Described is a study of the feasibility and desirability of offering undergraduates freedom to select the course content in a first year course on the properties and use of civil engineering materials. A report of a series of interviews with students participating in the study is appended. (JMD)

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)