02/26/2007 -
Exploring Engineering: An Introduction for Freshman to Engineering and to the Design Process (2006)
by P.G. Kosky, G. Wise, R.T. Balmer, and W.D. Keat
ISBN 0-12-369405-1. Academic Press, Burlington, MA. 2006. Hardcover. 413 pages. $49.95.
Ever try teaching introduction to engineering without a good resource? Well, not to worry, that dilemma has been solved. This is an excellent book for introducing engineering and its concepts to freshman students in college. One of the delightful aspects (and there are many others) is that there is too much material to cover in one semester. So, the instructor must select the appropriate chapters based on his/her interest. As one of these instructors, I was very impressed with the breadth and depth of this book, which promotes itself as a “minds on” and “hands on” approach, and does it quite effectively. The first several chapters lay the ground work by defining engineering, explaining spreadsheets, and some of the various engineering concepts, which include: energy, electrical circuits, kinematics, materials, etc. Each chapter has numerous short engineering type activities (homework) for the students to struggle solving (an engineer’s zenith).
The book effectively ties together the unending number of engineering concepts and disciplines through the use of an interesting European automobile. The chapter on engineering design addresses the benefits of hands-on activities, points out the qualities of a good designer and the need for a logical approach to problem solving. But first, the nature of engineering design is elucidate, which includes the trial-and-error process or learning from one’s experience. Even senior engineering students have not begun to master certain aspects of design, e.g., completed drawings that can be manufactured, tolerancing, knowing where all their resources might be (internet is not a panacea for pertinent information). Some other important aspects include: curiosity, persistence, adaptability, and the use of a systematic approach to problem solving. Today’s engineers cannot solve today’s design challenges single-handedly; teaming is essential for the complex problems posed in the modern world. The demonstrated ability to work together with other real people is almost as important as having a good GPA upon graduation. This is where a real work experience for 6–9 months during the academic process is paramount (but that is a topic for another book). Working in teams and being organized are the attributes to focus on. This book could be used in an introduction to engineering for first-year college students and then used as a refresher during the fourth-year (or fifth-year for most students) when the senior design project is encountered. The book is written in an excellent manner and flows well. This reviewer has mentored senior design projects and taught the introduction to engineering and plan to incorporate this text into those two courses! There are plenty of in-class exercises and activities that elucidate the chapter concepts, as well as, numerous end-of-chapter homework problems. The figures are excellent and complement the text. The authors and publishers have included an online resource website for instructors and students. The major engineering concepts are introduced in such a manner as to let junior and senior high school students that have taken physics to appreciate the engineering disciplines that are available to them. To that end, this book would be a useful resource for high school counselors and physic teachers.
For more on Exploring Engineering: An Introduction for Freshman to Engineering and to the Design Process, visit the Elsevier web site.
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