An integrated graduate level course sequence in structural engineering

Abstract

This paper presents the development/re-structuring of a Masters of Engineering degree to provide for the greatest development of the skills and knowledge of students focused on entering the structural engineering profession. The program now includes a major design exercise during their second semester of study, represented by a graduate level capstone experience. This new capstone course is coupled with two other required graduate courses: 1) a newly developed applied finite elements (analysis) course, and 2) a pre-stressed concrete design course. This structure requires the students to be a cohort through these courses and allows them to develop learning communities, to gain experience on high stakes teams, and to work on a larger project than normally available in an academic setting. These integrated projects allow for leveraging of resources and just-in-time teaching and learning. The capstone design course is designed to function as a small structural engineering design office, where the class as a whole is developing alternative design solutions for a common client. A detailed peer design review will be required of the design teams, and time provided for individual teams to refine their designs based on peer feedback. The program will be assessed by comparing the performance of ME students in the core program courses that are part of both previous and new program requirements. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2010.