A strong basis in physics is required for the success of any engineering student. As such, the development of novel systems and methodologies in physics which improve engineering education have generated much interest. Likewise, diverse populations of students can benefit by inverting this paradigm; using engineering practices and techniques to better communicate physics. While primarily an engineering college, our institute also offers strong programs in interior and industrial design. Though

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... ot focused on advanced computation, an understanding of physics concepts is vital to any good design. The goal of our Conceptual Physics course is thus to develop the ability of students to evaluate the form and function of their work through an understanding of general physical principles. In the past, student engagement has suffered as students struggled to relate class topics to the design fields. Borrowing from successful aspects of engineering education, I have recently redesigned this course to better complement the practical and applied nature of these disciplines. Rather than traditional problem solving and calculations, students learn through analysis of complex systems. In lieu of homework and exams, the focus of the class has been shifted to group projects and case studies which demonstrate the application of important topics. As a centerpiece of the course, students are tasked with the construction and presentation of Rube Goldberg chain-reaction machines. This provides a structure by which students can test and refine their understanding of physics topics while highlighting their creativity and ingenuity. In this talk, I will outline the new structure of the course and discuss the improvements in student engagement.