GES 131 - Foundations of Engineering I (3 Credit Hours)

Course Description: Basic engineering skills and introduction to the design process. Visualization, sketching, and engineering graphics; teaming and oral and written communication skill development; and introduction to computer tools (spreadsheet, word processing, presentation software, e-mail, Internet access).

Course Instructors: This course is typically taught by the following instructors:

• Dr. Peter Clark
• Dr. Beth Todd
• Dr. Stuart Bell
• Dr. Chuck Karr
• Dr. Jim Richardson
• Dr. Joey Parker

Sample Syllabus: A sample syllabus indicative of that typically used in the course can be found here.

Pre-Requisite Skills: Students entering this course are expected to have mastered the following skills:

• None - course is intended for entering freshmen enrolled in Calculus I

Co-Requisite Skills: Students taking this course are expected to be enrolled (or to have taken) courses that teach students the following skills:

• MATH 131
• One variable differential and integral calculus closely integrated with concurrent courses in engineering with intensive use of advanced mathematics software.
• CH 131
• a survey of the fundamental facts, principles, and theories of general college chemistry, emphasizing topics of interest to students in the College of Engineering.

Course Objectives: Students who successfully complete this course can be expected to:

• Demonstrate basic engineering skills (a1)
• correctly apply the rules for unit conversions and significant digits to physics, chemistry, and engineering problems (a1)
• use a problem solving process to solve "simple" problems in physics, math, and engineering (c)
• define the problem
• determine constraints and assumptions
• generate a solution (generate an algorithm for complex problems)
• verify the solution
• Solve three open-ended design problems using the design process (c)
• define the problem, determine constraints and assumptions, generate solutions, evaluate solutions and iterate until an acceptable solution is found
• write design project reports that communicate effectively to an appropriate audience (g)
• orally present results of design projects to varied audiences (g)
• Develop and use sketches for visualization and engineering graphics (k)
• orthographic projection (front, top, side views)
• isometric presentation
• sections
• dimensioning
• Develop basic skills with computer "tools" (k)
• use spreadsheet to generate numerical and graphical solutions
• use word processor for formal written communication
• use presentation software for oral presentations
• use e-mail for informal communication
• use internet browser to gather technical information
• Develop teaming skills and personal development
• work effectively in teams (g)
• assess academic and personal development during semester (i)

Sample Examinations: Examples of Examinations given in this course can be found here.

Downstream Users: This course serves as a pre-requisite to the following courses at The University of Alabama:

• GES 132
• DR 133