Described is a heterogeneous catalysis course which has elements of materials processing embedded in the classical format of catalytic mechanisms and surface chemistry. A course outline and list of examples of recent review papers written by students are provided. (MVL)

Presented is a review of the literature on the development of university and industry research cooperation and conflict up to the early 1980's. The founding of both research universities and industrial America, two world wars, the space race, and protest movements provide points of reference for this period. (MVL)

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)

Points out three areas that the American engineering community must consider related to global competition: technology, languages, and cultural understanding. Several American and foreign universities' efforts to include the topics in their programs are examined. (MVL)

Discusses the needs and properties of human systems including issues of safety and the holistic approach in engineering. Lists a suggested introductory engineering curriculum. Describes characteristics of future realities in managing technology. (YP)

Describes a graduate engineering course which specializes in model predictive control. Lists course outline and scope. Discusses some specific topics and teaching methods. Suggests final projects for the students. (MVL)

Discusses a computer assisted learning system for engineering statistics based on personalized system of instruction methods. Describes the system's network, development, course structure, programing, and security. Lists the benefits of the system. (MVL)

Reasons for declining engineering enrollments, particularly among black, Hispanic, and women students, are not fully understood but may be attributable to low student motivation, poor college preparation, reduction in job opportunities due to corporate downsizing, and decreases in available financial aid. Implications of this trend for overall…

An instructional approach used in a civil engineering curriculum at Queens University of Belfast (Northern Ireland) incorporates development of communication skills into active learning assignments. A "learning from disasters" exercise and two mock public inquiries illustrate the use and benefits of the technique. (Author/MSE)

Describes a study that was conducted to explore factors that influence the adoption and use of electronic networks and network services by science and engineering faculty at six small universities and colleges. Topics include intensity of use, physical access to a networked workstation, and perceived access. (Author/LRW)

In a Singapore study of the evaluation of engineering students' writing, engineering lecturers and language lecturers marked scripts differently. Analysis showed that engineering lecturers placed more emphasis on students' understanding of a process rather than their expression of that understanding. (Contains 13 references.) (LB)

Examines college student perceptions of barriers to women's careers in science and engineering, particularly changes occurring since a study conducted in 1961 and differences between genders. Data from 110 male and 173 female university students suggest that perceived barriers correlate most with work and family conflicts and gender relations. (JB)

A study investigated study habits of 154 educationally disadvantaged engineering students enrolled in developmental studies programs in 3 South African universities. Aspects examined include entry skills, study patterns throughout the first year, and characteristics of students whose study habits changed over time. Implications for admission and…

The existing methods for graphically illustrating projection and coordinate systems for manual and computer-aided drafting and design are examined. Inconsistencies in methods used to graphically depict first and third angle projection in texts and the lack of attention in the relationship of projection to coordinate systems are noted. (KR)

An algorithm is described for generating smooth curves of first-order continuity. The algorithm is composed of several cubic Bezier curves joined together at the user defined control points. Introduced is a tension control parameter which can be set thus providing additional flexibility in the design of free-form curves. (KR)