Recommended Topics

URC is more than just an engineering competition.  We challenge teams to learn new disciplines, and expand their skill sets.  Below are several topics that we encourage to research and better understand.  Many of these topics will be points of emphasis during the milestone reviews.  But more than just writing better reports, understanding these topic will help your team be stronger and have a more successful experience!

• • Project Management

  • Systems Engineering

  • Systems Development Life Cycle

  • Work Breakdown Structure

  • Schedules and Gantt Charts

  • Organizational Chart

  • Test Plan

Budget Tables and Gantt Charts for URC

Further Reading

These references are not the only sources of information, but are worthwhile references.  We'll occasionally add new references to this list.

• NASA Systems Engineering Handbook

• What is Project Management (Project Management Institute)

  • A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (Project Management Institute) - Unfortunately not a free reference but this is widely regarded as being the foremost reference in the field

Wireless Communications at URC

While URC imposes unique requirements on the use of specific radio frequency bands for communication, teams must also ensure they are complying with all applicable regulations of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  In particular (but not exclusively), teams should pay attention to "Part 15" regulations:

Code of Federal Regulations Title 47: Telecommunication, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Part 15: Radio Frequency Devices

Subpart C: Intentional Radiators, provides details regarding specific frequency bands and their applicable regulations.