The Capstone Experience at the University of Minnesota

Abstract. The capstone course at the University of Minnesota's Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

Department is evolving along with departmental growth and expansion. A teaching specialist was hired to co-teach the course with a tenured faculty member, bringing 35 years of real world experience. Course details have varied over recent years while exploring options in areas such as use of design notebooks, posters, web site construction, team formation options, team dynamics, project plan presentations, design exercises, use of videotaping presentations, ethics, progress reports, and monitoring team progress and individual contributions. This is a designated writing intensive course at the University of Minnesota and that adds teaching challenges. Project sponsors and projects are recruited and vetted to hopefully provide all students with a positive experience. The paper will present and discuss both failures and successes.