Helping seniors become professional engineers through experience
Saad Baig and Arturo Guillen
(Outdoor Power Supply)
Saad Baig and Arturo Guillen earned the Instructor's Award in the Summer 2009 semester for their work on the Outdoor Power Supply. "Engineering is all about turning ideas into reality. ECE 445 is a great class that allows you to apply concepts learned during your time at Illinois and create something useful and exciting. At the same time, the class gives you a glimpse at how an engineer in the industry would go through the design process and create a final product. It can be a challenging experience, but one that is ultimately rewarding." -- Arturo Guillen and Saad Baig
This course helps electrical engineering seniors make the transition into industry through self-chosen team projects. To do so, the course emulates the day-to-day life of a real engineering design environment creating what numerous students have called their favorite class. Students put together what they have learned, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and gain in-depth practical knowledge in a topic that excites them. Moreover, Senior Design Projects make a good addition to a resume. Many employers consider a good Senior Design Project to be just as valuable as internship experience.
Ingenuity Article: Both teams had high praise for the ECE 445 experience. "I felt that the class was a type of final exam for my education," said Willenborg. "It proves that I can do engineering. It's a hands-on test to see what you've learned here." Sengupta had a similar view: "The greatest thing about 445 is that it's all you. At the same time, the worst thing about 445 is that it's all you. This class relies on your ability to have self-discipline, motivation, and endurance."
How to Receive Credit for Senior Design
Non-ECE 445 Students
Please click here to sign up for lab access or a special circuit.