Evaluates influence of computer assisted instruction on engineering education, considering use of computers to remove burden of doing calculations and to provide interactive self-study programs of a tutorial/remedial nature. Cites universities requiring personal computer purchase, pointing out possibility for individualized design assignments.…

Describes courses which involve undergraduate research in chemical engineering at the University of Colorado. Presents the author's personal philosophy concerning such research, motivational techniques to encourage research, forums for disseminating research results, and possible sources of funding including the National Science Foundation's…

Reviews purpose, characteristics, and project results of the Science and Engineering Technology (SET) curriculum project, characterized by an interdisciplinary course of study with a skill focus in electronic instrumentation, leading to an associate degree or to transfer into a baccaulaureate curriculum in science, engineering, or technology. (CS)

Follows the increase of the pH in a solution of vinegar during neutralization with commercial antacid tablets. Provided are background information, equipment details, procedures, and details of the data analysis. (MVL)

Discussed is a method to teach undergraduate students how to complete a conceptual design. Presents three tools to use: (1) how to use order-of-magnitude arguments to simplify problems, (2) how to derive design heuristics, and (3) how to decompose large problems into a set of small, simple problems. (Author/MVL)

Models which demonstrate the concept of moment of force in two- and three-dimensional cases and have been well received by students are described. Photographs and instructions for each model are provided. (MVL)

Two lessons from comparable undergraduate courses in physics and engineering are analyzed to identify content, issues emphasized, and concepts used. Differences reflecting the pure nature of one field (physics) in contrast to the applied nature of the other are identified. Implications for classroom instruction and for research on college teaching…

Evaluates the teaching and learning processes in a computer-supported first-year undergraduate course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey (England). Students saw the workshop delivery as being more interesting, effective, and efficient than lecture-based delivery; help from the tutor was seen as the most…

The University of Birmingham (England) Product and Manufacturing System (PAMS) design project is a major engineering design project undertaken by student teams and is spread over three undergraduate years. The project's objectives, open-ended student task, team member selection method, focus on transferable skills, supervision, and peer assessment…

Provides a statistical record of black progress in U.S. institutions of higher education. Data highlight the state of racial inequality, black graduation rates ranked by institution, total grant dollars expended by various foundation grants for black students, and the progress of blacks in attaining engineering degrees. (GR)

Examines the benefits of introducing finite element methods into the curriculum of undergraduate courses. Analyzes the structure of the computer-assisted-design module and the extent to which it fulfills its main objectives. Discusses the efficiency of modern teaching and learning techniques used to develop skills for solving engineering problems;…

The University of North Carolina's Electrical Engineering Department developed and delivered a course for undergraduate engineering students. The course integrated technical, social, and ethical perspectives on problems and issues faced in the world of practicing engineers. It achieved this integration by making use of professors in engineering,…

A 3-year project was developed to increase students' abilities to perform competently as professional engineers. The project sought to infuse into existing courses concern for, practice with, and development of three competencies critical to professional success: problem-solving, communication, and value clarification. Eight elementary and…

Described is a course on technology for undergraduate, non-technical students at the University of Utah. The course is designed to acquaint the students with the effects of technology and technological change on lifestyles and the issues which, when they arise, will require decision-making by intelligent citizenry. Materials necessary for…

Engineering is coming to rely more and more heavily upon the computer for computations, analyses, and graphic displays which aid the design process. A general purpose simulation system, the Time-shared Automatic Control Laboratory (TACL), and a set of computer-aided design programs, Control Oriented Interactive Graphic Analysis and Design…