Reflection
ABET Outcome Survey
ABET Outcomes forAE 481W/482 |
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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|
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X |
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
X |
AE 481W/482 Course Reflection
Evaluating the past year, I realized that the AE Senior thesis helped me prepare for “my life after school” on one main area; time management. During school, I never knew that I had so much time to do research and revise my designs until I was satisfied. AE 481W/482 showed me that I have to start every project with a schedule with realistic goals and key milestones. One key idea is that no schedule is set in stone and you have to revise your schedule and try to complete predetermined goals. A good example of a schedule is the first part of thesis; AE481W. AE481W was structured by the consultants and it was easier to stay on schedule.
Besides time management, Senior thesis taught me how to communicate with engineers and architects. Today’s professionals did not have much time to spend consulting students so it was important to know what you were asking. In the beginning, I found that I was not getting as much information because I was asking the wrong questions. I think that the Discussion Board was a good idea but I rather talk to someone on the phone instead.
Some advice for next year’s seniors is DO NOT complete your thesis while working full-time. I was fooled by the first part of thesis. AE 481W is nothing like AE 482. The time spent on creating new building systems is very time consuming. Not only do you have to design to code but you have to beat it if you want to complete with LEED. Also, testing, comparing and coordinating building systems can take a lot of time.
CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection
The CPEP site is a great tool for distributing information. It is the one reason that it was feasible to complete my thesis work remotely. The CPEP site mirrors today’s industry standard for sending and receiving information. If there were no FTP sites, websites or E-mail then information would traveling much slower and increase time spent idling. Updating and maintaining my CPEP site helped me better understand and utilize current internet applications / technology.