The curriculum goals of the unit, as currently stated in the catalog or other departmental documents, are as follows: (from the catalog)

"The educational objective of the architectural engineering program is to develop graduates who acquire the broad knowledge and skills necessary to successfully begin and sustain a career, and to become leaders who advance the state-of-the art, in one of four core disciplines of the building industry:

  • electrical and lighting systems
  • heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
  • structural systems
  • construction engineering and management

The outcomes that students are expected to have attained upon graduation with the bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering are:

  • the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  • the ability to design and conduct experiments
  • the ability to analyze and interpret data
  • the ability to design a system or component to meet desired needs
  • the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  • the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
  • the ability to communicate effectively through writing and/or drawing
  • the ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations
  • an understanding of the impact of engineering on society
  • an understanding of the necessity to engage in life-long learning
  • a knowledge of contemporary issues in civil, environmental, and architectural engineering
  • the ability to use modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools"

During the last review period, what revisions, if any, have been made to your curriculum goals as stated in the CU course catalog? What is your schedule for such curriculum review?

No changes were made to the program objectives in the 2012-2013 academic year.  In spring 2013 these objectives were reviewed by the External Joint Evaluation Committee (JEC) of the Structural Engineering and Mechanics (SESM) group.  No changes in the objectives were recommended, although it was noted that a bachelor's degree is unlikely to be sufficient for professional practice in the SESM sub-discipline.  The new AREN curriculum came into force for students entering in Fall 2012; this new curriculum was also reviewed by the JEC.  The AREN curriculum goals and curriculum are reviewed each year through the JEC process, with a focus on different areas within the curriculum recurring on a 3-year cycle.  

Summarize the means you have employed to assess your success in attaining those curriculum goals.

The curriculum committee, faculty at large, and JEC review the results from assessments including: student performance on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam that is required for all undergraduate students prior to graduation; undergraduate student ratings on the outcomes of each course using questions on the FCQs; the graduating senior survey; post graduate survey; alumni survey; and student performance based on outcome rubrics in senior design and other selected courses.

Specify what actions you have taken as a result of employing your assessment protocols.

In spring 2012, the faculty voted to approve a revised AREN undergraduate curriculum based on extensive examination of revised ABET program-specific criteria, the building systems, construction engineering & management, and SESM JECs.  These changes included requiring GEEN 1400 First Year Engineering Projects and requiring students to select 2 of four proficiency courses (previously all 4 were required).  These changes allow us to meet our goals while providing more flexibility and choice to students.