2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper reports on the success and “lesson learns” of an introduction to engineering
course taught at [*] University for the past two years. The course focuses on an investigating
hands-on approach to learning as well as design and development of engineering
products/processes. The course provides first-year engineering students with wide-ranging
knowledge of the engineering field, to create cohort comradery and develop engineering skills in
a fun, interesting, and challenging manner. The course curriculum integrates lectures and
discussions based on several case studies of a variety of engineering disciplines. It provides an
overview of fundamental STEM engineering subject matter, 'hands-on' group activities, and
several engineering designs and construction projects. Hands-on group activities present students
with engaging assignments that foster teamwork, effective communication, creativity, critical
thinking, and problem.
Early lectures and discussions consist of an introduction to the engineering profession,
encompassing engineering design, communication, and ethics along with understanding the
importance of developing good study habits, participating in an internship or co-op, and joining
national engineering organizations and on-campus clubs to help students network and prepare for
a career in engineering. civil, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering disciplines in
conjunction with a variety of sub-disciplines are presented in later lectures and discussions,
including; aerospace, computer science/ engineering, energy, materials, manufacturing, industrial,
automotive, structural, environmental, biomedical, agricultural and aqua-cultural engineering.
Case studies related to each career field are presented and discussed. Case studies also include
career options in each field, typical work environments and duties, current occupational outlook
and median salary data, as well as examples of noteworthy problems and challenges encountered
and overcome in specific engineering fields.
Exposure to fundamental STEM subject matter in this course is intended to provide
students with a brief overview of the scientific and mathematical knowledge base which the
students will use in other engineering courses and eventually, in their engineering careers. Many
topics are introduced, including numerous engineering variables related to length, time, mass,
force, temperature, electric current, energy, and power; computational engineering tools;
engineering symbols and drawings; engineering materials, probability, and statistics; and
engineering economics.
Learning impact and course outcome has been assessed by applying quantitative and
qualitative measures, informal assessments, and anecdotal records. The data has been collected on
different activities and sessions of the course. The analysis and assessment of collected data of
students' hands-on activities with a relatively large student sample will be presented. Other
institutions interested in promoting engineering programs may replicate the implemented model
of the course due to its effectiveness, as reported in the session.