Reflection
ABET Outcome Survey
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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b. An ability to analyze and interpret data |
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c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs |
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e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems |
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f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility |
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g. An ability to communicate effectively |
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h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context |
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i. An ability to engage in life-long learning |
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j. A knowledge of contemporary issues |
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k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice |
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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 |
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p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects |
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AE 481W/482 Course Reflection
The 5th Year Senior Thesis experience was dissimilar to anything I have encountered thus far in my AE curriculum. The experience presented the opportunity for me to grow in several different areas. The fall semester required developing good communication and contact with design professionals to obtain construction documents, as well as have any questions regarding our building projects answered. It also required me to investigate different areas of building science outside of the structural option. The technical work completed during the fall semester allowed me to learn more about the existing conditions of my project, as well as analyze alternate structural flooring systems. In order to achieve this, it was necessary to learn several computer programs including ETABS and Ram Steel. A basic knowledge of the existing structure allowed me to develop a good idea for a research topic for the Spring semester. All of the technical work completed was built around a pre-established timeline, requiring that certain tasks be submitted by a specific deadline.
The Spring semester was set at a much more personal pace. Armed with knowledge of the pre-existing system and a defined thesis topic and goal, I was left to establish my own working timeline. Choosing to design my project as a post-tensioned concrete structure required a good bit of personal background work and research, as post-tensioned concrete is a construction method that I have had no exposure to. I was also forced to learn RAM Concept and further develop my skills in ETABS. I was also able to use PCA COL, as well as partially explore Concise Beam, RAM Frame and STAAD. Learning these programs not only provided me with knowledge that I will use in the "real world" next year, but also helped me succeed in designing an alternate concrete structural system for a building originally designed in steel.
This year has provided me with the opportunity to "test run" as well as refine the engineering skills and knowledge I have obtained over the previous four years. We have all been taught different aspects of building science both within and outside of our specific AE disciplines. However, the 5th Year Senior Thesis experience allowed me to combine all of these skills to reach a successful design goal. This year has been extremely educational, and I feel much more prepared to enter the working world as a design professional.
CPEP & Discussion Board Discussion
The CPEP web sites proved to be beneficial in two ways. The first benefit was being forced to learn how to design and manage a web site. With the increasing use of computers in the workplace, it can never be a bad thing to have an additional skill such as web design. Secondly, the CPEP web site proved to be one of the easiest ways to manage the large amounts of information accumulated over the past year. Having all of our technical reports, presentations and other relevant information makes it easier for both instructors and employers to view the work completed. An additional benefit is having a tangible record of my work to show off to my friends and family.
The discussion boards set up with design professionals were very helpful. Although I never personally posted a question, the responses to questions from other students posted from professionals often proved to be relevant to my thesis design. Other not pertinent posts simply gave me something else to be aware of or think about.