Course Profile


Goals of the Course

Current topics in engineering entrepreneurship to enable students to better understand the role of the entrepreneur in creating start-up companies and leading young existing companies. 

Who is it designed for?

The course is available to all MSU students.

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives of this course are:

1. Develop student insight into opportunity recognition

2. Develop student self-confidence through successful examples

3. Help the student realize the basic business skills required to be a successful entrepreneur

These objectives are accomplished by providing case studies by successful entrepreneurs and lectures on business aspects such as venture capital and patent law.

Maker skills it develops

Throughout the seminar, students are exposed to the Maker Movement and are encouraged to explore MSU’s maker space and its network of labs. Many guest speakers who are successful entrepreneurs in our region are also some of the finest examples of Mississippi makers.

Prerequistes

There are no prerequisites. 

Skills, Tools and Technologies Used

The course contains an optional prototyping track within the class where students are expected to complete a working prototype of product concept. While the tools are not formally introduced, members of the school’s maker space are involved with the class and provide peer-mentoring through the process of CAD, 3D printing, and other prototyping processes.

Key Examples and Prior Work


Key Resources

Guest lecturers predominantly make up the course content, however tools such as the lean canvas and Disciplined Entrepreneurship by Bill Aulet are integrated.

Example Assignment

Students in the course have the option of entering a Product-based Business Competition, where they develop an idea, a business model around it, reach out to at least 5 potential customers, and produce a physical prototype by the end of the course. The project is given as an experiential learning tool to guide students through the entire process of making a market-validated product.

Lessons Learned


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