Project-Based Learning Curriculum for the Junior Year Based on Building a Laser Tag System

摘要

This paper describes a Project Based Learning (PBL) curriculum that spans the junior year of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. This curriculum consists of two, lock-step semesters. During fall semester all juniors (120+ students) enroll in three, four-credit-hour core classes: 1) analog circuit design (ECEn 340), 2) digital signal processing (ECEn 380), and 3) embedded programming (ECEn 330). During winter semester students practice the concepts learned during these earlier core courses by constructing an advanced laser-tag system (alternatively referred to as the junior project). Laser-tag is an excellent target because it provides an engaging way to integrate the concepts and practices from very different areas of electrical and computer engineering.