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ENGS 115 is a freshmen class at Manhattan College that all freshmen engineering majors are required to take. The class is designed by the professors and academic advisors at Manhattan College to help students determine which field they would like to pursue in engineering.
Manhattan College offers disciplines in: Electrical engineering,
Computer engineering, Environmental engineering, Civil engineering,
Mechanical engineering, and Chemical engineering. All sections of Engs
115 are held on the same day and at the same time. The course is
divided into several modules and a homeroom project. Each module is a
preview of a discipline in engineering, which is taught by a professor
of that discipline. Between modules students meet in their homeroom,
where they are placed based on what discipline they are interested in
studying. In the homeroom the students have a semester project that
reflects the discipline they are interested in. The modules include
each of the disciplines and a history/ethics lesson for engineers.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers design and create all types of computers ranging from microprocessors to supercomputers, as well as program robots and other computer controlled applications. The computer engineering lab was organized by Dr. Mauro and consisted of working with LEGO Mindstorm robots. These robots are an excellent representation of what computer engineers do. In the computer engineering module we primarily learned the basics and programmed the robots to run through a series of easy tasks. Programming the robots was accomplished through the use of the LEGO Mindstorms software. The tasks ranged from making a series of beeps and tones to traveling a set distance. By the end of the module our robots were able to use a touch sensor to complete a maze. In the computer engineering homeroom students had to construct radio controlled "Aggressor Robots". These "Aggressor Robots" had to be able to travel through pipes and collect optical, touch and infra-red data. With this information, the robot must navigate the pipes and find and destroy enemy robots.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is the application of science and engineering to improve our environment. Dr. Carbonaro taught the environmental engineering section of ENGS 115. In the environmental engineering module lab we designed and built water filters. These filters were tested for their ability to remove blue dye and clay particles from the water. The filter's design was based on two important factors. The first factor was the amount of carbon (GAC), sand and gravel used to fill the filter. The use of three different sized substances filtered out the larger particles from the water. The second factor was the amount of coagulant used to force the particles in the water to combine and become larger particles. Cost efficiency was also an important part in the design portion of this lab. The environmental homeroom project was to analyze Tibbets Brook to see if it is safe for aquatic life. They tested for Ammonia, Nitrate, Heavy Metals and other harmful substances that might be present in the water. After the test they sent the results to New York City Parks Department so that they can learn more about this stream.
History and Ethics
The history and ethics module is separated into two topics. The first is the history and evolution of engineering. Dr. Freyne, the professor of this module, uses the textbook, The Works, to show the class how engineers affect infrastructure and how their role in the infrastructure has developed throughout history. Dr. Freyne then gives the students the "NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers". This document is the official code in which engineers are expected to live by. The code of ethics is an essential aspect of all the engineering disciplines and it is required for engineers to follow it to maintain their license to practice engineering. The history and ethics module guides freshmen engineers in the right moral direction and helps them understand the importance of their future career.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering involves the application of physics to analyze, design, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems. The mechanical engineering section was taught by Dr. Walker. In the mechanical engineering module lab we used two types of machines to complete different tasks. The first machine was a visual system that is used to check and control the quality of a product. This part of the lab consisted of us using this machine to quickly measure the area and perimeter of an object. The other machine we used was a Computer Controlled Cutting Machine which precisely cuts and creates object with little human interference. We programmed the machine to cut the plastic how we wanted and pressed start. The Mechanical Engineering Homeroom Lab consists of constructing a machine that can lift the heaviest weight possible. This machine has to be built of only wood and metal and must meet certain design requirements. At the end of the semester the machines were tested and judged based on their performance.
Civil Engineering
The civil engineering module is taught by Dr. Saukin. In the civil engineering module lab we took four types of concrete and performed a slump test to measure their workability. Next we filled four cylinders with the concrete and placed them into a curing room so they could harden. After three days, we took the cylinders out and performed a strength test on them using a stress machine. The four cylinders strength ranged between 870 and 1500 psi. The Civil Engineering Homeroom project was to design a bridge that can withstand forces at many different points along its frame. Before we actually decided on what design we had to calculate all the various forces and evaluate each joint like a real civil engineer. Once we evaluated all the joints we decided on a design for our bridge. At the end of the semester we tested our bridges with different weights at different locations.
Chemical
There are many different career paths that chemical engineers can work within such as the pharmaceutical, fuel and food industries. Dr. Anid, the chemical engineering professor teaches the module. For both the chemical engineering module and homeroom project the students learn the chemistry behind brewing beer. The lab for the homeroom students varies from the module lab due to the time constraint. The homeroom students start from scratch and brew beer through a process in which sugar is extracted from the grains. The module lab uses pre-extracted malt. Making foods and beverages such as beer is a large field for chemical engineers. By engaging in this project the students can obtain a better understanding of if they would enjoy pursuing a career in chemical engineering.
Electrical
Electrical engineering can be broken into two basic categories: information and technology. The electrical engineering module was taught by Dr. Prans. For the module's lab the students study a square wave. A few square waves frequently studied in electrical engineering are electromagnetic waves, voltage and sound waves. In the lab, a program called Labview is used to simulate a square wave and analyze it. In the electrical engineering homeroom, Dr. Prans' students do a project where they design and build a filter circuit for an amplifier. The first step of the project is to use problem solver in Microsoft Excel to determine the values for the resistors and capacitors of the circuit. Next, the students design and simulate the circuit in a program called PSpice. Finally, the students build the circuit and connect it to a record player and speaker to test it. This project teaches the students the design process used by engineers and gives the class a good feel for what an electrical engineer does.
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers design and create all types of computers ranging from microprocessors to supercomputers, as well as program robots and other computer controlled applications. The computer engineering lab was organized by Dr. Mauro and consisted of working with LEGO Mindstorm robots. These robots are an excellent representation of what computer engineers do. In the computer engineering module we primarily learned the basics and programmed the robots to run through a series of easy tasks. Programming the robots was accomplished through the use of the LEGO Mindstorms software. The tasks ranged from making a series of beeps and tones to traveling a set distance. By the end of the module our robots were able to use a touch sensor to complete a maze. In the computer engineering homeroom students had to construct radio controlled "Aggressor Robots". These "Aggressor Robots" had to be able to travel through pipes and collect optical, touch and infra-red data. With this information, the robot must navigate the pipes and find and destroy enemy robots.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering is the application of science and engineering to improve our environment. Dr. Carbonaro taught the environmental engineering section of ENGS 115. In the environmental engineering module lab we designed and built water filters. These filters were tested for their ability to remove blue dye and clay particles from the water. The filter's design was based on two important factors. The first factor was the amount of carbon (GAC), sand and gravel used to fill the filter. The use of three different sized substances filtered out the larger particles from the water. The second factor was the amount of coagulant used to force the particles in the water to combine and become larger particles. Cost efficiency was also an important part in the design portion of this lab. The environmental homeroom project was to analyze Tibbets Brook to see if it is safe for aquatic life. They tested for Ammonia, Nitrate, Heavy Metals and other harmful substances that might be present in the water. After the test they sent the results to New York City Parks Department so that they can learn more about this stream.
History and Ethics
The history and ethics module is separated into two topics. The first is the history and evolution of engineering. Dr. Freyne, the professor of this module, uses the textbook, The Works, to show the class how engineers affect infrastructure and how their role in the infrastructure has developed throughout history. Dr. Freyne then gives the students the "NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers". This document is the official code in which engineers are expected to live by. The code of ethics is an essential aspect of all the engineering disciplines and it is required for engineers to follow it to maintain their license to practice engineering. The history and ethics module guides freshmen engineers in the right moral direction and helps them understand the importance of their future career.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering involves the application of physics to analyze, design, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems. The mechanical engineering section was taught by Dr. Walker. In the mechanical engineering module lab we used two types of machines to complete different tasks. The first machine was a visual system that is used to check and control the quality of a product. This part of the lab consisted of us using this machine to quickly measure the area and perimeter of an object. The other machine we used was a Computer Controlled Cutting Machine which precisely cuts and creates object with little human interference. We programmed the machine to cut the plastic how we wanted and pressed start. The Mechanical Engineering Homeroom Lab consists of constructing a machine that can lift the heaviest weight possible. This machine has to be built of only wood and metal and must meet certain design requirements. At the end of the semester the machines were tested and judged based on their performance.
Civil Engineering
The civil engineering module is taught by Dr. Saukin. In the civil engineering module lab we took four types of concrete and performed a slump test to measure their workability. Next we filled four cylinders with the concrete and placed them into a curing room so they could harden. After three days, we took the cylinders out and performed a strength test on them using a stress machine. The four cylinders strength ranged between 870 and 1500 psi. The Civil Engineering Homeroom project was to design a bridge that can withstand forces at many different points along its frame. Before we actually decided on what design we had to calculate all the various forces and evaluate each joint like a real civil engineer. Once we evaluated all the joints we decided on a design for our bridge. At the end of the semester we tested our bridges with different weights at different locations.
Chemical
There are many different career paths that chemical engineers can work within such as the pharmaceutical, fuel and food industries. Dr. Anid, the chemical engineering professor teaches the module. For both the chemical engineering module and homeroom project the students learn the chemistry behind brewing beer. The lab for the homeroom students varies from the module lab due to the time constraint. The homeroom students start from scratch and brew beer through a process in which sugar is extracted from the grains. The module lab uses pre-extracted malt. Making foods and beverages such as beer is a large field for chemical engineers. By engaging in this project the students can obtain a better understanding of if they would enjoy pursuing a career in chemical engineering.
Electrical
Electrical engineering can be broken into two basic categories: information and technology. The electrical engineering module was taught by Dr. Prans. For the module's lab the students study a square wave. A few square waves frequently studied in electrical engineering are electromagnetic waves, voltage and sound waves. In the lab, a program called Labview is used to simulate a square wave and analyze it. In the electrical engineering homeroom, Dr. Prans' students do a project where they design and build a filter circuit for an amplifier. The first step of the project is to use problem solver in Microsoft Excel to determine the values for the resistors and capacitors of the circuit. Next, the students design and simulate the circuit in a program called PSpice. Finally, the students build the circuit and connect it to a record player and speaker to test it. This project teaches the students the design process used by engineers and gives the class a good feel for what an electrical engineer does.
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