As a requirement for graduation, each student must complete an independent technical project that may be research in nature or involve the solution of an industrial problem. The project involves literature searches to become familiar with the subject to be studied, as well as two oral and written presentations to classmates and department faculty. Laboratory work is completed to expand on the literature search and the results must be presented in a technical report to engineering standards. The total time for the semesters work is approximately 125 hours. Students are assigned a faculty advisor to provide assistance or guidance when required.