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Session 1526

Hands-on Experiments: Engineering and the Human Body Stephanie Farrell1, Jennifer Kadlowec2, Anthony Marchese2, John Schmalzel3, and Shreekanth Mandayam3

Rowan University Glassboro, NJ 08028

Abstract The human body is an exquisite combination of interacting systems which can be analyzed using multidisciplinary engineering principles. We have developed a series of hands- on modules that introduce freshman engineering students to chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering principles through application to the human body. Students are engaged in the scientific discovery process as they explore the engineering systems within the human body using exciting hands-on “reverse engineering” methods. The modules explore respiration, metabolism, pulmonary mechanics, the cardiovascular system, work and power, electrical signals, biomechanics, and mechanics of materials. Through the investigation of these systems, students learn basic concepts of mass and energy balances; fluid flow; work, energy, and efficiency; forces and levers; material strength and stresses; and electrical signal processing. This paper describes each module and includes an outline of the relevant measurements, calculations, and engineering principles.

Introduction This project is an integrated effort by the Faculty of Engineering to develop effective methods for teaching engineering from an applied, multidisciplinary point of view. The basis of the project is the fact that the human body is an exquisite combination of interacting systems which can be analyzed using multidisciplinary engineering principles. We have developed a series of hands-on modules that introduce chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering principles through application to the human body. Students are engaged in the scientific discovery process as they explore the engineering systems within the human body using exciting hands-on “reverse engineering” methods. This project borrows measurement techniques and laboratory experiments widely used in fields of health sciences and exercise physiology, modified to address engineering principles [1]. This paper provides an overview of all the modules that will be introduced in the Spring 2002 Freshman Clinic course at Rowan.

Rowan University is pioneering a progressive Engineering program that uses innovative methods of teaching and learning to prepare students better for a rapidly changing and highly competitive marketplace, as recommended by ASEE [2]. Key features of the program include: (1)

1 Department of Chemical Engineering 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering 3 Department of Electrical Engineering Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Schmalzel, J., & Marchese, A., & Kadlowec, J., & Mandayam, S., & Farrell, S. (2004, June), Hands On Experiments: Engineering And The Human Body Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13056