Physics In The Integrated First Year; Second Attempt

Texas A&M University is part of a seven school program, supported by the National Science Foundation, called the Foundation Coalition, FC. One of the goals of the FC is to integrate the freshman year courses taken by engineering undergraduates. The First Year Integrated Program at Texas A&M University was implemented in 1994 and initially combined the study of engineering, graphics, calculus, physics, and English. Later, the first course in chemistry was added to the program. The first semester then consisted of 2 credits in engineering, 2 in graphics, 4 in mathematics, 2 in physics and 2 in English. The second semester consisted of 1 credit in engineering, 1 in graphics, 4 in mathematics, 2 in physics, 1 in English and 4 in chemistry. Two sections of about 50 students each were chosen somewhat randomly from those entering freshman who were judged to be calculus ready. After completing the Freshman year the performance of these students was compared with that of students enrolled in the traditional program and in all aspects they either equaled or surpassed the performance of traditional students. Since the FC students had also greatly enhanced their teaming skills, another goal of the program, it was decided to continue the program the second year and to double the number of first year students participating.