Reflection

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				X
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data				X
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs				X
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems				X
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility				X
g. An ability to communicate effectively				X
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context				X
i. An ability to engage in life-long learning				X
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues				X
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice				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				X
p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				X

Course Reflection

This is a very intimidating course. It is the cumulating of 5 years of schooling in architectural engineering, As a student who had not had an internship in a structural engineering firm, the job of finding a building over the summer was difficult. There are many angles by which to which to approach finding a building; finding a firm or owner to ask vs. finding a building and then tracking down the firm and owner. I wish more instruction or suggestions of how to find and contact building owners had been given.

The smaller assignments at the start of fall semester, such as the resume and bio, were a nice transition into the course making it seem feasible. The tech assignments serve a similar purpose first semester and make thesis seem possible.

As far as writing the thesis, the job of time management is solely up to the student and the students are well aware of this. However, I think it would be more beneficial if advisors had weekly or bi monthly meetings with students. No to check on progress, but rather to make sure there are no major mistakes in the work done so far. Often times it would have helped to have the reinsurance of a teacher that I was on the right track with my project. Another beneficial item would have been to have software courses or at least an assigned advisor for each software program to answer questions.

In conclusion, I feel that senior thesis was a great way to wrap up 5 years of learning. It really forces the student to think about the building process as a whole and to consider real world issues as well as the theoretical.