Degrees of freedom analysis, the nature of Sorel's equations and sparsity patterns, equation-tearing strategies, simple and complex separation operations, and the complete tearing method are among the topic areas addressed in this discussion of equilibrium-stage operations, with and without computer applications. (JN)

The organization and contents of a linear algebra course for chemical engineers are described. The course, which emphasizes both abstraction and application, meets twice a week for two hours and runs largely as a lecture, although active student participation is encouraged by frequent questions from the instructor. (JN)

Offers suggestions for introducing polymer topics into: (1) introductory chemical engineering; (2) transport phenomena and unit operations; (3) chemical engineering thermodynamics; and (4) reaction engineering. Also included for each area are examples of textbooks in current use and a few typical problems. (JN)

Current chemical engineering textbooks teach that the driving force for diffusive mass transport in ideal solutions is the gradient in mole fraction. This is only true for ideal solution liquids. Therefore, it is shown that the appropriate driving force for use with ideal gases is the gradient in partial pressure. (JN)

Describes the major aspects of a 20-lecture introductory course for environmental science students, showing how microcomputers can help teach dynamic systems concepts. Also discusses the continuous stirred tank reactor as a simple dynamic system, higher order systems, frequency response, nonlinear systems, and feedback control. (JN)

Describes: (1) the Small Business Institute (SBI); (2) SBI in the Engineering Management Department at the University of Missouri-Rolla; (3) student engineering design projects with the small businesses; and (4) benefits of the program and lessons learned. (JN)

Defines the engineering method by: (1) giving a preliminary definition and examples of its essential term (heuristics); (2) comparing the definition to a popular alternative; and (3) presenting a simple form of the definition. This definition states that the engineering method is the use of engineering heuristics. (JN)

Expands on a previous discussion of FORTRAN 77 by describing one of its more powerful innovations--the block IF as the basic implementation for the control structures used in writing structured code. Also shows use of DO-loop as a natural substitute for the black IF in implementing control structures. (JN)

Presents the organization, constitution, bylaws, board of directors, councils, and committees of the American Society for Engineering Education. (SL)

Discusses a survey of curricular allocations to mechanics in departments and schools of engineering. Tables show trends of coverage of mechanics topics and faculty perceptions of teaching and learning trends. (MLH)

To use the concept of probability and uncertainty estimation is a common practice in daily life. To assist students in learning the fundamentals of probability and statistics, not through the usual class and note taking, a group-learning and practical "statistical system" was designed. By connecting with the main statistical center, students not…

This document reports the findings and recommendations of the Task Force on the Environment, which was established in 1998 to provide guidance to the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Task Force was charged with two major responsibilities: (1) reviewing the scope of current NSF activities related to research, education, and scientific…

This paper is an attempt to comprehend, in a more objective way, the students undertaking the second semester at the Technical and Scientific Center from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). The research was carried out at the beginning of the semester, in one of the classes formed by students undertaking General…

It is agreed that new faculty members should begin teaching careers at the first year graduate level in their specialities where their most recent experiences can be put to good use. Later, after they acquire teaching experience, they should be allowed to teach at lower levels. (DF)

An awareness of alternative societal trends and future university structures can stimulate new ideas on specific programs and can illuminate the potential profound significance in the redirection of engineering education. (DF)