Describes an approach outlined by sciences and engineering librarians at the University of California, Santa Barbara to attract users--specifically graduate students and faculty--to the available online databases and services. The strategy focused on the essentials of planning, preparation and publicity, presentation, and post-workshop evaluation.…

Considers the opportunities and ethical issues involved in genetic testing. Reviews the history of genetics from the first discoveries of Gregor Mendel, through the spurious pseudo-science of eugenics, and up to the discovery of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick. Explains how genetic tests are done. (MJP)

A summer/Saturday science program was designed to assist minority students with achievement in advanced mathematics and science courses at the high school level, and to encourage these students to pursue science and engineering degrees in college. The program involves field experiences and individual research projects. Students can earn advanced…

Focuses on ways to foster and access creativity in engineering students. Presents three case studies that demonstrate the importance of establishing freedom in the learning process as well as providing motivation be it extrinsic or intrinsic. Describes how to monitor the level of success in fostering creativity in students. (Author/PVD)

Describes the use of final-year projects as a showcase for engineering students' creativity. The project may be any combination of research, design, or developmental work and culminates in a written, oral, and visual presentation to a professional audience. The students' own creativity determines the format of the three presentation forms and…

Examines the benefits of introducing finite element methods into the curriculum of undergraduate courses. Analyzes the structure of the computer-assisted-design module and the extent to which it fulfills its main objectives. Discusses the efficiency of modern teaching and learning techniques used to develop skills for solving engineering problems;…

The approach used by the University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) in designing a campus-wide information architecture and a framework for reengineering the business process included building consensus on a general philosophy for information systems, using pattern-based abstraction techniques, applying data modeling and application prototyping, and…

A study using 1977 and 1987 data on earnings differentials between male and female engineers found that most of the difference was not accounted for by productive characteristics such as education and experience and was therefore due to discrimination. In addition, the proportion of the earnings differential not explained by productivity has…

Discussion of the delivery of multimedia using streaming technology focuses on its use in engineering education. Highlights include engineering education and instructional technology, including learning approaches based on cognitive development; differences between local and distance education; economic factors; and roles of Web-based streaming,…

Examines chemical engineering students' attitudes to text and other parts of English language textbooks. A questionnaire was administered to a group of undergraduates. Results reveal one way students get around the problem of textbook reading. (Author/VWL)

Reports on a study done at Oxford University on why young people chose to pursue a career in the physical sciences and engineering. Characteristics of schools that appeared to influence students to pursue a study of science were also investigated. Currently, England, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, and Portugal have contributed information to…

Discusses the collaborative development of technology-based teaching materials for use within civil and structural engineering departments in higher education. Describes a project funded by the European Union called SteelCAL that is based on a partnership between the European steel industry and universities to involve faculty in curriculum…

Reviews the use of MTutor, a virtual learning environment, in assisting final year engineering project students to adopt industry best practices for design in their projects and to improve their problem-solving skills. MTutor is designed to support problem-solving skill development in learners through Web-based virtual tutorials, which are…

Several Native American engineers discuss the current state of their profession and the very competitive nature of today's engineering workplace. Native engineering students need to take advantage of mentors and internships. Graduate school, job training, and networking are critical to keeping Native American engineers caught up with the latest…

This paper begins by examining the profound impact of energy usage on our lives, and on every major sector of the economy. Then, the anticipated US energy needs by the year 2025 are presented based on the Department of Energy's projections. The paper considers the much-touted National Energy Policy Report, and identifies a major flaw where the…