A self-designed experiment for an undergraduate materials science course

Abstract

At the author's institution, all second-year mechanical and civil engineering students are required to take a materials science course. The course includes a laboratory component to help students gain hands-on experiences in materials testing. In traditional experiments, students are provided with detailed instructions for completing the procedure, use equipment that has already been set up, and perform tests on samples that have already been prepared. This paper describes a self-designed experiment in which students handle almost everything on their own, including material selection, sample preparation, procedure design, test setup, data collection, and result analysis. Prior to undertaking the self-designed experiment, students have finished several regular experiments such as material microstructure observation, Charpy test and tensile test. As a result, students have gained sufficient materials testing skills and background knowledge to conduct their own experiments. At the end of the course, students are required to: 1) write a proposal including objectives and procedures; 2) perform material tests; 3) write a report; and 4) present their work in class. This process has been conducted for the last two years. Student feedback indicates that overall students enjoy the experience and believe it should be continued for future students. This self-designed experiment increases students' interests in materials science and engineering study, and also improves engineering problem solving skills which are crucial to enhancing undergraduate engineering education. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2010.