HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE FOR
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING (ENGR 1201)
SPRING 2011
Class Number 75907
Time and location: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM; Tuesday, Room 212 CODW at HCC-Northeast
Instructor
P. Reddy Talusani, MSEE
Professor
Electronic Engineering Technology
Houston Community College Northeast
555 Community College Drive, Suite 100, ScienceTech Building
Houston, Texas 77013
Tel: (713)718-5254 FAX: (713)718-2690
Email Address reddy.talusani@hccs.edu
Departmental Website Link http://northeast.hccs.edu/electronics
Suite 214-A Codwell Hall
Website: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/redy.talusani
Course Description
Introduction to Engineering: This course is intended for those who are planning to major in any branch of engineering
and for those planning a carrier in engineering. It may also be taken by any student entering college for the first time as
the materials covered in the course may help lead any student to success in college irrespective of the student’s major.
The materials covered in the course will include Keys to Success in Engineering Study or any major for that matter,
Engineering Profession, Academic Success Strategies, Personal Growth and Development, Broadening your Education
and Orientation to Engineering Education. The delivery format will include lectures, videos presentations, movies, guest
speakers, students’ projects, student’s presentations, homework assignments and examinations.
Textbook
Studying Engineering 3rd edition by Raymond B. Landis,
Discovery Press
(ISBN: 978-0964696921)
Delivering Method
1. Lecture.
2. Power Point Presentations will be delivered
3. Video whenever possible
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4. Guest speaker, if possible
5. WEB Enhanced course activities
Expected Objectives
After the successful completion of the course, the following objectives should be attained:
1. Students will begin to develop their basic skills, basic problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, evaluation
skills, all which are essential for success in engineering discipline for any academic discipline for that matter.
2. Students will begin to develop team work skills for solving problems and completing projects by completing
short paper and small projects as a team where all the team members are required to participate.
3. Students will be able to realize the ethical codes and possibly refine them. They will learn that professional
engineers have ethical and professional responsibilities which are related to the results of their actions.
4. Students will learn a little more about some contemporary issues related to engineering, and engage in the
discussions of these issues.
5. Students will make a supportive learning community by getting to know each other in the class, learning
collaborative study techniques, and becoming familiar with numerous students organizations.
6. Students will learn about positive attitudes, good study habits, goal setting, goal attainments, hard work,
dedication, commitment and productive behaviors that will result in their academic and carrier success.
7. Students will learn how to avail themselves with the numerous resources including counseling, students
organizations, faculty advising, web-based information, etc.
.
Course Outcomes: This course addresses the TAC/ABET Criteria 2 outcomes a-c, e-g, i, k.
a. Exams, quizzes, and lab reports
b. Apply Math to solve problems and use of software
c. Lab exercises and written reports
e. Lab exercises conducted in teams
f. Problem solving on exams and quizzes
g. Written lab reports – schematics, graphs, tabular data
i. Attending class on time and prepared. Completing assignments on time.
k. Attending class on time and prepared. Completing assignments on time.
STATEMENT ON OUTCOMES h, i, j, and k:
You are encouraged to become an active member of professional societies (national, regional, and local chapters) related to
your chosen profession. As a member, you will normally receive trade, magazine, journal, and newsletter subscriptions
thereby allowing you to maintain, in general, a connection with your profession.
Whenever applicable, outside speakers will be invited to discuss relevant developments and events that relate to lifelong
learning, quality, timeliness, continuous improvement, global issues, and societal and environmental concerns. This
practice represents a means for keeping technically current and aware of changes and challenges in all aspects of your
profession.
Assessment: Quizzes, Exams, Final exam, and Lab reports are used for assessment.
Report demonstrates student’s use of professional standards and practices in the presentation of data, graphs, and
schematics.
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Students Learning Outcomes
1.1 Define Engineering.
1.2 Discuss the differences between the various fields of engineering specialization.
1.3 Identify future career paths and job opportunities as related to the Engineering profession.
2.1 Formulate a strategy for effective class notes taking.
2.2 Identify and apply time and priority management techniques to the learning process.
2.3 Effectively participate in team work, through group discussions/projects.
2.4 Design an individualized Career Path including developing degree plan for intended major,
developing career portfolio, and taking career assessment inventory.
3.1 discuss various options available to students to seek financial aid, such as loans, grants and
summer jobs.
3.2 Enumerate the different students’ Engineering Societies Chapters that may be available at a
given University and the curricular advantages they offer.
4.1 Describe the moral foundations of Engineering Ethics.
4.2 List some of the basic tenets of the Codes of Engineering Ethics.
4.3 Discuss case studies as applied to Engineering.
5.1 Solve basic algebraic equations.
5.2 Demonstrate proper use of significant digits in calculations.
5.3 Convert measurements form one system of units to another.
5.4 Prove proficiency in graphical representation of data using Excel and Excel in-built
functions.
Attendance Policy
The HCCS attendance policy is stated in the Schedule of Classes: “Students are expected to attend classes regularly.
Students are responsible for materials covered during their absences, and it is the student's responsibility to consult with
instructors for make-up assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors. Although it is the responsibility of the
student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has full authority to drop a student for excessive absences. A
student may be dropped from a course for excessive absences after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5%
of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).”
If circumstances significantly prevent you from attending classes, please inform me. I realize that sometimes outside
circumstances can interfere with school, and I will try to be as accommodating as possible, but please be aware of the
attendance policy.
Last Day for Administrative and Student Withdrawals
April 21st, 2011. After the withdrawal date no W can be given, you must receive a regular grade (A-F) in the course. I
urge any student who is contemplating withdrawing from the class to see me first! You may be doing better than you think.
It is your responsibility to withdraw by that date if you have missed a lot of class work. Remember you are to turn in all
assignments on the due date.
In case you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact me (my phone number and e-mail address are listed above). I'm here to
help.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC and other
Texas public colleges and universities. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing
grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing
homework, test-taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that
might be available.
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Disability Support Services (DSS)
HCCS is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (section
504)
"Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to
arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the
beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Services Office”
If you have any special needs or disabilities which may affect your ability to succeed in college classes or participate in
college programs/activities, please contact the office of disability support services at the college. Upon consultation and
documentation, you will be provided with reasonable accommodations and/or modifications. Please contact the DSS
office as soon as you begin the term. For questions, contact Donna Price at 713 718 5165 or the Disability Counselor at
HCC-Northeast: 713 718 8300; also see the Schedule of Classes for additional DSS numbers.
Also visit the ADA web site at: http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/index.htm. Faculty Handbook/ Faculty
Orientation is also available at http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/faculty.htm
Academic Honesty
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements.
Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by the college system against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
Penalties can include a grade of "0" or "F" on the particular assignment, failure in the course, academic probation, or
even dismissal from the college. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and
collusion.
Exams and Make-up Policy
Two tests will be given during the semester; Test1 and Test2.
Please note:
1) All students are required to take all tests, no exceptions.
2) After the withdrawal date no W can be given. You will receive a regular grade (A-F) in the course.
Assignments
Special assignments will be given. These will be graded and will carry some weights in the final course grade as stated
below.
Read chapters and do assignments to show mastery of course objectives listed below. Instructor will announce homework assignment in class.
Chapter 1. Keys to Success in Engineering Study 1
Chapter 2. The Engineering Profession 34
Chapter 3. The Teaching/Learning Process 114
Chapt 4. Making the Most of How You Are Taught 141
Chapt 5. Making the Learning Process Work for You 167
Chapter 6. Personal Growth and Development 201
Chapter 7. Broadening Your Education 257
Chapter 8. Orientation to Engineering Education 295
Demonstrate and understanding of the meaning of Engineering as a profession and a discipline.
Do problems in chapter 1-8 (problems will be announced in class).
Develop organizational and learning skills required to succeed in College/University.
1-Do problems in chapter 1-8 (problems will be announced in class).
2-Demonstrate to class how you would go about mastering academic success skill (select one or more partners, show
each person’s ideas of learning skills in order of importance for that team member (note taking skills, questioning skills, or
listening skills), come to an agreement for best way to achieve academic success skills for the team, summarize your best
answer for the team and compare them to search results found on the WEB on academic success skills. Your report
should be no more than 2-3 pages. Present results in class. Team’s report and presentation will be graded. Due on or
before April 25, 2011.
Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical responsibility issues of the Engineering profession.
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Write a one page report on Ethical Responsibility in an Engineering Profession. Due on or before May2, 2011.
Demonstrate basic mathematical and computer skills required for pre-engineering students.
Apply mathematics to solve problems in engineering
1-Find minimum/maximum OHM value of a resistor with a tolerance of +&-5 %
2-Find % error in a lab experiment
Grading
The Final Course Grade will be computed as follows:
Attendance:
Perfect attendance will boost final course grade.
Projects, Assignments and written papers:
30%
In-class participation, quizzes and exercises
10%
Test 1
30%
Test2__
______________________________30%____________
Total:
100%
Grading Scale
Final Average
Letter Grade
90 - 100
A
80 – 89
B
70 – 79
C
60 – 69
D
< 60
F
General Suggestions
Attend class regularly (!) and take generous notes during class. Ask questions. Perfect attendance will earn you
11% towards your final course grade as indicated below in the grading Section of this syllabus.
When beginning a new chapter, I recommend that you read through it quickly the first time, just to give yourself a
good feel for what it is about. You will understand what's going on in class much better if you do this.
Next, start tackling the end of chapter problems! Often, working problems facilitates understanding much better
than just reading and rereading the chapter itself. Working problems is essential. However, do not spend an
inordinate amount of time on a single problem - skip it for the time being and go on to another. Try working some
of the sample exercises. They are worked out in the chapter and are very helpful.
Study groups can be very helpful. Keep the group small though, no more than three or four people.
Finally, keep a positive attitude! Class can be hard, but with the right attitude and approach, you will succeed in
mastering it! Make sure you do all your assignments, turn them in when scheduled; and take all examinations when
scheduled.
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