Examines three broad areas related to the formal learning of engineering. These areas focus on: (1) approaches to learning; (2) developing engineering curricula; and (3) curriculum planning for the future. Also considers whether current engineering curricula can accommodate needed changes. (JN)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) launched a team competition to design a space glove. Discusses space glove specifications, the competition and competitors, team characteristics/membership, the judging process (with Kansas State University the winner), and lessons for…

Suggests five ways to make college proposal-writing assignments correspond more closely to the proposal-writing situations faced by engineers. They include emphasizing sales proposals over in-house planning or research and development proposals, using actual or fictional cases as the basis for assignments, and requiring oral presentations of the…

Engineers in industry were surveyed to identify what they think are important skills to emphasize in the general engineering curriculum. Results, based on 62 questionnaires (100 were mailed), are presented and discussed. One finding is that industry highly values reasoning and communication skills in addition to engineering skills. (JN)

The text of an interview with Erich Bloch, National Science Foundation (NSF) director, is provided. Among the topics/issues explored are NSF's role in policy research, mission and goals of NSF, establishment of NSF Engineering Research Centers, and national security issues involving access to supercomputers in universities that NSF is funding. (JN)

Describes an apparatus (built from domestic plumbing pipes and fittings) that uses only water and electricity (as consumables) to investigate basic mass and heat balances in a system with recycle. Also describes experiments using the apparatus. (JN)

Describes a course (given to junior/senior students with strong background in thermodynamics and transport phenomena) that covers the theoretical and practical aspects of properties estimation. An outline for the course is included. (JN)

Previous work focused on use of computer graphics in teaching thermodynamic phase equilibria for classes I and II. Extends this work to include the considerably more non-ideal phase behavior shown by classes III, IV, and V. Student and instructor response has been overwhelmingly positive about the approach. (JN)

Describes an activity in which undergraduate students read an international publication to help them have a broader vision of the subject being studied, encourage constructive criticism, promote discussion, and stimulate efforts toward better oral and written communication in the students' native language. (JN)

Reviews job prospects for electrical/electronic E/E engineers, indicating that 1985 was not a banner year due to problems in the semiconductor manufacturing industries and in telecommunications. Also indicates that an upturn is expected for 1986 E/E graduates. (JN)

Describes a relatively inexpensive system which allows students in a digital control course hands-on experience in the implementation of control algorithms on a variety of processes. The system uses two computers, one for real time simulation of the process and the other for implementation of the digital control algorithms. (JN)

To evaluate the use of computer graphics for illustrating kinematics in an undergraduate course, a student project of mechanism simulation and analysis was carried out using a recently acquired workstation. This project is described. (JN)

Discusses assessments offered by a report on the definition and characteristics of the engineering profession. Historical development, long-range impact, and career management concerns are addressed. Concludes that the expanding roles for engineers throughout today's society contribute to the definition dilemma. (DH)

The objectives and philosophy of the Catalysis Laboratory at Brigham Young University are discussed. Also discusses recent and current research activities at the laboratory as well as educational opportunities, research facilities, and sources of research support. (JN)

The design and construction of models forms the foundation of first-year design teaching (totaling 18 class hours) in the three-year mechanical engineering program at the Royal Military College of Science. Lists the aims of this approach, providing examples of the types of models produced by students while solving engineering problems. (JN)