Senior Thesis Reflection and ABET Survey
ABET Survey
This survey describes the correlation between the ABET outcomes and what I learned in in AE 481W/482 Senior Thesis
ABET Outcomes for AE 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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X |
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data |
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X |
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs |
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X |
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e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems |
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X |
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility |
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X |
g. An ability to communicate effectively |
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X |
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context |
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X |
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i. An ability to engage in life-long learning |
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X |
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues |
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X |
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice |
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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 |
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X |
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p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects |
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X |
AE 481W/482 Course Reflection
In the years leading up to your 5th year as a student in the architectural engineering program, all you hear about is thesis and the amount of work that is involved with that word. The entire thesis experience is divided into two classes, AE 481W and AE 482. Each student must choose a project to use and evaluate over the year. I was lucky in that I used a project that I worked on this past summer with Warfel Construction Company.
AE 481W provided a means to learn even more about the project that you selected. Through various technical assignments I was able to apply various techniques learned in different classes in the previous four years of my education. Various tasks such as structural estimates, scheduling, investigations of the building systems, owner information, local conditions, and site conditions were evaluated. Although this course proved to be a lot of work, it was a practical way to determine problematic areas that could be evaluated during the second semeter's course work.
In AE 482, I evaluated several aspects of my project that could lead to cost reduction and schedule acceleration. It was performing this work on my own schedule that helped me develop time management skills and how to prioritize the work that needed to be completed. The work completed used technical skills in the structural and mechanical options in the AE program. This work also forced me into interacting with industry members, which will help when I start work in May of 2007.
Overall this process proved to be beneficial in providing real world experience on a project while still completing my education at Penn State. At times the work seemed to be overwhelming and tedious but in the end it was a positive experience.
CPEP and Discussion Board Reflection
The CPEP websites that we were required to produce and maintain throughout the semester was a learning experience. At times updating these websites seemed to be a waste of time and a clear benefit to having them was not immediately understood. However understanding that the website allowed industry members, faculty, and other students to review our project and the work we completed is an invaluable tool that can be referenced in years to come.
The Discussion board that was available to students proved to be the most valuable source of information for students this semester. Having industry experience and knowledge available for all four options in the program was beneficial to completing my work on my thesis this semester. Even reading questions and answers that did not pertain to my own work provided another avenue of knowledge that I can take with me in to my career.