The Bridge: Connecting Basic Math and Science with Engineering Design

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton FL

Investigators

Abstract

PROPOSAL NO.: 0230023 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Nix, Stephan INSTITUTION NAME: Florida Atlantic University TITLE: The Bridge: Connecting Basic Math and Science with Engineering Design Abstract This grant will design and plan the implementation of an engineering systems core for all Florida Atlantic University engineering students that will use the engineering science fundamentals to bridge mathematics and the basic sciences with discipline studies and design. The systems approach will use the framework of mathematical modeling to bring the engineering science fundamentals to life,show the integrated and nterconnected nature of the seemingly disparate parts of an engineering problem, demonstrate how common the fundamentals are to all disciplines, and to expose students to the value of modeling and systems analysis in the design process. We believe that a well-integrated, carefully-managed, and practice-oriented systems core will result in measurable and significant improvements in the understanding of engineering science fundamentals, mathematics knowledge and skills, engineering design creativity and acumen, student retention, and performance on the Fundamentals of Engineering examination.