Maricopa Community Colleges  ECE103AA   19976-19985 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 05/27/97
ECE103AA 19976-19985 L+L 3 Credit(s) 6 Period(s)
Engineering Problem Solving and Design
Fundamentals of the design process: engineering modeling, communication and problem solving skills in a team environment, freehand sketching and elements of technical drawing. Emphasis on process-based improvements to the design process using quality principles. Prerequisites: ECE102 and (high school physics or PHY111).
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
ECE103AA   19976-19985 Engineering Problem Solving and Design
1. Explain what a computer model is and why engineers use computer models. (I,IV)
2. Build and apply a deterministic computer model to the solution of a design-oriented problem. (I,IV)
3. Build and apply a stochastic computer model to the solution of a design-oriented problem. (I,IV)
4. Present the results of computer models. (I,II,IV)
5. Develop and refine computer models using an equation solver (TK Solver). (I)
6. Solve linear and nonlinear equations using an equation solver (TK Solver). (I)
7. Solve systems of linear and nonlinear equations using an equation solver (TK Solver). (I)
8. Use programming structures in an equation solver (TK Solver) to implement algorithms for computer models. (I)
9. Import and export data to and from other computer applications using an equation solver (TK Solver). (I)
10. Use basic social skills to interact in a group setting. (II)
11. Use peer input to assess growth in positive group behaviors. (II)
12. Identify blocking behaviors that prevent communication in a team setting. (II)
13. Demonstrate critical, sympathetic and creative listening skills. (II)
14. Give constructive feedback in a team setting. (II)
15. Demonstrate self-evaluation of progress through the use of developmental assessment techniques such as student learning journals, checksheets, or portfolios. (II)
16. Describe elements of a code of cooperation necessary for a team to function. (III)
17. Describe the guidelines conducting an effective meeting. (III)
18. Develop an agenda for a team meeting. (III)
19. Distinguish between consensus and agreement . (III)
20. Describe the composition of a team and the key roles of its members. (III)
21. Identify the characteristics of a good team member. (III)
22. Identify the characteristics of a good team leader. (III)
23. Define the stages of team development. (III)
24. Define team maintenance, and explain why it might be necessary. (III)
25. Identify the decision making processes that teams can use, and analyze the effectiveness of each process. (III)
26. Use quality tools (brainstorming, affinity process, deployment flow chart, process check, issue bin, nominal group technique, force field analysis) to facilitate team discussion, exploration of ideas, and decision making. (III)
27. Define the major steps in the problem solving process. (IV)
28. Identify the basic steps necessary to define a problem. (IV)
29. Use quality tools (brainstorming, affinity, etc.) to generate solutions to a problem. (IV)
30. Use decision analysis techniques to arrive at a proposed solution to a problem. (IV)
31. Use computer modeling to implement a proposed solution to a problem. (IV)
32. Evaluate the results of a proposed solution to a problem. (IV)
33. Document the results of the problem solving process. (IV)
34. Apply spatial visualization and freehand drawing skills to communicate ideas and design concepts visually. (I,IV)
35. Apply various techniques including value, line, contour, expression, color, gesture, positive and negative space, and proportional and spatial sighting to produce realistic drawings. (I)
36. Practice right mode drawing techniques to improve ability to draw and visualize the three-dimensional world. (I)
37. Apply a computer-aided drawing tool such as AutoCAD, 3-D Studio, Silver Screen, GenericCAD, or FastCAD to describe an engineering design. (I,IV)
38. Apply a computer-aided drawing tool to develop a 3-D model to describe an engineering design. (I,IV)
39. Draw on paper a three-dimensional model from direct observation and build 3-D images using a computer-aided drawing tool. (I,IV)
40. Build an engineering design by combining basic geometric shapes with a computer-aided drawing tool. (I,IV)
41. Apply the engineering design process to a design project. (IV)
42. Use an equation solver to develop a computer model for a design project and make decisions about a design. (I, IV)
43. Use the strategies of teaming to function as a team member on a design project. (III, IV)
44. Apply communication skills to a design project. (II, IV)
45. Communicate in written, graphical, and oral forms a design developed as a design project. (II, IV)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
ECE103AA   19976-19985 Engineering Problem Solving and Design
    I. Engineering Tools
        A. Equation solver (TK Solver)
          1. Introduction
          2. Model creation
          3. Direct solving models
          4. List solving models
          5. Iterative solving models
          6. Lists, tables, plotting
          7. Functions
        B. Engineering graphics
          1. Freehand graphics
          2. Using drawing to describe the three-dimensional world
      II. Communication
          A. Listening skills
            1. Critical listening
            2. Sympathetic listening
            3. Creative listening
          B. Group communication basics
          C. Organization of technical work
            1. Reports
            2. Presentations
        III. Teaming
            A. Social norms
            B. Effective meetings
            C. Team dynamics
            D. Discussion tools
          IV. Engineering Problem Solving & Design
              A. Problem definition
                1. Procedures /Steps
              B. Generating solutions
                1. Brainstorming
                2. Organization of ideas
              C. Courses of actions
                1. Decision analysis
              D. Implementing solutions
              E. Evaluation
                1. General guidelines
                2. Ethical considerations
              F. Documentation
              G. Design Project
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