PCE News
School of Engineering Launches Redesigned First-Year Curriculum
June 30, 2020
The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) School of Engineering is pleased to announce a reorganization of the first year engineering curriculum which will begin this fall for incoming first-year students. The new first-year engineering course sequence is designed to provide an intuitive and flexible topical breakdown that promotes student success.
Engineering faculty used direct and indirect feedback tools such as: student course evaluations, bench-marking to similar institutions, engineering education publications, accreditation and following curriculum requirements, and student academic and professional success rates to develop an enhanced and dynamic student-centric educational experience. “We’ve been listening to students. Your LIFT (faculty and course) evaluations make a difference! We want students to know that we hear them and use their feedback to make changes to the curriculum,” said Dr. Samhita Rhodes, Chair of Biomedical Engineering.
The result is a five-course sequence which will replace the current courses EGR 106 & 107, Introduction to Engineering Design I & II. Instead of taking EGR 106 and 107 for three credits each, incoming students will take EGR 100, Introduction to Engineering (1 credit); EGR 111, Introduction to Engineering Graphics (1 credit); EGR 112, Applied Programming for Engineers (2 credits); EGR 113, Introduction to CAD/CAM (1 credit); and EGR 185, First-Year Engineering Design (2 credits). The STA 220, Statistical Modeling for Engineering course was also modified to include MATLAB programming.
“The new freshman sequence will allow students to experience a balanced first year curriculum that has skills-focused courses such as CAD and programing and global engineering integrated applications such as the engineering design,” commented Dr. Wael Mokhtar, Director of the School of Engineering.
All of the components of EGR 106 and 107 that worked well and provided an engaging hands-on learning experience for students, such as the design and build team challenge, will remain in the new, revised courses. The new EGR 100 seminar will provide vital information on the nuances of different engineering fields and careers to help students make informed decisions about which program is the best fit for them early in their college careers. Splitting the content into smaller courses provides for more topical coverage by subject matter experts, transfer student-friendly program plans, and more contact hours in laboratory settings where students can practice skills in smaller class sizes.
“We are committed to identifying and implementing the most effective ways of educating our engineering students for future success,” explained Dr. Lindsay Corneal, Assistant Director for the School of Engineering. “We can’t continue to be a premiere engineering school if we’re not innovating.”
Visit the School of Engineering website.