Welcome to Ben Burgoyne's AE Senior Thesis e-Portfolio
Reflection
ABET Outcome Survey
ABET Outcomes |
Outcome not able to be assessed
(Score of 0) |
Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable
(Score of 1) |
Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated
(Score of 2) |
More than minimum level of ability demonstrated
(Score of 3) |
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering |
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X |
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b. An ability to analyze and interpret data |
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X |
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c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs |
X |
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e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems |
X |
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f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility |
X |
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g. An ability to communicate effectively |
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X |
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h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context |
X |
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i. An ability to engage in life-long learning |
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X |
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j. A knowledge of contemporary issues |
X |
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k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice |
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X |
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o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program |
X |
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p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects |
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X |
CPEP Reflection
The website was a great way to organize and present the work performed during the course. It is easily accessible, lends itself to clarity, and represents advancing communication technology. It also offered an opportunity to be creative and excercize presentation skills. However, because the work load of the course creates such a high demand on time, I wasn't able to spend as much time as I would have liked updating my site. Many times, I was so pressed by work and deadlines that I settled for just making liks work, instead of putting more thought and care into aesthetics. At any rate, even though my site isn't has nice as I would like, I am glad my work is hereby accessible.
Course Reflection
Throughout the five year architectural engineering curriculum at Penn State, my attention has been brought to senior thesis again and again. Classes required a certain number of thesis presentation viewings, and instructors have remined me of the application possibilities of engineering principles to thesis work. For these reasons, I entered this year very anxious to see how I would measure up to the challenge.
Large assignments began immediately, and with time spent working on them, I quickly identified which aspects of building mechanical systems I was either familiar with or lacked in experience and knowledge. The work was mostly reflective of tasks done during previous internships, but this time I didn't have the convenience of a full time engineer to follow the project and steer me in the right direction. Because of this, I was less than confident about a number of conclusions I drew regarding the system as a whole. My faculty advisor was helpful for general questions, but it was unfeasable for him to obtain a complete understanding of the building I worked with. The lack of confidence gave me the feeling that the project requirements were just beyond my abilities. All I could do was give my best shot, and hopefully I would land near the mark.
Having finished my final report and presentation, I realize that this thread of uncertainty continued throughout the entire process. Although I stick by them, I feel the same even about my final conclusions. The cause of all this is either that the curriculum doesn't adequately prepare us or that I personally wasn't completely equal to the challenge. Another possibility is that we are meant to feel this way by design.
The positive side to the experience of being "thrown into the deep end of the pool" is the high amount things learned. I now have a much better knowledge of mechanical systems. Whereas before I knew about individual components, I am now able to view them together in a big picture. The lack of this ability had been a large factor in my trepidation.
My final review of the thesis process is that it has tremendous potential for instruction, but more preparation is required for the students.