EGEN 110US - Foundations in Engineering & Computing Mindset

Link to Syllabus

As a Core curriculum and a first-year engineering experience, this course engages students in the following ways. First, as critical thinkers and problem solvers. Second, as individuals aware of their contribution as citizens of local and global communities. Last, as effective communicators and contributing team members. In combination, these attributes will lead to their ability to contribute as 21^st Century engineers and computer scientists. The need to develop responsible stewards willing to share their knowledge, skills, and expertise in clear and concise ways is important. Gaining foundational engineering mindsets provides concrete strategies to solve immediate problems like – What major should I choose? – and more complex challenges like – How do I contribute to developing infrastructure for electric cars?

EGEN 110US - Foundations in Engineering & Computing Mindset meets this US Core requirement. 

US Core Rational and Learning Outcomes:

Intended for first-year students, University Seminar (US) Core courses support student transition to college and their development as critical thinkers, problem solvers, local & global citizens, and effective communicators. Lectures and readings establish critical thinking frameworks and contexts. Small group lab sessions focus on discussions, activities and projects that hone and refine critical thinking and communications skills (written, verbal, and listening).

Through completion of this seminar/lab combo style courses students will develop foundational engineering and computing mindset concepts and meet US Core objectives and ABET outcomes. Students completing this course will meet US Core objectives and be able to:  

1. Effective Communicator: Develop and demonstrate effective communication skills through expressing ideas clearly and persuasively in oral and written formats.
2. Critical Thinking and Ethical Problem Solving: Apply critical thinking to analyze, interpret, and construct arguments that address complex problems and ethical challenges.
3. Local & Global Citizens: Recognize and appreciate diverse perspectives and cultural influences on personal and social identities.

This communication-focused course will also establish a basis to understand and apply engineering and computing concepts as critical thinking, problem-solving mindsets for everyday problems. The five learning outcomes below align with the three US Core objectives above and set a foundation for the seven ABET outcomes for graduates. This alignment is shown in the table below and establishes this course as a first-year engineering course.

Students completing this course will be able to:

The design of this course communicates the value a liberal arts education has for creating better engineers and computer scientists. ABET has seven learning outcomes informing course structure in engineering and computer science programs. The table above shows how they align with this course’s Foundational Engineering and Computing Mindset learning outcomes. At their completion, Engineering and Computing programs must demonstrate their graduates have:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering/computing problems by applying principles of engineering/computing, science, and mathematics.
2. an ability to apply engineering design/computational thinking to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering/computing situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering/computing solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering/computing judgment to draw conclusions.
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Like a job, it is expectated you will attend and participate in all lectures and labs. Success in this course depends upon your ability to interact with each other, the content, and current experts (faculty & peer mentors) supporting the course. Each absence will impact your ability to maximize on the purpose of the course. 

Prior notice by the student to the lecture instructor or lab instructor is required if they are not abile to attend a lecture or lab. 

How to Email your Professor– Tanner McCaskey

A maximum of 3 lecture absences and 1 lab absence may be "excused." The student is responsible for obtaining missed material and remaining current with all content. 

How you behave is important, noticed, has an impact on the environment and your success. Be sure the behaviors you are practicing when you show up - or don't show up - are the ones you want to be known for.  

Please review and become familiar with MSU’s Student Code of Conduct and the basic topics included, such as Definitions, the Student Bill of Rights, and Appeals. If classroom behavior, academic honest, or other topics covered above need to be re-aligned with student conduct expectations, the Student Conduct Procedures detailed in section 400.00 will be followed.

Additional Notes:

• Students are responsible for checking the course schedule and announcements regularly to stay updated on deadlines and expectations.
• If challenges arise (e.g.: illness, personal emergencies) it is very important that you reach out to me at the earliest opportunity. This increases my ability to explore options for support.
• If you are working with the Office of Disability Services and have approved accommodation you wish to use during this course, please contact me during my office hours. We will discuss approved academic accommodations and how they can be reasonably applied to support your success in this course.