all x90 requirements. Students are responsible for recruiting ME faculty member as their x90 instructor, enrolling in the appropriate x90 section and meeting weekly with their x90 instructor for project guidance.  Students are responsible for properly submitting their RISE proposal, and acquiring approval by posted deadlines.  Projects must involve significant ME content and may not be “build only” or project management.  To meet this requirement, students may need to extend their MDP project scope.  For credit, students must participate in MEUS (ME UG symposium).  If project has IP restrictions that constrains public presentations, students must indicate this at time of the proposal and work with the department for accommodations to meet x90 final requirements.

 

Proposal Process:

Students are solely responsible for the following items:

  1. Students must professionally request and be accepted by an ME Faculty member who will oversee their work as their ME Rise Faculty Mentor.  Participation in the RISE program is at the discretion of the ME faculty.
  2. Students must enroll in the appropriate ME x90 section for their ME instructor for the fall term
  3. Students must complete the RISE proposal process. Student must submit a proposal to the RISE website.  RISE proposals must be approved by MDP faculty mentor before being sent to the ME RISE faculty mentor. Work must support the objectives of the MDP team.  For the RISE proposal, your project must have significant ME content and may not be “build only” or project management. To meet this requirement, students may need to extend their MDP project scope per guidance of their ME faculty mentor.
  4. RISE proposals are submitted to ME via the RISE website, after which they go through an approval process by your ME faculty mentor and ME department.  Your project may require iteration before being fully accepted.  Student must submit and receive approval for their x90 course before the add/drop deadline in Fall Semester. Please refer to the RISE page for department deadlines.
  5. Students must indicate any IP/NDA requirements of their project in their RISE proposal. Students are not allowed to publically present work controlled under an IP/NDA agreement. Students must work with the ME Undergraduate Chair to make accommodations for this case (such as substituting a paper and presentation to only the RISE mentor and ME UG Chair) and get approval during the proposal stage.
  6. Students who fail to obtain approval for a ME x90 proposal will complete the 2nd semester of their MDP project in the appropriate ENGR x55 course.  Please note that ENGRx55 will not count as technical or specialization elective credit in Mechanical Engineering.  For technical elective 1 or specialization elective credit in Mechanical engineering, students must have approval for their RISE project and properly complete all RISE requirement.

Please see the ME RISE website for more information on the RISE requirements and process.

 

Sample Enrollment Schedules

Seniors

Winter Semester Summer Fall Semester
ENGR 355 or 455

Depending on credit hours

completed/standing

4 Credit Hours

 ME 490 Proposal Approval

must be received &

ME Faculty Member

must be identified by the beginning of August.

 If Proposal is Approved and an ME Faculty Mentor is found: ME 490 – Technical Elective

If Proposal is NOT approved: ENGR 455

3 Credit Hours

Juniors

Winter Semester Summer Fall Semester
ENGR 355 or 455

Depending on credit hours

completed/standing

4 Credit Hours

 ME 390 Proposal

Approval must be received & ME Faculty Member

must be identified

identified by the beginning of August.

 If Proposal is Approved and an ME

Faculty Mentor is found: ME 390

If Proposal is NOT approved: ENGR 355 or 455 depending on credit hours completed/standing.

3 Credit Hours

Sophomores

Winter Semester Summer Fall Semester
ENGR 355 or 455

Depending on credit hours

completed/standing

4 Credit Hours

 ME 290 Proposal

Approval must be received & ME Faculty Member must be identified

by identified by the beginning of August.

 If Proposal is Approved and an ME Faculty Mentor is found: ME 290

If Proposal is NOT approved: ENGR

255 or 355 depending on credit hours

completed/standing

3 Credit Hours

Please see the ME RISE website for more information on the RISE requirements and process.

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Student Initiated Project Teams

Requirements for credit for students seeking to earn credit through the ENGR x55 courses through a newly-forming group of students.

Through the Multidisciplinary Design Program, Michigan engineering students have an opportunity to earn credit for their engineering experiences outside of their normal curriculum study. Engineering teams and engineering organization activities provide an avenue for students to earn engineering credit while working on real world problems on a team of other UM students.

In order to earn academic credit for work on a student-initiated design team, teams must meet the following requirements:

  • Team must be student-initiated, Engineering-focused design team; with at least 3 unique majors represented.
  • Team must secure a faculty member to provide the credit.
  • Team must provide a team proposal, including the following things:
    • a team assignment for what your team will be accomplishing this year
    • stating why you choose to curricularize/have your team earn credit
    • the team structure/org chart/ideally in pictoral format (and how they relate to others in the team)
    • overall team objective/impact statement
    • plan for execution
    • timeline estimate
    • identify customers/clients/users (who team is delivering to); who would evaluate you (team lead/faculty/subteam lead)?
  • After your team is approved, each member of the team will need to complete an individual credit proposal form and provide to your faculty advisor and the MDP academic advisor (Megan Langille; mlangill@umich.edu).
  • Team MUST do a Design Review – this is not a final report, but an opportunity to pull in people who can give you feedback that you can act on; can be at any time, scheduled for when makes sense for your team [can also do them for just your subteam]).
  • Suggested timeline:
    Team Action Timeline Example Date
    Confirm faculty mentor Early/mid-semester
    before earning credit    		 October or February
    Complete team proposal and email to MDP (to be approved by MDP Director) Mid-semester before earning credit with MDP November or March
    Complete individual proposals Before/during backpacking Mid-November or Mid-March
    Receive approval and course override from MDP Before the Add/Drop deadline December or April

In order to receive credit for their design experience, students are required to develop a proposal during the beginning of their activities a gain the approval through the Multidisciplinary Design Program.

The proposal should have the following components:

  • For each credit hour students are expected to spend 3-4 hours per week on the project. Provide an indication of time expenditures during the semester. This is a general estimate of an average week, and may vary widely during the course of the project.
  • The students should make a specific proposal of what they want to accomplish during the semester. Specific contributions to the project are much more important than time allocation estimates, and the bulk of the proposal should be spent in this area.
  • The students should propose peers who might provide input on their accomplishments.
  • The students will need to demonstrate what they achieved; either through a formal portfolio, the Design Reviews, or individual meetings. The proposal should outline how students will document their work.
  • Students are required to establish a meeting schedule with the faculty member to monitor progress.

After the proposal is developed it must be approved by the student team’s faculty member and/or a member of the faculty associated with the Multidisciplinary Design Program.

Click to see an example of a Student Initiated Team Proposal

(NOTE: This proposal is being shared with the author’s permission)

Please contact Megan Langille (mlangill@umich.edu), Academic Advisor for MDP, with any questions.

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Partner-Sponsored Projects

Each year, The Multidisciplinary Design Program provides students with vetted engineering design project opportunities. We match teams of qualified students with customers from a wide variety of organizations including private sector/industry, governmental research labs, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurial start-ups and faculty research labs. These companies, organizations, and Faculty members are committed to providing students with an opportunity to develop practical design skills within a team while delivering results that have significant impact for the sponsoring organization.

Partner-Sponsored Teams have 5-7 students, a dedicated UM faculty mentor, and mentors from the Sponsoring organization. Teams meet weekly based on a schedule developed at the beginning of the year.

Students who are selected to join these competitive teams will work with their Sponsor Mentor and Faculty Mentor to tackle the two-semester project.  Design work and team meetings happen on campus, and testing and Design Reviews often happen on-site at the Sponsor’s Office. Two-term commitment is required: Winter and Fall.

 

Student Benefits:

  • Develop engineering, teamwork, project management skills, and more
  • Earn credit hours through ENGR 255, 355, 455, 599; or other courses as specified by your department
  • Credit can also count toward Multidisciplinary Design minor
  • Summer internships: You will see that many projects offer internships.  Interviews for a summer internship with your project sponsor will be conducted in November.  Some firms guarantee all project team members internships.  Please read each project description thoroughly.
  • Great experience on your resume.

Course Enrollment:

  • During the backpacking period, you will receive a class permission via email from the MDP Academic Advisor, Megan Langille.
  • Receiving this email does not mean you are already registered for the class. You are responsible for utilizing the Backpack/Registration tool in Wolverine access by the expiration date in the email.

Grading:

  • All Projects start in January and end in December. 
  • Students earn a Y letter grade for the Winter term, indicating the mid-way point of a two-term course. 
  • When the final grade is awarded at the end of the Fall Term, the Y grade will convert to the same letter grade.  
  • If a student withdraws from the project or does not enroll for the second term of the project, the student earns a failing grade for all project credit hours.

 

PLEASE NOTE: You earn credit for your learning from the project. Time spent on the project during the Winter & Fall Terms is therefore not paid.  Some of organizations will offer a paid internship or research stipends for the summer.

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Global Multidisciplinary Design Program

BUILDING GLOBALLY COMPETENT ENGINEERS THROUGH PROFESSIONAL TEAM EXPERIENCE IN CHINA

 

Gain Global Engineering Experience in China
Solve important global automotive design challenges through design team participation in this unique two semester partnership between UM, UM-SJTU Joint Institute, and General Motors.

 

Student Benefits

  • Develop key professional competencies, such as global teamwork and project management skills
  • Collaborate closely with GM Professional Engineers and UM Faculty
  • On-site visits to GM China and GM USA
  • Earn academic credit towards the MDP Minor and/or the International Minor for Engineers

 

Timeline

2017 Mar 8 Applications Due
Mar 15 Selection Decision Released
April 8 Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation
Sept – Dec Fall Semester at UM-SJTU JI in Shanghai, China
2018 Jan – Mar Winter Semester at UM, Chinese teammates work remotely
Mar – Apr Chinese teammates travel to UM to complete project work
April 12 Present project at CoE Design Expo

 

For more information, please download 2017-2018 Global MDP Flyer, or attend any one of the following information sessions (RSVP required):

Tuesday Feb 7, 2017 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (Duderstadt Room #1180) Feb 7: RSVP Here
Wednesday Feb 15, 2017 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Duderstadt Room #1180) Feb 15: RSVP Here
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Requirements to earn on an MDP Project for ECE Cognate + Technical Course

ECE Master’s students may count all 4 of the credits earned within any MDP Partner Sponsored or Faculty Research Team course toward their Cognate + Technical Credit requirement.

For ECE Master’s students interested in having their MDP experience counted toward the Major Area requirement, they may petition for approval – provided their MDP project’s content is appropriate. Petitions must be submitted to the ECE Graduate coordinator no later than the last teaching day of the Fall term in which they are enrolled in the MDP course. Contact the Graduate Coordinator for further information and a petition form. 

Sample Enrollment:

Term Course Enrollment / Actions Grade end of Winter Term Grade end of Fall Term
Winter semester ENGR 599, 2 Credit Hours Grade: “Y” – Placeholder Grade for Winter Term. This converts to a letter grade at the end of the Fall Term. Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 2 credits placed in the transcript in Winter term
Fall semester ENGR 599, 2 Credit Hours

Petition submitted to ECE Graduate Coordinator no later than the last day of classes.

 Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 2 credits placed in Fall term

 

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2018 Video Interview Information & Links

MDP is utilizing a new video interviewing technology to expedite the process of matching students to projects. The video interviewing technology only requires a webcam and a high-speed Internet connection (or smart phone). The process is user friendly and there are clear instructions to guide you through each step.

Completing a video interview is optional, but recommended. You must also apply via the online application link.  Video Interviews alone will not be considered. 

Please follow the appropriate link to create an account with SparkHire, test your equipment, and get started on your Video Interview.

Each video will take you 2.5 minutes to complete. You can complete the interview now or later (by October 16th) Unlimited retakes.

You will answer 2 questions: Brief answers are encouraged. You do not need to fill the entire window of time.

  • What is your name & major, and when do you plan to graduate? (30 seconds, max)
  • Why are you interested in joining this project team? (2 minutes, max)

The fine print:

  • Your video will only be visible to the company’s Engineers/Recruitment team, and Joy Adams of the MDP Program who administers the video interview portal.  Your video interview will not be used for any other purposes.
  • You may record your video answers via the SparkHire free mobile app (available in iTunes or Google Play) or on a laptop/desktop with a webcam and microphone.

Have questions about the interviews? Please visit our FAQ Page.

Project & Sponsor Unique Sparkhire Link Project Description
Ally Financial https://hire.li/3ed2f38 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Ally
Amway Filtration https://hire.li/1731d31 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-AmwayFiltration
Axalta https://hire.li/c8a4e50 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Axalta
Backyard Brains https://hire.li/af306fc http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-BackyardBrains
BASF https://hire.li/8acdd82 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-BASF
Beyster BluePath https://hire.li/734000a http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-BluePath
Denso HCI https://hire.li/caa8ecf http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-DensoHCI
Denso Intersection https://hire.li/a599778 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-DensoIntersection
DMS https://hire.li/d93e798 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-DMS
General Motors Combustion Metric https://hire.li/2c0bb48 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-GMCombustion
General Motors Thermal Management https://hire.li/ad5f72d http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-GMThermal
General Motors Transmission Efficiency https://hire.li/007d009 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-GMTransmission
HATCI https://hire.li/511ba50 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-HATCI
Ilmor https://hire.li/88e4e9b http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Ilmor
Isuzu https://hire.li/edc14b8 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Isuzu
JPMC https://hire.li/4dc41db http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-JPMC
Maestro: School of Music, Theater & Dance https://hire.li/61a4b37 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Maestro
MDA https://hire.li/cd2f9a1 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-MDA
Northrop Grumman – Opioid https://hire.li/9a7d73b http://mdp.engin.umich.edu2018-NGHealth
Northrop Grumman: Non-Terrestrial Printing https://hire.li/38733c3
 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-NGPrinting
P&G Robot https://hire.li/54a8f47 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-PGRobot
Proquest Drug Safety https://hire.li/4d09321 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-ProquestDrugSafety
Proquest Geographic https://hire.li/9704357 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-ProquestGeo
Shape Corp https://hire.li/fcef3f4 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Shape
Stryker https://hire.li/0027737 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Stryker
Sungard https://hire.li/ef9c309 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Sungard
Together Chicago https://hire.li/7f8f10c http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Chicago
Toyota https://hire.li/c05a829 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-Toyota
UMTRI Brain Modeling https://hire.li/20c29ef http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-UMTRITBI
Union Pacific https://hire.li/2dc19d4 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/2018-UP
Yanfeng/Johnson Controls https://hire.li/4559333 https://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/2018-yanfeng
Faculty Research: Assisted Vision (Ojeda) https://hire.li/5c5d5a7 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/assisted-vision/
Faculty Research: Free Speech Technology (Dick) https://hire.li/e559788 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/free-speech/
Faculty Research: Kirigami Solar (Shtein) https://hire.li/4d6f2cf http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/k-solar/
Faculty Research: MiTEE (Gilchrist) https://hire.li/2ea68c7 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/mitee/
Faculty Research: Satellite Remote Sensing (Pierce) https://hire.li/e2de87a http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/remote-sensing/
Faculty Research: Secure Cloud Manufacturing (Tilbury) https://hire.li/0cb52b1 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/cloud-manufacturing/
Faculty Research: SNL (McKague) https://hire.li/0277975 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/snl/
Faculty Research: SOCR (Dinov) https://hire.li/98df41f http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/socr-big-data/
Faculty Research: ZIGGY-PIMMS (Kasper) https://hire.li/0279716 http://mdp.engin.umich.edu/projects/ziggy-pims/
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Sample Qualifications Statement for MDP Applications

As you are completing the MDP Application, you will be asked to answer the following question for EACH project that you apply for:

​”Describe your qualifications: What strengths and experiences will you bring to this project team? What knowledge do you already have that will help the team? What are you hoping to learn?”

 

Example Qualifications Statement 

Name
Major
Thank you for considering me for the Widget Materials Modeling project with Acme Widget, LLC.  I am highly interested in joining this team for several reasons.  Notably, I have interest and academic experience in material properties.  As a Chemical Engineering major, I have taken MATSCIE 350/360 (earned a B), and have worked as a UROP Lab Assistant with a faculty advisor for two years conducting experiments with elastomers.  I am interested in learning more about applications for synthetic rubbers, and feel this project would not only leverage skills I have, but develop new ones as well. I am planning to enroll in CHE 412 Polymeric Materials in either Winter or Fall 2018, whenever it’s offered.   I am interested in working closely with and learning from the engineers and scientists in Acme Widget’s Jackson, MI research facility.  I would like to gain experience in how a research division supports and interacts with the manufacturing team within a company.
PLEASE NOTE:
  • Your answer should address the specific project needs and roles. Demonstrate that you read the project description and you would like to be on the project.
  • Your answers should be written in correct and complete sentences.
  • Answers should detail what you have to offer to the project.
  • Generalized answers rarely attract project offers.  A simple list of courses and grades will rarely result in a project team offer.
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2018 Application: Checklist to Get Started

The 2018 MDP Project Offerings are now live and the application is open until October 15, 2017. Click on the 2018 Projects button above to browse all of the project offerings.

1.   Review all of the projects that interest you.

Click here to Find A Project, or click here for a list of all projects

2. Be sure you’ll have time in your schedule

Make a plan and meet with your academic advisor.  All projects require a minimum of two semesters to give you enough time to dive deep into the Engineering design process and deliver an amazing result. All projects start in January 2018, and will end in December 2018.  You must apply by mid-October 2017 to be considered for a spot on a team

  • Faculty Research Project Teams require 2 credit hours per semester (Undergraduate and Graduate)
  • Partner-Sponsored Projects require 7 credit hours split across two terms (3/4 or 4/3) (Undergraduate)
  • Partner-Sponsored Projects require 4 credit hours split across two terms (2/2)** (Graduate)
    **In some cases, a student's degree requirements will necessitate 1 credit of ENGR 599 in the Winter semester and 3 credits in the Fall (ex: ME 590).

3. Attend the Project Preview Night (10/3) and/or Project Fair (10/4) 

Representatives from the Partner-Sponsored and Faculty Research Project teams will be there to discuss the projects with you and answer any of your questions. Attend one or both of these events to meet the Professionals (and Faculty!) from the teams that interest you. Attire is casual: jeans are fine.
Attending one of these events will highly improve your chances of securing a spot on a team.  Click Here for Event Information

4. You may apply for as many projects as you like.

Applying for multiple teams will increase the likelihood of matching successfully to a team. Each student will only receive one offer to join one project team.  No students are guaranteed an offer.

5. For each project you wish to apply for, you will….

  • Write one brief and concise paragraph.  See example here
  • Optional: Complete one online video-interview. Links are in the application, master list here

6. Student offer letters will be sent out between October 27th and December 9th.

Students will receive one offer only to join one project team. You will then have 7 days to accept or decline the role on your team. If you decline an offer, you will not receive another one.

How to Apply for an MDP Project


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MIDAS Certificate Practicum within an MDP Project

Requirements:

Students must complete the requirements of both programs (MDP and MIDAS) in order to receive MIDAS Practicum credit.

  • Students are responsible for identifying appropriate scope / content for individual work within the context of their MDP Project.    
    • Materials developed within group work may be utilized within the individual Practicum Report to provide context of the overall project.  There must be sufficient individual work to justify the graduate level practicum.
    • MIDAS has identified a short list of pre-approved MDP projects that have obvious content appropriate for MIDAS practicum projects.  These are identified on the MDP Project descriptions. (www.mdp.engin.umich.edu)
  • The scope/content  of the proposal must be approved by the MDP Faculty Mentor / Faculty PI
  • Students must submit their practicum proposal to MIDAS Director, Prof. Ivo Dinov,  and obtain approval prior to the first day of class in the 2nd term of the MDP Project (Fall semester of your project).
  • Student Practicum reports will be evaluated by Prof. Dinov on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis;  Students must receive a grade of ENGR 599 with B- or better in order to receive a Satisfactory Report grade.

MDP Requirements

  • Participation in “JumpStart” workshop (early January).
  • Successful completion of all project assignments (Design Reviews, Peer Evaluations, Workshops, Poster Sessions, etc.).
  • Consistent, successful, weekly team participation
  • Average 8 hours effort / week
  • Individual Practicum results may be included in the group work of the MDP Project Team.
Term Course Enrollment / Actions Grade end of Winter Term Grade end of Fall Term
Winter Semester ENGR 599, 2 credit hours Grade: “Y” – Placeholder Grade for Winter Term. This converts to a letter grade at the end of the Fall Term. Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 2 credit placed in the transcript in Winter term
Summer  Submit proposal for practicum to MIDAS Director (currently Prof. Ivo Dinov)
Fall Semester ENGR 599, 2 credit hours Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 2 credits placed in the transcript in Fall Term.
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MICDE Certificate Practicum within an MDP Project

Requirements:

Students must complete the requirements of both programs (MDP and MICDE) in order to receive MICDE Practicum credit.

  • Students are responsible for identifying appropriate scope / content for individual work within the context of their MDP Project.    
    • Materials developed within group work may be utilized within the individual Practicum Report to provide context of the overall project.  There must be sufficient individual work to justify the graduate level practicum.
    • MICDE  has identified a short list of pre-approved MDP projects that have obvious content appropriate for MICDE  practicum projects.  These are identified on the MDP Project descriptions. 
  • The scope/content  of the proposal must be approved by the MDP Faculty Mentor / Faculty PI
  • Students must submit their practicum proposal to MICDE Director, Krishna Garikipati and obtain approval prior to the first day of class in the 2nd term of the MDP Project (Fall semester).
  • Student Practicum reports will be evaluated by Prof Garikipati on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis;  Students must receive a grade of ENGR 599 with B- or better in order to receive a Satisfactory Report grade.

MDP Requirements:

  • Enrollment in 4 total academic credits.
  • Participation in “JumpStart” workshop (occurs early in the Winter term).
  • Successful completion of all project assignments (Design Reviews, Peer Evaluations, Workshops, Poster Sessions, etc.).
  • Consistent, successful, weekly team participation
  • Average 8 hours effort / week
  • Individual Practicum results may be included in the group work of the MDP Project Team.
Term Course Enrollment / Actions Grade end of Winter Term Grade end of Fall Term
Winter semester ENGR 599, 1 credit hour Grade: “Y” – Placeholder Grade for Winter Term. This converts to a letter grade at the end of the Fall Term. Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 1 credit placed in the transcript in Winter term
Summer semester Submit proposal for practicum to MICDE Director (currently Prof. K. Garikipati)
Fall semester ENGR 599, 3 credit hours Letter Grade for ENGR 599, 3 credits placed in the transcript in Fall Term.

 

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Faculty Research Project Teams

The Faculty Research Project Teams provide students with real research and real teamwork experience. Faculty Research Projects can be found at Faculty Research Projects page.

The Faculty Research Project teams unite undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty in a team-based environment to advance research projects in science and engineering. Motivated undergraduate and graduate students who join these multi-year teams benefit significantly.

Aside from their research tasks, all students also contribute to their team’s knowledge base: an online repository of references and training materials that allow new team members to quickly get up-to-speed when they join, regardless of experience level. Joining a Faculty Research Project thus provides a unique chance for students to gain experience in team and project management, allowing them to become both great researchers and great leaders.

  • Creates Long-Term Research & Development Experience
    Students will work on a multidisciplinary research team for a minimum of two semesters, gaining valuable research and design experience. A minimum of two semesters provides students with the time and context to familiarize themselves with the lab, make meaningful contributions, and foster design and leadership skills.
  • Cultivates Leadership and Mentoring
    The long-term, sustainable nature of Faculty Research Project teams creates a mentoring environment, where faculty and graduate students mentor teams, experienced undergrad students mentor new team members, and students rotate step into leadership roles as others graduate.
  • Benefits for Students:
    • Work side-by-side with experts in their fields
    • Gain insight into the process of real-world research and deep technical training
    • With long-term time investment, students are provided opportunities to publish in academic journals and conferences
  • Benefits for Faculty:
    • Receive recruitment, academic advising and team development support from MDP staff
    • Efficient use of the time and talents of passionate students who will make tangible and sustainable contributions to their research interests.
    • Long-term time investment from students, requiring less start-up time

Each team is unique, and the Faculty Research Project Program can accommodate the changing needs of research by providing flexible and scalable team structures --  Most teams start with a small “seed” group of 6-8 students directly overseen by one or more faculty sponsors. As teams grow, they divide their work among several subteams, each lead by an experienced student.

Vip structure diagram

Want to learn more about how MDP could support your research efforts? Please contact Program Manager Joy Adams: joyadams@umich.edu

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Requirements to earn credits on an MDP Project for IOE Directed Study

IOE MS students may participate on MDP teams for 4 credits of Directed Study (this counts toward the degree maximum of 6)

  • Sample Enrollment:
    • Winter Semester: ENGR 599 (MDP Faculty Mentor as Instructor) 2 credits
    • Fall Semester: ENGR 599 (MDP Faculty Mentor as Instructor) 2 credits
  • Grade:
    This is 2 semester requirement and is “Y” graded for the first term.  The letter grade earned in December will count for all credit hours for the year. If students wish to utilize IOE 590 for 3 credits, then

    • Students must seek special written permission from the MDP Faculty Mentor
    • Students are required to have an IOE co-advisor (if the faculty mentor is not from IOE)
    • Following the standard IOE 590 requirements Students must submit a one-page proposal describing the project and the project deliverables. The IOE faculty member must sign-off on this document before the student may register.
    • Students will enroll in 1 credit of ENGR 599 in the Winter Semester and 3 credits of IOE 590 in the following Fall Semester.
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Requirements to earn credits on an MDP Project for IOE Senior Design Course

  • Project must contain significant IOE content.
  • Project must involve teamwork.
  • Project must have a real world client.
  • Student must enroll in 4 credit hours of ENGR 455 in the semester that they receive substitution credit.
  • Student must have senior standing and have completed all pre-requisites for IOE senior design, prior to the semester that they receive substitution credit.
  • Student must complete the tech com components within the IOE senior design courses:  attend the 2 tech com lectures (currently Monday evenings), complete the Tech Comm assignments assigned from IOE utilizing their MDP projects (currently 3 assignments), and be graded by Tech Comm faculty (currently Mary Lind). (Please note: IOE senior design substitution and lecture attendance occurs during the fall/second semester of the project.)
  • This is 2-semester requirement and is “Y” graded for the first term.  The letter grade earned in December will count for all credit hours for the year.
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Requirements to earn credits on an MDP Project for Honors Program

Honors & MDP partner to help Honors Engineering students complete requirements for both programs. See below for options available.

Honors students must be earning 400-level credit on their MDP Project in order to be eligible for Honors Capstone approval.

Please make sure to meet with Honors staff to confirm your completion of Honors requirements.

Honors Student Minor Type of MDP Project Honors Capstone Credits Counted
MDP Minor Student Organization Project*
or Faculty Research Team		 Individual Proposal Required to Honors Program 15 credits Minor (includes SO Project credits)
+ 9 credits Focus Area
+ Capstone as separate projects/credits
MDP Minor MDP Partner Sponsored Project Allowed as an extension of the MDP Organized Project 15 credits Minor (includes Project)
+ 9 credits Focus Area
+ Capstone as separate project/credits
Other Minor Student Organization Project*
or Faculty Research Team		 Individual Proposal Required to Honors Program Other UM minor
+ 9 credits of Focus Area (can include maximum of 3 project credits in focus area proposal)
+ Student Organization Project as Honors Capstone (requires proposal/approval from Honors)
Other Minor MDP Partner Sponsored Project Approved as Honors Capstone Other UM minor
+ 9 credits of Focus Area (can include maximum of 3 project credits in focus area proposal)
+ MDP Project approved as Honors Capstone
*Student Organization Project = Wilson Center-based competition teams (such as Steel Bridge or Mhybrid); BLUElab, MHEAL, S3FL, etc.
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Requirements to earn EECS 498 credit on an MDP Project for CS-LSA

Prof. Jeff Ringenberg and the Multidisciplinary Design Program are offering EECS 498-004 – Multidisciplinary Software Development for MDP students: a 2-semester project course where each student is part of a team with a team faculty mentor, a mentor from the client, and a real application project.  The majority of homework will be applied development work for the project.

CS Majors with senior standing on or before Fall semester will receive Capstone credit during the Fall semester of their project.

Enrollment in this course is by permission of the instructor only.  You must apply via the Multidisciplinary Design Program in order to be awarded a position on a project team and a spot within this class.

Requirements:

  • Project must be pre-approved by CS-LSA Chief Program Advisor. The list of pre-approved projects is here.
  • Both Semesters of the course must be successfully completed to receive credit toward the CS degree requirements.
  • To earn CS Capstone credit, CS students must work on the CS-related portions of the MDP project and enroll in EECS 498 (Prof. Jeff Ringenberg’s section) and have already taken EECS 281 prior to beginning work on the project.
  • CS-LSA Majors earning Capstone credit:
    • In the Fall semester, a student must be in one of their final two terms at U-M.
    • No additional course requirements.  
    • Confirm you have time & are eligible with your CS Academic Advisor.
    • Lastly, some non-eligible students may be recommended to sit in on/audit the EECS 498 course as the majority of their MDP team will be enrolling in that structure.

Required enrollment for CS-LSA students  earning Capstone Credit on an MDP Project.

Winter Semester Fall Semester
  Capstone Semester Substitution Granted
4 Credit Hours of EECS 498 4 Credit Hours of EECS 498
Lecture with Jeff Ringenberg 
Please consult schedule of classes for lecture time		 Lecture with Jeff Ringenberg
Please consult schedule of classes for lecture time
 + Required, 2-hour Weekly Meeting with your team’s Faculty Mentor (scheduled after teams are chosen)  + Required, 2-hour Weekly Meeting with your team’s Faculty Mentor  (scheduled after teams are chosen)

 

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Requirements to earn degree substitutions on an MDP Project for CS-ENG

Prof. Jeff Ringenberg and the Multidisciplinary Design Program are offering EECS 498-004 – Multidisciplinary Software Development for MDP students: a 2-semester project course where each student is part of a team with a team faculty mentor, a mentor from the client, and a real application project.  The majority of homework will be applied development work for the project.   

CS majors who have completed EECS 281 prior to enrollment on the MDP project team are eligible to receive 4 credits of Flex Tech (Winter semester) and 4 credits of MDE (Fall semester) on pre-approved projects only.

Requirements:

  • Project must be CS-related and pre-approved by CS-ENG Program Advisor. The list of pre-approved projects is here.
  • Students must have completed EECS 281 & TechComm 300 prior to their MDP project.
  • Both semesters of the course must be successfully completed to receive credit toward the CS degree requirements.
  • Students must enroll in EECS 498-004 (Prof. Jeff Ringenberg’s section) during both semesters on the project.
  • Notes regarding Flex Tech credit:
    • Flex Tech is earned during the first semester of the project only.
    • This credit falls under Directed / Independent Study and Research: only 4 hours of directed/independent study or research courses (total across all departments, i.e. EECS, IOE, Civil, etc.) can count toward technical electives.
    • Please note: the CS-E program makes a distinction between Upper Level CS courses and Flexible Technical Electives.
  • Notes regarding the MDE requirement:
    • Must have completed any general departmental pre-requisites for MDEs
    • TCHNCLCM 497 and EECS 496 must be elected in one of the 2 semesters of the MDP project.
    • CS recommends the MDE to be taken during one of your final two semesters.

See sample schedule below: 

Required enrollment for CS-ENG student earning CS Flex Tech and MDE Credit on an MDP Project.

Winter Semester Fall Semester
 CS Flex Tech Granted CS MDE Semester Substitution Granted
4 Credit Hours of EECS 498-004 4 Credit Hours of EECS 498-004
 + Required, 2-hour Weekly Meeting with your team’s Faculty Mentor (scheduled after teams are chosen)  + Required, 2-hour Weekly Meeting with your team’s Faculty Mentor  (scheduled after teams are chosen)

During the year of the project, students must also enroll in:

2 Credit Hours of TCHNCLCM497*
2 Credit Hours of EECS 496*

*courses can be taken either semester
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Requirements to earn EE MDE substitution on an MDP Project

1. Students who complete ANY MDP sponsored project will be allowed to use it to satisfy the EE MDE requirement, and it will count for 4 credits of Flexible Technical Electives.

(1) In order to satisfy the EE degree requirements, however, these students will be required to take an additional 4 credit upper-level EE technical elective beyond the 19 credits currently required (not necessarily an EE MDE) chosen from the list given in the EE program guide.

(2) Note that the MDP projects need only offer a major design experience, and students do not need to get (pre- or post-) approval of an EE Program Advisor to receive credit and satisfy the EE MDE requirement.

2. Students must enroll in 4 credit hours of ENGR 455 in the semester that they receive MDE credit.

All MDP projects are two terms, so this is generally the Fall/2nd semester of the project.

3. Student must have Senior standing.

4. Technical Communications 496 AND EECS 496 should be elected concurrently in the semester MDE substitution is made

 

Sample enrollment for student earning EE MDE Credit on an MDP Project:
WI Term: 3 Credit Hours of ENGR 355 or 455, depending on standing
FA Term: 4 Credit Hours ENGR 455 + 2 Credit Hours EECS 496 + 2 Credit hours of Tech Comm 496

Click to view all the approved projects for EE MDE (Major Design Experience/Senior Capstone) substitution.

 

Students who do NOT have Senior standing/are otherwise ineligible to earn MDE may be eligible to use ENGR 355 or 455 under Directed Study rule:

Directed Study Rule: Up to 4 credit hours of independent study (EECS 399, EECS 499, ENGR 355, ENGR 455, or other technical department’s independent study courses) may be used as Flexible Technical Electives.

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Requirements to earn MDE (Major Design Experience/Senior Capstone) substitution on an MDP Project for CE

Requirements to earn MDE (Major Design Experience) or Flexible Technical Elective substitution on an MDP Project:

1. Students who complete ANY MDP sponsored project have the option to petition for Major Design Experience (MDE)

(1) You may request special permission to use an MDE project course from another program (including the Multidisciplinary Design Program) (must be approved by CE Chief Program Advisor – please make an advising appointment with Mark Brehob to discuss).

(2) The MDE in Computer Engineering has three parts which must be elected concurrently:

EECS 496

TCHNCLCM 496

ENGR 455

2. Flexible Technical Elective Requirements:
Up to 4 credits of directed study (ENGR 455) count toward Flexible Technical Elective requirements.

 

Sample enrollment for student earning CE MDE Credit on an MDP Project:

WI Term: 3 Credit Hours of ENGR 355 or 455, depending on standing
FA Term: 4 Credit Hours ENGR 455 + 2 Credit Hours EECS 496 + 2 Credit hours of Tech Comm 496

 

Click here to view all the approved projects for MDE (Major Design Experience/Senior Capstone) substitution.

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Find a Project

Students from across the University enroll in academic credit on dozens of MDP projects every semester.  These projects fall into six main categories, each with its own intake process and curriculum requirements. Click on the project types below to learn more.

  • Six Types of MDP Projects

 

  • Project Details

    Type of Projects

    		 Section Numbers for Course Enrollment Time Commitment

    Grading
    Student Organization Project Teams ENGR x55-0XX* Varies, contact MDP Academic Advisor By Faculty Mentor
    Per approved proposal
    Partner-Sponsored Project Teams ENGR x55-1XX* 9-12 hours per week

    Enrollment required

    		 “Y” grade at end of WN term.
    Letter grade at end of FA term.
    Faculty Research Project Teams ENGR x55-2XX* 6-8 hours per week

    Enrollment required

    		 “Y” grade at end of first term, Letter grade at end of each subsequent term.
    Student Initiated Project Teams ENGR x55-0XX* Varies, contact MDP Academic Advisor By Faculty Mentor

    Per approved proposal

    *MDP accepts course enrollment options from your home department. e.g. EECS 498, ME 490, AERO 390, AUTO 503 etc.
    Students are     not required to enroll through ENGR x55/599.  If your department allows you to substitute an MDP project for a Senior Capstone, MDE, Technical Elective or Practicum requirement, MDP will support your effort.  Approving a degree substitution is at the sole discretion of your home's academic department.  Students are responsible for understanding their home department's course substitution rules.

  • How to Apply (Partner-Sponsored Projects and Faculty Research Project Teams)
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Student Organization Teams

Any design based, Engineering team with at least 3 majors represented is eligible to earn academic credit. These are independent student organizations, and some members choose to curricularize their experience and earn academic credit. The Multidisciplinary Design Program offers a mechanism to do this.

Note: the majority of students participate in student organizations without earning academic credit. It is not a requirement of joining a team, but an option available for interested students.

For more information about the student organization teams, please visit Wilson Student Team Project Center. 

Process for earning academic credit on a student team:

  • Join the team! Become a contributing member.
  • Identify a faculty member (most often the faculty mentor of the team); get their permission to earn credit.
  • Contact MDP academic advisor, Megan Langille, for next steps and course permission/override.

Below are examples of student-led design teams where previous MDP students have earned academic credit.

The Michigan Baja Race team is a student-run competition team housed within the College of Engineering. Every year we design and manufacture an entirely new off-road race vehicle from the ground up. Team members work in the Wilson Student Team Project Center to machine parts, fabricate molds and assemble the new car. For more information, please visit Baja SAE.
BLUElab is a University of Michigan student organization composed of nine project teams who are united through a sustainable, human centered design process. We believe that design is about people, and that the best designs are sustainable, taking into account all social, economic, and environmental impacts. Our project teams are multidisciplinary and emphasize collaboration with local and international stakeholders to ensure that identified needs are appropriately addressed. We offer students the opportunity to hone their interpersonal skills, engage in social responsibility, participate in an interactive design experience, and develop as servant leaders. For more information, please visit BLUElab.
We are a collective of dedicated students working together to design, fabricate, construct, and decorate a canoe made entirely of concrete for the annual ASCE concrete canoe competition. Although many of our members are engineering students, we welcome and encourage membership from all majors. Our diverse group makes the Concrete Canoe Team both an interesting and incredibly fun experience. For more information, please visit Concrete Canoe.
The Electric Motorcycle Team (EM Racing) was founded in 2013 as a completely student-run project team. Our mission is to promote the use of renewable technologies in the building, testing, and racing of all-electric motorcycles. Our members are a diverse multidisciplinary group of engineers, artists, business oriented minds, and, above all, innovators. With the backing of the University of Michigan College of Engineering and our generous corporate sponsors, we are utilizing new battery technologies to show that renewable energy is the future. For more information, please visit Electric Motorcycle Racing.
Michigan Hybrid Racing (MHybrid), the University of Michigan’s Formula Hybrid racing team. Founded in 2011, is a multidisciplinary, student-run organization. Our mission is to design, build, test, and finance our own high-performance, hybrid-electric Formula-style racecar. The team then competes at the Formula Hybrid competition at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the spring against teams from all over the world. For more information, please visit Michigan Hybrid Racing.
MRacing is the University of Michigan's Formula SAE team, founded in 1986. With over 25 years of experience, the engineering design team is continually pushing the envelope of vehicle design. In the summer of 2011 the team proved the value of this history by rising to #1 in the world after 6 consecutive top 10 competition finishes. With many of the same engineers still on the team, a newly formed business sector, and new exciting industry partnerships, MRacing is well-equipped to continue to succeed on the international level for the foreseeable future. For more information, please visit Formula SAE.
Engineers compose most of the team, but anyone is welcome to join. Developing a human-powered helicopter spans many fields, including kinesiology, materials science and business. Members must only be willing to learn. For more information, please visit Human Powered Submarine.
The Michigan Aeronautical Science Association (MASA) is committed to increasing student interest in high power rocketry at The University of Michigan. Our goal is to teach students about the basics of rocketry and to provide hands-on exposure to the design, build, and test phases of engineering. The program also seeks to research and experiment with growing areas of rocketry such as hybrid propulsion and composite materials. Every summer, MASA participates in the Inter-collegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) in Utah. MASA enters student-developed rockets in both the Basic (10,000 ft) and Advanced (23,000 ft) Categories. We pride ourselves on having rockets and ground support systems designed, built, and tested almost entirely by MASA members. For more information, please visit MASA.
The Michigan Balloon Recovery and Satellite Testbed is a design team at the University of Michigan focused on flying scientific and satellite payloads on high-altitude weather balloons. These balloons reach altitudes upwarts of 100,000 ft and temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius. This near-space environment allows MBuRST to be a great testing platform for student-built space systems. For more information, please visit MBuRST.
M-Fly is a Society of Automotive Engineers Aerospace Design team at the University of Michigan dedicated to promoting opportunities for students to practice applying their knowledge to aerospace projects outside the classroom. Students of all majors and standing are welcome to join M-Fly. Anyone interested in remote controlled aircraft is encouraged to attend our weekly meetings and become an active member of the team. For more information, please visit M-Fly.
Michigan Health Engineered for All Lives, or M-HEAL, is focused on applying the knowledge of engineering students to work in global health. Undergraduate and graduate students from all engineering disciplines, business, design, biological sciences, and the humanities accomplish this goal through evaluating unmet medical needs in hospitals and clinics in the developing world and designing, building and testing medical devices to meet these needs. Additionally, M-HEAL regularly volunteers at World Medical Relief of Detroit to sort medical equipment/supplies to be sent to hospitals and clinics in need around the globe. For more information, please visit M-Heal.
The Pantanal Partnership seeks to use sustainable technology as a medium to accomplish two goals:1) improve quality of life for residents of the Pantanal by improving access to clean water and renewable fuel, and 2) share our understanding of sustainability and sustainable technology, thereby encouraging environmental stewardship and strengthening the ability of communities to confront current and future challenges. Our work is focused in the northern region of the Pantanal via Pocone. Much of our projects have been conducted at the Pantanal Center for Education and Reseach (PCER) -- a facility built in 2010 by University of Michigan students and community members. In recent summers PP has extended their work and technologies beyond PCER to surrounding areas through partnerships with federal, state, and municipal institutions. For more information, please visit Pantanal Project.
The Student Space Systems Fabrication Laboratory (S3FL) is an organization dedicated to providing students with practical space systems design and fabrication experience not readily available through the academic curriculum. S3FL's approach is to enhance education by coupling classroom knowledge with practicum experience involving real engineering design, analysis, test, fabrication, integration, and operation of actual flight vehicles and space payloads. For more information, please visit S3FL.
Our team is an entirely student run project team that designs, builds, and races the world's fastest solar vehicles. With four engineering divisions; mechanical, electrical, aerodynamics, and strategy, as well as operations and business divisions, our team brings together students from a multitude of backgrounds and disciplines to work together towards a common goal. For more information, please visit Solar Car.
The University of Michigan Steel Bridge Team (SBT) is an organization of dedicated students passionate about applying their technical knowledge to a hands-on, year-long engineering project. Our members are diverse in their skills, year, major, and discipline, each adding to our collective capacity. We enjoy taking our project from concept to reality through hard work and problem solving. We believe that this can only be accomplished by working together in a collaborative environment where everyone is welcome to share ideas and everyone takes pride in the final product. For more information, please visit Steel Bridge.
We are a team with the goal of designing the most fuel-efficient internal combustion concept car in North America. Every year, we create an entirely new car, which requires detailed planning and tight scheduling. The vehicle is built from the ground up, with every component from the carbon fiber shell to the steering system to the electric wiring made in house, by students. This year marks a new direction for Supermileage: our goal is now to focus on creating an efficient electric vehicle, with continuing research into gasoline motors on the side. For more information, please visit Supermilage.
UM:Autonomy is an award winning, undergraduate team from the University of Michigan. Every year we build an autonomous boat to participate in the AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) Foundation Roboboat competition. The boat, which is completely designed and programmed by the students, must complete a wide range of challenges that are designed to expose students to the many difficulties of autonomous operation. For more information, please visit UM Autonomy.
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Courses & Substitutions

The Multidisciplinary Design Program hosts a series of lab courses that represent your project team involvement on your academic transcript. The program works with both student and faculty mentor to determine the most appropriate enrollment for each student. Lastly, the program offers ENGR 456 as the final course of the MD minor.
PLEASE NOTE: students do not have to be declared in the MD minor in order to take the MDP lab/project courses.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (1-3 credits)
Intro course in which students acquire, develop, and refine skills for success in the modern engineering design process using mentored, multidisciplinary, team-based, project work. Students will integrate: (1) knowledge from previous courses; (2) knowledge of engineering design process; and (3) professional skills (e.g., teamwork, project planning, communications, etc.).
Prerequisite: permission of instructor (1-4 credits)
Intermediate course in which students acquire, develop, and refine skills for success in the modern engineering design process using mentored, multidisciplinary, team-based, project work. Students will integrate: (1) knowledge from previous courses; (2) knowledge of engineering design process; and (3) professional skills (e.g., teamwork, project planning, communications, etc.).
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (2-5 credits)
Advanced course in which students acquire, develop, and refine skills for success in the modern engineering design process using mentored, multidisciplinary, team-based, project work. Students will integrate: (1) knowledge from previous courses; (2) knowledge of engineering design process; and (3) professional skills (e.g., teamwork, project planning, communications, etc.)
Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. (1-4 credits)
Special topics in interdisciplinary engineering.
Only available to those declared in the MDP minor. (2 credits)
Students study models of leadership and mentorship while participating in reflective and integrative learning exercises based on previous design team experience. Simultaneously, students take on leadership/mentorship roles within a design team to offer technical, professional, and interpersonal guidance. Students must have significant previous multidisciplinary design project experience to enroll.
Prerequisites: Students should have completed a minimum of two semesters of significant, curricular participation on team/organization in multidisciplinary engineering design at the 300 level or above.
Role within host organization: Students take on the role of leader or mentor focusing on engineering, engineering instruction and/or engineering design. Ideally the organization they mentor will be the same as their multi-term project; however other outside organizations be allowed by petition (this is often the case if the multi-term project organization no longer exists).
Mentoring portion: Please note that organizations may have requirements in addition to those listed below and a student may have personal goals which they wish to pursue.
To Register for MDP Courses (ENGR 255/355/455/599)
Partner-Sponsored Projects & Faculty Research Projects students do not need to write proposals to enroll in MDP-run courses. Overrides will be automatically sent when you are accepted to a project. For alternative enrollment options, please see the MDP Course Substitutions list below.
Student Organization Team Project and Independent Project students need to plan ahead to curricularize your project work and learning. Work with your team leads and your faculty advisor/mentor to define and document your plans for the coming semester. Create a strong proposal for credit (a sample can be found here) and follow these steps to earn credit through MDP:
  • Define your work and role with your team leads
  • Draft your objectives, outcomes, and deliverables
  • Obtain agreement from your team's faculty advisor to supervise and grade your work
  • Review this proposal with the team’s faculty advisor to confirm the scope and depth of your contribution and to determine the appropriate course level (255, 355, 455) and the number of credits to be earned
  • Ask your advisor to send his/her approval to the MDP Academic Advisor (mlangill@umich.edu) to receive your permission to register for your course
  • Be sure to register by the Third Week Drop/Add Deadline
MDP Course Substitutions for Partner Sponsored and Faculty Research Projects
Some MDP Partner-Sponsored projects, Faculty Research Projects, and Global MDP have been recognized by departments as fulfilling a specific degree requirement and/or in lieu of a specific course. The list of current pre-approved agreements is shown below.

Student Organization teams or independent design projects do not have pre-approval for degree requirements. Please consult with your home academic department regarding options.
NEW: MDP project will count for non-studio, i.e., academic/experiential courses.
Any questions, please contact your A&D academic advisor.
Sample Enrollment Plan: Partner-Sponsored Project
  • Winter: 3 credit hours of ENGR x55
  • Fall: 4 credit hours of ENGR x55
Sample Enrollment Plan: Faculty Research Project
  • Winter: 2 credit hours of ENGR x55
  • Fall: 2 credit hours of ENGR x55
Click Here to see all projects with roles for Art & Design students
Click Here to return to all project descriptions
Chemical Engineering Students may earn up to 3 credit hours of Engineering Elective credit towards their degree by participating on any MDP project team (no departmental approval necessary). Note: this applies toward all credit levels – ENGR 255, 355, and 455. Please meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you will have time in your schedule and that you meet all requirements for the substitution.
Sample Enrollment Plan: Partner-Sponsored Project
Winter semester Fall semester
ENGR x55 (4 credit hours) ENGR x55 (3 credit hours): counts as Engineering Elective

Sample Enrollment Plan: Faculty Research Project
Winter semester Fall semester
ENGR x55 (1 credit hour) ENGR x55 (3 credit hours): counts as Engineering Elective

Click Here to see all projects with roles for Chemical Engineering students
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NEW IN 2018: Chemistry Students may earn Chemistry Undergraduate Research Credit for participating on an MDP Project Team.
Curricular Path for Chemistry Students Selected to Approved Projects
(1) Partner-Sponsored Project
Winter 2018: 3 credit hours of ENGR x55 OR CHEM 485 (CHEM 485 Available in 2018 Only)
FALL 2018: 4 credit hours of CHEM 399 OR CHEM 485 (CHEM 485 Available in 2018 Only)
7 credit hours is required

(2) Faculty Research Project:
Winster 2018: 2 credit hours of CHEM 399 OR CHEM 485 (CHEM 485 Available in 2018 Only)
Fall 2018: 2 credit hours of CHEM 399 OR CHEM 485 (CHEM 485 Available in 2018 Only)
4 credit hours is required

Prerequisite: Junior standing, and permission of a chemistry concentration advisor and the professor who will supervise the research.

Computer Science students who meet the pre-requisites are eligible to earn degree substitutions on a pre-approved MDP Project Team through enrollment in EECS 498 only.

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Data Science students may earn the Senior Capstone Substitution towards their degree by participating on any MDP project team.
DS-ENG & DS-LSA
Please meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you will have time in your schedule and that you meet all requirements for the substitution.
Sample Enrollment Plan: Partner-Sponsored Project
Winter semester Fall semester
ENGR x55 (3 credit hours) ENGR 455 (4 credit hours): counts as Senior Capstone

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Graduate students pursuing a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering may enroll for academic credit under ME 590. For additional details, please visit the ME Independent Research website. Click Here to return to all project descriptions

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Undergraduate: Elective Credit
In the BSI Program, students have 15 upper-level credits (level 300+), that can be taken anywhere at the University, to reach the 60 upper-level credit degree requirement. Based on current standing/coursework completed, students who are eligible to enroll in 355 or 455 for their MDP project may apply these credit hours toward these General Electives.

Graduate Students: Cognate Credit
In the MSI Program, students have a 3-6 credit hour cognate requirement that can be taken outside of the School of Information. The Multidisciplinary Design Program accepts SI Graduate Students who are planning to use their MDP Project to fulfill this requirement.
Sample Enrollment:
  • Winter semester: 2-3 Credit Hours of ENGR 599
  • Fall semester: 1-3 Credit Hours of ENGR 599
Total Applied to Cognate Requirement: 4-6* Credit Hours
*Note: all projects require a minimum of 4 credit hours for graduate students. You may take 1, 2 or 3 each semester to reach 4. Equal effort is expected across both semesters. If you plan to enroll for a full 6 credit hours, you must have permission from your MDP faculty mentor.
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ECE Master’s students may count all 4 of the credits earned within any MDP Partner Sponsored or Faculty Research Team course toward their Cognate + Technical Credit requirement. For more information, please visit Requirements to earn on an MDP Project for ECE Cognate + Technical Course.

Enrollment Pattern for ECE Cognate + Technical Credits:
  • Winter semester: 2 credit hours in ENGR 599
  • Fall semester: 2 credit hours in ENGR 599

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This certificate is for Graduate students only - and is earned through MICDE. MICDE requires a practicum, that can be fulfilled through pre-approved MDP projects. For more information, please visit MICDE Certificate Practicum within an MDP Project.

Enrollment Pattern for MICDE Certificate Practicum:
  • Winter semester: 1 credit hour in ENGR 599
  • Fall semester: 3 credit hours in ENGR 599 or a possible departmental substitution (the student could double-count courses if they were an ISD student, for example)

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This is a certificate for Master's students only - and is earned through MIDAS. MIDAS requires a practicum, that can be satisfied through pre-approved MDP projects. For more information, please visit MIDAS Certificate Practicum within an MDP Project.

Enrollment Pattern for MIDAS Certificate Practicum:
  • Winter semester: 1 credit hour in ENGR 599
  • Fall semester: 3 credit hours in ENGR 599 or a possible departmental substitution (the student could feasibly double-count the course if they were an ISD student, for example)

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The course substitutions listed here are those that were pre-approved through the various academic departments. MDP likely does not yet have a formal agreement with your department. Please speak with your home departmental advisor to see what substitution options might be available for you.
Please note: course substitutions are not a requirement for participating in MDP projects. Many students find space to participate in these projects without using them for course substitutions or to fulfill degree requirements.
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Minor in Multidisciplinary Design

The Multidisciplinary Design Minor sets you apart from other students and demonstrates your deep understanding of design in a real-life context. The MD Minor incorporates practical teamwork skills with classroom learning, culminating in an intensive, hands-on, multi-term design project. This Minor is highly individualized, and customized to support you as you develop your skills on a project that you care about. The Multidisciplinary Design Minor is currently available to students in Engineering, Business, Art & Design, Architecture, Kinesiology, and Literature, Science & the Arts.
The Multidisciplinary Design Minor requires 15 credit hours across 4 key experiences. This program is highly individualized. The courses below represent common enrollments for MDP students, but the minor looks different for every student.
  • Introductory Design, Build Test Experience (2 – 4 credits)
    • The following courses have most commonly been used to fulfill the DBT (Design, Build, Test) Experience: ENGR 100 (DBT sections only); ENGR 255; AEROSP 205 or 280; BME 350; EECS 183; ME 250; NAME 270; ARTDES 120 or 130
    • The DBT requirement can also be fulfilled through an additional semester on your multi-term project team.
    • Other approved courses on an individual basis.
 
  • Multi-Term Design Project (minimum of 7 credits across 2 or more terms)
    • Connect with a project through student organizations; apply for Partner-Sponsored Projects and Faculty Research Projects at the MDP Project Opportunity Fair in October.
    • PLEASE NOTE: the multi-term design cycle experience must be learned at 300-level or higher
    • Possible curricularization options: ENGR 355/455; AOSS 380, ME 490
    • Other approved courses or projects on an individual basis
 
  • Connections Course (3 – 4 credits)
    • Broadens your perspective and lends depth to your work on the Multi-Term Design Project
    • Cannot be required for your major; must be approved by MDP Academic Advisor
    • Courses outside of your major (or, better yet, outside your college!) highly encouraged.
    • Must earn a letter grade of at least a C
    • Click to fill out the Petition for Connections Course Form.
    • Some examples of Connections Courses:
Project Team Student’s Major Connections Course
M-Fly Team Aerospace Engineering ENTR 599.018 Interpersonal Skills: Leveling up to Leadership
Stryker Diagnostic Team Art & Design IOE 548: Integrated Product Development
Solar Car Team Chemical Engineering MO 302: Positively Leading People & Organizations
Woven Wind Team Electrical Engineering UP 357: Architecture, Sustainability and the City
Pillar Project Team Computer Science Engineering SI 422: Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation
General Motors Project Team Business Administration ES 395: Entrepreneurial Management
 
  • Mentorship/Leadership Course (2 credits)
    • Enrollment through ENGR 456 only
    • Attend semester-long seminar (5 evening meetings and writing assignments)
    • Mentoring experience (further details can be found here)
  • Be in good academic standing (2.0 or above, in both term and cumulative GPAs).
  • Be declared into a major or concentration, as determined by your School or College.
  • Have successfully connected with a project team.
  • Schedule an appointment with the MDP Academic Advisor to declare the minor.
PLEASE NOTE : All courses/credits must be earned at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor; no transfer credit can be applied to the MD Minor. All courses/credits must be taken for a letter grade, except for ENGR 456. Minor GPA and all individual components must be at a 2.0 GPA or higher.
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