A SPIRAL Learning Curriculum for Second Year Students in Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

In this course development project funded through an NSF CCLI Grant, we are developing, implementing, and evaluating a new required integrated four-course sequence taught in the first two years of our Mechanical Engineering curriculum. The first year focuses on design methodology and computer programming, with an overarching theme of robotic/mechatronic systems. The new second-year courses replace traditional stand-alone courses in Numerical Methods and Thermodynamics, and emphasize sustainability in engineering. Each individual course teaches specific engineering science topics in addition to design practice and methodology, computeraided engineering skills, and professional engineering skills. Thus, our design-motivated, Student-driven Pedagogy of Integrated, Reinforced, Active Learning (SPIRAL) approach distributes the teaching of basic engineering knowledge and skills through multiple courses in order to enhance student understanding through repetitive exposure