Design of an introductory engineering course

摘要

The design of an introductory engineering course at the University of Minnesota is described. The course, How to Model It: Building Models to Solve Engineering Problems, is a first quarter first year course that focuses on problem formulation, design and construction of models, and drawing conclusions from modeling results. Students work in small teams an several problems selected from various engineering contexts. They learn how to use computer based modeling tools, including spreadsheets and equation solvers. The entire course is problem based, that is, the emphasis is on formulating and solving problems. Our procedures for integrating modeling and design in the course are described. The text for the course is A.M. Starfield, K.A. Smith and A.L. Bleloch's (1994) How to model it: Problem solving for the computer age. Problems such as the 10 problems in How to Model It (ping-pong, purging a gas storage tank, the student's dilemma, tennis, etc.) are given to help students learn engineering and modeling concepts.