An electrical and computer startup kit for fundamentals of engineering (FE) exam

Abstract

Many engineering technology students find the electrical and computer engineering sections of the general Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to be the most challenging. This paper attempts to present the development and application of a practical teaching module to assist students with the first step of the process that leads to the P.E. license. This module is aimed to furnish the extra review and practice which technology students need to meet this challenge through a concise review of the electrical and computer topics covered on the FE exams. The knowledge base comprises of eighteen subject areas: namely Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, Ethics and Professional Practice, Engineering Economics, Properties of Electrical Materials, Engineering Sciences, Circuit Analysis, Linear Systems, Signal Processing, Electronics, Power, Electromagnetics, Control Systems, Communications, Computer Networks, Digital Systems, Computer Systems and Software Development. This paper will explain how this in-house learning and teaching module was instrumental in progressive learning for students by presenting them the key concepts and general theory that encompass the demanding subject areas. These students first took a diagnostic pre-test; after, they underwent rigorous prep that was followed by a FE post-practice exam. This module helped students reinforce the fundamentals and helped them score higher on this examination. Finally, the results of the survey analyzing this learning methodology will also be discussed. This will go a long way in motivating technology students to take this important, professional exam, eliminating their fear, improving their understanding, and reinforcing the best practices for life-long learning.