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Modern Making

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Modern Making (MAKR) Courses

MAKR 100 Introduction to Microcontrollers and Physical Computing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Physical computing is a term for interactive physical systems that combine software and hardware to sense and respond to the analog world. In this hands-on course, students will learn to employ design thinking to create solutions that satisfy design requirements, and combine programming, microcontrollers, sensors, and output devices to develop conceptual and functional physical computing prototypes.

This course is designed for makers, artists and inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, hobbyists, and anyone interested in solving problems, developing or enhancing products, improving business processes, gaining additional job skills, or creating interactive art. No prior experience with programming or microcontrollers required. Students will need access to an Arduino microcontroller starter kit.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • design and prototype physical computing solutions using the principles of design thinking.
  • evaluate and choose appropriate physical computing technologies to meet project requirements.
  • utilize software, microcontrollers, and related electronic components to create prototypes and devices that respond to environmental and user inputs.

MAKR 101 The Internet of Things

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The course is an introduction to the concepts and technologies that enable the Internet of Things (IoT), including software, microcontrollers, network technologies, sensors and actuators. In this hands-on course, students will be introduced to the history and evolution of IoT, analyze and evaluate a variety of IoT systems and devices used in manufacturing, environmental monitoring, home automation, medical devices, and consumer products, and use design thinking and hardware and software skills to design, build, and test a simple IoT prototype.

This course is designed for makers, artists and inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, hobbyists, and anyone interested in enhancing job skills, solving problems, developing or improving products and business processes, or creating interactive art. No prior experience with programming or microcontrollers required. Students will need access to an Arduino microcontroller starter kit.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate Internet of Things (IoT) products and devices in everyday settings, and analyze the implications for privacy, security, and autonomy.
  • apply design thinking and principles of interface design to develop an IoT prototype.
  • create interactive objects that integrate programming, microcontrollers, networking, sensing, and actuation.

MAKR 110 3D Design for Additive Manufacturing

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this hands-on course, students will design and fabricate 3D objects using computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printers. They will participate in the design process and become familiar with the advantages and limitations of each 3D printing technology in terms of precision, resolution, and material capabilities. Students will employ design thinking to create solutions that satisfy design requirements, and apply 3D printing technology to develop conceptual and functional prototypes. Designed for students with no prior experience with 3D printing or design.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate various 3D printing technologies and materials and choose the appropriate technology for a given application.
  • design and develop solutions and prototypes using the principles of design thinking.
  • utilize software tools to create, modify and prepare three dimensional models for printing.
  • produce objects using a 3D printer.

MAKR 111 Digital Fabrication

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

In this hands-on course, students will design and fabricate objects using computer-aided design (CAD) software and a variety of digital fabrication tools and technologies, including 3D printing (3DP), laser cutting, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling, while employing design thinking to create conceptual and functional prototypes that satisfy project requirements.

This course is designed for makers, artists and inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, hobbyists, and anyone interested in enhancing job skills, solving problems, developing or improving products and business processes, or creating works of art. No prior experience with digital fabrication required.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate various digital fabrication technologies and materials and choose the appropriate technology for a given application.
  • design and develop solutions and prototypes using the principles of design thinking.
  • utilize software tools to create, modify and prepare two-dimensional and three-dimensional files for fabrication.
  • produce objects using a 3D printer, a laser cutter/engraver, and a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mill.

MAKR 290 Modern Making Capstone Project

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:MAKR 100, 101, 110, and 111 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The capstone project is an opportunity for students to demonstrate applied interdisciplinary skills, creativity, problem solving, and design thinking in the development of an in-depth making project. Working with faculty, students will create a project plan and develop a work product using skills, technologies and techniques of making. Students may choose to extend a prototype developed as part of a MAKR class, or address an identified challenge or need from the perspective of a specific discipline. Successful projects integrate modern making skills and techniques, and embody an awareness of a variety of constraints, including economic factors, user experience, safety, reliability, resources, market needs, aesthetics, ethics, and social impact. Students will have the opportunity to present their work as part of spotlight and showcase events. Students are required to supply materials and supplies to complete their projects.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • use the principles of design thinking to design and develop a comprehensive project.
  • evaluate various modern making technologies, techniques, and materials and select the appropriate approach or combination of approaches to create a comprehensive project.
  • produce and present a comprehensive modern making project.

MAKR 295 Independent Studies in Modern Making

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

MAKR 298 Work Experience in Modern Making

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 110 and ESL 325
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Modern Making. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. The student is required to complete 37.5 hours of related paid work experience, or 30 hours of related unpaid work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 37.5 or 30 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • identify competencies for effective and competitive workforce performance as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and his/her employer or work site supervisor at the start of the semester.
  • manage personal career plans and decision making using industry & workforce information and online resources
  • behave professionally and ethically, exhibiting adaptability, initiative, self-awareness and self-management as needed.
  • exhibit effective communication, collaboration, leadership skills at work, with consideration to workplace dynamics and social and diversity awareness.
  • demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace.

MAKR 299 Experimental Offering in Modern Making

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.


MAKR 498 Work Experience in Modern Making

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGWR 110 or ESL 325
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Modern Making. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. An additional 37.5 or 30 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • identify competencies for effective and competitive workforce performance as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and his/her employer or work site supervisor at the start of the semester.
  • manage personal career plans and decision making using industry & workforce information and online resources.
  • behave professionally and ethically, exhibiting adaptability, initiative, self-awareness and self-management as needed.
  • exhibit effective communication, collaboration, leadership skills at work, with consideration to workplace dynamics and social and diversity awareness.
  • demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace.