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CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE EXAMPLES OF CAPSTONE PROJECTS IN DIFFERENT MAJORS AT GEORGIA TECH

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Civil Engineering Capstone Projects:

One civil engineering capstone project involved redesigning a section of roadway to improve traffic flow and safety. The students analyzed traffic patterns and accident reports to determine areas of concern. They then designed solutions like widening lanes, adjusting signal timing, adding turn lanes, changing lane configurations, and improving signage and markings. Their redesign was presented to the local department of transportation for consideration.

Another civil engineering capstone team worked with the city to plan for future growth needs. They evaluated population projections, analyzed land use plans, and identified infrastructure improvement priorities like roads, bridges, utilities, parks, etc that would be required to support the growing population over the next 20-30 years. They developed a phased capital improvement plan with cost estimates to guide the city’s long term budgeting and project planning.

Computer Science Capstone Projects:

One computer science capstone group developed a web application to help non-profit organizations better manage their volunteer networks. The application included features like an online volunteer registration system, a calendar to schedule volunteer shifts, automated email reminders, and reporting tools to track volunteer hours. It was piloted by 3 local non-profits.

Another computer science team created an artificial intelligence chatbot for a major company. The chatbot was trained on a massive dataset of past customer service inquiries to answer frequent questions. It also had the ability to route more complex questions to a human agent. The project trained and tested multiple chatbot models to optimize natural language understanding and response generation.

Mechanical Engineering Capstone Projects:

One mechanical engineering capstone project involved redesigning the assembly process for a particular medical device to reduce manufacturing costs. The students analyzed the existing process, identified bottlenecks, and designed new jigs, fixtures and automation elements. Their proposed system was estimated to increase throughput by 30% while removing three labor intensive steps.

Another mechanical engineering capstone team worked with a manufacturer of off-road vehicles to develop a prototype for a new suspension system. Through modeling, simulation and testing, they refined their design to improve comfort, handling and durability over rough terrain. Their physical prototype was evaluated by the company for potential incorporation into future product lines.

Electrical Engineering Capstone Projects:

For their capstone, one electrical engineering group designed a smart irrigation system controller for commercial agricultural applications. The wireless controller used soil moisture and weather sensing along with data analytics to optimize watering schedules. It was estimated to save farms 15-20% on water usage.

Another electrical engineering team created a prototype assistive device for people with limited mobility. The device uses gesture recognition, voice command capabilities and a motorized wheelchair base to give users more independence. It was tested with potential clients and further interface/control refinements were recommended based on user feedback.

Industrial Design Capstone Projects:

One industrial design capstone focused on redesigning certain medical equipment to be more user-friendly for elderly patients. Through interviews and observations, the team identified pain points like small buttons, confusing interfaces and body strength requirements. Their concept models applied principles of universal design, simplified operation and incorporated assistive technologies.

Another industrial design project involved creating new product concepts for a toy company’s preschool line. The students explored trends, conducted child focus groups and developed 10 unique, patentable toy ideas targeting different niche markets and skill development areas. Three of the concepts showed the most commercial potential and were presented to the client.

These represent just a small sample of the diverse, impactful capstone projects undertaken across Georgia Tech’s colleges each year. The projects provide invaluable real-world experience in applying classroom learning to solve practical problems. They also allow students to build professional portfolios and make industry connections that aid career pursuits after graduation.

HOW ARE CAPSTONE PROJECTS EVALUATED AT GEORGIA TECH

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Capstone projects at Georgia Tech are a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students. They are meant to allow students to apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout their coursework to a substantial project that addresses a real-world problem or opportunity. Given the emphasis placed on capstone projects and their role in demonstrating a student’s proficiency prior to graduation, evaluation of capstone projects is a rigorous process intended to comprehensively assess student learning outcomes.

Each academic program at Georgia Tech establishes specific learning goals and evaluation criteria for capstone projects within their respective disciplines. There are also common evaluation elements across all programs. At the core, capstone projects are evaluated based on three overarching criteria – technical merit, process, and delivery. Within each criterion are several sub-elements that are used to assign a raw score.

For technical merit, projects are scored based on the appropriateness and depth of technical and theoretical knowledge demonstrated, the selection and application of relevant analytical and computational methods, consideration of constraints and tradeoffs, and original contribution to the state of the art or field of study. Technical merit accounts for approximately 40-50% of the overall score.

Process elements cover project planning and management. Projects receive scores based on the establishment of clear goals and deliverables, development and use of a project plan, documentation of decisions and iterations, risk identification and mitigation, and application of project management tools and techniques. Process accounts for 20-30% of the total score.

Delivery criteria focus on the presentation and communication of results. Projects are scored on deliverables such as final reports, prototypes, simulations, etc. Evaluation covers organization and clarity, synthesis of technical work, justification of conclusions, acknowledgment of limitations and future work, and presentation skills for any demonstrations or defenses. Delivery accounts for 20-30% of the overall score.

In addition to these general criteria that apply across all programs, each academic department may include supplemental evaluation elements specific to their field. For example, for computer engineering projects acceptance testing and product validation may receive extra emphasis, while architectural design projects may place more weight on aesthetic considerations and code/regulatory compliance.

Capstone projects at Georgia Tech undergo multiple rounds of evaluation. Initial formative reviews are conducted partway through the project by faculty advisors. These provide feedback to help guide student work prior to completion. Upon concluding their projects, students undergo a summative evaluation involving an oral defense and demonstration in front of a review committee.

The committee normally consists of 2-3 faculty members from the student’s academic department, along with representative professionals from industry. Students are expected to explain the technical aspects and outcomes of their projects, but also demonstrate broader knowledge in areas like ethical and societal impact. The review committee uses a detailed rubric to score different elements of the project based on the criteria outlined above.

Following the defense, the committee deliberates and assigns a final letter grade for the capstone project. Students must achieve a minimum passing grade, typically a C or better, in order to satisfy their degree requirements. If significant deficiencies are identified, students may be asked to undertake further work or a re-defense. In rare cases where issues raise serious concerns, the committee can recommend that a student not graduate.

The rigorous capstone project evaluation at Georgia Tech thus aims to provide both formative coaching during project cycles as well as a summative competency assessment prior to conferring degrees. The multiple layers of criteria-based review involving faculty advisors and outside experts helps ensure graduates have truly mastered technical and professional skills befitting their educational experience and prepared for industry or further academic endeavors. The process reflects Georgia Tech’s commitment to producing graduates that can thrive as practitioners, innovators and leaders in their respective fields.