A Multicourse Effort For Instilling Systematic Engineering Problem Solving Skills Through The Use Of A Mathematic Computer Aided Environment

This paper describes a coordinated, multicourse effort in the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department at Mississippi State University (MSU) to inculcate disciplined/systematic engineering problem solving skills through the use of mathematical worksheets such as those found in Mathcad. The advantage of these worksheets is that, with proper guidance, students can learn a systematic methodology that allows for a better understanding on how to approach and solve engineering problems as compared to using pencil, paper, and graphing calculators. For ME students at MSU, these worksheets are required in three courses: Engineering Analysis, System Dynamics, and Energy Systems Design. A significant advantage to sequencing courses in this manner is that students spend more time (and effort) in engineering functions (formulation, verification, and validations) than in the arithmetic function (primarily accomplished by Mathcad). Details, examples, and assessment of effectiveness are discussed in the paper.