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Course 2 Spring 2025 Updates

2.00 Introduction to Design, (in place of 2.00B)

A 6-unit, second-half-term subject that will have the same time for lectures MF 3:30-5:00. 

 In addition, MechE is also offering several other subjects tailored to first-years:

  • 2.00A: Designing for the Future: Earth, Sea, and Space – 9 units, Full-term subject
  • 2.00C: Design for Complex Environmental Issues – 9 units, Full-term subject
  • 2.S00: Introduction to Manufacturing – 6 units, Second-half-term subject [H4]
  • 2.S01: Introduction to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles – 6 units, Second-half-term subject [H4]

Each of these subjects can be substituted for the requirement to take 2.00 or 2.00B for our 2A degree. You can find a full list of 2.00 substitutions here. Additional information about each of these courses can be found below. We will announce the instructors for 2.00 (Introduction to Design) early in January and will follow up with you by email to make sure you have this information to support your pre-registration decisions.

We respect the time and care that students put into planning their schedules each term. Should you need help planning between now and the pre-registration deadline, please email Emma Dunn Santana (me-undergradoffice@mit.edu).

We also provide a number of tools that may be useful during your planning process. 

MechE Course Checklists & Planners:

  • Course 2 Checklist & Planner: here
  • Course 2-A Checklist & Planner: here
  • Course 2-OE Checklist & Planner: here

Sample Schedules

  • Course 2 Sample Schedules: here
  • Course 2-A Sample Schedules: here
  • Course 2-OE Sample Schedules: here

2.00A Designing for the Future: Earth, Sea, and Space
Prereq: Calculus I (GIR) and Physics I (GIR)

Student teams formulate and complete space/earth/ocean exploration-based design projects with weekly milestones. Introduces core engineering themes, principles, and modes of thinking. Specialized learning modules enable teams to focus on the knowledge required to complete their projects, such as machine elements, electronics, design process, visualization and communication. Includes exercises in written and oral communication and team building. Examples of projects include surveying a lake for millfoil, from a remote controlled aircraft, and then sending out robotic harvesters to clear the invasive growth; and exploration to search for the evidence of life on a moon of Jupiter, with scientists participating through teleoperation and supervisory control of robots. Enrollment limited; preference to first-year students.

2.00C[J] Design for Complex Environmental Issues [Full-Term subject]
Prereq: None

Working in small teams with real clients, students develop solutions related to the year’s Terrascope topic. They have significant autonomy as they follow a full engineering design cycle from client profile through increasingly sophisticated prototypes to final product. Provides opportunities to acquire skills with power tools, workshop practice, design, product testing, and teamwork. Focuses on sustainability and appropriate technology that matches the client’s specific situation and constraints. Products are exhibited in the public Bazaar of Ideas and evaluated by an expert panel. Class taught in collaboration with the Edgerton Center, D-Lab, and Beaver Works. Limited to first-year students. Preference given to students who have completed 12.000, but open to students outside Terrascope when space permits.

2.S00: Introduction to Manufacturing [Second-half-term subject, H4]
Prereq: None

Manufacturing drives modern society. Electronic devices, clothing, toys, food, and so many products travel through factories and supply chains before arriving on our doorsteps. And, manufacturing’s imprint on the world includes its significant energy consumption and carbon emissions. This class will introduce you to manufacturing processes used for everyday products, along with emerging technologies including 3D printing and AI applied to manufacturing. We will span the spectrum from prototyping to large-scale production, and will discuss designing for manufacturing, sustainability, and how factory systems work. The class involves interactive lectures, hands-on labs, factory visits, and team project-based learning. Students will also interact with faculty guest lecturers leading manufacturing research across MIT.

2.S01: Introduction to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles [Second-half-term subject, H4]
Prereq: None

Description: 2.S01 will provide the students with an in-depth insight into autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), by introducing theoretical and practical aspects of the AUV design process; including fundamentals of naval architecture, electrical systems design, mechanical design and software design. Students will assemble their own AUVs by using a kit of parts and guidance from instructors, beginning with core electronics and building out a full vehicle for deployment in the Charles River on the MIT campus in the final weeks. Students will carry out waterproofing vacuum tests, pre-launch sub-system tests and dockside tests for ballasting; followed by in-water low-level control tuning runs. They will also construct autonomy missions; first in simulation, followed by in-water autonomous missions to conduct an environmental survey in the Charles river. The final labs in the class will include group competitions involving in-water challenges. Enrollment Limited Due to Equipment Limitations.