The applications of learning outcomes and competency frameworks have brought better clarity to engineering programs in many universities. Several frameworks have been proposed to integrate outcomes and competencies into course design, delivery and assessment. However, in many cases, competencies are course-specific and their overall impact on the…

Research on students' transition, retention and experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has increasingly focused on identity formation and on students' integration in the study programmes. However, studies focusing on the role of the curriculum in this process at the level of higher education are scarce. The present…

Because rapid growth of nanotechnology is expected to lead to intentional and non-intentional releases, future engineers will need to minimize negative environmental and health impacts of nanomaterials. We developed two upper-level undergraduate courses centered on life-cycle assessment of nanomaterials. The first part of the course sequence…

This paper presents our pedagogy for chemical process safety (CPS) education across the curriculum. Building on a unifying theme of "Conservation of Life" (COL), we have four goals: 1) Make students aware of CPS/COL principles, 2) Promote a culture of safety, 3) Assess student learning, 4) Require minimal resources. We discuss our experience and…

Many countries use national-level surveys to capture student opinions about their university experiences. It is necessary to interpret survey results in an appropriate context to inform decision-making at many levels. To provide context to national survey outcomes, we describe patterns in the ratings of science and engineering subjects from the…

Describes a chemical engineering course for senior undergraduates and first year graduate students in biochemical engineering. Discusses five experiments used in the course: aseptic techniques, dissolved oxygen measurement, oxygen uptake by yeast, continuous sterilization, and cultivation of microorganisms. (MVL)

Explores a graduate level bioprocess engineering course in protein purification and downstream processing. Designed to provide students with hands-on training in the design and implementation of product processing for the biotechnology industry. Includes syllabus and plan of study. (MVL)

Discusses the Undergraduate Curriculum Development in Engineering program. Provides a short history of the program. Describes 10 curriculum projects ranging from engineering design to industry participation. Each program is encouraged to develop: analytical ability, ability to innovate and synthesize, integrating ability, and contextual…

Reports on the results of a survey done in 1985 about chemical engineering undergraduate curricula. Compares the findings with similar surveys done in previous years, particuluarly 1981. Reveals that only minor changes have occurred since the 1981 survey, but projects greater changes by 1989. (TW)

Compares two engineering education reports which urge the following needs and emphases: attract and retain minorities, retain students already in engineering school, and allow students to enter the engineering program at various levels. Criticizes the Office of Technology Assessment's report and supplies prescriptions for the future. (MVL)

Discusses the relative roles of engineering and engineering technology. Questions where the baccalaureate engineering technology graduate fits within the engineering field. Lists four methods to improve marketing engineering to potential students and the public. Presents job production and the international picture. (MVL)

Describes an engineering course for graduate study in random media. Summarizes random media as bulk properties of ordered and disordered two-phase materials. Gives course outline for one semester. Topics include: disordered systems, microstructure determination, survey of models, connectivity, and effective properties. (MVL)

Reexamines the recommendations of "A National Action Agenda for Engineering Education." Cites at least one exemplary effort related to each. Covers the overburdened curriculum; practice oriented graduate programs; design, manufacturing, and construction; instructional laboratories; faculty pool, professional development for faculty;…

Presented is a blueprint for restructuring the first two years of the engineering curriculum. Four new concepts for the first two years are discussed: (1) the mathematical and scientific foundations of engineering, (2) fundamentals of engineering, (3) the engineering laboratory, and (4) the professional and personal enrichment program. (MVL)

Discusses the restructuring of the graduate program to accommodate emerging fields in engineering. Notes half of the graduate degrees Cornell grants each year are M.Eng. degrees. Offers 12 specialties: aerospace, agriculture, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and nuclear engineering; computer science, engineering physics; geological…