Design of an introductory engineering course

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 on 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 Starfield, Smith and 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. The instructional format for the course is a combination of problem-based learning and cooperative learning. Problem-based learning was described by Barrows and Tamblyn as ''... the learning that results from the process of working toward the understanding or resolution of a problem. The problem is encountered first in the learning process.'' Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups of students working together to accomplish a task. Formal cooperative learning groups are structured to include five critical elements--positive interdependence, face-to-face (promotive) interaction, individual accountability/personal responsibility, teamwork skills, and group processing.