An Integrated Experiential and Problem-based Approach to Introductory Materials Engineering

TitleAn Integrated Experiential and Problem-based Approach to Introductory Materials Engineering
Faculty/College/UnitApplied Science
StatusCompleted
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2020
Completion05/30/2023
Project Summary

Engineering Materials (APSC 278/279) are two mandatory courses taken by students from eight engineering disciplines, totalling 675 students annually. However, its traditional delivery format and lack of formative assessments have negatively impacted student engagement and learning, as reflected from individual consultations with students and past course instructors. We propose to redesign the course to better integrate lecture content with experiential learning in the laboratory, and to implement a problem-based approach. Upon completion, our project will yield a WeBWorK and in-class problem bank, laboratory modules, case study videos, and evaluation tools for future course renewal. Together, course transformation is expected to improve student development of high-order learning skills, engagement and appreciation of materials engineering.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2020/2021
Year 1: Project TypeLarge TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorGabrielle Lam
Year 1: Funded Amount106,480
Year 1: Team Members

Gabrielle Lam, Instructor, Materials Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Berend Wassink, Sr. Instructor, Materials Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Jon Nakane, Instructor / Program Director, Materials Engineering and Integrated Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Warren Poole, Professor / Program Director, Materials Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Agnes d’Entremont, Sr. Instructor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Jim Sibley, Director, Centre for Instructional Support, Faculty of Applied Science

Year 2: Project YearYear 2
Year 2: Funding Year2021/2022
Year 2: Project TypeLarge TLEF
Year 2: Principal InvestigatorGabrielle Lam
Year 2: Funded Amount104,209
Year 2: Team Members

Gabrielle Lam, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Materials Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Berend Wassink, Associate Professor of Teaching, Materials Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Jon Nakane, Assistant Professor of Teaching / Program Director, Materials Engineering and Integrated Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Warren Poole, Professor / Program Director, Materials Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Agnes d’Entremont, Associate Professor of Teaching, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
Jim Sibley, Director, Centre for Instructional Support, Faculty of Applied Science

Project Report2021-TLEF-Final-Report-Lam-WEB.pdf