Describes a single input/single output feedback control system design program for IBM PC and compatible microcomputers. Uses a heat exchanger temperature control loop to illustrate the various applications of the program. (ML)

A successful California engineering program helps minority students graduate from college by providing a strong student network, extensive tutoring and counseling, and direct faculty involvement. (MSE)

Explains how multiple choice test items can be devised to measure higher-order learning, including engineering problem solving. Discusses the value and information provided in item analysis procedures with machine-scored tests. Suggests elements to consider in test design. (ML)

Presents an overview of the teaching of plastics at various levels of technological education in the Netherlands focusing on mechanical engineering. Highlights the design process and discusses the Dutch perspective of the role of materials engineering in engineering curricula. (ML)

Proposes that there is a universal method for all realms of knowledge. Reviews Descartes's definition of the universal method, the engineering definition, and the philosophical basis for the universal method. Contends that the engineering method best represents the universal method. (ML)

Describes the use of assumptions, restrictions, and constraints in solving difficult analytical problems in engineering. Uses the Navier-Stokes equations as examples to demonstrate use, derivations, advantages, and disadvantages of the technique. (RT)

A series of articles describes college programs designed to educate professionals for the telecommunications industry. Topics discussed include strategies for meeting the needs of the telecommunications industry, policy and management programs, interdisciplinary approaches, and telecommunications as taught in engineering technology programs. (CLB)

Describes a program option for undergraduate chemical engineering students interested in biotechnology. Discusses how this program is deployed at the University of Southern Florida. Lists courses which apply to this program. Discusses the goals of teaching applied microbiology to engineering majors. (CW)

Describes a course offered at Manhattan College which examines some of the ethical problems particular to the field of engineering. Considers religious perspectives on the nature of work and technology. Places special emphasis on case studies. (TW)

Describes the development of an "executive game" which is designed to give students of civil engineering some impression of the wider context of the design of a building project in which the client, architect, contractor, regulatory authorities and community interest groups all play a part. (CW)

Reports on a survey of experts from industry and academia which attempted to identify the top ten major career fields for engineers, including materials, biotechnology, automation and robotics, computer engineering, metals and mining, neural modeling, along with marine, aerospace, environmental and energy-related engineering. (TW)

Reports on the findings of a national survey done by the University of the Pacific's School of Engineering pertaining to cooperative education programs. Presents the results in terms of co-op student composition, educational backgrounds of coordinators, coordinators' caseloads, and time spent on career counseling. (TW)

Reviews the status of chemical engineering and the chemical industry in the United States. Identifies problem areas for engineers and proposes new directions for chemical engineering courses. Discusses the significance of these new directions for bachelor's degree programs. Proposes that the function of a bachelor's degree should be general…

Summarizes the National Research Council report "Frontiers in Chemical Engineering: Research Needs and Opportunities." Highlights areas at the frontiers of chemical engineering research. Discusses the relevant audience of the report. Points out sources of funding for research. Emphasizes education related recommendations for universities…

The National Science Foundation (NSF) believes three areas of engineering education require attention: (1) lack of qualified faculty; (2) updating and maintaining instructional instrumentation, equipment, and facilities; and (3) inability to transmit knowledge of some engineering disciplines to students. NSF approaches to solving these problems…