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A New Undergraduate Course in Electromechanical Systems for Industrial Engineering Technology

Abstract

There is an increasing need in engineering and technology educational practices to include interdisciplinary components. This paper describes key curriculum activities in a new electromechanical systems course developed for Industrial Engineering Technology students at East Carolina University (ECU). Details of the course components are provided in the paper including full descriptions of both lecture and laboratory components (hardware and software). The assessment of the course is also presented in the paper through student surveys, portfolio reviews, grade distribution and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) outcomes. Assessment results were satisfactory and provided useful pointers for class and group work definitions to be attained by future engineering technology students. Overall, this course will foster active learning through synergistic, integrated mechanical and electrical educational components consistent with the ABET learning outcomes.

Introduction

Due to the accelerated growth and use of electronics, computers and information technology, a gap has emerged between traditional engineering/technology education and the skills expected of students entering the job market. A deluge of computers, sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators have penetrated the present day society and have influenced our daily lives profoundly. Therefore, there is a need for technology graduates who can use combinations of electrical and mechanical concepts in design, installation, and service of products and production systems.1

One of the goals of the Department of Technology Systems at East Carolina University is to support the economic development of eastern North Carolina by providing professionals to meet the general engineering and technology needs of the region’s private and public sectors. The department has six degree programs including Engineering and Industrial Engineering Technology. Both programs emphasize the application of engineering and technology theories as applied to real world problems. ECU students are engaged in hands-on activities beginning the first semester of their freshman year as opposed to more traditional engineering programs that wait for several semesters or years to expose students to engineering and design courses. During the last three years, there have been tremendous efforts in the departments to modify and update the curricula of all the department’s programs to include hands-on lab experience.

When it comes to designing an electromechanical curriculum or course, 2-4 it is not clear where the emphasis should lie. Electromechanical systems mean different things to different people. It can be the philosophy of design which brings together many

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Agarwala, R., & Abdel-Salam, T., & Sanders, C. (2006, June), A New Undergraduate Course In Electromechanical Systems For Industrial Engineering Technology Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--50