Describes an interactive data retrieval system which was designed and implemented for casual users and which incorporates a user-friendly interface, aids to train beginners in use of the system, versatility in output, and error recovery protocols. A 14-item reference list and two figures illustrating system operation and output are included. (JL)

Describes an advanced simulation illustrating how basic engineering skills can be combined with economic considerations and risk-taking judgments to effectively design and operate a chemical processing unit in a competitive environment. The simulation is used as one of five projects in a technical management course. (SK)

Discusses theory of mental models--i.e., representations of relationships within a system which enable the user to produce mental simulations of the system's actions and develop ways of dealing with it--and its implications for user training, interface design, and overall systems design. (EJS)

A new masters degree program tailored specifically to train technical and scientific personnel to become managers is offered at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Cost of the program is paid by participant's company which also pays the participant's salary while at school. Highlights of the degree program are provided. (Author/JN)

Describes the chemical engineering program at the University of Missouri--Rolla, including undergraduate and graduate programs, faculty and their research areas, and research facilities. (SK)

Discusses rationale for and use of multiple choice examinations in material balances, unit operations, reactor design, and process control courses. Describes computer scoring of student reaction to, and future plans for these examinations. (SK)

Summarizes data from a 1980 survey of the Engineering Manpower Commission of the American Association of Engineering Societies. Reports numbers of Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. awards to engineering and technology graduates; also degrees granted to women and minorities. (CS)

Students complete a project at Ohio University to understand the process of plant design. This and other goals of a plant design course are discussed, including student/instructor presentations and typical problems confronted by the instructors of the course. (JN)

Discusses a design course to provide design experiences, increase personal awareness, and increase communication skills. In addition to designing projects and considering the design decision-making process, group dynamics is fostered, using groups formed on the basis of results from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). (JN)

Points out that, although effective environmental education programs exist at the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels in England, a lack exists at the postsecondary levels. Argues for environmental education programs to train scientific monitoring technicians and technician engineers and to increase environmental awareness among…

Describes the Automated Reasoning Assistant (AURA) computer program at the Argonne National Laboratory. Given a set of initial assumptions (axioms) and a problem, AURA follows a logical path leading to a solution. Includes types of problems which can be solved. (JN)

Develops Volterra model for spread of information in group analytically and by simulation and compares characteristics of both methods. Topics of modeling, equilibrium, linearization, stability, error analysis, and parameter identification are incorporated in obtaining the solutions. (SK)

Discusses rationale behind and content of a course (Industrial Pollution Control Techniques) combining knowledge from fields of industrial chemistry and chemical engineering and utilizing this knowledge in the context of understanding pollution problems and potential methods of pollution control. (Author/SK)

The gap between academe and industry due to differences in goals, motivations, philosophies, and perspectives is discussed as it relates to U.S. engineering education and industry. Influences affecting "gap size," reasons for diminishing the gap, and linking mechanisms are described. (MLW)

Reported is a study which assessed the differences between female and male Ph.D.'s in the areas of salary and promotion. Results indicate female Ph.D.'s receive less pay and fewer and slower promotions than their male counterparts. (DS)