Reflection



AE481W/482

You only get out of thesis what you put in. Most of us devoted an incredible amount of time an energy into this project. I think it was worth it, since I learned a great deal about applying the material I've learned to a real-world situation.

Initially I wondered why thesis was due almost a month before graduation, but now the reason is clear: the extra few weeks are to make up all of the work in other classes that had to be pushed aside. I can't say for certain about other options, but the 482 L/E thesis class alone provides enough work for an entire semester. The fact that I had 5 other courses was almost absurd. It was impossible for me to do everything well, so I chose to complete thesis to the best of my ability and only do what was necessary to pass my other courses. This was especially difficult for me since I entered the AE major a year late and have always been trying to catch up by taking classes that I should have completed years ago.

I could have passed thesis by doing much less (I know people in other options who started 482 after spring break), but I didn't allow myself to complete any components without a certain level of perfection. I learned a great deal and applied much of what I learned during the prior years, but in the end there wasn't much feedback other than a compliment that I could have been a finalist if I had submitted my second breadth on time. In truth I devoted almost all of my energy to my lighting depth, because that is what I'm passionate about, and that is what I will be doing once I start working. I really enjoyed working on my lighting portion, and I would have definitely enjoyed the entire thesis experience if it was my only class this year. Thesis was a rewarding experience, and I created something that I'm proud of, but it was a rough journey.


CPEP & Discussion Board

The CPEP website is a great feature. The website makes it easy to share my project with anybody, and makes available all of the work done by years of previous students. I've always been interested in web and graphics design, so I enjoyed making my website from scratch in Notepad instead of using a template and Dreamweaver. Even though it didn't win any awards, I'm happy with the way my site turned out.

The discussion board was surprisingly helpful. All of the professionals who helped out were great; their responses were expeditious and thorough.


ABET Outcomes for AE481W & AE482
Description of outcome Outcome not able to be assessed Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated More than minimum level of ability demonstrated
Score (0 to 3) Score of 0 Score of 1 Score of 2 Score of 3
A. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering


B. An ability to analyze and interpret data


C. An ability to design a system, compenent, or process to meet desired needs


E. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems


F. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility


G. An ability to communicate effectively


H. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context


I. An ability to engage in life-long learning


J. A knowledge of contemporary issues


K. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice


O. Engineering design capabilities in at least (2) of the three (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program


P. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects