2.000: How and Why Machines Work
Spring 2004
http://psdam.mit.edu/2.000/start.html

[Introduction] [MEMS Accelerometer] [Microactuator]

Introduction

Subject studies how and why machines work, how they are conceived, how they are developed (drawn), and how they are utilized. Students learn from the hands-on experiences of taking things apart mentally and physically, drawing (sketching, 3D CAD) what they envision and observe, taking occasional field trips, and completing an individual term project (concept, creation, and presentation). Emphasis on understanding the physics and history of machines. M. Culpepper (Taken from MIT course catalog)

This class is a fun, introductory mechanical engineering class aimed at freshmen who have no prior experience in mechanical engineering. Assignments included taking apart things from a disposable camera to remote control cars and demonstrating a working understanding of different mechanical and electro-mechanical components. We also were given tablet PCs for use on projects in the class. Our two final projects were to design and build a MEMS accelerometer and a micro linear actuator in four person groups.