A research driven introduction to the university experience. Science, mathematical, and engineering principles will be applied within a cohort research experience for first year students. Under the direction of a faculty mentor(s), student teams will be guided through a year-long research experience culminating in a presentation of research results at the Undergraduate Research Conference, or equivalent activity. Prereq: TECH 411.

In this course, the operation of the basic metal-cutting machine tools (e.g., engine lathe, milling machine, drill press, band saw, cut-off saw, etc.) are demonstrated. The students receive introductory training on the safe operation of these machines as well as on safe practices in the machine shop. Two small projects are completed to demonstrate basic machine shop abilities by the end of the course. Prereq: no course prerequisites, but students must successfully complete an online shop safety quiz prior to the first day of the course. Offered spring and fall semesters only. Special fee. Cr/F.

Students in the CEPS Industrial Experience must register for TECH 697 during each semester (fall and/or spring) in which they are participating in their industrial work experience. Student in the minor must get permission from the minor advisor in order to register for this course.

This course provides an introduction to the most important topic in the 21 century--intellectual assets. Students will receive an overview in practical, real-world aspects of managing intellectual assets (copyright, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, etc.). Students taking this course will be exposed to lectures, guest presentations, and case studies aimed at increasing their understanding of intellectual property strategies and related legal issues; technology assessment; technology valuation; licensing issues, strategies and negotiation techniques; business planning and start-up company development; and strategies for attracting investment for new ideas. The instructors and guest speakers for the course are involved in managing, protecting, investing in, or commercializing intellectual property assets in real world settings such as university technology transfer offices, patent law firms, venture capital firms, start-up companies, and related settings.