Freshman engineering students at The Ohio State University may not consider their first year a thrill ride, but roller coasters do factor into the equation for some students. In fact, students who take Engineering 183.1 as part of the Fundamentals of Engineering Program sequence have the chance to test their knowledge through a Roller Coaster Competition.

As part of the practical, hands-on engineering experience in the project-based course, students work throughout the quarter to create the best roller coasters for their design project. The model roller coasters are judged at the end of the term.

Students who find the adrenalin rush too much to give up can join the Theme Park Engineering Study Group developed by a student who has since gone to work for the theme park development division of Universal Studios. Among the activities, the group has teamed up with the OSU chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to develop a motion simulator, a 3D experience with onscreen video and special effects to capture the rush of wind in your face.