Advocates that introductory computer aided design (CAD) courses be incorporated into engineering curricula in close conjunction with the system dynamics course. Block diagram manipulation/Bode analysis and finite elementary analysis are used as examples to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of CAD teaching. (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)

Provides: (1) a glossary of terms used in biochemical engineering; (2) a list of key developments in the field; and (3) emphases placed in 15 topic areas in a course restructured on the basis of these developments. Topic areas include enzyme kinetics/applications, genetics and microbial control, transport phenomena, and others. (JN)

A one-month graduate course on time series analysis is offered in the department of chemical engineering at the University of Queensland (Australia). Describes the course, which is based on an interactive graphics time series identification and modelling computer package (TSIM). Also describes time-series analysis procedure and the TSIM package.…

Discusses the basic computer-oriented skills needed by chemical engineering graduates, suggesting that these skills be introduced and reinforced throughout the chemical engineering curriculum. Issues related to programming and scientific computation are noted. (JN)

University of California's (Berkeley) chemical engineering department developed an in-house course as a prerequisite to senior laboratory (where students must write reports and make oral presentations). The course, which focuses on technical communication skills, is described, with special reference to instructional strategies used and structure…

Describes the design laboratory at the Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT). Considers course objectives, design projects, project structure, mechanical design, project management, and laboratory operation. This laboratory complements SIT's course in process design, giving students a complete design experience. (JN)

Discusses: (1) continuing engineering education (CEE) in developing countries and particularly the Brazilian experience; (2) financial sources provided by legislation passed by the government of Brazil and their importance for CEE expansion; and (3) CEE in traditional classroom education and limitations due to schedules for working engineers in…

Proposes establishing a central office as the focus for generating university cooperation in Europe, particularly in continuing engineering education. Also suggests that this office could become the nucleus for more general cooperation between European universities, especially in contributions they make to the research and development needs of…

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)

Provides background information on the Quality of Engineering Education Project (QEEP) which began in 1984. Project goals include examining use of educational technology and the role of the undergraduate engineering laboratory and ensuring that American engineering education has the faculty required for excellence in the decades ahead. (JN)

The Quality of Engineering Education Project Task Force on the Undergraduate Engineering Laboratory used questionnaires to gather information/opinions (from academia, industry, and professional societies) on the laboratory's value and objectives. Findings and recommendations are presented and discussed, including one encouraging cooperation with…

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…

Discusses (1) the nature of business games (interactive management simulation exercises in which participants choose values that will guide decision making); (2) selecting and using these games in engineering courses; and (3) developing and administering such games. A sample test for a business policy game is included. (JN)