In response to declining enrollment and industry concerns about entry workers' skills and competencies, Drexel University (PA) has revamped its engineering curriculum to create a "technical liberal arts degree" that incorporates elements of other disciplines. Other institutions are experimenting with this and other approaches to…

Conducted a study to identify the factors that predict persistence and success in baccalaureate engineering programs. Reports that the variables that contributed significantly were freshman achievement test scores in algebra and chemistry, high school grade point average, degree of focus of science interests, motive for engineering choice, and…

In order to investigate interpersonal skills between librarians and engineering personnel, 140 surveys were distributed to engineering special librarians. Responses were used to evaluate interaction and potential communication barriers. Results indicated that library awareness problems and communication difficulties can be overcome through…

Examines production and cost structures of 28 Turkish universities to estimate their economies of scale and scope. Estimates multiproduct cost functions for teaching and research, examining social, health, and engineering sciences departments across 186 college faculties. Average incremental and marginal costs are highest for graduate instruction…

Presents an annotated bibliography of 48 outstanding children's science books. Entries are grouped under six headings. The appropriate age range is noted for each book. (BB)

A study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) found a positive relationship between freshman (n=262) decidedness regarding academic major and both anticipated adjustment (prematriculation) and actual adjustment (postmatriculation), more academically than socially. Comparison with another study suggests the relationship is stronger in…

Reports on 15 tasks, as outlined by the Pipeline Implementation Committee of the American Society for Engineering Education, that are within the sphere of influence and the responsibility of university engineering deans for sustaining a vital corps of engineering practitioners and professors in an era of increasing technological change. (JJK)

Reviews the mathematics utilized in the design and construction of suspension bridges, in general, then illustrates these mathematical concepts by examining data associated with the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the two peninsulas of Michigan. Emphasizes the strong interest factor these gigantic structures have for students by attaching a sense…

Discussed is the idea that fundamental engineering research must be funded in both universities and industry to maintain U.S. competitiveness in the global market. The importance of an adequate level of fundamental engineering research in universities, industry, and government to which the education of undergraduate students, graduate students,…

Described is a senior project course that is intended to prepare graduates for solving problems in a real engineering environment. Students in electronics engineering technology may choose between an independent study option and a structured course in which they design and implement a project in a specified field. The scheduling, evaluation, and…

The role of evaluation in electric utility demand-side management (DSM) programs is explored, including the importance of evaluation in determining financial incentives that a company will earn for DSM programs. A hypothetical example is presented of the types of problems that might arise when evaluations are subject to litigation. (SLD)

Describes the engineering profession and recommends that parents encourage their children to be interested. Studies show most children do not hear much about engineering even though it is one of the country's best-paid professions. Some suggestions are offered for high school courses interested students will have to take. (SM)

The drawn ideas of inventors Edison and Bell are analyzed in a systematic way to help understand the inventive process and how inventors think. By storing sketches on a computer the researchers have been able to recreate the probable lines of reasoning used by the inventors. (KR)

Describes occupations involved with safety and health including safety professionals, industrial hygienists, health and regulatory inspectors, public health microbiologists, ecologists, pollution control engineers, health physicists, and ergonomists. (JOW)

A study examined work and family variables that differentiate college faculty (n=97) in English and engineering who are more and less current with regard to their discipline's knowledge base. Factors examined include amount and flexibility of work- and family-related responsibilities, work standards, and time spent on research and professional…