Enhancing Materials Science and Engineering Curricula through Computation

工程-材料科学（57）材料科学家和工程师所需的日益多样化的技能组合对教育工作者提出了严峻的挑战，因为他们必须在本科经历的范围内传授广泛的知识基础。 通过增加整个材料科学与工程（MSE）本科课程的计算内容和信息技术的使用，该项目团队正在设计一个更有效的教学过程，并提高材料工程师和科学家的准备。 该办法包括：（i）利用计算来加强认知过程;（ii）加强中、小学生的数学和计算能力;及（iii）利用电脑教学来加快信息传递。 在这个概念验证项目中，材料热力学的核心MSE课程是针对的。 一个由博士组成的团队。追求计算材料研究的学生，该课程的讲师，以及该机构的学习和教学研究中心的经验丰富的评估员正在开发和实施计算学习模块，旨在通过（i）直观地呈现MSE的基本概念，以提高学生的学习;（ii）积极参与学生基于计算机的实验;及（iii）让学生集中于科学计算中的算法思维及概念。 通过定性和定量评价，包括测验、调查和访谈的反馈，衡量这些新技术的影响和效力。

Engineering - Materials Science (57)The increasingly diverse skill set required of materials scientists and engineers presents a formidable challenge for educators as they must impart a broad knowledge base within the span of an undergraduate experience. By increasing the computational content and the use of information technology throughout the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) undergraduate curriculum, this project team is devising a more effective instructional process and improving the preparedness of materials engineers and scientists. The approach involves: (i) using computation to enhance the cognitive process; (ii) strengthening the mathematical and computational proficiency of MSE students; and (iii) using computer-based instruction to accelerate information transfer. In this proof-of-concept project, the core MSE course of thermodynamics of materials is targeted. A team consisting of a Ph.D. student pursuing computational materials research, the course instructor, and an experienced evaluator from the institution's Center for Research in Learning and Teaching are developing and implementing computational learning modules designed to enhance student learning by (i) visually presenting fundamental concepts in MSE; (ii) actively engaging students in computer-based experimentation; and (iii) focusing student attention on algorithmic thinking and concepts in scientific computation. The impact and effectiveness of these new techniques are measured through qualitative and quantitative evaluation, including feedback from quizzes, surveys and interviews.