Discusses current problems in chemical engineering education at the University of Queensland (including those related to the laboratory, student/staff ration, literacy, motivation, course content, and structural changes). Also describes a proposed plan of the Queensland department to implement a scheme for resource-based education in chemical…

Examines three broad areas related to the formal learning of engineering. These areas focus on: (1) approaches to learning; (2) developing engineering curricula; and (3) curriculum planning for the future. Also considers whether current engineering curricula can accommodate needed changes. (JN)

A general laboratory course featuring microcomputer interfacing for data acquisition, process control and automation, and robotics was developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is now available to all junior engineering students. The development and features of the course are described. (JN)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health instituted a project in 1980 to encourage engineering educators to focus on occupational safety and health issues in engineering curricula. Progress to date is outlined, considering specific results in curriculum development, engineering society interaction, and formation of a teaching…

Argues in favor of establishing an accreditable curriculum in "pure" astronautical engineering (leading to a bachelor of science degree in this field), giving reasons why such reform is needed (including equating "astronautics" with "aeronautics") and why a new curriculum is needed. (JN)

Questionnaires were sent to 534 contractors in Pennsylvania asking which construction courses best prepare students for careers in construction engineering. Results (based on a response rate of 38 percent, N=104) of the contractors attitudes toward seven subjects and their background are presented and discussed. Implications for the curriculum are…

PLATO has become a successful method for computer-based education in a statics course since it offers diversified teaching/learning activities as well as alternative ways to teach content and exercise skills. Advantages for student learning are discussed, course guidelines are given, and a description of the course's computer graphics is provided.…

Discusses eight steps to modify the way engineering schools operate. They include hiring some experienced engineers as faculty, incorporating peer and student review of teaching performance in faculty evaluations, reversing the tendency to make curricula increasingly narrow and specialized, and adopting a systems approach to engineering education.…

Describes several key characteristics of professionalism and an engineering education curriculum which focuses on developing professionalism. The entrance course, teaching design, structured training, and continuing development are among the curricular areas addressed. (JN)

Presents a critique of existing methodology used in curriculum updates in academic institutions, suggesting that an integrated approach is more realistic and meaningful to study and to bridging the gap between academic curriculum and industry's needs. Specifically recommends that curriculum-related and job-related data be analyzed simultaneously.…

The Ainsworth-Lund transformation process model offers a framework for observing and assessing growth/development by identifying needs and matching them to available resources. The model's four phases are described and an annotated bibliography is provided which documents the engineering education experiences corresponding to each phase. (JN)

Reviews and discusses objectives of the humanities and social science (HSS) component in undergraduate engineering programs, examining variations in HSS requirements among engineering disciplines. Also suggests some innovative approaches intended to resolve the conflict between the objectives and the current reality in engineering curricula. (JN)

Describes: (1) the selection of honors students; (2) components of a superior education; and (3) honors programs at Iowa State University (ISU). Programs at ISU include honors courses, honors seminars, converted courses, independent study, as well as altering requirements. (JN)

A major problem in developing a microcomputer course is that the hardware is likely to become obsolete in a short space of time. This paper describes a solution to this problem in which a distinction between the computer system and application area is made. (Author)

Mechanics courses at West Virginia University are taught exclusively from programed instructional materials. Presents: (1) descriptions of these courses; (2) data indicating higher achievement by students participating in programed courses compared to students in courses using the lecture method; and (3) reasons for the success of the courses. (DH)