Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Greg Waidley, University of Wisconsin - Madison; Jason Bittner, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

impacts our current transportation system has, not only on ourmobility and safety, but also upon the environment, disadvantaged populations and numerousother aspects of our built and human environment.This being said, it is important to explore new approaches to transportation education. Bringingtogether transportation students from various disciplines, such as engineering, planning, andpublic policy seems to enhance the learning experience and may potentially result in a more wellrounded transportation professional capable of influencing better transportation decision-making.At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and sponsored through the Gaylord Nelson Institute forEnvironmental Studies, is an interdisciplinary, graduate-level certificate

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Farison, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

the College of Arts &Sciences by combining the new Institute of Engineering Science and the established B. S. inComputer Science program, which was previously offered through the Department ofMathematics. When the initial faculty had completed planning for a full degree program with anappropriate set of all new engineering courses, the 1985-86 catalog announced the full degreerequirements and curriculum plan for the new B.S. in Engineering Science program, initiallywith computer, electrical, and mechanical “options.”In 1988, the Department of Engineering and Computer Science, still a unit within the College ofArts and Sciences, moved into its own new building, called the Rogers ECS Building, after thedonors whose contribution enabled the

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Capstone Design Projects

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Charles Dolan, University of Wyoming; Ovid Plumb, University of Wyoming

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

Education, 2008 Interdisciplinary Capstone Design Program A Case StudyAbstractTo advance interdisciplinary engineering, an all college multi-disciplinary senior design programwas initiated. The initial project was a two year effort to design an automated transit system forthe campus. The first semester was a planning stage to establish vehicle, route and infrastructureparameters. The planning semester was followed by three semesters of sequential design.Students enter the program at various stages of development and must complete defined portionsof the overall project. The program places emphasis on documenting work, picking up workinitiated by others and communicating design objectives

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Ruhala, University of Southern Indiana; Laura Ruhala, University of Southern Indiana; Eric Sprouls, University of Southern Indiana

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

not enrolled in engineering courses their first year. This wasidentified as a reason that more than half of the incoming freshman left engineering after the firstyear. It was anticipated that this problem could worsen since the mathematics and sciencerequirements are more rigorous in the upcoming engineering program. One engineering programin the United States indicated that a reason for low success among the pre-calculus engineeringuvwfgpv"rqrwncvkqp"ku"vjcv"vjg{"Ðncem"gctn{"gzrquwtg"vq"gpikpggtkpi"cpf."vjgtghqtg."ncem"uqekcnk|cvkqp"ykvjkp"vjgkt"fgenctgf"gpikpggtkpi"rtqitcouÑ3. The 5-year plan of study at USIexposes students to engineering their first year in class sizes normally less than 30 students,which should facilitate socialization

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Design Constituents

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Catherine Skokan, Colorado School of Mines; Michael Ewing, Colorado School of Mines; Barbara Moskal, Colorado School of Mines; Heidi Barker, Regis University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

populartelevision show, NUMB3RS, to teach mathematical and scientific content to middleschool teachers and their students. At this point in time, the faculty members were onlyminimally familiar with the television program but found the idea to be intriguing.Further investigation into this show resulted in the recognition that others had alreadypursued this idea. In particular, Texas Instruments (TI) and the National Council ofTeachers of Mathematics (NCTM) have partnered with CBS Broadcasting, Inc. (CBS) tocreate educational modules associated with the show. CBS further had grantedpermission to the educational community to tape and show segments of NUMB3RS forclassroom use2. TI and NCTM had jointly developed lesson plans in conjunction with thetelevision

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Ciaraldi, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; David Cyganski, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Michael Gennert, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Michael Demetriou; Fred Looft; William Michalson, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Bradley Miller, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Eben Cobb, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Lance Schachterle, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Kenneth Stafford, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Yiming Rong, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Gretar Tryggvason, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; James Van de Ven, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

WPI many entering students have recently expressed an interest in robotics. During theacademic year 2006/07, for example, over 130 visiting prospective students listed robotics eitheras a principal interest area or as their planned major on WPI Admissions Information forms. InFall 2005 and 2006, 96 and 101 freshmen, respectively, joined the WPI Robotics Team. One-third of them stated an interest in pursuing robotics for their senior project or academic major.43% had known of the WPI/FIRST/robotics connection before enrolling at WPI and 62% ofthese indicated that this knowledge was a strong positive reason for selecting WPI.3.0 Education in RoboticsOne may date the earliest robotics-related undergraduate curricula to the 1980’s where

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Teams

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carolyn Plumb, Montana State University; Durward Sobek, Montana State University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

collaboratively with our Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Committee, whichincluded a dozen faculty and professional staff from the college’s five engineering degreeprograms and one research center. This advisory committee also helped us develop andhone a set of “key attributes” for effective performance on a multi-disciplinary team. Thefinal set of key attributes selected is listed below: Interpersonal Communication Collaboration Understanding and Communicating Disciplinary Tradeoffs Empathy for Diverse Perspectives Planning and Organization Accountability and Reliability Common Goals and Shared Outcomes Conflict Management and Resolution Willingness to Learn Inclusive Decision MakingThese ten

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Teams

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ralph Ocon, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

is implemented. During the solution implementation phase, the problemsolver performs a variety of roles for implementing the idea including: directing, planning,organizing, and gaining support.Teamwork and the Creative ProcessTables 1 and 2 identify the major advantages and limitations of creative problem solving teamsover individual problem solving6.Table 1: Major advantages of creative problem solving teams • More information and knowledge available to solve problems • Generation of more ideas • Synergistic effects of problem solving teams • Different thinking skills available to solve problems • Greater likelihood for finding the best solution • Greater solution acceptance and commitment of the chosen solutionTable

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

William Waldron, Grand Valley State University; John Farris, Grand Valley State University; Hugh Jack, Grand Valley State University; Christopher Pung, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

Contact with junior robot Page 13.1380.3Figure 2. Decision matrixStudents made models of three of concepts using foam core, box cutters, and glue guns during thesecond week. Digital pictures, descriptions of each model, and a decision matrix for choosing the bestconcept were submitted along with solid models of each part of their design. A Decision matrix like theone shown in Figure 2 was used to select the best design. Process plans were required for the third weekalong with a Pro/E assembly file, G-codes to produce all parts with comments that identify which codesor lines were used to manufacture each feature of the part. A process plan

Conference Session

Experiential and Service Learning

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jim Chamberlain, Clemson University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

Society for Engineering Education, 2008 MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN OF STUDENT PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIESAbstractThe challenge with EWB-USA project design has been to reach the proper balance ofstudent-led creativity and learning, collection of data, and adequate expert review.Collection of data in a developing country has logistical barriers that are sometimesfrustrating. Furthermore, international travel is expensive, and much of the funds raisedgo directly into getting the students there. Therefore, collection of data on the preliminarysite assessment trip is critical and must be thoroughly planned. This paper explores theprocess and initial results of using an International Project Development (IPD) flowchartdeveloped by

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ronald Kander, James Madison University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

and, if feasible, to propose a type of program that will meetcurrent and future workplace needs for more qualified engineers, contribute to the overallacademic offerings of the university and the state, and attract additional qualified studentsinterested in science, technology, engineering, and math to the university.The task force established an aggressive timeline (Table 1) that took the group from concept toimplementation in little more than two years. In that time period, many external and internalsources of information were reviewed and considered in the design of the new program. Page 13.262.2 Table 1: Program Planning and

Conference Session

Research in Multidisciplinary Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gary Halada, State University of New York at Stony Brook; Mary Frame, State University of New York at Stony Brook; Chad Korach, State University of New York at Stony Brook; David Ferguson, State University of New York-Stony Brook

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

-intensive programintended for students in majors from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences or theCollege of Arts and Sciences at who wish to learn about the emerging field of nanotechnology.The coursework in the Minor provides a broad background in the science, design, manufacture,and societal, health and environmental impacts of nanomaterials and nanoscale structures andtheir applications in engineering and health related areas. The inclusion of a minimum of twosemesters of research in the students’ own major areas, as well as choice of technical electives,will allow for integration into current interests and disciplines, and will provide knowledge andskills valuable to students planning to seek employment or graduate studies in fields

Conference Session

Sustainability and Environmental Issues

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Achintya Bezbaruah, North Dakota State University; Wei Lin, North Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

needed for an environmental manager.Assignments, Tests, and Hands-on Model DemonstrationsFive to seven homework assignments and three to four tests are planned during a semester.Student inputs are being used to decide on the nature of assignments and tests. Assignments aredesigned to help the students learn additional topics not extensively covered in the class and todevelop the ability for critical analysis and problem solving. In-class tests were done away withafter the first year based on student feedback and instructor’s own evaluation. It was felt that theclass time spend on in-class tests can be better utilized for course discussion. Presently all testsare take-home and more extensive than the conventional in-class ones. The questions in

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Design Constituents

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daniel Walsh, California Polytechnic State University; Robert Crockett, California Polytechnic State University; Zahed Sheikholeslami, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company, where he was a lead engineer and Principal Investigator on projects to develop technology evolution plans for the Space Station.Zahed Sheikholeslami, California Polytechnic State University Page 13.1010.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Project Based Learning as a Catalyst for Academic Evolution and as an Incubator for Academic InnovationAbstractAs engineering education at the undergraduate level continues to evolve, the support structurerequired for educational approaches such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) is expanding toinclude not only the

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

William Waldron, Grand Valley State University; Pramod Chaphalkar, Grand Valley State University; Shabbir Choudhuri, Grand Valley State University; John Farris, Grand Valley State University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

. Previous work by the authors has focused onimproving the integration of CAE1,2 into mechanical engineering programs. Noble3 writes thatthere is “a need for a broad based individual that is capable of working in an integrated fashion ina team environment.” According to King and Lin4, “Industries need engineers who are versed instreamlining processes from design to planning to manufacturing.” Tsang and Wilhelm5developed a one-credit laboratory to “integrate the disciplines of materials science andengineering, manufacturing and design.” Noble3 also notes that “little is done to provide anysynthesis between the courses.”The goal of this paper is to document efforts to improve the experiences of students working inintegrated design project teams and

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation II

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James Farison, Baylor University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

expectation and the thirdproject (MATLAB research project) has a demonstrably higher expectation for the graduatestudents. Page 13.747.4Because of the perceived inherent value of, and the time devoted to, these three individualizedassignments and the resulting diversity that the whole class receives, very few traditionalhomework problem assignments are used. For example, in fall 2007, there were only tenhomework problems assigned during the entire course.Simulated Corporate Business EnvironmentSince the enrollment comprises mostly students who are planning to graduate that year, they arebecoming tired of the routine of lectures, homework, tests and

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Teams

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Samantha Jacques; Deepti Suri, Milwaukee School of Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

amongst them are(i) Assigning “tasks” to team members that tend to be outside their specialty and (ii) Creatingteams in which students of two closely related majors are placed on a capstone design team for ashort duration (typically a semester). These approaches are definitely steps in the right directionbut have limitations.This paper describes an innovative and sustainable framework to provide “multi-disciplinary”experience between the Biomedical Engineering (BE) and Software Engineering (SE) students atMSOE. The approach is neither an “after-thought”, nor an “add-on” to one of the existingcourses. It is a well-thought out plan for vertical and horizontal integration of this experiencewithin the curriculum. This interaction not only provides

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Teams

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Dong, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

leading the discussion. The goal is to providecontinuity between lectures and to provide anecdotal comments that reinforce what the primaryinstructor is discussing. These types of teaching collaborations require not only continualattendance in class, but regular coordination meetings outside of class. In most instances, lecturepreparation requires more effort, because one is preparing not only the lecture, but solicitinginput from the other teammate. For example, when leading a lecture the topic is prepared one totwo days early so the other instructor knows the content and a short meeting is planned to discusspoints they feel relevant to the topic and ways in which the supporting instructor can contribute.In this way the students realize the

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation I

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Rabb; David Chang, United States Military Academy

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

the student’s engineering education and put them through an intense integrationexperience. This program was designed to attract many more students to engineering; however,due to its significant attrition rate (an average 60%), this is one of the reasons why DrexelUniversity is planning to stop the program next year. However, our approach is very different.Instead of integrating the students in the freshman and sophomore years, we are integrating themin the senior year. The advantage is that the students are much more developed in theirengineering discipline and we are adding to that knowledge base. Page 13.788.2The analysis and design of

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary Course Innovation I

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Thornton, Emerson Climate Technologies; Kyle Shipp, Kettering University; Tony Lin, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

can limit thecoverage of the course materials and thus clearly defined objectives are vital to ensuring thateach group gets the most out of the available time. According to Robert F. Mager, “Clearlydefined objectives can be used to provide students with the means to organize their own time andefforts toward accomplishment of those objectives3.” For this reason, it is important to set theobjectives for the team project early in the process and perform periodic checks to make sure theteam is meeting those objectives. All team members should make and agree on a plan at thebeginning of the project so everyone understands the expected outcomes for the group and whatthey will gain personally from the experience.The best way to measure adherence to

Conference Session

Research in Multidisciplinary Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Chris Bachmann, James Madison University; Jeffrey Tang, James Madison University; Carl Puffenbarger, James Madison University; mike kauffman, James Madison University

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

http://clinton1.nara.gov/White_House/EOP/OSTP/CTIformatted/AppA/appa.html. Accessed 1-17-2008.5 That alternative fuels are popular today is evident to anyone who even occasionally reads a newspaper, as articleson this topic appear daily in national newswires.6 These included papers on biofuels, hybrids, and other projects. A complete, searchable list of projects can be foundon the ASEE website.7 In our AFV program, the quality of the students has increased from year to year, as it becomes more establishedand overall student interest in the topic intensifies.8 Gibbs, W. Wayt. (2006). “Plan B for Energy.” Scientific American, 295(3), 102-114

Conference Session

Multidisciplinary and Liberal Education

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew Heun, Calvin College; Steven VanderLeest, Calvin College

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

their campusesabout global warming (with a number of sessions related to energy). These events can provide aspringboard for discussions of the energy grand challenge among students and faculty.Calvin College has an example of a loosely-knit faculty organization called CEAP (the CalvinEnvironmental Assessment Program). This group of 10-15 faculty members meets occasionallyto share information about the state of the campus and exchange curricular and pedagogicalideas. Although not much more than a “birds of a feather” group, CEAP serves as an organizingentity for many environmentally-related classroom projects on campus. Recently, energy andclimate change projects have been planned in coordination with CEAP and have benefited fromobvious

Conference Session

Sustainability and Environmental Issues

Collection

2008 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kurt Rosentrater, USDA-ARS; Elif Kongar, University of Bridgeport

Tagged Divisions

Multidisciplinary Engineering

. Her research interests include the areas of supply chain management, logistics, environmentally conscious manufacturing, product recovery, disassembly systems, production planning and scheduling and multiple criteria decision making. Page 13.935.1© American Society for Engineering Education, 2008 Not Just Informative, but Necessary: Infusing Green and Sustainable Topics into Engineering and Technology CurriculaAbstractGenerally accepted duties of engineers and technologists encompass designing and implementingsolutions to problems. When so doing