Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session

Linking GPA to Engineering Course Outcome Drs. Z.T. Deng, Xiaoqing (Cathy) Qian and Ruben Rojas-Oviedo Mechanical Engineering Department, Alabama A&M University P.O. Box 1163, Huntsville, AL 35762 Voice: (256) 372-4142, E-Mail: AAMZXD01@AAMU.EDU

Abstract

The implementation of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Engineering Accreditation Criteria 2000 (EAC 2000) into Mechanical Engineering undergraduate curricula is critical to the success of engineering education. The EAC Criteria 2000 emphasizes an outcome based system approach to engineering education. To ensure the quality of the outcome based mechanical engineering program, faculty need to measure outcomes of each undergraduate engineering course. Linking the traditional Grade Point Average (GPA) grading system to course outcome is very important. Does GPA reflect student learning outcome correctly? This paper describes the four steps to link GPA to course outcome. Specific data for ME 360-Fluid Mechanics class is presented.

I. Background

The basic criteria for the engineering program’s outcomes and assessment requires that graduates must have demonstrated abilities (ABET Criteria 3, a-k), in math, science, engineering, design, teamwork, ethics, communication, and life-long learning. In addition to ABET accreditation criteria 3(a-k) requirements, the Mechanical Engineering (ME) program at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) was designed to meet additional requirements by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, such as (l) an ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariable calculus, and differential equations; (m) a familiarity with statics, linear algebra and reliability; (n) an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and analysis of such systems; (o) a knowledge of contemporary analytical, computational, and experimental practices; (p) a competence in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis; (q) a competence in the use of computational tools; (r) a knowledge of chemistry; and (s) knowledge of calculus-based physics.

The educational objective of the Mechanical Engineering program at AAMU is to provide students with the necessary preparation in mechanical engineering to compete effectively for professional careers in this field and with the motivation for personal and professional growth through lifelong learning.

The educational outcomes of the ME program are:

[1]. The student will demonstrate the necessary competencies in the fundamental education in areas of mechanical engineering, such as thermal and mechanical sciences and system design.

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Qian, C., & Rojas-Oviedo, R., & Deng, Z. (2005, June), Linking Gpa To Engineering Course Outcome Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14743