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Enhanced Integration of Mathematics and Physics into the Engineering Curriculum

CHARLES V. SCHAEFER JR. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION (RIEE). Enhanced Integration of Mathematics and Physics into the Engineering Curriculum. Hamid Hadim Department of Mechanical Engineering Ed Whittaker Department of Physics and Engineering Physics

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Enhanced Integration of Mathematics and Physics into the Engineering Curriculum

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  1. CHARLES V. SCHAEFER JR. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION (RIEE) Enhanced Integration of Mathematics and Physicsinto the Engineering Curriculum Hamid Hadim Department of Mechanical Engineering Ed Whittaker Department of Physics and Engineering Physics George DeLancey Department of Chemical, Biomedical & Materials Engineering Patrick Miller Department of Mathematics Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 1

  2. BACKGROUND • An average of approximately 40% of students nationally leave engineering before graduation • Unsuccessful experiences in freshmen courses was found to be one of the major factors contributing to this retention problem • Mathematics and physics are at the core of engineering problem solving and engineering design • Freshmen and sophomore engineering students fail to recognize the applicability of mathematics and physics to engineering • Students may lack the motivation necessary to obtain a thorough understanding of key mathematical and physics concepts or do not retain key elements of knowledge needed for the engineering courses • traditional approach of teaching students the required mathematics and physics simply as prerequisites to subsequent engineering courses is unsatisfactory • A more integrated approach is needed Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 2

  3. PROJECT OBJECTIVES GOAL: Develop modules with engineering applications and “proof-of-concept” methodologies needed to enhance integration of mathematics and physics into the engineering core courses. Achieving this goal is expected to result in: • Improved retention of key knowledge in mathematics and physics needed in future engineering courses • Greater understanding of key concepts in math and physics and their application to engineering • Enhanced interest in mathematics and physics • Increased student motivation/engagement • Increased student satisfaction • Increased student retention Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 3

  4. PROJECT TASKS • Conducted a comprehensive literature search • Conducted a survey of engineering faculty to identify key skills and competencies in mathematics and physics that are necessary to core engineering courses • Developed sample modules in mathematics with engineering applications • Developed a common methodology for systematic problem solving • Coordinated the course outcomes for mathematics, physics and mechanics of solids • Developed physics lecture demonstrations for active learning; some of them will be integrated into related engineering courses • Prepared surveys for assessment of the project modules and methodologies Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 4

  5. MODULES IN MATHEMATICS WITH ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 5

  6. WEB SITE FOR MODULES WITH ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS • Collection of modules that connect math and physics to engineering applications • Each module includes the following components: • Engineering application background information • Concepts or skills in math and physics that are covered • Exercises (interactive) that are assigned for credit. • Links to other websites to allow further exploration of the engineering application or related engineering discipline • Contact information to a faculty member with professional interest in the topic or related application Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 6

  7. SURVEY OF SKILLS IN MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS NECESSARY TO ENGINEERING Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 7

  8. SURVEY OF SKILLS IN MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS NECESSARY TO ENGINEERING (Continued) Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 8

  9. SURVEY OF SKILLS IN MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS NECESSARY TO ENGINEERING (Continued) Enhanced Integration of Math, Physics & Engineering RIEE-NJCC Meeting, September 27, 2005 9

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