My experience involved a semester long class on Engineering Frontiers and Technology at UC taught by Margaret J. Kupferle and Ahmed Elgafy. The class was three credit hours and consisted of various components: Engineering projects, interactive activities, debate, field trip component, IEM learning module, and an Innovative Idea Project.
The course goal was designed to teach about water and energy sustainability. To explore these concepts more deeply we had projects to incorporate our learning. Regarding water we estimated the water from fossil fuels, our personal water footprint, did a water politics case study, participated in a water privatization debate, and answered water privatization questions. With respect to energy we did an assessment of a wind turbine's annual performance, a PV systems project, and a solar water heating project.
The most significant part of the experience was being able to work in a group of people with all different majors. For example groups consisted of mechanical engineers, civil engineers, aerospace engineers, chemical engineers, chemistry majors, and business students. Therefore, since our groups were so diverse we were able to utilize the strengths of each member when doing our projects, as well as, learn from each other.
Since I had already taken an honors seminar I had a general sense of how an honors class would operate. However, the dynamic of this class was different than any class I had previously taken. There was both lecture and group work incorporated into each class session. Further, all class topics were heavy on science and engineering, both of which my prior knowledge is limited.
This class helped me further understand the importance of going into a career you are passionate about. Both teachers were very passionate about engineering and this course material proved to be very challenging for me. This honors seminar solidified that I do not want a career in engineering, but I will have an increased appreciation for the work that engineers do. Returning to all business classes this fall, I will have a rejuvenated excitement for business and a respect for engineers.
The course goal was designed to teach about water and energy sustainability. To explore these concepts more deeply we had projects to incorporate our learning. Regarding water we estimated the water from fossil fuels, our personal water footprint, did a water politics case study, participated in a water privatization debate, and answered water privatization questions. With respect to energy we did an assessment of a wind turbine's annual performance, a PV systems project, and a solar water heating project.
The most significant part of the experience was being able to work in a group of people with all different majors. For example groups consisted of mechanical engineers, civil engineers, aerospace engineers, chemical engineers, chemistry majors, and business students. Therefore, since our groups were so diverse we were able to utilize the strengths of each member when doing our projects, as well as, learn from each other.
Since I had already taken an honors seminar I had a general sense of how an honors class would operate. However, the dynamic of this class was different than any class I had previously taken. There was both lecture and group work incorporated into each class session. Further, all class topics were heavy on science and engineering, both of which my prior knowledge is limited.
This class helped me further understand the importance of going into a career you are passionate about. Both teachers were very passionate about engineering and this course material proved to be very challenging for me. This honors seminar solidified that I do not want a career in engineering, but I will have an increased appreciation for the work that engineers do. Returning to all business classes this fall, I will have a rejuvenated excitement for business and a respect for engineers.