Updating Mechanical Engineering Measurements and Instrumentation—A Case Study
Date
Authors
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Abstract
Measurement and instrumentation is a common course topic in many undergraduate mechanical engineering curricula. This paper summarizes changes to ME 370 – Engineering Measurements and Instrumentation at Iowa State University (ISU), which went through major course revisions from fall 2003 to spring 2005. Modifications to the course include the following: (i) incorporating virtual measurements and instrumentation into the lecture and laboratory, (ii) coupling the lecture and laboratory more closely through an on-line course manual, (iii) providing additional course resources through WebCT to enhance student learning, and (iv) updating and/or developing several new laboratory exercises to demonstrate key course learning objectives. An outline of the course before and after the course revisions will be presented, significant course changes will be summarized, the impact these changes have on mechanical engineering undergraduate education at ISU will be assessed, and lessons learned will be outlined.