Albuquerque, New Mexico
June 24, 2001
June 24, 2001
June 27, 2001
2153-5965
13
6.661.1 - 6.661.13
10.18260/1-2--9481
https://peer.asee.org/9481
477
Paper #808 for Multi-Media at ASEE 2001 Session 2793
Introductory Design in Freshman Engineering
Gunter W. Georgi and Lorcan M. Folan Department of Introductory Design and Science Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Abstract
Polytechnic University teaches a 4-credit course in Freshman Engineering that introduces students to software and hardware tools, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills, project management, as well as overview lectures on major technical and non- technical disciplines. Several laboratory experiments and two term projects emphasize engineering design. Examples of student designs are presented.
I. Introduction
Our world is becoming ever more complex. It is no longer possible to cope by relying on expertise from a single discipline. Freshmen in engineering schools must come aboard the “speeding train of runaway information overload” and be able to sort out what is and what is not relevant. They must be able to work in multi-disciplinary teams and be able to present their activities to peers as well as supervisors. To this end Polytechnic University teaches EG1004, Introduction to Engineering and Design, that provides freshman students with an overall perspective on engineering, and useful tools and work methods that will be of great utility to the students in the years to come.
II. Background to the Course
EG1004 consists of lectures (1 hr/wk), laboratory work (3 hrs/wk), and recitations (2 hrs/wk) for an academic semester. Activities and examples from a variety of engineering disciplines are presented and a selection of professional tools (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, AutoCAD, LabView) are introduced. Students are exposed to team building activities and must make presentations (both written and oral), as an individual and as a member of a team. Some laboratory work involves design competitions and the students must select one of two semester-long design projects that require teamwork and develop project management skills.
Folan, L., & Georgi, G. (2001, June), Introductory Design In Freshman Engineering Paper presented at 2001 Annual Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 10.18260/1-2--9481
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