Engineering Design Minor FAQs

How do I get on the EDES list to receive updates and notices? Fill out the EDES Information Form.  We will use this list to send email updates occasionally. We pledge not to send too many emails to this group. Signing up on this form DOES NOT officially register you for the minor.

When can I get advice about the minor? Email the OEDK at oedk@rice.edu and your request will be routed to the appropriate faculty.

How should I prepare for the advising session? Please review the courses that are required for the minor (above). There will be a form to fill out to list the course you have taken and you can discuss any special circumstances with the advisor. We do not expect the session to take long but it is important to do this each semester to be sure you are on track.

When can I declare the Engineering Design (EDES) minor? At the advising session, bring the paperwork (described below) to get signed by the faculty advisor. Be sure to keep a copy of the form for yourself in case the registrar’s office loses it. We will also keep a copy for our records. 

What is the procedure for proposing substitution of BIOE 392 for ENGI 350 for the EDES Minor?

Who: All who have/will take BIOE 392 may receive credit for ENGI 350 if, they submit documentation of design transfer or implementation for a design project that was completed as part of a course or internship.

The technical memo should address and demonstrate your experience in transfer or implementation of a design solution. The memo should describe the project, including the project goals and a brief description of the prototype/solution. Then the memo should describe in detail two of the following steps that have been taken with this project and your role in creating/completing those steps. In an appendix include additional documentation with supporting evidence of the two steps (e.g. patent application, charts/graphs of testing, user manuals, etc.). It should be clear that this is not an additional assignment or task, but a documentation of tasks that were completed and evaluated as part of a class or internship. Clarifying questions should be directed to Dr. Hunter at hunterd@rice.edu. Submitted materials will be reviewed by the EDES Minor faculty advisory board who will make the decision for substitution approval.

1. Testing (description of the test design, test results, and analysis)

2. Cost analysis or economics for manufacture (bill of materials, quotes for manufacture/assembly)

3. Intellectual property analysis (compelling feature, patent search, provisional patent application,

invention disclosure)

4. Refined Design for Manufacture (technical drawings, spec sheet, assembly instructions)

5. Safety & Failure analysis (safety manual, regulations/standards, hazard analysis)

6. Manuals (user, maintenance, etc.)

How do I declare the Engineering Design Minor?

To declare your major, minor, and/or university certificate:  (The following came from the Rice University Registrar’s website)

1. Login to ESTHER.
2. Print an unofficial transcript.
3. Go to Student Services & Account Information > Degrees, Majors, and Minors Declared > UG Declaration and Change of Major (or Minor or University Certificate) Form.
4. Print and fill out the form. Note: You must submit a separate form for EACH major (or minor or university certificate) you are adding or dropping.
5. Take the completed form and transcript to the appropriate department for approval. Have the advisor and/or department chair for the major/minor/university certificate sign the UG Declaration and Change of Major (or Minor or University Certificate) Form.
6. If the form cannot be signed immediately by the major (or minor or university certificate) advisor and/or department chair, leave it with the department for signature and pick it up when complete.  Please Note:  We discourage students from leaving their forms with the department to be forwarded to our office, especially during the deadline period.  
7. Return the completed form in person to the Office of the Registrar.