Sequential Course Outcome Linkage: A Framework For Assessing An Environmental Engineering Curriculum Within A Ce Program

Abstract

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has recently adopted an expanded set of fifteen program outcomes identified in the American Society of Civil Engineers Body of Knowledge and conducted work leading to development of common course goals with appropriate levels of cognitive achievement based on Bloom's taxonomy. In addition, the department has adopted a holistic process for investigating and analyzing the linkage of individual course goals in various discipline-specific areas of concentration within the curriculum. Sequential course outcome maps or "threads" have been developed, or are under development, for each of the department's major discipline tracts (structural, environmental, site development, and transportation engineering). A major objective in developing this framework for assessment was to evaluate the effectiveness of how well course goals are linked within the undergraduate curriculum and provide a basis for incremental improvement. Creation of course goals, outcomes, and cognitive level linkages yielded additional curriculum assessment benefits including:

Infusing a Sustainable Green Manufacturing Course into Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering Technology Program

“…The need to integrate sustainability and green manufacturing subject matter into undergraduate curriculums in either engineering or engineering technology has become increasingly important over the last decade [3]. Given the increasing importance of sustainable green manufacturing, it is incumbent upon academia to educate future engineers and other decision makers on sustainability topics, i.e., incorporate sustainable thinking into engineering curriculum.…”

“…Engineers, and thus engineering educators, need to be cognizant of how their specific disciplines interact with, and ultimately impact, the environment. This includes not only waste management practices, which traditionally fall into the domain of environmental engineering, but also green and sustainable courses as well [3]. The majority of undergraduate curricula in mechanical/manufacturing engineering technology have at least one course in manufacturing processes, while many of these courses cover the processes used in manufacturing industries but there has been little emphasis put on the associated environmental impacts resulting from these processes.…”

Not Just Informative, But Necessary: Infusing Green And Sustainable Topics Into Engineering And Technology Curricula

“…Engineers, and thus engineering educators, need to be cognizant of how their specific disciplines interact with, and ultimately impact, the environment. This includes not only waste management practices, which traditionally fall into the domain of environmental engineering, but also green and sustainable subjects as well 9 . Relevant topics must also include product design and material selection, end of life management (including reuse, recycling, and reverse manufacturing) and environmental impact assessment methods 10,11 .…”

Continuous Improvement Of Environmental Engineering Curriculum In A Ce Accredited Program

“…The authors have previously presented a detailed literature review in Bower et al [3]. References have been included for the reader's convenience [4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”