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Session 1432

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY EMPHASIS AT WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

Jian Peng and Mark E. Cambron

Department of Engineering Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY 42101

Abstract The Department of Engineering at Western Kentucky University (WKU) has been given the rare opportunity to develop an entirely new engineering program. Western’s challenge is to create a unique undergraduate curriculum focused on the needs of current and future industrial partners.

In the 1990’s, a move towards a project-based learning model was developed and is generally supported in the American engineering education undergraduate community. A primary focus of Western Kentucky University’s engineering programs is to provide a project-based experience at all levels of the curriculum.

Currently, the field of Digital technology is progressing rapidly. The electrical engineering curriculum at WKU requires all students to take a minimum of three courses in this field: Digital Logic, Introduction to Industrial Automation, and Microprocessors. Students take Digital Logic in the first year. In the digital logic course students use the 7400 series TTL chips and Xilinx CPLD. Students use an Allen Bradley programmable logic controller and an Atmel AVR STK 500 Microcomputer in Introduction to Industrial Automation. Students in the microprocessors course use the Motorola HC12. Another course, EE design I, also has a strong digital component.

The results of the initial offerings, including student feedback and course assessment are included. Examples of projects tackled by the students, lessons learned by the faculty, and lists of necessary equipment are provided.

Introduction Western Kentucky University has had an engineering technology program for more than thirty years. This program has served the need of local Kentucky industries. However, with the rapid progress in the local industries, engineering technology program can not satisfy the local industry’s requirement any more. WKU decided to phase out the engineering technology program and start a brand new engineering program. In year 2000, a new engineering joint program with University of Louisville was established and first batch of engineering students were enrolled. In year 2004, we will have the first batch of graduates, and we plan to apply for an ABET accreditation visit in 2004/2005.

Proceedings of the 2004American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Cambron, M., & Peng, J. (2004, June), Digital Technology Emphasis At Western Kentucky University Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--12967