Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
1. Understand and engage in the
engineering project development
process. This includes: problem
specification, design, modeling,
simulation/CAE (computer-aided
engineering), fabrication, testing
and redesign
Recommended Indicators
a. Successful completion of a
design project
b. Ability to generate items to
support the design project, such
as:
Drawings
3-D models
Schedules
Materials list
c. Collect and analyze data
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Extended Response

Problem Solving

Performance

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Design a project for a client to
satisfy a specific need.

Design a project that involves a
synthesis of many different
engineering disciplines.

Design a project to be assessed
for marketability, aesthetics, and
analytical analysis.
o
Examples of a design
project include: a system
such that an egg can
survive a three story
drop, a solar oven, and
an autonomous
hovercraft.
o
Deliverables will include
a preliminary and final
project design report,
engineering drawings,
empirical calculations,
Gantt Chart
d. Document design process
e. Situate the design process
within a context such as:
reverse engineering,
marketability, service, science,
art, competition, problem solving
1
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
2. Understand the mechanics of
group dynamics and demonstrate
the ability to contribute to a
team.
Recommended Indicators
a. Leadership skills
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Selected Response
b. Attendance

Brief Response
c. Positive contributions/avoid
negative criticism

Extended Response

Performance
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Create a peer review evaluation
mechanism

Select and assign project roles
within the group:
o Leader
o Recorder
o Time

Participate in project
management.

Analyze an organizational case
study.

Write an individual or group
status report indicating
contribution of each group
member.
d. Meeting role or task
commitments
3. Demonstrate effective oral and
written communication skills.
a. Appropriate delivery

Extended Response

Make multimedia presentation.
b. Communicate concisely

Performance

Create web pages.
c. Address key points

Product

Written/ oral reports:
Design, request for proposal,
progress report, design review,
final report, lab report, log
books, Executive summary,
abstract

Book/article report/presentation
d. Attend to time limits
e. Use of multimedia
f. Organized
g. Correct use of referencing
standards
h. Ability to summarize
2
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
4. Understand the role of ethics
in the engineering discipline.
Recommended Indicators
a. Understanding institutional
student code of conduct and
academic integrity policies
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Selected response

Brief Response
b. Ability to identify ethical issues,
dilemmas, and possible
resolutions in specific scenarios.

Extended response

Problem Solving
c. Understanding engineering
professional codes of ethics.

Performance

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Read and analyze case studies
and provide recommendations
for resolutions.

Research a current topic on
digital technology. Write a report
summarizing the current status
and make a value judgment
based on ethical principles.

Compare and contrast free-ware
versus commercial procurement.

Investigate the history and
abuses of patent law.
Topics
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
might include:
Environmental issues
Conflict of interest
Accountability
(Challenger scenario,
atomic bomb, etc.)
Internet
Copyright
Copy free
“Free software”
“Free hardware”
GNU General Public
License (copy left)
3
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
5. Use simulation tools to design
circuits and analyze performance.
Recommended Indicators
a. Use circuit simulation
software to analyze circuits. The
analysis should include:
time and frequency domain,
analog and digital circuits, ac/dc
parametric analysis.
b. Use circuit simulation
software to design circuits. The
design should include a
parametric study given realistic
component tolerances.
c. Use the parameters measured
in an experiment as input to a
circuit simulation to verify
experiment al results.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Extended response

Problem Solving

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Use simulation tools (Spice,
Electronics Workbench,
schematic capture, etc.) to
analyze the transient response
of an RLC circuit.

Use simulation tools (Spice,
Electronics Workbench,
schematic capture, etc.) to
design a summing amplifier with
op amps.

Use simulation tools (Spice,
Electronics Workbench,
schematic capture, etc.) to
analyze the performance of a
sequence detector that was built
and tested in the lab.
4
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
6. Effectively design, build and
test circuits with current ICs,
resistors, inductors, capacitors,
diodes, and operational
amplifiers.
Recommended Indicators
a. Generate circuit schematics
(both logic and wiring
diagrams as appropriate) that
meet the problem
specifications
b. Assemble and troubleshoot
the circuit on a bread board
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Extended response

Performance

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Design, build, and analyze a low
pass filter that has a bandwidth
of 5 kHz, a pass band gain of 3
dB, and a roll off 40 dB per
decade

Determine the Thevenin's
equivalent of a complex LRC
circuit. Build both circuits and
compare their performance

Design, build, and analyze a
stable clock circuit at 100 kHz
using 555 timer chip.

Design, build, and analyze a
sequence detector to identify
the bit stream “1011”;

Given a simple Boolean
expression with four input
variables, design SOP and POS
realizations with minimal
coverings, draw the logic and
wiring diagrams, build, test, and
debug the circuit.
c. Generate the data needed to
verify the circuit performance
d. Implement a circuit using a
programmable logic device
(PLD).
5
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
7. Understand basic operation,
limitations and inaccuracies of
basic test and measurement
equipment. This includes:
function generators, DMMs,
analog and digital oscilloscopes
and Digital Logic Analyzers.
Recommended Indicators
a. Use an oscilloscope to acquire
and analyze voltage data from
circuits on an appropriate
time scale.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Performance
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Measure the peak-to-peak
voltage of a 10 mV - 10 kHz sine
wave on various voltage scales
and estimate the accuracy of the
measurement. Repeat for other
frequencies and voltages.

c. Use DMMs to measure low
frequency voltage, currents,
and component values.
Compare the square, sine, and
triangular waveform peak-topeak reading with the rms
reading using the oscilloscope
and the DMM at various
frequencies.

d. Use DLA's or mixed signal
oscilloscopes to acquire and
analyze multi-channel digital
signals.
Use a function generator to
produce a 50 kHz clock. Build a
Mod-32 counter and display all
inputs and outputs on the DLA

Build a complex LRC circuit and
compare the analytic results to
the measured results and
discuss the difference taking into
account the component values
b. Use function generators to
produce basic waveforms
(square, sine, and triangle) of
varying amplitude and
frequency.

Product
6
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
8. Demonstrate the ability to
analyze experimental data. This
includes: using statistical and
other methods to qualitatively
and quantitatively compare
designs and results.
Recommended Indicators
a. Use computer spreadsheet for
plotting and analyzing data.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Extended response

b. Apply appropriate
mathematical techniques and 
technology tools, including
analysis of experimental error, 
to compare theory and data.
c. Apply a least-squares fit to
compare theory and data.
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Using a spreadsheet and/or
statistical application and
empirical data, explore the
relationship between two
variables affecting a system.
Give a reasonable explanation
through written and/or verbal
means for what is occurring in
the system.

Determine the appropriate
statistical quantities utilizing
data from a specific lab or
project.

Identify experimental data that
deviates from the expected
results to a degree greater than
the expected error and provide
an explanation for the
discrepancy.
Problem Solving
Performance
Product
d. Draw and communicate
appropriate conclusions from
the investigation.
7
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
9. Know the relations between
basic electrical quantities and be
able to generate all equations
needed to solve any general
electric circuit.
Recommended Indicators
Suggested Assessment
Type

Brief Response
For a given circuit (both time and
frequency domains):
a. Correctly determine how many 
equations are needed to solve the
problem
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Given the following series
circuit: A 10k ohm resistor, a
37 mH inductor and a 100 kHz
- 1 V source, calculate the
steady state current through
and the voltage across each
component.

Write the complete set of
differential equations needed to
solve for all voltages and
currents in a 5-node complex
RLC circuit using two voltage
sources.

Write the complete set of
sinusoidal steady state
equations for a parallel
combination of a resistor,
inductor, and capacitor
connected to a sinusoidal
current source.

Given a complex circuit
diagram, identify the number of
nodes and meshes in the
circuit.
Problem Solving
b. Write the necessary KVL and
KCL equations
c. Write the necessary terminal
relationships for the components
8
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
10. Use basic circuit techniques
in the analysis of AC/DC circuits.
This includes: Nodal and Mesh
analysis, voltage and current
divider rules, superposition, and
Thevenin and Norton
equivalents.
Recommended Indicators
For various circuit diagrams:
a. Use Nodal analysis to solve
for the voltages in the circuit;
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Find the Thevenin equivalent
circuit at the output of a two
terminal linear circuit.
b. Use Mesh analysis to solve for
the currents in the circuit;

Find all the Mesh currents in a 3
Mesh LRC circuit with one
voltage and one current source.
c. Use the current divider rule to
calculate current distribution
in the circuit;

Find the voltage across each
resistor and the current in each
resistor for a given DC circuit.
d. Use the voltage divider rule to
calculate voltage distribution
in the circuit.

Design a resistive voltage divider
that has an input to output ratio
of 20:1 and an input impedance
of 300 ohms.

Problem Solving
e. Use the superposition
technique to calculate all
currents and voltages in a
multi source circuit.
f.
Find the equivalent non-ideal
voltage or current source at a
given pair of terminals.
9
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
11. Calculate transient circuit
responses for first and second
order circuits.
Recommended Indicators
a. Compute time constants for
RL and RC parallel and series
circuits.
b. Classify the transient
response for RLC circuits as
over, under, or critically
damped behavior.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Calculate the time constant for a
1M ohm resistor and 22 uF
capacitor.

Calculate the time constant for a
100 ohm resistor and a 4.7 mH
inductor.

For a circuit where a 9 V battery
is connected at t = 0 to a series
RC combination with R = 10 k
and C = 10 uF, express the
voltage across the capacitor as a
function of time.

Calculate R so that an RLC
parallel circuit is critically
damped given L = 1 H and C =
0.5 F.

Calculate the transient response
for a RC circuit with two
sources, one whose transient
occurs at t = 0 and the other at
t = 3 s.
Problem Solving
c. Use initial conditions to find
the time variations of all
currents and voltages in a
circuit.
10
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
12. Understand how to generate
transfer functions for circuits with
one source and how to use
transfer functions to solve
general transient problems.
Recommended Indicators
a. For a given circuit, using
phasors, express the voltage
across or the current through
the appropriate component
relative to the input
b. For a sinusoidal or DC source
of a transient problem, use a
transfer function to find the
steady state and transient
solutions.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

For a complex RLC circuit with
one voltage source find the
transfer function for the voltage
across one of the components
and use it to write the time
varying response.

For a DC current source which is
connected at t = 0 to an RCparallel combination, find the
transfer function for the voltage
across the capacitor and solve
for the time-variation in the
current through the resistor.

For a second-order circuit with
two inductors and several
resistors, connected to a 115 V
AC wall outlet at t = 0, write the
transfer function for the current
through one of the inductors
and solve for the time variation
of that current for t > 0.
Problem Solving
11
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
13. Understand elementary
operation of electronic circuits
with ideal operational amplifiers
and dependent sources.
Recommended Indicators
a. Design basic inverting and
non-inverting amplifier circuits
used for summing,
differentiating, and
integrating.
b. Analyze single op amp circuits
with resistors, capacitors, and
inductors to find the output
voltage.
c. Compute the output voltage
of a multi-amp circuit where
each individual block is a
basic transfer response.
d. Synthesize the overall
response of a multiple op amp
circuit in terms of each
individual op amp circuit.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Design a subtraction circuit
where the output voltage, Vout =
(5V1- 5V2), and where V1 and
V2 are input voltage sources.

Design a second-order high-pass
filter with one op amp.

Design a second-order high-pass
filter using one second-order
low-pass filter and two
differentiating op amp circuits.

Use Mesh analysis to find all
currents in a 3 mesh circuit with
both current-dependent current
sources and voltage-dependent
voltage sources.
Problem Solving
e. Apply Nodal and Mesh
analysis to circuits with
dependent voltage and
current sources.
f.
Calculate the Thevenin
equivalent non-ideal sources
for circuits that include
dependent voltage and
current sources
12
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
14. Design and analyze
combinational logic circuits.
Recommended Indicators
a. Simplify Boolean Functions
using algebraic manipulations.
b. Find minimal coverings of
Boolean expressions using Kmaps.
c. Implement Boolean functions
using NAND and/or NOR
gates.
d. For a given combinational
circuit, find the truth table
and the Boolean function that
corresponds to the circuit
output.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Design a combinational circuit
that converts 4-bit BCD code to
4-bit Excess-3 code.

Implement function
F = xy+xz+yz using 2-input
NAND gates only.

Design a Half Adder using two
4-to-1 multiplexers.

Derive a logical expression to
activate an alarm when a car
door is opened and the key is in
the ignition.
Problem Solving
e. Understand various
combinational circuits
including adders, subtractors,
decoders, encoders, and
multiplexers.
f.
Describe and use common
digital logic gates.
g. Use hardware description
language (HDL) to define the
functioning of a simple logic
circuit.
13
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
15. Design and analyze
synchronous sequential circuits.
Recommended Indicators
a. Understand different FlipFlops.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

b. Be familiar with various
registers, counters and
memory.
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Design a synchronous sequential
circuit that detects the sequence
“0101”

Derive the state equations, state
table and state diagram for a
synchronous sequential circuit
with two T Flip-Flops. The inputs
of T flip-flops are given.

Design a 3-bit synchronous
counter using JK Flip-flops.

Design an asynchronous Mod-16
counter.

Design a sequential logic circuit
to implement a vending machine
controller.

Use MATLAB and apply LU
factorization/Gauss-Jordan
method to find inverse of a
given matrix.

Using Simpson's rule, integrate a
simple function by hand and
with MATLAB.

Perform least square method to
find the best coefficients of a
function that fits a given data
set and present it in graphical
form.
Problem Solving
c. Derive state equations, state
table, and state diagram of a
sequential circuit.
d. Design synchronous
sequential circuits, including
registers and counters, using
flip-flops and logic gates.
16. Become proficient in a
numerical analysis application,
such as MATLAB or Octave.
Use numerical packages to:

Brief Response
a. Invert matrices and solve
matrix equations with complex
numbers.

Problem Solving

Product
b. Perform numerical integration.
c. Perform least squares analysis,
data reduction, and curve fitting.
d. Present data in graphical form.
14
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
17. Become familiar with
different aspects of numerical
computation and some of its
limitations.
Recommended Indicators
a. Understand the difference
between a continuous
equation and a discrete
equation.
b. Identify numerical
computation algorithms.
c. List limitations of numerical
computation algorithms.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

Extended response

Problem Solving

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Solve a set of linear equations
with an ill-conditioned matrix to
show the limitations of
numerical techniques.

Answer questions about errors
from numerical methods.

Conduct a literature search to
find an example of a failed
numerical computation and write
a report that describes the
situation and the problem
resolution.

Approximate the eigenvalues
and eigenvectors of a 4X4
matrix with different numerical
methods, such as power
method.

Demonstrate the limitations of a
numerical computation algorithm
by generating a set of input data
that provides a wrong answer.
15
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
18. Master basic tools from linear
algebra for computational use.
Formulate and solve matrix
equations. Be familiar with
eigenvalues and their
applications.
Recommended Indicators
a. Invert matrices and solve
matrix equations with
complex numbers.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Brief Response

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Take any three linearlyindependent equations of three
linear variables with complex
(constant) coefficients and:
o Express the equations as a
matrix problem with a 3x3
(square) matrix
o Find the determinant of the
3x3 matrix
o Find the eigenvalues of the
3x3 matrix
o Find the eigenvectors of the
3x3 matrix
o Find the cofactor matrix
o Find the inverse of the matrix
o Use Kramer’s rule to solve for
any of the unknowns
o Use Gaussian Elimination
(GE) to make the matrix
upper-triangular
o Use GE and back-substitution
to solve for the unknowns
o Use the matrix inverse to
solve for the three unknowns.

Take any 4x4 matrix equation
and write four scalar equations
that convey the same
information as the matrix
equation.

Take a set of 5 equations with 3
unknowns. Extract three linearly
independent equations, write
them in matrix form and solve
for the unknowns.
Problem Solving
b. Apply Gaussian elimination.
c. Apply Kramer's rule
d. Calculate the eigenvalues and
eigenvectors of a matrix;
e. Calculate the determinant of a
matrix.
16
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
19. Understand the programming
and software development flow
and write programs using a high
level programming language (like
C, C++).
Recommended Indicators
a. Demonstrate the ability to
write, test and debug, maintain,
and document source code.
b. Analyze problems to determine
appropriate modular
programming solutions.
c. Create modular programs that
process typical engineering data,
and provide a useful solution.
d. Demonstrate the ability to
identify and use various data
types data structures, operators,
conditional statements, loops,
functions, arrays, formatted data
input/output, file input/output.
e. Recognize and apply
appropriate programming
structures (sequence, selection,
and/or iteration).
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Selected response

Brief Response

Problem Solving

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Write a program to tabulate the
distance achieved by a shell
fired with constant muzzle
velocity as the elevation (angle)
changes. Given distance =
(2v2 * sin  * cos )/g

Write a program that creates
100 random numbers scaled
within a user specified upper
and lower limit with an option to
sort the data and send it to an
external test file.

Write a program to calculate and
output the integral between two
points of function f(x) = x2
utilizing both the rectangular
and trapezoidal approximation
techniques.

Model a natural system,
output data, and analysis
simulated data
 Under-damped,
critically damped , or
over-damped system
 Oscillatory behavior
 Comparison between
the various disciplines
“natural systems”
17
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
20. Understand set theory,
logic, basics of proof,
mathematical induction,
combinations and permutations
Recommended Indicators
a. Construct elementary proofs
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Problem Solving
b. Apply basic set operations

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Given a problem set, calculate
truth tables for elementary
operations

Use truth tables to verify
absorption laws:
o P V (p not Vq) triple = p
o P not V (p Vq) triple = p

Prove or disprove that there are
three consecutive odd integers
that are prime.

Develop recursive algorithms

Apply induction to find a formula
for 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + …+ (1/2)n
Product
c. Describe and apply rules of
logic
d. Describe and apply basic
probability
e. Describe and apply basic
functions
21. Understand graphs and
trees
a. Construct elementary graphs
and trees
b. Distinguish between graphs and
trees
c. Know connectivity properties of
graphs

Problem Solving

Apply basic algorithms

Product

Implement parsing algorithms

Conduct a depth first search

Apply node insertion in a
balanced tree
18
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Computer
Engineering (CE)
22. Understand programming
topics, including lists, pointers,
stacks, queues, recursion, hash
tables, and memory
management.
Recommended Indicators
a. Analyze problems to determine
the appropriate data structure.
b. Demonstrate the ability to
identify and use lists, pointers,
stacks, queues, recursion, hash
tables, and memory
management.
c. Recognize and apply
appropriate Object Oriented
Programming (OOP) concepts.
Suggested Assessment
Type
 Problem Solving

Product
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Using recursion, develop a
quicksort

Use pointers and queues for
graph parsing

Apply appropriate structures to
multiply a 2x3 matrix by 3xn
matrix.
d. Create object oriented
applications.
19
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Content Area: Physics for CE
The student will know and apply the concepts and laws of physics (at the level of standard calculus-based physics textbooks,
see note below) to understand and explain the behavior of the physical world.
Note: Examples of standard calculus-based introductory level physics text books (including modern physics) are:
a. Fundamentals of Physics by Halliday, Resnick & Walker
b. Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Serway & Beichner
c. Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Tipler & Mosca
d. Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics by Giancoli
e. University Physics by Young & Freedman
f. University Physics by Reese
g. Understanding Physics by the Physics Education Group
Content Knowledge
Mechanics
Vectors and scalars
Kinematics
Statics and dynamics
Work and energy
Energy and momentum conservation
laws
o Simple harmonic motion
o Rotational dynamics
o Gravitational fields
o Fluid mechanics
o
o
o
o
o
Electricity and Magnetism
Static electricity
Electric forces, potentials, and fields
Electrical and magnetic properties of
materials
o AC and DC circuits and circuit
components
o Magnetic forces and fields
o Electromagnetic induction
o Electromagnetic radiation
o Maxwell’s equations
o
o
o
Heat and Thermodynamics
o
o
o
o
Temperature, heat, heat capacity and
heat transfer
Kinetic molecular theory
Phase changes
Laws of thermodynamics with
applications such as heat engines
(Physics for CE Outcomes begin on the following page)
20
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Content Area: Physics for CE
Outcome—Physics for CE
Recommended Indicators
1. Students will know the
vocabulary and mathematical
language associated with each
content knowledge area listed
above.
a. Select, define, and recall terms.
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Selected response
b. Use terms in context.

Brief response
c. Describe and classify terms.

Extended
response
d. Translate word problems into
proper mathematical expressions
or diagrams.
Sample Assignments
 A Newton is a unit of ________.
 Give an example of work used in
everyday language that fits the
physics definition of work.
 Give an example of a transverse
wave.
 Rank the following in order of
smallest to largest frequency: x-ray,
visible light, microwaves, radio
waves, and gamma rays.
2. Students will understand the
concepts, relationships, and
principles of each content
knowledge area listed above
and the interrelationships
between related content areas.
a. Explain concepts and use them
to describe physical phenomena.
b. Use graphical representation
when appropriate.
c. Describe relationships among
concepts.

Brief response

Extended
response
 Use Newton’s laws to explain the
motion of a person in a car speeding
up, moving at a constant velocity,
slowing down, and making a right
turn.
 A ball is thrown vertically into the air.
Sketch graphs of position, velocity,
and acceleration as a function of
time. Label the portions of the graph
where the ball is on its way up, at
the top, and on the way down.
 Compare and contrast series and
parallel circuits.
21
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Physics for CE
Recommended Indicators
3. Students will apply concepts
and relationships to qualitative
problems and quantitative
problems in each content
knowledge area listed above.
a. Solve a simple problem or
break a complex problem into
manageable parts.
b. Apply appropriate concepts,
mathematical techniques (algebra,
graphing, and calculus), and
technology tools to the problem.
c. Synthesize the results.
d. Critically assess solutions to
determine if they are valid and
reasonable.
e. Effectively communicate orally
and in writing the explanation of a
problem solution and results.
f. Apply dimensional analysis and
order of magnitude analysis to
check answers.
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Selected response
 Brief response
 Extended response
 Problem solving
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments
 As more identical resistors R are
added to the parallel circuit shown
(insert diagram) here, the total
resistance between points P and Q
(choose one) increases, remains the
same, or decreases. Explain.
 A student has a part time job and is
asked to bring a steel rod of length
85.0 cm and diameter 2.8 cm from
the stock room to the machinist. Will
the student need a cart? Provide
justification.
 A sled starts from rest at the top of a
frictionless hemispherical snowcovered hill of radius R. As it
descends, at what angle does it
leave the hill? Show all critical
aspects of the solution and present
the solution to the class.
22
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Physics for CE
Recommended Indicators
4. Students will investigate a
classical physical system
experimentally (in at least each
of the broad content knowledge
areas listed above).
a. Design an investigation to
explore a concept or test the
validity of a hypothesis in a
statistically meaningful way.
b. Carry out the experiment
designed in part a, collect data,
and display the results
appropriately.
c. Use data acquisitions software
and equipment (for example MBLs
or CBLs) for collecting data.
d. Use computer spreadsheets for
plotting and analyzing data.
e. Apply appropriate mathematical
techniques and technology tools
to the investigation.
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Extended response.

Performance
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments
 Design and carry out an experiment,
using available equipment, to
determine the relationship between
the period and length of a simple
pendulum.
--Using this relationship, the universal
law of gravitation, and further
experimentation, determine the mass
of Earth.
--Aggregate the class results and
compare individual results to the class
aggregate.
--Present a written or an oral report of
the results.
f. Analyze experimental error and
apply a least-squares fit to
compare theory and data.
g. Draw appropriate conclusions
from the investigation.
h. Effectively communicate orally
and in writing the results of an
investigation.
23
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Physics for CE
Recommended Indicators
5. Students will work
individually and cooperatively in
teams on investigations and/or
problem solutions.
a. Identify functions of different
roles in a team.
b. Set goals and objectives.
c. Be aware of and be able to
access resources.
d. Function in each of the roles.
e. Assess the effectiveness of the
group process.
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Selected response
 Extended response
 Performance
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments
Determine the relationship between the
length and period of a pendulum in a
group of four students.
--Identify four appropriate roles for the
members of your team.
--Describe each role in terms of their
functions.
--Set goals and objectives for each
member of the group and for the group
as a whole in order to carry out the
investigation.
--Acquire the equipment and supplies
necessary to carry out the experiment.
--Read background information in the
textbook related to this phenomenon.
--Carry out an assigned role.
--On a scale of 0 to 5 (with 0 = low and
5 = high) assess individual performance
in the group process and justify ratings.
--On a scale of 0 to 5, assess the
group’s effectiveness and performance
and justify ratings.
24
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Content Area: Chemistry for CE
Outcome—Chemistry for
CE
1. Make measurements and
express those
measurements in common
and metric units; manipulate
units
Recommended Indicators
2. Identify and apply
significant figures and
exponential notation to
measurement
a. Make measurement;
b. Convert measurements
between systems.
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Brief response
Sample Assignments

Convert 3.2 lb/gal to g/mL.

Given an object, determine its mass and
volume and express the resulting density in
units other than those measured.

Given an object, determine the mass and
volume and express the resulting density in
units other than those measured. Answer
must be expressed to the correct number of
significant and in exponential notation.

Problem solving

Performance
a. Correctly express numbers
in scientific notation with
appropriate significant
figures.

Brief response

Performance
3. Describe nature of science
and scientific investigation
a. Design, conduct, evaluate
and/or interpret a scientific
investigation.

Extended
response

You are presented with the question, “Does
the volume of a gas depend on its
temperature?” Determine how you might
answer the questioning in an experimental
manner. Include a hypothesis, list of
independent, dependent and controlled
variables, a basic experimental design and
observations that may be anticipated.
4. Distinguish among states
of matter; explain behaviors
of states based on
particulate nature
a. Identify state;

Brief response

b. Give characteristics of each
state;

Extended
response
In the sealed flasks below, using small
circles to represent particles, sketch
benzene at –10oC (solid) and 25 oC (liquid).
c. Explain behavior of state
25
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Chemistry for
CE
5. Identify basic atomic
structure; describe historical
development of atomic
theory and its relationship to
spectroscopy
Recommended Indicators
a. Identify characteristics of
sub-atomic particles;
b. Know important
contributions to modern
atomic theory;
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Brief response

SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Explain what information the gold foil
experiment provided about the nature and
structure of the atom. Include how the
experimental results led to his conclusions.

Explain the cause of spectral lines and why
they are different for each element.
Extended
response
c. Relate atomic composition
to element identification and
isotopes;
d. Relate to modern
spectroscopy.
6. Explain principles of the
quantum mechanical model
of the atom
a. Recognize types and
characteristics of atomic
orbitals;

Brief response

What Period 2 element has exactly three p
orbital electrons in its shell?

Brief response


Extended
response
If a new element was discovered that
should be placed under francium on the
periodic table, what would its properties
be?
b. Generate and interpret
electron configurations.
7. Outline the development
of and trends conveyed by
the periodic table of the
elements
a. Use the periodic table to
obtain and predict elemental
properties such as relative
atomic size, ionization
energy, electron affinity, and
electronegativity.
26
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Chemistry for
CE
8. Define the concept of
bonding as resulting from
electron interactions;
understand bond nature as a
continuum.
Recommended Indicators
a. Distinguish between ionic
and covalent bonding;
b. Give example of each type
of bond;
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Brief response
Sample Assignments

Draw a Lewis dot structure for NO21-.

Extended
response

A general statement says that metals and
non-metals form ionic bonds. However,
MnO2 has characteristics of a covalent
bond. Explain why.
c. Explain why bond
character may not be purely
ionic or covalent;
d. Identify dipole moment in
bonds;
e. Draw Lewis dot structures.
9. Visualize geometries of
molecules; apply VSEPR
theory and hybridization
theory
a. Predict geometries of
molecules and know
hybridization of atoms in a
molecule

Problem solving

Determine the molecular geometry of SO2.
10. Explain the concept of
chemical change as a
chemical reaction; know
types of chemical reactions
a. Identify types of reactions;

Brief response

b. Recognize process as a
chemical change

Performance
Heat a sample of CuCO3 over a Bunsen
burner for 5 minutes and then cool it.
Based on your observations, determine if
the change is chemical or physical. Explain
your reasoning.
27
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Chemistry for
CE
11. Identify chemical
nomenclature
Recommended Indicators
a. Write formula for chemical
compounds;
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Brief response
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

b. Write names from
formulas;
Complete and balance the following
chemical equation:
AgNO3 (aq) + BaCl2 (aq) 
c. Write and interpret
chemical equations;
d. Balance chemical
equations.
12. Define the mole concept
and stoichiometry
13. Identify physical and
chemical properties of acids
and bases
a. Calculate molar mass,
moles, empirical formulas, %
composition, mole ratios,
number of particles; reactant
and product amounts

a. Identify acids and bases;
distinguish among
characteristics of acids and
bases;

Brief response

Problem solving

Extended response
b. Know different definitions
of acids and bases;
Problem solving
C3H8O2 + O2  CO2 + H2O
 If you start the above chemical reaction with
50.0 g of C3H8O2 and 75.0 g of O2, how many
grams of water could be produced? If you
obtain 27.0 grams of water, what is the %
yield?

Calculate the pH of a 0.023 M solution of
HCl.

Explain how the bicarbonate-carbonic acid
buffer system maintains pH upon a)
addition of an acid and b) addition of a
base.
c. Calculate and interpret pH
for weak and strong acids
and bases;
d. Explain buffer systems and
calculate pH of buffer
systems.
28
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—Chemistry for
CE
14. Describe interactions of
matter and energy
15. Compare concept of
heat exchange in physical
and chemical systems
16. Understand safe
laboratory practice
Recommended Indicators
a. Explain the effect of
absorption or release of
energy on a system
Suggested
Assessment Type
 Brief response

Sample Assignments

Why does the hydrogen atom absorb only
certain wavelengths of light? What
happens when this absorption occurs?

Using a coffee cup calorimeter, determine
the specific heat of a metal.
Extended response
a. Employ specific heat and H 
of a material to calculate heat
transfer;

Brief response
b. Apply calorimetry to
measure heat exchange;

Problem solving

Performance

Brief response

Performance
c. Interpret phase diagrams
and heating/cooling curves
a. Use safe laboratory
practices
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Extended response
 Identify the location and purpose of all safety
equipment in this laboratory.
 May be assessed by assigning points for
adherence to correct laboratory behavior
such as wearing eye protection, disposing of
chemicals correctly, handling glassware and
other equipment safely, following instructions
carefully.
29
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Content Area: Mathematics for CE
Outcome—
Mathematics for CE
Recommended Indicators
Suggested
Assessment Type
Sample Assignments
1. Calculate the limits of
functions.
a. Analyze problems using the Squeezing
Theorem, one-sided limits, infinite limits,
l’Hôpital’s Rule.

Brief Response


Problem Solving
Evaluate a limit using l’Hôpital’s
Rule
a. Identify continuity and piecewise
continuity of functions and analyze
properties of continuity through the
Intermediate Value Theorem.

Brief Response


Extended
Response
Use the Intermediate Value
Theorem to show that the range
of the sine function contains all
numbers in the interval [-1, 1].

Problem Solving

Use the Bisection Method to
prove the Intermediate Value
Theorem.

Brief Response


Problem Solving
Determine the values (if any)
where the line tangent to a
given third degree polynomial is
horizontal.

Calculate a derivative
numerically, using the NewtonRaphson Method.
2. Analyze continuity of a
function
3. Find the derivatives of
functions numerically,
algebraically, and
graphically.
a. Calculate the derivative of a function
(using basic rules of differentiation,
including the chain rule and implicit
differentiation) and use it to find the
slope, tangent, higher derivatives.
b. Estimate approximate values of
functions (with technology), and find the
relation between the derivative of a
function and its inverse.
30
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—
Mathematics for CE
Recommended Indicators
Suggested
Assessment Type
4. Apply the derivative to
a wide range of
problems.
a. Apply the derivative to find related
rates, velocity and acceleration from
position, properties of graphs of functions
(including relative extrema, asymptotes,
concavity), solutions of maximum and
minimum problems, and exponential
growth and decay.

Brief Response

Extended
Response

Problem Solving
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Find the maximum volume of a
right circular cylinder that is
inscribed in a given sphere.

A basketball is being inflated at a
rate of 50 cubic centimeters per
second. How fast is the
basketball diameter increasing
when the diameter is 20
centimeters?

Given a function for the distance
traveled versus time, find the
instantaneous velocity and
acceleration.

Calculate the area of the region
bounded above by the sine
function, below by the x-axis,
between x = 0 and x = .

Find the area of the region
formed by a given ellipse.
b. Explain the uses of Rolle’s Theorem and
the Mean Value Theorem.
5. Calculate definite and
improper integrals;
find indefinite
integrals.
a. Apply Riemann Sums, the Fundamental
Theorem of Calculus, algebraic and
trigonometric substitutions, integration by
parts, and partial fractions to find
integrals.

Brief Response

Problem Solving

Brief Response

Extended
Response

Problem Solving
b. Estimate values of integrals by means
of Simpson’s Rule (with technology).
6. Solve a wide range of
problems related to
integration.
a. Using integration, find solutions to
problems involving area, volume, surface
area, work, moments, and length of a
curve, as well as position and velocity
from known acceleration.
31
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
Outcome—
Mathematics for CE
Recommended Indicators
Suggested
Assessment Type
7. Identify the basic
properties of
functions.
a. Identify symmetric, inverse, and
composite functions.

Brief Response

Extended
Response

Problem Solving

Brief Response

Extended
Response

Problem Solving

Brief Response

Extended
Response

Problem Solving
8. Analyze the
convergence or
divergence of
sequences and series.
b. Classify algebraic, exponential,
logarithmic, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and
elliptic functions.
a. Use convergence properties of
sequences to determine the convergence
or divergence of a given sequence.
b. Use the convergence tests (nth term
test, integral test, ratio test, alternate
series test) to determine the convergence
or divergence of given series.
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Sample Assignments

Given the graph of a function,
determine whether it is
exponential, logarithmic,
polynomial, trigonometric, etc.

Find the Taylor series for the
sine function, and determine
the radius of convergence of
the Taylor series.

Discuss the properties of the
cycloid.
c. Find the power series and Taylor series
for given functions with the Lagrange
Remainder Formula.
d. Apply Taylor’s Theorem, absolute
convergence to power series, and find the
radius of convergence of a power series.
9. Graph and analyze
polar equations,
parametric equations,
and conic sections.
a. Analyze functions given in polar form or
in parametric form.
b. Analyze rectangular forms of conic
sections.
c. Calculate lengths and areas related to
polar and parametric functions.
32
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Outcome—
Mathematics for CE
Recommended Indicators
Suggested
Assessment Type
Sample Assignments
10. Solve elementary
differential equations.
a. Explain basic definitions relative to
differential equations and solve separable
differential equations.

Brief Response
Solve the differential equations for
the exponential growth and decay.

Extended
Response

Problem Solving

Brief Response

Extended
Response

Problem Solving
a. Use a mathematical software system
(MSS) to implement numerical methods
such as Euler, Improved Euler, and
Runge-Kutta.

Brief Response

Extended
Response
b. Calculate local and global errors;
estimate reliability of numerical methods
for ODE’s.

Problem Solving
b. Find approximate solutions, for
example, using Euler’s method.
11. Classify and solve first
order, ordinary differential
equations (ODE).
c. Sketch a solution given a slope-field.
a. Identify linear, separable,
homogeneous, and exact equations.
b. Explain the existence and uniqueness of
solutions, properties of nonlinear vs. linear
equations, qualitative methods for
autonomous equations.

From a list of first order
differential equations, classify
each as linear, separable,
homogeneous, or exact.

Use MATLAB to solve a simple
inhomogeneous differential
equation with constant
coefficients.
c. Solve first order ODE’s using separable
variables, variation of parameters, and
exact differentials
12. Use numerical tools to
solve basic differential
equations.
c. Use a MSS to solve higher order
differential equations.
d. Use a MSS to solve systems of first
order differential equations by finding the
eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
33
Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)—Computer Engineering, Outcomes
SPRING 2009 FINAL
Outcome—
Mathematics for CE
Recommended Indicators
Suggested
Assessment Type
Sample Assignments
13. Classify and solve
second order, ordinary
differential equations.
a. Identify the different types of second
order differential equations and explain
the different parts of their solutions.

Brief Response


Extended
Response
Given as 100 foot bungee cord
with a known spring constant,
determine the maximum
distance a jumper will descend
after leaving a platform.

Problem Solving

Brief Response


Extended
Response

Problem Solving
Use Laplace transforms to
calculate the general
homogeneous solution to a
second order differential
equations with constant
coefficients.

Brief Response


Extended
Response

Problem Solving
Given a system of three first
order homogenous differential
equations with constant
coefficients, find the eigenvalues
and eigenvectors for the
homogeneous solution.
b. Use various methods to solve
homogeneous linear equations with
constant coefficients.
b. Explain and apply the reduction of
order technique.
14. Calculate Laplace
Transforms and apply to
basic differential
equations.
c. Apply the methods of undetermined
coefficients and variation of
parameters for non-homogeneous
equations.
a. Define the Laplace Transform and
calculate for a variety of functions.
b. Identify inverse transforms.
c. Calculate the transform of function
derivatives and apply the Laplace
transform to the solution of differential
equations.
15. Solve basic systems of
first order linear
differential equations.
d. Apply the Laplace transform to
differential equations with discontinuous
forcing functions.
a. Use the eigenvalue-eigenvector method
to solve systems with constant
coefficients.
34