Note:

While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Julie Davis. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.

Reflections| AE 481W/482

ABET Outcome Survey

AE 481W/482 Course Reflection

Senior thesis is a yearlong project in which students select a building which is currently under constructed or has been recently completed. During the first semester in AE 481W students analysis the buildings current design through a series of tech assignments assigned by the professors. In December each student submits a proposal to alter certain aspects of the existing building. Then during the spring semester in AE 482 students complete the proposed alteration and present the finding to a jury of professors in April. Each student is assigned a “consultant” who answers questions throughout the semester.

Thesis is a very time consuming class, although very valuable. Through the tech assignments and proposal I have been able to strengthen my analytical skills while gaining new skills. Since thesis is an individual project where students can work at their own pace it forces you to not only budget your time wisely but work though all problems on your own. It was very frustrating to designs systems multiple times before achieving the correct or most efficient solution, but it really allowed me to understand the processes. If thesis was a group project or heavily monitored by faculty I would not have been forced to grind though difficult aspects of the design on my own. Thesis has been very effective in strengthening my analytical skills. Before senior thesis I had doubts about my skills or ability although, after completing this 2 class sequence I have confidence in my design and problem solving abilities. In addition the class was a good way to tie up loose ends, information needed to complete thesis was not always taught in class. As a result I not only strengthen my current skills but obtained new ones.   Without senior thesis I think AE grads would not be as valuable to employers, this assignment relates directly to my future job and responsibilities. Although this project brought on extreme stress with the report and presentation I think is was valuable in building the character of all students involved.

CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection

                There were several resources available to us during this project. One was a discussion board where we could post questions that professional would answer. This was a very powerful tool; questions were answers very quickly and efficiently. Since we are designing systems which could potentially be placed in a building it was very practical to have access to professionals.

For this project all work was posted on this website so it can be accessed by anyone. I think this website was a good way to organize all the work done by each student while allowing it to be seen. Not only does the website help preserve the work done by each student, but it is a resource for future students in the class