Am I that out of touch? Young engineers seldom start from scratch on a project. Data sheets have examples of applications. You find one close to what you need and adapt it. Yes, I can se seasoned engineers taking the option of starting from scratch. Students are not seasoned engineers and won't be for a few years. Trying to convince them they have to start from nothing doesn't help them learn. Examples that "almost work" might help them more. Give them ideas to start with.