Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Can I take the course online?

Yes. The course is delivered in a hybrid format, with synchronous online and in-person sessions. Students who need to attend the course online for any reason must clarify and obtain approval from the course instructor and TA at the beginning of the term. Please note that attendance and active participation during class and in group discussions is required, and insufficient participation may result in a loss of marks.

How do attendance and participation count?

 Attendance and participation together make up 10% of the overall course grade. Students are expected to attend class on time and actively engage in class activities and group discussions. Participation will be evaluated by the instructor and TAs based on demonstrated engagement. This policy applies to both in-person and online participation.

Are there resources to help find projects or industry partners?  

The course will provide a set of pre-approved projects, some of which may involve external or industry partners. These projects serve as the primary resource for project selection. Students may also propose their own external projects , however those projects are required to be reviewed and approved by the instructor before work begins.

When will the projects become available for viewing and selection?

Project descriptions will be released one to two weeks before the start of the term. Students will be able to review the projects in advance and form teams.

Project selection follows a first-come, first-served principle. After forming a team, students are required to submit their team member list and top three project choices to the instructor. Final project assignments will be made by the instructor based on team preference and project availability to ensure a fair and balanced distribution.

Is it mandatory to work in a group?

Yes. All students are required to work in groups, and all team members must be enrolled in this course.

How are individual contributions assessed in team submission?

Grades for team submissions are subject to possibledifferentiation within the team (different team members willlikely be assigned different grades for team submissions). Thisdifferentiation is based on several criteria, including peerfeedback (e.g., through ITPMetrics), tracked workload, quality ofspecific tasks performed by each team member, and feedbackfrom other stakeholders (advisors, project partners, etc.).

What is the Design Day? 

uOttawa Design Day is a formal end-of-term event where student teams showcase their course projects. During Design Day, each team will present their project to audiences that may include instructors, TAs, peers, and invited guests (judges).

Teams are expected to clearly explain their project objectives, approach, and outcomes, and may be asked questions about their work. Design Day provides an opportunity to demonstrate what your team has accomplished and to practice professional communication and presentation skills. For more details, please visit uOttawa Design Day official website at https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-engineering/centre-entrepreneurship-engineering-design/design-day. 

Authenticity Verification Tool: TurnItIn Originality

We will be using the software TurnItIn Originality for confirming the authenticity of your submissions. It uses text- matching technology to detect sections of your text that have not been properly referenced. The system will allow you to view the authenticity report before you submit your final report to help you adequately reference your sources. When your work is submitted via Turnitin's originality verification, Turnitin may use your personal information. They do not sell or rent your personal information as defined by applicable laws. They use and disclose your personal information only to operate, provide, improve, and develop their services. You can learn more about these purposes on Turnitin's services privacy policy page. For any questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information, please

contact TLSS at saea-tlss@uOttawa.ca. If you do not wish to submit your work through TurnItIn Originality, you must inform the professor in writing at the start of the course (within the first two weeks).

Use of AI Tools 

You are welcome to use generative AI (GenAI) tools to enhance your learning experience in this course. AI tools may be used at various stages of the assignment process, including but not limited to:

• Brainstorming ideas

• Conducting preliminary research or locating resources

• Drafting, revising, or structuring written work

• Editing language and grammar

• Creating illustrations or visual aids

Your use of AI should be intentional and should contribute meaningfully to your project work.

Documentation and Attribution

All AI-generated contributions must be clearly identified and properly documented, including clearly indicating AI-generated text within the main deliverable (e.g. Appropriate in-text citations). Students may refer to APA guidance on citing AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT).

Guidance on this topic is available at the following link: Citing Generative AI – University of Ottawa Library

If you have any questions, you’re encouraged to contact the library directly: Ask the Library – University of Ottawa

Students are responsible for ensuring that any AI-generated content is accurate, complies with academic integrity standards, and respects intellectual property rights. Misuse of AI in a way that misrepresents a student’s own work will be treated as a violation of academic integrity.

Restrictions on AI Use

• Students are not permitted to upload any course materials considered the instructor’s intellectual property to GenAI platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture slides, recordings, cases, discussion posts, assignment documents, or other course-related resources.

• Students must not upload copyrighted materials to GenAI tools without explicit permission from the copyright holder.

• Students are responsible for ensuring full compliance with copyright laws and university policies.