An Engineering Course Which Fulfills A Non Major General Physical Science Requirement
Ernest M. Kim
Abstract
In recognition of the increasing utilization of technology in our society, an Engineering course which fulfills the general science requirement as a physical science has been taught over the last six years at the University of San Diego.The course is taught by full-time engineering faculty to non-engineering majors.Engineering 2: Introduction to Electro-Technology, is an introduction for non-engineering majors to electrical and electronic technologies that are encountered daily.The class is structured as a three hour lecture course.Although some simple mathematical concepts requiring competence in high school algebra is required, the majority of the material strives for conceptual understanding of the underlying science of the specific technologies discussed.The course has three purposes: 1. Students learn of the underlying scientific concepts of the technical tools used today 2. Essays on the impact of specific technologies on society are assigned to students to encourage critical thinking 3. Through discussions and technical problem-solving assignments, sufficient scientific literacy will be achieved meriting fulfillment of a non-laboratory General Education Requirement in the Physical Sciences.