D-Lab I

D-Lab I ⁠⁠— Feasibility Studies

Applications open for Spring 2021 Here!

Course Description:

In this project-based course, cross-disciplinary student teams work with community partners to perform feasibility studies using technical, social, environmental, and financial lenses. Students will act as consultants with the community partner as the client.

Using a capacity analysis framework, students will learn to apply tools such as project framing, prior art research, stakeholders, LCA, and SWOT analysis, to guide the client towards a solution. The focus will be on improving resilience for communities to deal with major events such as health crises, wildfires, etc. Teams present their findings with regard to scale, context, stakeholder analysis, and possible alternatives.

Deliverables: Students will be graded on in-class labs, a sector research paper, two group presentations, participation, and a final report. (Subject to Change)

Check out past student projects here!

See the Spring 2021 D-Lab I poster here!

Examples of Past Projects

Sustainable Logging (Congo)

Museum Accesibility (Shrem)

Vintage to Electric Tractor (UCD Student Farm)

Policy

Assignments: All assignments will be turned in as hard copies during the class period in which they are due. Final reports require a hard copy plus an electronic copy. Late work will not be accepted without prior arrangements.

Attendance: Attendance and punctuality are mandatory (you are only allowed 1 unexcused absence). Furthermore, since your work in this class has the potential to impact the lives of people around the world, we expect an appropriate level of commitment.

Laptops and Smartphones: There will be no use of phones or laptops in class without prior approval from the instructor.