Designing Assignments and Rubrics for Multidisciplinary Capstone Projects for Engineering Students as Part of Integration of Curriculum and Programs

Many universities around the world use the term "Capstone Projects" to describe the final stage of learning process. Through Capstone Projects, students have to demonstrate their final achievements via a project designed to bring together aspects of the undergraduate student's learning experience. This allows students to apply the range of knowledge and professional skills they have learned. In the case of engineering students, skills are including: data interpretation, application of theory, problem solving, innovative design, multi-disciplinary teamwork, communication skills and ethics (Ward, 2013). Through reviewing designs for Capstone Projects in different universities and based on comments from Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), Ward (2013) concluded that Capstone Projects are high impact practices that enhance students' capabilities and performances. These projects also have some characteristics such as: demanding significant time and effort, offering learning environment outside of the classrooms, encouraging interaction with various people within universities and outside, and eventually, delivering regular and essential feedback.