ENGR 101
Introduction to Engineering
Fall 2009
Dr. Mustafa Arafa
American University in Cairo
Mechanical Engineering Department
mharafa@aucegypt.edu
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Course Description
Course must be taken in year of admission to engineering program.
Course covers:
 History of engineering
 Engineering fields of specialization and curricula
 The engineering profession: team work, professionalism, ethics,
licensing, communication and societal obligations
 Engineering support personnel and activities
 Engineering approach to problem solving
 Examples of engineering projects
 Course project
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Course Objectives
•
To identify various aspects and areas of engineering to freshmen
• To open the door to discussions, questions and inquiries
• To introduce some basic tools and methods used by engineers.
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Course Outcomes
After completing the course, students will be able to:
 Identify and describe the engineering fields of specialization.
 Explain the different career paths for engineers.
 Practice the engineering approach to problem solving.
 Identify the engineer’s ethical and societal responsibilities.
 Practice technical writing and presentation using computer
tools.
 Work in a team.
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Course Contents
Textbook: Introduction to Engineering, P.H. Wright, John
Wiley & Sons, 2002.



Chapter 1: History of Engineering
Chapter 2: Definition of Engineering
Chapter 6: Engineering Communications




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The engineer as a writer
(report writing)
The engineer as a speaker (presentation)
Chapter 5: The Engineering Approach to Problem Solving
Chapter 4: Creativity
Chapter 3: Professional Ethics
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Grading Policy
Grade 1: Assignments
Grade 2: Project (8% Midterm project, and 17% final project)
Grade 3: Midterm Exam
Grade 4: Class Participation and attendance
Grade 5: Final Exam
20%
25%
20%
5%
30%
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Main Objective
Senator Robert Kennedy:
 “Some people see things as they are and ask why?”
 ”I dream of things that have never been and ask why
not?”
Source: http://www.s-m-i-t.com/#grow_target
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