Discusses the basic computer-oriented skills needed by chemical engineering graduates, suggesting that these skills be introduced and reinforced throughout the chemical engineering curriculum. Issues related to programming and scientific computation are noted. (JN)

University of California's (Berkeley) chemical engineering department developed an in-house course as a prerequisite to senior laboratory (where students must write reports and make oral presentations). The course, which focuses on technical communication skills, is described, with special reference to instructional strategies used and structure…

Describes the design laboratory at the Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT). Considers course objectives, design projects, project structure, mechanical design, project management, and laboratory operation. This laboratory complements SIT's course in process design, giving students a complete design experience. (JN)

Discusses: (1) continuing engineering education (CEE) in developing countries and particularly the Brazilian experience; (2) financial sources provided by legislation passed by the government of Brazil and their importance for CEE expansion; and (3) CEE in traditional classroom education and limitations due to schedules for working engineers in…

Proposes establishing a central office as the focus for generating university cooperation in Europe, particularly in continuing engineering education. Also suggests that this office could become the nucleus for more general cooperation between European universities, especially in contributions they make to the research and development needs of…

Argues in favor of establishing an accreditable curriculum in "pure" astronautical engineering (leading to a bachelor of science degree in this field), giving reasons why such reform is needed (including equating "astronautics" with "aeronautics") and why a new curriculum is needed. (JN)

Provides background information on the Quality of Engineering Education Project (QEEP) which began in 1984. Project goals include examining use of educational technology and the role of the undergraduate engineering laboratory and ensuring that American engineering education has the faculty required for excellence in the decades ahead. (JN)

The Quality of Engineering Education Project Task Force on the Undergraduate Engineering Laboratory used questionnaires to gather information/opinions (from academia, industry, and professional societies) on the laboratory's value and objectives. Findings and recommendations are presented and discussed, including one encouraging cooperation with…

Questionnaires were sent to 534 contractors in Pennsylvania asking which construction courses best prepare students for careers in construction engineering. Results (based on a response rate of 38 percent, N=104) of the contractors attitudes toward seven subjects and their background are presented and discussed. Implications for the curriculum are…

Describes a semester-long project in which students designed, built, and operated an apparatus to separate particles by fluidization principles. Each laboratory group worked on a separate step of the design in a sequence selected by the instructor in a manner similar to the way a design team might function. (JN)

Employment opportunities remain high for electrical/electronic (EE) engineering; although leveling-off has occurred in the personal computer area, there is expansion potential in telecommunications. Specific skills sought by EE employers and data on women in EE fields are noted. (DH)

Describes a drying experiment useful in presenting the concept of simultaneous heat and mass transfer. Background information, equipment requirements, experimental procedures, and results are provided. The reasonably good agreement in the calculated rate of drying and that observed experimentally makes students feel confident in applying…

Presents highlights of the addresses of Arthur G. Hansen, Robert C. Seamans, Jr., and Edward R. Kane to the plenary session of the annual conference of the American Society for Engineering Education. Topics include energy, economics, governmental regulation, and the role of minorities and women in engineering in the coming century. (SL)

The data in this report show trends in doctorate awards by science and engineering (S&E) field and recipient characteristics, institutions awarding doctorates, and postgraduation plans of recipients. The source of the data is the Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED). The SED is conducted annually for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and four…