Welcome to Andrew Solomon's AE Senior Thesis e-Portfolio
Reflection
ABET
Outcome Survey
Place a check in the box that best describes the correlation
between the ABET Outcomes and what you learned in AE 481W/482: Senior Thesis.
Highlight the box and type a capital X.
| ABET
Outcomes for AE
481W/482 |
Outcome not able to be assessed |
Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable |
Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated |
More than minimum level of ability demonstrated |
| a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics,
science, and engineering |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| b. An ability to analyze and interpret data |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| c. An ability to design a system, component, or
process to meet desired needs |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve
engineering problems |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| f. An understanding of professional and ethical
responsibility |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| g. An ability to communicate effectively |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| h. The broad education necessary to understand the
impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context |
5 |
5 |
X |
5 |
| i. An ability
to engage in life-long learning |
5 |
5 |
X |
5 |
| j. A knowledge of contemporary issues |
5 |
5 |
X |
5 |
| k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and
modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
| 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 |
5 |
5 |
X |
5 |
| p. Communication and interaction with other design
professionals in the execution of building projects |
5 |
5 |
5 |
X |
AE
481W/482 Course Reflection
The year long process of Senior Thesis was a time consuming and demanding project. While I felt confident in the knowledge I have gained with my time at Penn State and during internships, I continued to uncover issues that arise during design. I truly began to understand what teachers have been explaining for many years; the purpose of school is to teach the basics along with the process to be followed when something new arises.
During the fall semester or A E 481W, I researched the current design of the building. The process ended with technical assignments where all information I gathered was analyzed and compiled in an orderly fashion. The real benefit of these technical assignments was a much better understanding of the workings of the building.
During the spring semester or AE 482 I was able to put that knowledge to use through an analysis of an alternate structural design. The new structural design had many benefits but it was not until I completed my two breadth studies that I realized its downfalls. Based on a cost and schedule analysis, I concluded that the original design was better for this individual case. This made sense, considering the original structural engineer for the project has been doing this much longer then I have.
Hopefully, with the knowledge I have gained through this experience will help me in my future endeavors as a structural engineer. I am glad to have had an experience where I was able to work on my own and check my work with professors and design professionals. This learning experience is nothing similar to anything implemented during any other class.
CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection
I had multiple contacts which helped me with my design without having to go through the discussion board. Although, I did find other's posting to be extremely helpful in coming up with new ideas for my design.
The CPEP web sites was an immeasurable contribution to my success during this year long process. While I am not very experienced in web paging, I was able to look at previous students work which gave me ideas on what I could do. I feel that this is similar to what happens in a real design office where different engineers bounce ideas off of each other trying to come up with the best possible solution. Not only did the web sites help me but it lets others see the work I have done. During the interview process, I gave out my web site information and I feel that this gave the companies a better idea of my abilities. My parents were also able to see what I have been doing in school since I don't get to see much of them during the semester. With technology increasing at such a rapid rate, the CPEP web site is a beneficial tool in the senior thesis design. It saved a huge amount on printing costs also. Instead of printing multiple copies, I was able to turn in assignments electronically.