Introduction to geotechnical engineering using a project-based module in a first-year engineering course

Abstract

While there are many references available to faculty that provide ideas and research related to teaching introductory geotechnical engineering courses, the author has found no reference that addresses a project-based introduction to geotechnical engineering that is suitable for a first-year introduction to engineering course. As part of a required first-year introduction to engineering course at Lafayette College, the author has developed and taught multiple offerings of a seven-week course that provides a low-cost framework for students to achieve student learning outcomes directly associated with geotechnical engineering in addition to the general engineering learning outcomes required for all sections of the course. The geotechnical learning outcomes associated with the module include demonstrating a basic understanding of the field of geotechnical engineering, the ability to develop a simple model related to the geotechnical performance of a structure, and the ability to conduct a simple analysis of risk. The author developed a three-week project within the course in which teams of students identify, document, analyze, and report on (in writing and orally) campus structures that are exhibiting distress related to settlement or other soil-related issues. Assessment of the achievement of the geotechnical student learning outcomes in the course was conducted by analyzing student-generated concept maps and rubrics created for the project reports and presentations. Assessment results provide evidence that the seven-week course, including the three-week geotechnical module, successfully supports the general engineering learning outcomes and the geotechnical learning outcomes associated with the course.