Increasing Student Interest and Understanding in a First Mechanics Course Through Software Modules

Increasing student understanding of engineering mechanics, interest, and readiness for engineering practice are significant concerns of engineering faculty. As a part of an attempt to address these concerns, engineering application software was integrated into a first engineering mechanics course at the sophomore level, Statics and Mechanics of Materials. The course software component is part of an educational initiative across the Mercer University School of Engineering to infuse a common software thread within the curriculum, especially relating to mechanics and design areas. Two course modules using solid modeling and finite element analysis software were included via laboratory sessions and assignments emphasizing visualization and relationships between design and analysis. Descriptions of the modules and their learning objectives as well as results of student surveys taken after each module are presented and discussed.